May Day is celebrated annually on May 1. It is internationally recognized as International Workers' Day or Labour Day in many countries, honoring the labor movement and the working classes. This date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, when workers were striking for an eight- hour workday. The day has roots both in ancient seasonal festivals celebrating spring and in workers' rights movements from the 19th century onward. In addition to its labor movement significance, May Day is traditionally a spring festival in Europe, associated with customs such as maypole dancing and the celebration of fertility and renewal. Therefore, May Day is always on May 1, regardless of the year. For example, May Day will be on Friday, May 1, 2026.