Labor Day - France

Labor Day or May Day celebrates workers rights in France. This holiday takes place May 1st every year.

Celebration\ Observance

During this holiday, unions and other organizations gather together and have parades to campaign for workers rights. It is also an occasion to give may flowers to loved ones. All stores are closed other than airports and railway stations.

History

The idea of working for 8 hours a day came around in April 23, 1919 and May 1st soon became a public holiday called International Workers Day. During World War 2 the holiday was renamed to Work and Social Unity Day. From 1944 and 1947, there was no holiday. Then on April 29, 1948 the holiday became official and was called Labor Day.