May 1st in Mexico is celebrated as International Labor Day. While many countries celebrate May 1st in many ways including the old “Maypole” ceremony here in Mexico it is a day of rest for the workers as well as protest and rallies. Be aware that many government offices, banks, schools, some stores, and offices will be closed May 1st (Primero de Mayo) in all of Mexico.

In 2021 Labor Day falls on Saturday so you can expect everything except the large chain markets will be closed May 1.

While researching Labor Day in Mexico I ran across some interesting facts that I didn’t know as to the origin of this holiday, as for in the states they celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September. What I discovered most interesting is that May 1st, Labor Day origination was heavily influenced by two things. The first was the passing of a resolution at the Organized Trades and Labor Unions of the United States and Canada as well that basically set forth the 8 hour work day.

The precipitous event was the Haymarket Riot on May 4th, 1886 in Chicago. This riot was between the working and business class and to this day, the cause is still disputed. While researching in Wikipidepia Internet encyclopedia they refer to this event as having been an important factor in creating International May Day. There was a peaceful rally of 3000 held in Chicago until late in the evening while during the process of the police trying to disburse the crowd someone threw a bomb killing several policeman immediately. At this point, the police began shooting and many workers, innocents, and police were injured.

Shortly after labor organizations adopted the date as an international day of defense for their rights: reduction of working hours to 8 hours, medical allowances, respect for children and women in their workplaces, Sunday rest, etc..

In Mexico, the creation of mutual societies since the late nineteenth century led to the gradual organization of groups and associations who fought to improve their employment status. During the Mexican Revolution, it became apparent the need for Mexican workers to work more humane and fair conditions.

La Casa del Obrero Mundial unified several labor organizations began to celebrate May 1 as International Workers' Day from 1913. The 1917 Constitution echoed all the voices that were raised in this regard, specifying in Article 123 recognizing the obligations of employers and workers' rights.

In 1923, it was agreed to formalize the date in question, as a celebration of the struggle of the Mexican working class. But it was not until 1925, under the presidency of Plutarco Elias Calles, began when permanently commemorate Labor Day

According to the Law on the Coat of Arms, Flag, and National Anthem, May 1 is a National Holiday. The National Flag should be hoisted to full mast.

In Northern European cultures May Day evolved as a celebration of youth, love and having lived through another winter.

Interesting that the U.S. is one of the few industrialized nations that does not recognize May 1st as a holiday, The United States changed the day of workers celebration when the Soviet Union celebrated the day with much vigor, as a central holiday in the communist calendar.

For whatever reasons you may have may you (puns intended) have a wonderful May 1st in Mexico!