Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day, is an official holiday in Iceland celebrated on the 1st of May each year. It is a both a celebration of spring and a day to show solidarity with workers worldwide. Labour unions across the country organize parades and rallies where thousands of workers join to push for workers' rights and fair employment practices.
The origins of Labour Day in Iceland can be traced back to the early 20th century, strongly influenced by international labor movements. Since then, it has become an important occasion for working-class people and labor unions in Iceland. This day is usually marked with speeches from union leaders and political figures, emphasizing the importance of workers in the country's economy and calling for improved working conditions.
Different cities across Iceland have their own unique ways of celebrating Labour Day. In the capital city of Reykjavik, for instance, the day is generally characterized by marches and rallies filled with music, chants, and colorful banners. It's not all activism, though. Many Icelandic people also enjoy Labour Day as a day off work, using the opportunity to relax with family or enjoying the outdoors, which is usually starting to thaw out around this time of the year from the cold Icelandic winter.