Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day, is a public holiday in Norway celebrated on the first day of May each year. It's a day designated to celebrate the contributions and achievements of workers and has its roots in the labor union movement advocating for better workplace conditions and rights. Norwegian workers first observed Labour Day in 1890, following the trend in many other countries, and it has since become a significant occasion in the Norwegian calendar.
On Labour Day, various events and activities are commonly held across Norway. These events typically include parades, rallies, and speeches hosted by labor unions and political parties. The day's centerpiece is a parade that travels through the streets of Oslo, the capital city, which local bands, workers' unions, and political groups participate in abundantly. The prime minister and other political figures often address the crowds, highlighting the rights of workers and labor-related issues.
Although Labour Day is primarily celebrated as a tribute to workers, it is also seen as the onset of spring in Norway, bringing warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Workers across all sectors get the day off, and many people utilize this time to enjoy the outdoors and host social gatherings with family and friends. Despite its roots in the workers' movement, Labour Day in Norway is now a celebration of both working conditions and the coming of the new season.