Labour Day in Latvia honors workers' contributions and the value of fair labor. It also marks the arrival of spring, blending social recognition with festive gatherings, concerts, and community celebrations across the country.

When is Labour Day?

Labour Day in Latvia is celebrated on May 1 every year.

The following is the list of Labour Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Labour Day?

Labour Day, or International Workers' Day, has its roots in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, USA (1886), when workers protested for an eight-hour workday. The event became a symbol of the global struggle for workers' rights and social justice, leading to the adoption of May 1 as International Workers' Day by labor movements worldwide.

In Latvia, Labour Day was first celebrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the region was still part of the Russian Empire. Inspired by socialist movements in Europe, Latvian workers' organizations began holding public gatherings and demonstrations to demand better pay, safer workplaces, and the right to organize.

After Latvia gained independence in 1918, May 1 continued to be marked by trade unions and left-leaning groups, though it sometimes carried political tensions due to differing ideologies among parties.

When Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, May 1 was declared an official state holiday under the name "International Workers' Solidarity Day". Under the Soviet regime, it became one of the most important political holidays. Despite the political propaganda, for many citizens, it also served as a day of rest, celebration, and social gathering, often marking the beginning of spring festivities.

With the Restoration of Latvian Independence in 1990, the political meaning of Labour Day changed dramatically. The holiday was initially removed from the list of official state celebrations due to its association with Soviet ideology. However, as Latvia integrated into democratic Europe, May 1 regained recognition.

In 2002, Latvia officially reinstated Labour Day (Darba svētki) as a public holiday, recognizing both the contributions of workers and the universal values of fair labor and equality.

Today, Labour Day in Latvia has a dual character. It honors the economic and social role of workers in building the nation. It also marks the arrival of spring, making it a time for relaxation, family picnics, and cultural events.