Labour Day in Poland honors workers and their contributions to society. It has been observed in Poland since 1890, originally tied to the international labor movement's fight for fair working conditions and the eight-hour workday. During the communist era, it was a major state holiday marked by parades and speeches. Today, it remains a day of rest and reflection, often forming part of the long May holiday weekend.

When is Labour Day?

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

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

The History of Labour Day?

The celebration of May 1 as Labour Day originated in the late 19th century as part of the international workers' movement, which sought better working conditions, fair wages, and the eight-hour workday. The movement was inspired by the Haymarket affair in Chicago (1886), where workers striking for labor rights were met with violence. Following this, the Second International designated May 1, 1890, as the first International Workers' Day.

The first May Day demonstrations in Polish lands took place in 1890, organized by socialist groups under partitions (when Poland was divided between Russia, Prussia, and Austria-Hungary). These early marches often faced repression from imperial authorities, especially in the Russian-ruled areas, where gatherings and political demonstrations were banned.

Despite the risks, workers continued to organize clandestine rallies and marches, making May 1 a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance. After Poland regained independence in 1918, May Day celebrations continued, often marked by trade union parades and public speeches, though they remained politically charged events.

After World War II, when Poland came under Communist rule, Labour Day was transformed into a major state holiday. In 1950, the government made May 1 an official national holiday, replacing traditional May Day demonstrations with state-organized parades that showcased socialist achievements.

The holiday became one of the central events in the People's Republic of Poland's political calendar, symbolizing the unity of workers under socialism, but also losing much of its grassroots meaning.

Following the fall of communism in 1989, the political symbolism of Labour Day changed. The holiday remained on the calendar but was reclaimed by trade unions and workers' groups as a day to advocate for fair labor, social rights, and economic justice.