First of May, its history and why it is celebrated
From the workers' struggles of the 19th century to the massacre of Portella della Ginestra: the history of the first of May, an international symbol of workers' rights
It was not born as a celebration, but as a claim. The first of May holiday has its roots in the profound transformations of the second half of the 19th century, when the industrial revolution reshaped the times, spaces and conditions of work, also giving rise to new forms of social conflict and the consequent claiming of rights by workers. Today, the first of May is celebrated in most parts of the world and is recognised as a public holiday in many countries.
The Origins of Labour Day
The roots of the anniversary go back to the second half of the 19th century, to the years of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. In that context, demonstrations for workers' rights multiplied, often led by the Knights of Labor, one of the main trade union organisations of the time.
A crucial step came in 1866, when a law was passed in Chicago, in the state of Illinois, introducing the eight-hour working day. The measure came into force the following year, on 1 May 1867, a date marked by a large demonstration. The regulation, however, remained confined to Illinois.
The Haymarket Revolt
On 1 May 1886, on the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the eight-hour law, a historic trade union federation set that date as the deadline to extend the reform to the whole of the United States, threatening a general strike if it did not.
In Chicago they joined en masse and some 80,000 people marched in a peaceful procession. But over the next few days the tension grew and in front of the McCormick harvester factory the police opened fire on the striking workers, killing six and wounding several others.
