International Workers' Day (May Day)

Culture of origin: International · International

Holiday sources: France · Germany (nationwide)

May Day as a workers' day began in 1889, when the Second International, meeting in Paris, called for an international demonstration for the eight-hour day; the first was held on 1 May 1890. The date recalls the general strike for the eight-hour day that began in the United States on 1 May 1886 and led to the Haymarket affair in Chicago, after which four labour leaders were hanged following a trial seen as a miscarriage of justice.