Labour Day in Germany takes place on 1 May each year. As the name indicates, the day celebrates workers, their rights and their contributions to society and the economy.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 May | Wed | Labour Day | National |
| 2025 | 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | National |
| 2026 | 1 May | Fri | Labour Day | National |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | ||||
Labour Day became an official holiday in Germany in 1933. This occurred right after the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP) or Nazi Party ascended to power. The holiday aimed to signify the brand new integration of the working class people and the state. Strangely enough, on 2 May of that year, all of the nation’s free unions were banned.
Despite that, Labour Day had been informally celebrated for a number of decades beforehand, and the holiday was already deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of working class German people. This happened long before the state got involved.
Germans acknowledge Labour Day in many different ways. They honour and push for workers’ rights all across the nation. This is especially common in Berlin, the nation’s capital city. Trade unions in Germany frequently set up public speeches. Marches, rallies and meetings are all also common events on Labour Day.
Labour Day in Germany coincides with May Day. May Day is an ancient event that ushers in the warm spring weather. May 1 marks a public holiday in all of the nation’s states. Not only are many businesses closed on that day, but so are all banks and post offices. While the majority of German shops are closed on the day, those in areas with many tourists sometimes remain open.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 May | Mon | Labour Day | National |
| 2022 | 1 May | Sun | Labour Day | National |
