Labor Day / May Day in Mexico

Labor Day (Día del Trabajo), also known as May Day (Primero de Mayo), is a public holiday in Mexico on May 1.

Demonstrations occur on days like Labor Day in Mexico.

©iStockphoto.com/abalcazar

Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day parades, rallies or demonstrations often feature large crowds holding banners to promote workers’ rights in the main streets of major cities. Having the day off means people can either relax at home or spend time with family or friends. Leisure activities include going to the theatre or movies, or going out for coffee or a meal.

Public life

Labor Day is a federal public holiday in Mexico. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. People intending on travelling via public transport in Mexico should check with public transit authorities on any timetable or route changes.

About Labor Day

Mexico’s labor movement was repressed in places such as Cananea in the north.  However, the Constitution of 1917 instigated significant social reforms to labor laws. According to some sources, a Labor Day parade was held in Mexico as early as 1913, but the holiday was first officially commemorated on May 1, 1923. Labor Day is not exclusive to Mexico – many countries also celebrate Workers’ Day.

About Labor Day / May Day in other countries

Labor Day / May Day Observances

Other holidays in May 2013 in Mexico

• Cinco de Mayo ―Sunday, May 5, 2013
• Ascension Day ―Thursday, May 9, 2013
• Mother's Day ―Friday, May 10, 2013
• Teacher's Day ―Wednesday, May 15, 2013
• Whit Sunday ―Sunday, May 19, 2013
• Corpus Christi ―Thursday, May 30, 2013