The annual Concerto del Primo Maggio is set to take place on May 1, 2025, in two key locations in Italy: Piazza San Giovanni in Rome and Parco delle Mura Greche in Taranto. This year marks the 36th edition of the concert, which has become a celebrated tradition uniting music and labor rights.
In Rome, the concert will kick off at 1:30 PM, featuring over 50 artists, including popular names such as Achille Lauro, Elodie, and Giorgia. The event is organized by the three major Italian unions: CGIL, CISL, and UIL, and will be presented by Ermal Meta, Noemi, BigMama, and Vincenzo Schettini. The slogan for this year’s concert is “Uniti per un lavoro sicuro” (United for a Safe Job), emphasizing the urgent need for safety in workplaces.
The opening act will include performances from Cyrus, Cosmonauti Borghesi, Joao Ratini, SOS – Save Our Souls, Vincenzo Capua, and the three winners of the 1MNEXT contest: Cordio, Dinìche, and Fellow. The concert will be broadcast live on Rai 3 and Rai Radio2, with streaming available on RaiPlay and Rai Italia. The entire event promises to be a marathon of music and social commentary, lasting over 10 hours.
Meanwhile, in Taranto, the Uno Maggio Libero e Pensante concert will take place, featuring a lineup that includes Tommy Cash, Paolo Rossi, Il Teatro degli Orrori, and Motta, among others. This edition will particularly focus on the ongoing crisis surrounding the former Ilva steelworks, highlighting its environmental, health, and employment implications. The concert will also pay tribute to Massimo Battista, a local councilor and founder of the organizing committee who passed away at the age of 51.
Both events are free to attend, reflecting their commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Attendees in Rome are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot, as the concert is open access without tickets. The atmosphere is expected to be vibrant, with thousands of people gathering to celebrate labor rights and enjoy live music.
In preparation for the events, local authorities in Rome have implemented traffic restrictions from April 30, 2025, at 6:00 AM until May 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM. These restrictions include no parking on several streets near Piazza San Giovanni, and vehicular traffic will be prohibited in the area from 10:00 AM on May 1 until 2:00 AM on May 2. Public transport will be enhanced to accommodate the expected influx of attendees.
In Taranto, the concert will begin at 2:30 PM, with Riva Starr opening the performances at 4:00 PM and Tommy Cash as the special guest at 9:00 PM. The event will be broadcast on Antenna Sud and streamed online, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still participate in the celebration.
As the Concerto del Primo Maggio continues to evolve, it remains a powerful symbol of unity and activism, drawing attention to the pressing issues facing workers today while providing a platform for artistic expression. Whether in Rome or Taranto, this year's concerts promise to be unforgettable events that celebrate both music and the rights of workers.
