The Concerto del Primo Maggio 2025 is set to take place in the historic Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This annual event, organized by iCompany and promoted by the Italian labor unions CGIL, CISL, and UIL, will celebrate International Workers' Day with a day filled with music, reflection, and social commentary.
The slogan for this year's concert is "Uniti per un lavoro sicuro," which translates to "United for Safe Work," emphasizing the importance of health and safety in the workplace. This theme resonates deeply in today's context, as workers worldwide continue to advocate for better conditions and rights.
For the second consecutive year, the concert will be hosted by popular artists Noemi, Ermal Meta, and BigMama, who are expected to bring their vibrant energy and charisma to the stage. Joining them this year is Vincenzo Schettini, a well-known physics professor who gained fame on social media for his engaging teaching style. Schettini will make several appearances throughout the event, adding a unique educational twist to the festivities.
The concert will kick off with an opening act at 13:30, featuring a lineup of emerging artists such as Cyrus, Cosmonauti Borghesi, Joao Ratini, and the winners of the 1MNEXT contest: Cordio, Dinìche, and Fellow. The main program will officially start at 15:00 and run until after midnight, promising over ten hours of live performances.
The schedule for the day is meticulously planned: the first part of the concert will run from 15:00 to 19:00, followed by a second segment from 20:00 to 21:00, and concluding with the final act from 21:05 to 24:00. This structure allows for a dynamic flow of performances and ample time for audience engagement.
Among the artists set to perform are some of the biggest names in Italian music today, including Achille Lauro, Giorgia, Elodie, and Lucio Corsi. The complete list of performers features a diverse range of genres and styles, showcasing the rich tapestry of contemporary Italian music. Other notable performers include Alfa, Andrea Cerrato, Anna and Vulkan, Arisa, Brunori Sas, and many more, totaling around 50 artists.
The concert will be broadcast live on Rai 3, with coverage starting at 15:00, and will also be available on Rai Radio 2 and RaiPlay. This multi-platform approach ensures that even those unable to attend in person can participate in this significant cultural event.
For those planning to attend, the weather forecast predicts pleasant conditions, with warm temperatures ideal for an outdoor concert. Attendees are advised to take precautions against the sun, as the event will be held during the day.
The Concerto del Primo Maggio has a rich history, having been celebrated since 1990. It has become a hallmark of Italian culture, blending music with social activism. After last year's concert was relocated to the Circo Massimo due to renovations at Piazza San Giovanni, the event returns to its traditional venue, which has undergone significant upgrades costing around 15 million euros. These improvements include new fountains and grassy areas that enhance the overall aesthetic of the square.
As the day unfolds, the concert will not only serve as a platform for musical expression but will also highlight important social issues. The leaders of CGIL, CISL, and UIL will be present at various demonstrations across Italy, connecting with the audience in Rome via live broadcasts during the concert.
Noemi, one of the hosts, expressed her view on the event's significance, stating, "Music tells us who we are, but it also shows us who we can become. This year, I believe it's crucial to bring empathy to the forefront, to listen to and understand others, which is essential in the workplace to solve problems."
BigMama echoed this sentiment, sharing her personal connection to the event: "May Day was the springboard that allowed me to start my journey in music. It's vital to talk to children about feelings and challenge toxic stereotypes from an early age. Telling a child, 'Don't cry, crying is for girls,' plants the wrong idea that women are fragile and that possession is a form of love."
As excitement builds for the Concerto del Primo Maggio 2025, it promises to be a memorable celebration of music, unity, and the ongoing fight for worker rights. With a stellar lineup and a meaningful message, this year's concert is poised to resonate with audiences both in person and at home.
