On May 1, 2025, the Concertone del Primo Maggio took place in Piazza San Giovanni, Rome, attracting approximately 100,000 attendees who celebrated labor rights through music and performances by over 50 artists. The event was marked by a strong emphasis on workplace safety, as highlighted by the slogan for this year, "Uniti per un lavoro sicuro" (United for Safe Work), chosen by the organizing unions.
The concert kicked off with Leo Gassmann, who opened the event by singing the iconic "Bella Ciao". He reminded the audience of the significance of the day, stating, "Eighty years ago, courageous men and women allowed us to live in a free and democratic Italy. Let’s not forget. Happy May Day!" This set the tone for a day filled with both musical performances and poignant reflections on social issues.
Among the notable performances was Giorgia, who graced the stage with her hits, including "Il mio giorno migliore", "Gocce di memoria", and "Tu mi porti su". Her presence was a highlight for many, as she is one of Italy's most celebrated artists. Achille Lauro also performed, captivating the audience alongside Giorgia as they sang together.
However, the concert was not without its technical mishaps. Ghali experienced a microphone failure during his performance of "Casa mia", which left him momentarily silent while the playback continued. He later quipped, "Without headphones, I hear you more, and without a microphone, even more!" This light-hearted moment was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performances.
Elodie took to the stage with a powerful message about rights. "I am so happy to be here, it’s my first time on this stage, but I’ve attended many times as a spectator like you. This is the house of rights, and this celebration reminds us that rights are for everyone or they are privileges," she declared, emphasizing the importance of equality and justice.
In a more controversial moment, the Patagarri group invoked the slogan "Free Palestine" during their performance, which drew criticism from the Jewish Community of Rome. The community's president stated, "To appropriate our culture, our most cherished melodies, to invoke our destruction is despicable. Listening to our song from the Primo Maggio stage, culminating in the cry 'Palestine Free', is an unacceptable insult and violence." This incident highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding political expressions in artistic spaces.
Technical difficulties also affected Gazzelle's performance, which was interrupted, leading to speculation about whether it was related to his Stone Island jacket, which mysteriously disappeared after a commercial break. Despite these hiccups, the concert continued with enthusiasm.
Alfa energized the crowd with his popular songs like "Bellissima" and "Vai!" and received a warm reception from the younger audience members. Meanwhile, Carl Brave dedicated a song to the late poet Remo Remotti, honoring his legacy during the concert.
The concert also featured a medley performed by the hosts Noemi, Ermal Meta, and BigMama. During this segment, Noemi and BigMama shared a kiss, adding a playful touch to the event. The trio later paid tribute to the late Paolo Benvegnù, with performances of his songs by his band, Brunori Sas, and Ermal Meta.
Messages advocating for peace were prevalent, with Dente donning a shirt that read "Make love not war" during his performance. This echoed the sentiments expressed throughout the day, reinforcing the concert's theme of unity and social awareness.
Pope Francis's words on work were projected during the concert, stressing the importance of workplace safety. "Safety at work is like the air we breathe; we only realize its importance when it tragically disappears," he stated. This message resonated deeply, especially as Noemi highlighted the grim statistics of workplace fatalities, noting that 2,469 people have died since 2023 while going to or being at work. BigMama added that 338 workers lost their lives in the first few months of 2025 alone.
Ermal Meta, reflecting on the day's theme, emphasized the need for certainty when workers go home. "There are too many uncertainties, too many accidents, too many deaths. Those who go to work must have the certainty of returning home," he asserted, addressing the audience's concerns about labor safety.
The event was broadcast live on Rai3, with simulcasts on Radio2, RaiPlay, and Rai Italia, ensuring that the message of the concert reached a wider audience. The organizers aimed to create a platform not only for entertainment but also for advocacy on crucial social issues.
As the concert drew to a close, Gabry Ponte took the stage for a DJ set that included his Eurovision entry "Tutta L'Italia", bringing the event to a vibrant finish. The atmosphere was electric, with fireworks lighting up the night sky as the crowd celebrated the culmination of a day dedicated to music, rights, and remembrance.
The Concertone del Primo Maggio, with its mix of entertainment and serious discourse, served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for workers' rights and the importance of community solidarity in advocating for a safer and more equitable world.
