Thousands gathered in Rome on May 1, 2025, for the traditional Concertone in Piazza San Giovanni, marking the return of the event after last year's edition at Circus Maximus. This year's theme, "Uniti per un lavoro sicuro" (United for Safe Work), was prominently displayed as unions took center stage to advocate for workplace safety.
The concert kicked off at 15:17 with Leo Gassmann performing the iconic "Bella Ciao," a song synonymous with the struggle for freedom and workers' rights. The event was hosted by Noemi, Ermal Meta, and BigMama, with the popular physicist and social media influencer Vincenzo Schettini making guest appearances throughout the day.
More than fifty artists took to the stage, delivering over ten hours of live music and social commentary. The lineup included major names like Arisa, Lucio Corsi, Ghali, and Achille Lauro, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to celebrate Labor Day through music.
During the concert, the Patagarri band sparked controversy with their performance, which included a rendition of a traditional Jewish song, "Haga Nagila," ending with a call for the liberation of Palestine. This segment ignited protests from the Jewish community, with Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish Community of Rome, labeling the act as "ignoble" and a misuse of cultural heritage.
As the concert progressed, Ghali took the stage, where the audience unfurled a banner in support of the upcoming referendum on June 8 and 9, 2025. This referendum includes five questions addressing labor rights and citizenship, notably proposing to reduce the residency requirement for Italian citizenship from ten to five years. Ghali, who became an Italian citizen at 18, has been a vocal advocate for these changes.
In a heartfelt tribute, the concert featured a video message from the late Pope Francis, whose words on music as a universal language resonated deeply with the audience. "La musica è bellezza e strumento di pace, una lingua che tutti i popoli in diversi modi parlano, e raggiunge tutti i cuori" (Music is beauty and an instrument of peace, a language that all peoples speak in different ways, and it reaches all hearts), he stated.
Throughout the event, the theme of workplace safety was a recurring topic. Maurizio Landini, secretary of the Cgil, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over profit, stating, "With the thousands of people who die each year, what is happening is a massacre that does not stop. It is the business model that does not put the person and their training at the center but profit that is not working."
The concert’s atmosphere was electric, with performances from various artists including The Kolors, who entertained the crowd with hits like "Tu con chi fai l’amore," and Rocco Hunt, who closed his set with a powerful rendition of "Nu juorno buono." Achille Lauro, known for his theatrical performances, knelt before the audience, expressing gratitude and solidarity with those in need.
Elodie, another standout performer, delivered a dynamic set, declaring, "This is the house of rights. This celebration reminds us that rights are for everyone or they are privileges. Let us never forget that."
In addition to the music, the concert provided a platform for addressing social issues. BigMama spoke out against online hate, urging the audience to embrace kindness and understanding. "There’s so much hate lately. I wonder why this sadism comes from, perhaps from dissatisfaction?" she asked, encouraging people to change the channel if they dislike her.
As the evening progressed, the concert continued to build toward a grand finale. Gabry Ponte closed the event with his electrifying DJ set, featuring his Eurovision entry, "Tutta l'Italia," amidst fireworks and a roaring crowd.
In the backdrop of the concert, the organizers highlighted the importance of raising awareness about workplace safety, with Noemi, Ermal Meta, and BigMama reminding attendees of the stark reality: "Three people die every day at work, and we must ensure that those who go to work have the certainty of returning home," Meta stated.
The Concertone del Primo Maggio is not only a celebration of music but also a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for workers' rights and safety. As the sun set over Rome, the messages of unity, peace, and the fight for dignity echoed through Piazza San Giovanni, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
