On May 1, 2025, International Workers' Day, commonly known as May Day, will be celebrated across Spain and many other countries. This day serves as a public holiday, during which major unions UGT (General Union of Workers) and CC OO (Workers' Commissions) will lead various demonstrations in cities nationwide. The slogan chosen for this year's events is 'Proteger lo conquistado, ganar futuro' (Protect what has been conquered, win the future), reflecting a global perspective on the rising tide of far-right movements and the potential rollback of workers' rights.
The main demonstration in Madrid is set to commence at 12:00 noon and continue until 2:00 PM. The march will begin at the Gran Vía, at the corner of Calle de Alcalá, and will stretch over 1.5 kilometers to the Plaza de España. In addition to the central event in Madrid, around 50 other demonstrations will take place in various cities across Spain.
Leading the Madrid march will be Pepe Álvarez from UGT and Unai Sordo from CC OO, along with regional leaders Paloma López and Susana Huertas. Following the march, they will address the crowd from a stage in Plaza España, where they are expected to deliver speeches emphasizing the importance of workers' rights. The event is anticipated to attract various government officials, including the Minister of Labor and Second Vice President, Yolanda Díaz, and the Secretary of State for Labor, Joaquín Pérez Rey.
Weather forecasts suggest a pleasant day for the celebrations, with the temperature in Madrid expected to reach a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius. This is a significant improvement from the rainy conditions experienced during the recent Holy Week.
Attendance at the May Day events varies depending on the day of the week it falls on. Last year, when May Day was on a Wednesday, approximately 10,000 people participated in the Madrid demonstration. In contrast, the 2023 event, which coincided with a Monday, felt less attended despite similar estimates, as many enjoyed an extended weekend.
Participation in the May Day events is open to everyone, not just union members. In the lead-up to the demonstrations, UGT and CC OO have distributed flyers to encourage broader participation.
In their joint manifesto, UGT and CC OO have reiterated their demand for a legal reduction in the workweek to a maximum of 37.5 hours. “We demand political commitment to legislate the agreement between the government and unions that establishes the maximum legal working hours,” the manifesto states.
May 1st is not just significant in Spain; it is recognized as International Workers' Day globally. The origins of this day can be traced back to the 19th century, specifically to a tragic event in Chicago in 1886, where a general strike for an eight-hour workday culminated in the Haymarket massacre. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in the international labor movement, leading to the establishment of May 1st as a day of solidarity and reflection on workers' rights.
In many countries, May Day is an official public holiday. For instance, in Mexico, it is a mandatory day of rest, while in France and Germany, it is celebrated with a mix of protests and public festivities. In Italy, it is known as Festa dei Lavoratori, celebrated with concerts and cultural events. Latin American countries, including Argentina and Brazil, observe it as a national holiday with acts and marches honoring workers.
Even in Asia, the significance of May Day is acknowledged. In China, it is part of the three 'Golden Weeks' of public holidays, while Japan celebrates its own version, Constitution Day, on May 3rd. In Africa, nations like South Africa and Nigeria recognize May 1st as a day of rest, using it as an opportunity to reflect on labor rights.
In Spain, May 1st is a non-removable public holiday, and in 2025, it falls on a Thursday. The possibility of extending the weekend will depend on regional regulations, with some areas allowing for longer breaks due to local holidays following May Day.
For example, in the Community of Madrid, May 1st coincides with the Day of the Community of Madrid on May 2nd, creating a four-day weekend for residents. However, most other regions will only observe the single holiday.
As this important day approaches, many are curious about the operational status of commercial establishments. In Catalonia, for instance, May 1st is not classified as an established opening holiday, meaning many stores will remain closed. Some shopping centers may open their leisure and restaurant areas, while others will shut entirely. In Barcelona, the calendar permits shops to open on Sundays and holidays from mid-May to mid-September, but not on May 1st.
In the Region of Murcia, the labor calendar confirms May 1st as a non-working day, leading to potential closures of various establishments. Some shopping centers, like Dos Mares and Espacio Mediterráneo, will remain open, while others, such as Mercadona and Alcampo, will close their doors.
As the world prepares to commemorate International Workers' Day, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for labor rights and the achievements made through collective action. The day unites workers globally, highlighting the importance of fair working conditions, just wages, and the need for continued advocacy for workers' rights.
