May Day, Labour Day or International Workers´ Day has been celebrated in various ways throughout history. The Modern May Day is not only celebrated around the world by parades and parties, but also demonstrations and rallies in support of workers and human rights.

On May 1st, 1890, demonstrators called by the Second International gathered together to honour the martyrs of the Haymarket Affair in 1886. Since then, it has been more associated with the labour movement of the 20th century than with its roots as an ancient spring festival. This gallery guides you through some of the various different events that take place on May Day.

Labor Day (May Day) parade, crowd in rainy street, New York

1920: May Day with people around the Maypole

2012: Protesters in Tahrir Square on May Day.

2019: May Day in Berlin

2014 in Hastings: A man participating as Jack in the Green.

2012: May Day Rally, Maldives.

JEWISH AND ARAB WORKERS MARCHING THROUGH THE STREETS IN TEL AVIV DURING THE FIRST OF MAY PARADE IN THE TOWN.

1930: United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America on May Day parade

Boris Souvarine Papers - Soviet Russia Photos A political demonstration takes place near the Kremlin and celebrates the IIIrd Communist International. One reads the name of the countries represented at the Communist International on the banners, as well as the slogan “Workers of the world, unite!”.

1916: Performers at Oxford College May Day celebration