Labour Day in Italy: 7 things to do on May Day

Italy owes much of its beauty to its long and rich history. This is also reflected in our calendar, where there is no shortage of anniversaries. Among these, we cannot forget Labour Day, which is celebrated on May 1st. It is an occasion to remember the struggles of the past, but also to spend time with friends and family. Do you want to organise something special for May Day 2025 in Italy? Here are our tips!

Labour Day, a time of the year that invites us to reflect on the achievements of the labour movement, is an important date that is not only celebrated in Italy. In fact, even in North America it is a cherished holiday, even though it falls on the first Monday of September.

So why do we Italians celebrate on May 1st? To understand this, we have to go back to the time of the Second International, to the Paris Congress of 1889. It was decided that a demonstration should be promoted simultaneously throughout the world, in which workers would demand greater fairness. The date of May 1st was chosen in homage to other important precedents, including the American demonstrations of 1886 and the Haymarket Riot in Chicago.

The years have passed, but May Day has remained (despite the interlude of the twenty-year fascist period, during which it was abolished). Even today, Labour Day reflects the social and political struggles and demands of present time, linked to work but not only. The importance of this anniversary is underlined by events and initiatives that, just like flowers in spring, bloom in every part of our peninsula.

There's no doubt about it: Italy's most popular Labour Day event is certainly the May Day Concert, usually held in Rome's Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. It is also the largest free live music event in Europe. An experience not to be missed for those who find themselves in the capital this spring! “Il concertone”, as it is sometimes called, began in 1990 and is still promoted by the CGIL, CISL and UIL trade unions. Today, as in the past, it attracts thousands of spectators, in addition to those who watch it live on television or listen to it on the radio.

It is a unique festival that combines the characteristics of a music concert, a TV show and a street event. A formula that manages to please everyone, but without forgetting the important social and political themes that have given rise to this heartfelt festivity.

This year's edition will be hosted by Noemi, the famous Roman singer, Ermal Meta, and BigMama. Vincenzo Schettini, a very active physics professor on social media with his popular videos, will participate.

As usual, this year's "concertone" will take place in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano and will be free of charge. The event, which will be broadcast simultaneously on Raitre, Rai Play and Rai Radio 2, will be held from 3pm to 7pm and from 8pm to late at night, with the start scheduled for around 1.15pm.

Achille Lauro, Lucio Corsi, Brunori sas, Gaia, Joan Thiele, Shablo, Franco126, Mondo Marcio, Alfa, and Centomilacarie have been announced as the famous artists from the Italian music scene who will perform for the occasion. Anna Castiglia, a young promise, will also be present, and Gabry Ponte's participation has also been confirmed. 

This year, May Day in Rome is one of the special opening days for some commercial shops from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the food and beverage sector will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Local public transport will observe the festive timetable, but ATAC will enhance services provided to offer the opportunity to provide extensive travel for those attending the well-known "Concertone.

In addition, the timetables of all the metro lines will be extended until 1:30 a.m., except the Circo Massimo/Metro B stop, which will be closed from 9 p.m. Trams and buses will also be subject to route changes in the area surrounding the Circus Maximus. To admire the capital's masterpieces and main monuments, you can take advantage of the Visit Rome Pass, which allows you to benefit from fantastic discounts.

Other highly anticipated events include Uno Maggio Taranto Libero e Pensante 2025, the music festival organized by the association Comitato Cittadini e Lavoratori Liberi e Pensanti in the pearl of Salento.

The concert, entrusted to the artistic direction of director and actor Michele Riondino, Roy Paci and Antonio Diodato, will take place at the magnificent Archaeological Park of the Greek Walls and feature famous singers, Italian bands and emerging artists.

The 2025 edition will be dedicated to Massimo Battista, a worker at Ilva (a large steel mill in Taranto) and former city councillor who died of cancer on 7 October 2024 at 51.

The lineup of the event, which will kick off at 2 pm, includes the participation of Fido Guido, Tommy Cash, Pop X, the Salento duo Fideles, Motta - a refined and intense singer-songwriter - and Denaldo, a young Taranto rapper.

There will also be Paolo Rossi, a complete artist capable of moving from clownery to social reflection, the band Teatro degli Orrori, the Neapolitan DJ and producer Riva Starr, Giancane with his urban folk, and many others.

The event will be broadcast live on Rai 3, RaiPlay and Rai Italia.

The Talsano and Salinella district markets will remain open, while shop opening will be optional. An efficient shuttle service (one-way ticket) will be available from 2 p.m. on 1 May until 00.30 a.m. the following day to facilitate the mobility of Taranto concert-goers.

If you choose Emilia Romagna to spend a marvelous holiday there during the Labour Day 2025, you could attend the traditional Workers' Day Concert, which will take place in the beautiful Piazza Maggiore. The event will be hosted by Claudio Succi and Amalia Apicella of Radio città Fujiko 103.1.

From 4 p.m. to midnight, the stage will be livened up by the sounds of songs by local artists and stars from the Italian and foreign music scene, including the English band Editors, who will make the square dance with their mix of songs from indie rock to hits beloved by the general public.

There will also be new discoveries on the Italian music scene such as Liccia, the Bolognese singer-songwriter Rea, Alberto Bertoli and many others.

Some supermarkets, shops, and shopping centres will offer special openings. 

Would you like to take part in an exciting guided tour to discover the attractions of Bologna's historic centre? Take advantage of the ticket offered by Visit Italy.

Among the other events enlivening May Day in Italy, we suggest the One Day Music Festival, now in its 15th edition. The music event, which will take place in the evocative setting of the Catania coastline, is for a fee, unlike the other events suggested.

Many artists will perform on the two stages planned for this event to please fans of various musical genres. Fans of electronic music will enjoy Adiel, Hector Oaks, Charlie Sparks, Kolsh, Digital Astro, Jack Out, Sally Cruz, and many others.

For rap and trap, there will be Bello Figo, Don Pero, Faneto, Enzo Benz, Sacky, Niky Savage, Diss Gacha, Kid Yugy, and Sayf.

BIIA, Micons, Shakalab, Miles, Low-Red, BNKR44 and Gravity Experience will also participate for a complete and immersive experience.

On Labour Day, some supermarkets and shops will also be open in Sicily. Buses will be available and will follow the festive timetable.

Looking for some original ideas on what to do on 1 May 2025 in Italy?

You certainly won't be bored in Milan!

The city will be filled with music with various events such as Omar Pedrini's free concert in Piazza della Scala and the rock sound of the Michael Schenker Group, who will perform at Alcatraz.

Those who love theatre or exhibitions will be able to enjoy many shows such as Sophocles' “Antigone” at the Puntozero Beccaria Theatre, or the comedy “Quanto Basta” at the Martinitt Theatre in the famous Ortica district, where one can admire many murals telling the history of Milan and Italy.

Exhibitions include ‘The World of Banksy - The Immersive Experience’ at Spazio Varesina 204, ‘Shirin Neshat - Body of Evidence’ on the themes of identity and the condition of women at PAC - Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, and ‘Yukinori Yanagi’ at Pirelli Hangar Bicocca, with impressive and symbolic installations that transport you to alternative worlds.

Milan has many alternatives: a view of the Duomo, a boat ride on the Navigli, a nice walk in a Milanese park, and much more!

To find out whether shopping centers and shopping centers will remain open in Milan on Labour Day, we suggest you consult local websites: some shops will be regularly open, while others will observe holiday closures.

For Italians, May Day has always been synonymous with a trip out of town. Spring’s arrival and the convivial atmosphere typical of the holidays make this the perfect occasion to get away from the city and visit some of the most picturesque villages dotting the peninsula.

And when it comes to outings, Tuscany is certainly one of the most sought-after destinations: the charm of its hills, the richness of its history and its captivating food and wine offerings have made it a point of reference for tourists from all over Italy and the rest of the world.

From Anghiari to San Miniato, and then Pienza, Volterra and San Gimignano with its towers, the villages of Tuscany fascinate with their atmosphere, history and local traditions. 

Between cultural visits and walks, there will also be time for excellent gastronomic wine tastings and local products!

May Day certainly owes its popularity to the history of workers’ achievements, but its appeal does not stop there. As it is a spring holiday, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the return of the warm season and to return to appreciate the most beloved Italian resorts. The first sun, longer days and mild weather make this day a coveted moment for those who dream of finally returning to the beach.

And if we are talking about beaches, the peninsula is full of unmissable destinations. Italy has plenty of locations for both those who want to get a tan and those who dream of spending a day fishing. But if you're looking for our advice, Salento is always a great choice!

Spring might just be the best time to visit. The weather will be warm, but not as hot as in August, and you'll be able to enjoy more tranquillity than in summer. If you've been dreaming of a weekend in the beautiful Magna Graecia town of Gallipoli for some time, then Labour Day is the date to mark on your calendar.

May Day, born to advance important issues of social and political struggle, is today a celebration with more than one soul: it is and continues to be Labour Day, but it is also a time to appreciate the beauty of nature in bloom, the richness of our territory and the relationships we have woven into it.