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

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, hosted by the famous Roman singer Noemi, Ermal Meta, and BigMama in the part of the Opening, will take place in the spectacular location of the Circus Maximus and will be, as usual, free admission. The event will be broadcast simultaneously on Raitre, Rai Play, and Rai Radio 2, and it will occur from 3 pm to 7 pm and from 8 pm to late at night, while the Opening is scheduled at around 1:15 pm.

Among the famous artists from the Italian music scene who will perform for the occasion are Achille Lauro, BigMama, Ariete, Colapesce Dimartino, Coez & Frah Quintale, Ditonellapiaga, Dargen D'amico, Ex-Otago, Ermal Meta, Leo Gassmann, +La Rappresentante Di Lista, Malika Ayane, Mahmood, Negramaro, rapper Alda and Anna Castiglia. Morgan, Piero Pelù, Noemi, Santi Francesi, Rose Villain, Paolo Jannacci, Stefano Massin, Ultimo and Tananai, Caffelatte & Giuze. During the Opening, you can enjoy performances by Albe, Diego Lazzari and Nashley, Cioffi, Gaudiano and Irbis, Etta, and the emerging finalists of the 1MNext contest, Giglio, Atarde and Moonari. Cor Veleno , chiamamifaro, Maria Antonietta and Colombre, La Municipal , Mazzariello, Lina Simons, Mille, Motta, Olly, Rosa Linn, Tropico Uzi Lvke, Teseghella, Vale LP and Stefano Tripolare.

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 2024, the music festival organized by the association Comitato Cittadini e Lavoratori Liberi e Pensanti in the pearl of Salento.

The concert, under the artistic direction of Michele Riondino, Roy Paci, and Antonio Diodato, will take place at the magnificent Archaeological Park of the Greek Walls. Valentina Petrini, well-known radio and TV anchor Martina Martorano, Andrea Rivera, and journalist Serena Tarabini will host this engaging and spectacular event. The line-up of the event, which will start at 2 pm, will feature famous Italian singers and bands, such as Area, Serena Brancale, Frenetik, the Malvax, Selton, Gabriella Martinelli, Valerio Lundini, and I VazzaNikki, Willie Peyote, Francesca Michielin, Marlene Kuntz, Emma Nolde, Terraross, Mama Marias & Don Ciccio, Mannarino, Brunori Sas, N. A.I.P, the Tre allegri ragazzi morti, Cristiano Cosa accompanied by the extraordinary Uno Maggio Orchestra.

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 in Italy, you could attend the traditional Workers' Day Concert, which will take place in the beautiful Piazza Maggiore. Irene Papotti and Claudio Succi of Radio Città Fujiko 103.1 will present the concert.

From 4 pm: 00 to midnight, the stage will be livened up by the sounds of local artists and stars from the Italian and foreign music scene, including Kings of Convenience frontman Sibode Dj, Giovanni Truppi Band, rappers Egreen and Ele A, Rumba de Bodas, reggae singer Lion D and underground hip hop collective Triflusso, Alberto Bertoli, EFFEDI, Camelot Band, P-Funking Band, Bassapadana Social Club, Scream & Shout, Mulini a Vento and Buster and the Load.

Some supermarkets, shops, and shopping centres will offer special openings. Due to a national strike by some trade unions, regular public transport routes are not guaranteed.

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.

On the two stages planned for this event we will find Angemi, Elmatadorc7, Clara, Artie5ive, Nerissima Serpe + Papa V, Nello Taver, Samuele Brignoccolo, Silent Bob & Sick Budd, Sud Sound System, Rondodasosa, Tony Boy, TY1, Villabanks, Kid Yugi, who will offer their performances on the Spring Arena, dedicated to rap, reggae, EDM and trap genres. In the Sundance Arena, on the other hand, you can enjoy House and Techno performances by Trym and Webbha, Dyen, Fatima Hajii, Colyn, Anfisa Letyago, and Musumeci & Phunkadelica.

On Labour Day, some supermarkets and shops will remain open in Sicily. Buses will remain available except for the 13:00 to 16:30 slot. Metro services will operate at the following times:

the first route from Nesima at 8:35 a.m. from Stesicoro at 8:55 a.m;

the last route from Nesima at 22:00 from Stesicoro at 22:30.

Are you looking for some original ideas on what to do on May Day in Italy? Do you want to spend Labour Day in Italy enjoying cheerfulness and the overwhelming sounds of Latin American music? The Mediolanum Forum in Milan will host the concert of J Balvin, the world icon of Colombian Reggaeton, winner of many awards, including the Billboard Music Awards, the Latin Grammy, and the American Music Awards, from 9 pm.

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.

By getting the Milan City Card, you can explore the Duomo and main museums with a single package and access exclusive discounts. 

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.

San Gimignano is a destination that will satisfy both lovers of Italian architectural history and enthusiasts of good wine. This small town in the province of Siena, nicknamed "the New York of the Middle Ages" thanks to its splendid and unmistakable towers, is certainly one of the most evocative in its area. The historic centre of the town, with its unique architecture, has earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.