Första Maj is a big holiday in Sweden. If you live in Sweden you likely have the day off today and it is considered a “red day”. It is the International Workers’ Day.
The first May is the International Women’s Day of the Workers’ Movement celebrated since 1890 on the initiative of the Second International , including the reminder of the Haymarket Massacre in 1886. This day is celebrated around the world by various left-wing organizations, parties and trade unions with demonstrations and meetings.
In the US, instead of May 1st, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. This because, among other things, President Grover Cleveland did not want the American workers’ movement to honor the Haymarket massacres and unrest occur. All states have made it a public holiday.
So if you are Swedish, what are you doing today for the Första Maj?
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