May 1st is celebrated in Mexico as Labor Day, a date dedicated to recognizing and defending workers’ rights. This observance has international roots and is linked to a historical event that took place in Chicago, United States, in 1886, when thousands of workers took to the streets to demand an eight-hour workday. The protest ended in violent repression during what became known as the Haymarket Affair, where several workers were unjustly executed or imprisoned.
Mexico adopted this date in the early 20th century, during a time of growing labor organization and social struggle, especially during and after the Mexican Revolution. May 1st was officially declared a national holiday in 1923. Since then, it has become a day to honor labor achievements, demand better working conditions, and pay tribute to those who have fought for social justice in the workplace. Today, Labor Day in Mexico is not only a mandatory day off but also an opportunity to reflect on the current challenges in the labor world and the importance of protecting hard-won workers’ rights.
Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS). (s.f.). Sitio oficial del Gobierno de México. https://www.gob.mx/stps
Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México (INEHRM). (s.f.). Sitio oficial del Gobierno de México. https://www.gob.mx/inehrm
González, M. (2009). Historia del movimiento obrero en México. Siglo XXI Editores.
Salas, E. (2004). El 1º de mayo: una celebración obrera. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales, 46(191), 71–92. https://doi.org/10.22201/fcpys.2448492xe.2004.191.40305 (Nota: Este DOI es referencial. Verifica el artículo para confirmar)
