Primo Maggio: Italy marks Labour Day with public holiday on 1 May

Workers' Day falls on a Friday in 2026.       Italy celebrates Labour Day - known as the Festa dei Lavoratori or Festa del Lavoro - with a national public holiday every year on 1 May. This year the Primo Maggio holiday falls on a Friday - resulting in the closure of Italy's schools and public offices - leading to a long weekend. The annual event, marked in more than 80 countries, is held in commemoration of the labour movement and the social and economic achievements of trade unions on behalf of workers.   Italy's public holidays: a quick guide The Primo Maggio holiday is celebrated in Rome with a free May Day concert in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. Organised by Italy's trade unions, the concertone attracts well-known acts along with rising stars from the Italian music industry and is used as a platform to promote workers' rights.   The 2026 line-up comprises 40 acts including Angelica Bove, Emma Nolde, Fulminacci, Geolier, La Niña, Rocco Hunt and Serena Brancale.   The Primo Maggio concert will begin at 15.00 and lasts until around midnight.   Cover image: Il quarto stato (1898-1901) painting by Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo.