The first Monday in September in Canada and the United States is Labor Day. In America, this holiday has been celebrated since 1882, and in Canada ten years earlier - since 1872. In both countries this day is a day off.
The origins of the American Labor Day lie in the intention of the Central Union to create a day off for workers. The holiday became a national holiday in 1894. Initially, it was intended that solemn parades would be held on the streets on Labor Day in order to provide an opportunity for people to express their gratitude for the activities of trade union and labor organizations.
The Labor Day brochure of the US Department of Labor contains the following lines about the event: “The holiday was born out of the labor movement of America. It became nationwide, as the country considers it necessary to annually and with gratitude celebrate the contribution of American workers to the power, prosperity and wealth that has become the property of the US people."
On this day, solemn demonstrations and speeches of representatives of trade unions are held in various cities of America. On local TV channels various achievements of the country in the field of economy over the past year are announced, the names of people who have made a significant contribution to the development of the country are announced. Congratulations for all workers are published in the country's newspapers and magazines. However, for most Americans, this holiday is more associated with outdoor recreation, camping and barbecues.
In Canada, Labor Day was born on April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Assembly of Trade Unions organized the first significant demonstration for workers' rights. Here, as in the United States, unlike Europe, which celebrates Labor Day on May 1, this holiday is more perceived as an additional rest, the perspective of the history of the labor movement fades into the background. Demonstrations and celebrations, of course, take place in Canada, but the main thing for people is the opportunity to spend an extra day off somewhere in nature.
