May 1st is a special day for the French people. On this public holiday, both Labor Day (La Fête du Travail) and May Day (La Fête du Muguet) are celebrated as a springtime tradition and a celebration of the rights of workers in France.
Labor Day is observed not only in France but in many other countries as well. It is a special occasion given to millions of workers around the world – a day to recognize them and their rights.
However, one cannot expect anything less from the French. Read on to find out more about La Fête du Travail, the Labor Day in France.
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Fête du Travail – Labor Day In France
History of La Fête du Travail and La Fête du Muguet
May Day, also known as La Fête du Muguet in France, is celebrated every May 1st of the year. It officially became a public holiday on April 23, 1919, after the introduction of the 8-hour working day.
This standard working day and the protests and demonstrations on Le 1er Mai (May 1st) have originated from a huge strike that took place in the USA – specifically in the city of Chicago – in May 1886.
Some 35,000 workers walked out of their jobs that day to campaign for an 8-hour work day. In the next couple of days, they were joined by tens of thousands more people. A national movement ensued, making their massive campaign a success.
France followed suit three years later, establishing La Journée Internationale des Travailleurs (International Workers’ Day). In 1941, it officially become a paid day off.
However, May 1st is not all protests and demonstrations. This special day is also about flowers.
Back in the day, demonstrating workers used to wear pins with a red triangle on their lapels, which was a symbol that represented the division of the ideal day: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep, and 8 hours of leisure.
The red triangle symbol was later replaced by rosehip flower and, eventually, a small bouquet of lily-of-the-valley tied with a red ribbon.
Lily-of-the-valley is called muguet in French, hence, La Fête du Muguet.
The origin of the tradition of giving bouquets of muguets can be traced back to the ancient Greeks who placed wreaths of flowers on their front doors. It may also have originated from the Roman tradition of offering flowers to Flora, the goddess of flowers, at the start of May.
May 1st was not observed during World War II. After the war, however, it became a public holiday again. In 1948, May 1st officially became known as “La Fête du Travail” or Labor Day in France.
La Fête du Travail Traditions in France
La Fête du Travail is an occasion primarily to campaign for and celebrate the rights of every worker in France. The celebration often includes parades or demonstrations to campaign for workers as well as human rights and other social issues.
On this holiday, French people enjoy a day off from work and spend time with their family and friends. All banks, government offices, and most business establishments are closed on this special day in France.
It is a French custom to give bouquets of lily-of-the-valley (du muguet) on May 1st. This is done as a gesture of friendship or appreciation, as well as a token of luck to family and friends. This makes Labor Day in France more special than most others.
These muguet bouquets can be bought on the streets, sold both by individuals and labor groups. It is the only time of year when street vendors are allowed in France.
Selling muguets on this day also does not require a license and they are tax-free, provided the flowers are homegrown or picked wild.
Lilies-of-the-valley with 13 bells are sometimes given, thanks to the superstitious belief that they bring extra luck. The more little bell-like the flowers are, the better the luck.
This particular superstition may have come from the Celtic people who used these flowers as good luck charms.
However, lily-of-the-valley is not the only symbol of May Day in France. Dog rose flowers are also accorded the same status.
La Fête du Travail is a day for protests and marches. It is expected to see various demonstrations and marching organized by trade unions and other organizations in public squares and major streets in large cities, most especially in the French capital.
Tips on how to enjoy La Fête du Travail or the Labor Day in France
If you happen to be in France on May 1st, here are some tips on how to enjoy this holiday:
1. Nearly everything is closed on May 1st, shops and supermarkets included. If you need some shopping, be sure to do it the day before. Many restaurants are also closed, especially those outside of Paris.
2. Museums will be closed as well, not only in the capital but all over France. The major tourist attractions are open, however, but long queues are to be expected so try to go early if you want to visit them on May 1st.
3. Public transport is heavily affected on Labor Day, especially in Paris, with buses and trains running on a Sunday schedule. There is no public transport outside of the capital.
If you’re planning on fleeing Paris on May 1st, make sure to leave the day before and come back the day after. You may book a private car service otherwise.
4. The May 1st rallies and demonstrations sometimes tend to get marred by clashes as well as vandalism, so tourists and locals are advised to avoid areas where these protests are held.
Large-scale rallies take place on major streets of not only Paris, but other French cities like Lyon, Lille, Nantes, and Toulouse as well. You’d better avoid the city main streets and public squares.
In the capital, hundreds – even thousands – of protesters and demonstrators usually march from Place de la République to Place du Châtelet or Place de la Nation.
5. Take a stroll. Buy a muguet bouquet (or dog rose flowers) to take part in this French tradition. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells France has to offer on Le 1er Mai.
6. The French take this holiday very seriously. Be respectful of their traditions.
French Terms ad Phrases to Remember on May 1st
Jour férié – public holiday
Le 1er Mai – first of May
Muguet / du muguet – lily-of-the-valley
La Fête du Travail – Labor Day
La Fête du Muguet – May Day
Bonne Fête du Travail – Best wishes on Labor Day
Bonne Fête du Muguet – Best wishes on May Day / Happy May Day
Célébration de la Fête du Travail – Labor Day celebration
La Journée Internationale des Travailleurs – International Workers’ Day
Fête – celebration, holiday, party, or festival
Manifestation publique – public demonstration / public protest
Rassemblement – public meeting, rally
Un meeting de protestation – a protest rally
Syndicat de travail – labor union
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.
List Of Public Holidays In France - Journey To France
Sunday 12th of September 2021
[…] in France are only required to pay workers for the day off on Labor Day. The other days are at the employer’s discretion. May 1st is also said to be the worst day […]