May Day is a public holiday in some regions, usually celebrated on 1 May or the first Monday of May. It is an ancient festival marking the first day of summer, and a current traditional spring holiday in many European cultures. The Celts of the British Isles believed May 1 to be the most important day of the year, when the festival of Beltane was held.
In many countries, May Day is also known as International Workers' Day or Labour Day. It commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. In the United States and Canada, a similar observance known as Labor Day occurs on the first Monday of September.
May Day is celebrated with various customs that vary from country to country. In some countries, it is customary to dance around a maypole decorated with flowers and ribbons. In other countries, it is customary to give flowers to loved ones or to leave flowers at the graves of loved ones.
