Norske kalendereLabour Day
Norwegian: Arbeidernes dag
Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st and is a public holiday in Norway. The day is the international workers' day and is marked with parades and speeches across the country.
History
The date has its origins in the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, where striking workers demanded an eight-hour working day. The international labour movement later adopted May 1st as its international day of action. In Norway, the day has been marked since the late 1800s and became an official public holiday in 1947.
Norwegian Traditions
May 1st is known for political demonstrations and parades throughout the country, organised by trade unions and political parties — particularly on the left. The largest parades take place in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. Many families also use the day for outdoor activities, and it is often the first sign that spring has truly arrived.
Countdown to Labour Day 2026
Labour Day 2024–2030
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 May 2024 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | 1 May 2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | 1 May 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | 1 May 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | 1 May 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | 1 May 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | 1 May 2030 | Wednesday |
Frequently asked questions about Labour Day
Labour Day falls on a Friday in 2026, giving a nice long weekend from Friday to Sunday.
May 1st is International Workers' Day, celebrated as a tribute to the labour movement and the struggle for workers' rights. In Norway, the day has been a public holiday since 1947. The day is marked with demonstration marches and speeches organised by trade unions and political parties.
The most important tradition is the May Day parade, where trade unions, political parties, and organisations march with banners and slogans through city streets. Speeches are held about workers' rights, equality, and political issues. Many also use the day to enjoy the spring weather outdoors.