Origins of Labour Day
Labour Day and the Day of International Workers’ Solidarity falls on 1 May every year. The holiday honours workers and has its roots in the campaign for an eight-hour working day.
In May 1886, workers in Chicago went on strike to demand shorter working hours. The events at Haymarket Square became a symbol of the labour movement. Since 1890, 1 May has been observed in many countries as a day dedicated to working people.
Public holiday and days off
Labour Day is an official public holiday and a non-working day in Bulgaria under Article 154 of the Labour Code. If 1 May falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the next working day is a substitute day off.
When the substitute day would overlap with the Easter holidays, it moves to the next working day after them. In 2027, for example, 1 May falls on Holy Saturday, and the additional day off is 4 May.
In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, 1 May. In 2028, it falls on Monday, 1 May.
How Bulgaria spends the day
Trade unions organise marches and events to mark Labour Day. For most people in Bulgaria, however, the day is an opportunity for a first spring outing, a picnic or a break in nature.
Labour Day, St George’s Day on 6 May and, in some years, Easter often create several short working weeks. Taking a few days of annual leave around these holidays can make a longer spring break possible.
