International Workers' Day, also known as May Day or Labor Day, is observed on May 1 and recognizes labor movements around the world. It is typically affiliated with left-wing ideologies that advocate for workers' rights and support for labor unions, though in many countries it is merely viewed as a holiday and a time for leisure. Additionally, some other political groups have chosen to organize on this day to reject the underlying pro-labor message of May Day. How it is observed varies from country to country, though marches and demonstrations are not uncommon where the freedoms to assemble and protest are allowed.

May Day was first officially recognized as a national holiday in France in 1891. One of the major achievements of the international labor movement was advocating for an eight-hour work day, which has been adopted in many countries and since become a social norm.

Click on the slideshow to see how May Day is observed in various countries across the globe.