The birth of the workers' holiday is now very anxious but always current. In fact, the workers' holiday, celebrated every year on May 1st, has its roots in the struggles of the international workers' movement of the late nineteenth centuryThe main goal was to achieve better working conditions, including the achievement of the eight-hour working day. The date was chosen in memory of the Chicago Riots of 1886, culminating in the tragic Haymarket Riot. The demand for “eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure, eight hours of rest” became the symbol of trade union battles throughout the world.
In Italy, the first official celebration of May Day took place in 1891. After being interrupted during the twenty years of fascism (when it was replaced with the “Italian Labor Day” on April 21), the holiday was reinstated in 1945 with the liberation of the country, once again becoming a national holiday dedicated to the dignity of work and workers' rights.
Traditions in Italy for May 1st
In Italy, May 1st is a day of demonstrations, parades, union meetings and cultural initiatives in many cities. It is a moment of collective reflection on the achievements and challenges still open in the world of work: from safety in the workplace to the protection of wages and contracts. Alongside the political and social aspects, a cultural and musical tradition has also established itself: the Concertone di Roma, an event now iconic that combines music and civil commitment.
The Rome Concert 2025
The May Day Concert historically takes place in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome and is organized by the main Italian trade unions: CGIL, CISL and UIL. This year, the event will be hosted by three names loved by the public: Noemi, Ermal Meta e BigMama, supported by science communicator Vincenzo Schettini, who will bring to the stage a message linked to the importance of knowledge and culture.
The 2025 edition of the May Day Concert looks to the future, choosing music as a tool for expression, awareness and social transformation. With the slogan “The future rings today".
The artists expected in 2025 are many and will vary from pop to rock, from indie to rap. Here are some of the main artists who will perform on the Primo Maggio stage: Alfa, Brunori Sas, Joan Thiele, Mondo Marcio and Shablo, Lucio Corsi.
A list of names capable of best representing contemporary Italian music, including great protagonists and new promises. The Concert will be broadcast live on Rai 3, Rai Radio 2, RaiPlay and Rai Italia from 15:15 pm until midnight. In addition, an exclusive preview will be available on RaiPlay from 13:15 pm, again hosted by BigMama.
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