How did it start? And why do we have time off?
Right now
1 May is celebrated in large parts of the world. BT summarizes what you need to know.
1
Why do we celebrate May 1?
The tradition began in many ways in Chicago in 1886, when 200,000 American workers went on strike for an eight-hour day. Several protesters and police officers were killed in clashes in the following days.
Four years later, 1 May was introduced as an international demonstration day. In the first instance, it was about getting an eight-hour working day. Now people like to use the day to shine a spotlight on many different issues.
How do you usually mark May 1st?
2
Why do many of us have time off?
1 May is a statutory holiday in Norway, and a public holiday. So a red day in the calendar.
Surprisingly, you may have Vidkun Quisling to thank for that. His government was the first to legislate that May 1 should be a holiday.
The law was repealed when World War II ended in 1945, but was reinstated in 1947.
3
What is happening in the center of Bergen?
Throughout the morning, wreaths are laid at various locations in Bergen.
At 12.30, the traditional May Day train marches from Daniels Hansens gate and Grieghallen, heading towards Torgallmenningen. The main slogan this year is recognition of Palestine as its own state.
The train should arrive there at 1 p.m. Then there will be appeals and music. The list of speakers includes former Labor politician and Oslo city council leader Raymond Johansen, who now works for Norwegian People’s Aid.
After approximately half an hour of appeals, the train makes another round, before ending at Torgallmenningen at 2.30pm.
LO Bergen and the surrounding area is the main organizer. You can read more about the event on their website.
4
What is open?
The opening hours today are the same as on other red days.
This means that everything that cannot be open on Sundays is closed.
Please note that some catering establishments may have also chosen to close today to mark 1 May.
5
How will the weather be?
Wednesday started with rain, but according to both Yr and Storm it should clear up and be up to 24 degrees in Bergen. In that case, it is currently a heat record in 2024.
In other words, it will be warmer than in both Crete and Mallorca. Read more about the weather here.
Published: May 1, 2024 10:00 am
