In the United States, Labor Day is one of the most cherished holidays and is the American equivalent of Labor Day, which in Italy (and much of Europe) is celebrated on May 1. In 2025 it will fall on Monday, September 1, turning the previous weekend into a long bridge that also marks the end of the summer season.
The holiday originated in the second half of the nineteenth century as a tribute to the contribution of workers to the nation’s growth, strength and prosperity. Over the years, however, it has also taken on a more convivial meaning: for millions of Americans it is an opportunity to gather, enjoy a barbecue, participate in parades or take advantage of the last sunny days before the return to the fall routine.
Unlike Europe, where May 1 commemorates workers’ struggles and has a more pronounced historical and union connotation, in the United States it was preferred to place the holiday in early September. The choice was not accidental: they wanted to avoid overlap with European socialist events and, at the same time, cover the “gap” of holidays between the Fourth of July (Independence Day) and Thanksgiving in November.
In New York, Labor Day is synonymous with events and celebrations. The West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn colors the streets with Caribbean music, dancing and spectacular costumes. Culture lovers can take advantage of the Summer HD Festival at Lincoln Center or attend free performances of Shakespeare in the Park. For sports fans, the weekend coincides with the highlights of the U.S. Open tennis championships, while baseball fans can cheer on the Yankees or Mets.
There is no shortage of outdoor activities: a walk in Central Park or a trip to Governors Island are perfect for those who want to enjoy the last rays of summer sunshine. Many also choose to get out of the city to the beaches of the Hamptons or Fire Island, or attend historic fairs such as the Richmond County Fair on Staten Island.
Labor Day is thus a holiday that weaves together memory and levity: it celebrates the central role of workers in American society but at the same time marks a collective moment of leisure and seasonal transition. A tradition that, while born with similar purposes to European Labor Day, today reflects the spirit and lifestyle of the United States.
If you find yourself in New York City on Labor Day, the options are endless: culture, sports, parades, or simply a picnic in the park. Whatever the choice, September 1, and the weekend leading up to it remain perfect days to celebrate labor and community together, ending the American summer with a smile.
The article Labor Day approaches in the United States: last summer holiday amid history and traditions comes from TheNewyorker.
L’articolo Si avvicina il Labor Day negli Stati Uniti: l’ultima festa d’estate tra storia e tradizioni proviene da IlNewyorkese.
