It is a well-known fact that May 1 is marked as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day, and millions of people all around the world celebrate it.
In the Soviet Union, this holiday was called the Day of International Solidarity of Workers and was devoted to workers’ struggle for their rights. In modern Russia, this day has lost its political overtones, so for most Russians it is just the May holidays – a time for picnics and the opening of the summer season.
Since May Day is an official day off (usually, it takes up to 3-5 days) in almost all institutions of Russia, people come up with various ideas on how to spend it. Here are the most popular ones:
LABOR DAY PARADE
Spring and Labor Day lost its socialist meaning after the Soviet Union’s collapse, but some political parties and labor unions may still organize demonstrations on this day.
Party members and labor union activists may participate in such demonstrations.
BARBECUE, PICNIC AND GARDENING
The vast majority of people prefer to spend this spring sunny day outside, rather than inside. That is why they prefer to have picnics and barbecues in the garden or in the countryside. Surrounded by closest friends and family members, people enjoy delicious barbecue meals often accompanied by alcoholic drinks.
However, not everyone in Russia seems to be into spending these leisure days only on rest. Some people use this opportunity in a more productive way. They go to their country houses and do gardening activities. It is a great chance to get away from the crowded and noisy city and enjoy the nature.
FUN TIME ON THE RIDES
Going to amusement parks with kids or a group of friends is very popular too. It can take the whole day to have fun enjoying rides and eating ice cream. But isn’t it the best way to spend a beautiful spring day?
Anyways, there may be more ways of spending May holidays, but these are the most common ones. We hope that this article would help you feel the atmosphere of the holiday and make you want to come to Russia and experience it one day!
