On May 1, Mexico celebrates the Labor Day, or as the inhabitants call it, Día del Trabajo. This should not be confused with Cinco de Mayo, which is also in May and you may know as beer advertisements and confused Americans in Sombreos. May 1 is Mexico Day honors people who work with their hands, back and, very often, without thanks. Plumbers. Bus drivers. Street sweepers. Teachers who still present themselves even if their schools have no chalk.
It is, in essence, a vacation for the underestimated. So, of course, most of them are not leave.
A brief bloody story
Día del Trabajo is part of the international workers’ movement. It is not a Mexican invention. Like many good and terrible things on this continent, she started in the United States. In Chicago, in 1886, during a peaceful demonstration for the eight -hour working day, someone launched a bomb, the police opened fire and everything happened in hell. This has become known as the Haymarket affair.
The United States has finally swept him through the carpet, as it does with most labor problems. But other countries remember. Including Mexico. So now, every May 1, Mexico walks in the name of workers and justice.
What to expect on May 1 in Mexico
If you are a visitor, an English speaker trying to give meaning to this beautiful chaos that we call Mexico, here is what you should know:
- It is a federal holiday. This means that most government offices close. Banks? Farm. Post offices? Don’t even try. If you need something involving documents, avoid May 1 as its tax season.
- Schools are closed. Children rejoice. Teachers still check their emails.
- Many companies have also closed. Particularly formal. Informals – Taco stands, Tianguis stands, corner stores – could still be opened. Because everyone cannot afford a day off to celebrate the idea of days off.
- The steps and demonstrations occur in most cities. These range from gatherings peaceful to noisy and colorful events. It is democracy on foot. Don’t be bothered. Bring water, not opinions.
- Traffic can be a mess. Or maybe not. It’s like turning a piece with blindfolded eyes. Anyway, if you lead to Mexico City, you are already condemned.
Labor party without work
Many visitors to Mexico spend on May 1 to lounge on a beach, sipping Mezcal, speaking of the quality of the cost of living here. There is a certain cosmic comedy in this area. You don’t have to feel guilty, but you should at least know why the guy who made your Margarita has no vacation wages.
The fact is that Mexico has one of the most working populations in the world. The average worker devotes more than 2,200 hours a year – more than anyone in the OECD. And yet, they celebrate work with a walk, not with a pay check.
What you should do
- Learn something. Read the history of work in Mexico. Find out what the Mexican revolution had to do with workers’ rights. Spoiler: Many.
- Additional tip. If someone works on labor festival and you enjoy it, make a date. Show the appreciation of pesos, not the Platitudes.
- Observe the steps. It is a reminder that change often starts with a sign, a song and a pair of painful feet.
- Reflect. If you are lucky enough to rest, think of those who cannot. Not in a way of guilt, but in a way that makes you human.
The bottom line
The Labor Day in Mexico is not a party. It’s a break. Symbolic, often ignored in practice but powerful in principle. The day pays tribute to the people who build the country – literally. And although you do not feel the weight of this when you sip Cold Cerveza in 32 ° C, you might notice it if you stop scrolling long enough to watch a parade of worn shoes and proud hearts walking in the street.
Happy Labor Day. Remember who made your street accessible on foot.
Stephen Randall Comes in Mexico since 2018 by Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He is an enthusiastic amateur chief who is inspired by many different kitchens, with favorites such as Mexican and the Mediterranean.
