Russia has celebrated May Day since 1917, but it was only proclaimed an international holiday in 1918. In 1928, the Labor Code was amended, and May 2 was declared an additional non-working International Day holiday. Although the holiday had its roots in ancient European spring celebrations, by 1904, the international labor movement had dedicated the day to the drive to establish an 8-hour work day. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens celebrated the law that established the shorter shift; previously, workers had toiled for as many as 10-16 hours every day.
A physical fitness parade in Red Square on International Workers' Solidarity Day, 1969
A festive demonstration of workers in Red Square on May 1, 1976
Young Soviet people during the May Day demonstration in Moscow, 1959
Physical fitness parade in Red Square, dedicated to International Workers' Solidarity Day. Moscow, May 1, 1936
Physical fitness parade through Moscow's Red Square, dedicated to International Workers' Solidarity Day. May 1, 1972
Participants in festive celebrations in honor of the International Day of Workers' Solidarity in Moscow, 1968
Participants in festive celebrations in honor of the International Day of Workers' Solidarity in Moscow, 1968
At the May Day demonstration in Moscow, 1964
A physical fitness parade in Red Square, dedicated to the International Workers' Solidarity Day. Moscow, May 1, 1976
A participant of the May Day demonstration, a student of School #492 in Moscow in a Georgian national costume, 1969
Participants of the May Day demonstration of workers on Red Square, 1960
Physical fitness parade in Red Square, dedicated to International Workers' Solidarity Day. Moscow, May 1, 1969
Military parade in Red Square in Moscow on May 1, 1967
Physical fitness parade in Moscow's Red Square, dedicated to International Workers' Solidarity Day. May 1, 1973
Column of athletes in Red Square, celebrating International Workers' Solidarity Day. May 1, 1970.
Musicians of the orchestra of the workers. A festive demonstration in Red Square on International Workers' Solidarity Day. May 1, 1969.
Festive columns of demonstrators in Red Square in Moscow, May 1, 1984
