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Labor Day / May Day |
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May 1st is the celebration of May Day (Primero de Mayo) and Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) in Mexico and many industrialized nations around the world. Here in Mexico, Labor Day commemorates the Mexican worker's union movements on May 1st. In fact, unlike many federal government holidays, this is solely in support of the workers, not in recognition of a specific person or event. In particular, there is actually some meaning behind the federal observance of Labor Day, specifically, the 1906 Cananea, Sonora and the 1907 Rio Blanco, Veracruz, labor unrest and repression.
The 1906 labor unrest occurred in June of that year when a labor dispute erupted between the workers at the Cananea Consolidated Copper Company in Nogales, Sonora and a violent cross-border strike in Cananea that left more than 20 dead and dozens injured. The 1907 episode involved the Rio Blanco company stores and discontented workers that went on strike on January 7th and 8th that became a massacre now known as the Rio Blanco Strike.
Today, May 1st is a federally recognized holiday with all banks, schools, government offices, postal services and many stores and restaurants closed in observance of the Mexican workers. You will also find this day is used to peacefully protest against the companies where an employee works. This can result in generating better wages, health benefits, etc. for the workers. These peaceful protests are held in front of the company and/or sometimes in front of the town's city hall.
While visiting Cozumel on May 1st, feel free to relax and rest that day! While many shops do remain open, you will find some stores and restaurants closed and if you are planning on taking public transportation, you will want to check well in advance as some services will not be available or will be drastically reduced to observe this federal holiday!
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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