Día del Trabajador: Spain’s Labour Day

Heads up: the day after tomorrow, Thursday, is 1 May — and that means in Spain: shops closed, bureaucracy quieter than ever, and not a plumber in sight.

Last year, on 1 May, I tried to pop into the supermarket in Valencia — only to find the doors shut. And not just there. The bakery, the pharmacy, the ferretería, even the local Chinese takeaway — all closed. That’s the power of Día del Trabajador — Spain’s Labour Day. Even in a country where “mañana” is a legitimate scheduling tool, this public holiday arrives with extra conviction.

So what exactly are we celebrating on 1 May?

Día del Trabajador is Spain’s version of International Workers’ Day — a holiday rooted in the 19th-century labour movement. What began as a day of protest for fair working hours, decent wages, and social rights has evolved in Spain into an official public holiday with a double meaning: on the one hand, a tribute to the working class; on the other, a perfect excuse to… do absolutely nothing.

To protest or to relax?

In big cities like Madrid, Valencia or Málaga, you’ll still see marches and protests on 1 May — with unions and activists calling for higher wages, better working conditions or fairer policies. But let’s be honest: for most Spaniards, it’s above all a day off. If possible, it becomes a puente — a long weekend — spent having a barbecue with family or a relaxing day at the beach. And who can blame them?

A holiday with a wink

What makes this day so uniquely Spanish is the relaxed approach to it. While some countries use 1 May for strikes or demonstrations, many Spaniards take a different stance: “We celebrate work… by not working at all.” There’s something beautifully ironic about it — a collective siesta in honour of labour. And maybe that’s exactly what suits the Spanish mindset.

The mañana mindset in action

Día del Trabajador is, in many ways, the official holiday of the mañana culture. Because while work is sacred in many other countries, in Spain it’s okay to take it down a notch now and then. Work matters, sure — but so do life, familia, comida, tranquilidad. So if you still need to do your shopping or have an appointment at the town hall… well, mañana it is.

What should you watch out for?

On 1 May, almost all shops, offices and public services are closed across Spain. In tourist areas, some supermarkets or restaurants may stay open — but don’t count on it. Check opening times in advance — and chill that bottle of cava today, just to be safe.