May 1, 2020 celebrations in France
The first of May is a very special holiday in France. On May 1, it is the May Day (La Fete du Muguet) and Labor Day (La Fete du Travail).
Schools, offices, banks, businesses, and museums are usually closed. The perfect way to celebrate these holidays with French people is en Plein air. Due to the COVID-19 situation in France, this year we can only focus on remember why such festivities are important to celebrate. Here is why people celebrate May 1 in France.
Why people celebrate May 1 in France
While the Fete du Travail is the celebration of workers’ rights, the Fete du Muguet is the possibility to give Muguet or dog rose flowers to the dear ones.
History of France’s May Day
The first of May is May Day celebration. Even if it is a French holiday, it was inspired by a strike held in Chicago, in 1886. That day, 35000 workers quit their jobs to start actively fighting for an 8-hour workday. May Day became a holiday in France in 1941. It had been established with the main purpose.
May 1st in France, Fete du Muguet
The Fete du Muguet is celebrated on May 1, 2020, as for Labour’s Day. On May 1, French people give bouquets of lilies to family and friends, or as a gesture of appreciation. If you want to celebrate the Fete du Muguet, make your bouquet with 13 bells to have extra luck!
According to history, French people celebrate the Fete du Muguet because, on May 1, 1561, King Charles IX of France was presented with lily of the valley flowers. Since then, giving valley flowers to people on May 1st is a tradition. Now you know why this flower is associated with May since Celtic times! On 1 May 2020, a queen of Muguet will be elected on the Facebook page of the Agglomeration de la Region de Compiégne.
