TIRANA, May 1 – International Workers’ Day, observed on 1 May, began with the 1886 labour protests in the United States, where workers demanded greater rights. The day later spread across Europe and beyond and became a symbol of labour movements.
In Albania, International Workers’ Day first took place in 1905 in Shkodër, when the country was still under the Ottoman Empire. A group of young people and workers marched through the city and gathered near the Mes Bridge. They delivered speeches and discussed workers’ rights, which marked the start of organised labour activity.
The tradition continued in 1907 with another demonstration in Shkodër. Participants carried red scarves and marched behind a sign marked “1 May”. This moment strengthened the symbolic value of the day and helped spread its observance to other cities.
After Albania’s independence, and during the rule of Ahmet Zogu, people continued to mark the day through different forms of gathering. In 1946, authorities officially recognised it as a public holiday.
During the communist period, International Workers’ Day became one of the largest annual public events. Large parades and organised activities took place across the country, especially in Tirana. Workers, students and institutions took part in coordinated displays, while the leadership of the Party of Labour of Albania appeared in central tribunes.
Today, International Workers’ Day in Albania focuses on employment, professional development and workers’ rights. Trade unions and labour groups organise activities and gatherings. These events highlight the role of workers in the country’s development and keep attention on labour standards and economic participation.
/RTI/
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