It’s the king of all long weekends — it’s Labour Day!
This holiday, which celebrates the achievements of workers, falls this year on Monday, September 6. The origins of Labour Day in Canada are deeply rooted, with the first such observance occurring way back in 1894. Closely related to the American Labour Day holiday, the Canadian version was also born out of the labour union movement of the day, which demanded a reduction in working hours to eight per day.
Interestingly, it is only Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico which celebrate Labour Day in September. Almost the entire rest of the world celebrates International Workers Day instead, which occurs on May 1.
As the unofficial closing weekend of summer (which actually isn’t for two weeks later), Labour Day carries a host of meanings. It’s the last holiday before schools re-open for the fall, and it’s the famous fashion dateline which dictates, “one must not wear white after Labour Day.”
Here in Toronto, it’s the date of the annual Canadian Football League (CFL) clash between the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (a.k.a. the “Labour Day Classic”) with the location alternating between cities each season. This game, which carries a great deal of importance and pride to locals, has been played since 1949 – that’s nine years before the league was officially created!
Other traditions include the annual Labour Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. In fact, Labour Day 2021 has been earmarked as the date when many Toronto gatherings and events can finally resume after also being cancelled last year.
And who could forget the barbecues, road trips, beaches, fireworks, music, beers, and many other elements of Labour Day which make it a truly special Canadian holiday!
Adamo Nest wishes everyone a safe and happy Labour Day long weekend!
