Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September. The origins of Labor Day began in the late 1800s, when workers in the United States were fighting for better working conditions. Back then, many people worked twelve-hour days, seven days week, often in unsafe factories.

The very first Labor Day Parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. Thousands of workers marched together to show unity and demand fair treatment from employers.

Early Labor Day parades often included giant banners that read things like, “8 Hours for Work, 8 Hours for Rest, 8 Hours for What We Will!”

Legend has it that in the middle of the first Labor Day celebration, a cook who was grilling hotdogs got a little too enthusiastic, and one hotdog flipped high into the air and landed right in the tuba of a marching band player! The crowd burst out laughing. The tuba player tried to keep playing, what came out was a very funny “toot.”

Why It Matters Today

The U.S. government created the holiday to honor the contributions of American workers—and to recognize how their efforts built the nation’s strength and prosperity. It’s a time to honor hard-working people across the country--and enjoy one last summer barbecue!