Depending on where you are in the world, May 1 can mean different things to different people. Some cultures recognize May 1 as May Day, while others know it as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day. International Workers Day commemorates the 1886 Chicago Haymarket riot, a public assembly during a general strike for the eight-hour workday that turned violent. Dating back to the 1820s, May Day was a Celtic celebration marking the six weeks between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. In many European countries, Labor Day has become synonymous with International Workers’ Day, a day during which to celebrate workers’ achievements. Its origins lie in the eight-hour work day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours of rest.

In the late 20th century, many people began reconstructing pagan traditions and designated May Day as a celebration of spring. Here in the Twin Cities, the MayDay parade put on by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) was first held in the 1970s. The essence of this parade is rooted in the local community and contemporary issues, as well as visions for a better world.

We look forward to this April, when all SEED round-ups at the co-op will benefit the production of In the Heart of the Beast’s 42nd annual MayDay Parade and Festival. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the preservation of a vital South Minneapolis event. This event brings together 1,200 volunteers to build and stage a parade and pageant welcoming spring and inspiring positive change for 50,000 participants and spectators. This year’s MayDay parade will be held Sunday, May 1, at noon. It will start at the intersection of E. 25th St. and Bloomington Ave. S. and end in Powderhorn Park. Following the parade is the Tree of Life Ceremony in the park that goes until dusk. Stop by the Co-op Creamery Café for brunch or either of the stores on your way to the MayDay events to gather all of your snacks and goodies. The full itinerary of the events can be found here.