May Day

Art by Stina Sunesson

The celebration of May Day has a long pagan history in northern Europe. The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times, with the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. 

In Sweden we still celebrate Walpurgis Night on the last night of April by lighting bonfires all over the country to break the grip of winter. May Day is then celebrated as the first day of spring.

Poster for the May Day demonstration 2009 by Stina Wollter

The 1st day of May has also been an important part of Swedish 19th century history since it was declared as the International Workers Day in 1890 by the Second International. 

The day has been celebrated by the Swedish Social Democratic Party, other left wing parties and the trade unions since 1890 by demonstrations in every town with any pride in the country. It was made a public holiday in Sweden in 1938. 

The May Day demonstrations are still an important part of Swedish politics and the leaders of the social democratic and left-wing parties use the May Day to discuss their politics.