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Anytime you celebrate Labor Day on May 1 in Czechia and Prague, also called May Day, take a break and find some love. This International Workers鈥� Day is recognized around the world and in Prague, it presents a unique twist for Czech lovers. Couples head to Pet艡铆n Hill and kiss under the blooming cherry trees on this day.

Is it Love or Labor?

The historic achievements of the Labor Movement acknowledged in more than 80 countries worldwide are equally significant in the Czech Republic and Prague. The celebration’s origin dates back to May 4, 1886. American workers walked out in Chicago, demanding an 8-hour working time.

In Czech, it was first celebrated in 1890 spearheaded by the workers’ movement and the social democratic party. Before the Velvet Revolution of 1989 which ended the communist regime, Czechs were forced to join massive socialist May Day parades.

Afterward, the significance of May 1 as a day to celebrate love was embraced following the end of the communist regime. Further, The long-standing tradition of May as a month of love in Czech history precedes communism.

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In Prague today, kissing under the blooming cherry trees of Pet艡铆n Hill is a 鈥渕ust-do鈥� for some Czechs. The origin of this cultural practice is connected to a poem by the acclaimed Czech poet, Karel Hynek M谩cha. He is considered a poet of all lovers in the country. M谩cha鈥檚 sculpture in Prague Pet艡铆n grounds invites lovers to spend some pleasant time together, on this hillside part of the city.

Poem May by Karel Hynek M谩cha: “Late evening, on the first of May鈥� The twilit May鈥攖he time of love鈥�”

You can find the entire poem .

Moreover, ancient legends have it that, girls who are not kissed on this day would wither and die within twelve months. It is also believed that kissing in front of M谩cha鈥檚 statue makes a couple’s love as strong as the stone of the sculpture.

In the countryside, May Day celebrations include erecting decorated maypoles and holding village balls. Students in cities like Prague organize Maj谩les, processions that represent a celebration of student life. Also, political party meetings and nationwide parades are other ways Labor Day is marked across the Czech Republic and Prague.

In 2024, Labor Day falls on a Wednesday and is officially recognized as a public holiday in the Czech Republic. Happy Labor Day!