Labour Day 2026 and 2027 in Benin
Labour Day is celebrated in Benin as a national public holiday. It is observed on 1 May as in most other countries around the world, but the date of observance can be moved sometimes to create a long weekend.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 May | Fri | Labour Day |
| 2027 | 1 May | Sat | Labour Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
The origin of the holiday is the 4 May 1886 Haymarket Massacre during a labour protest in Chicago, USA. As the world industrialised in the mid to late 1800’s, the dismal working conditions in many factories led to a protest movement.
The Haymarket Massacre became a key moment in the movement, leading to the establishment of Labour Day, then called “International Workers Day”, to demand things like an 8-hour work day, safer working conditions, and increased pay.
In Benin, there are often organised marches by labour unions on Labour Day. For most workers, Labour Day is a welcome day off and a chance to spend extra time with family and friends.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 May | Thu | Labour Day |
| 2024 | 1 May | Wed | Labour Day |