Today is Labor Day in France (and most of the world in fact). It’s a special day here, the only day when the entire country stops working, and unlike the US where Labor Day marks buckling down and going back to school, it’s the unofficial start of summer here. Sundays, even though they are supposedly the day of rest, are different; although it’s against the law for most shops to be open, some still are, especially small, family run shops. Or boulangeries (French people do love their fresh bread!). Buses and trams still run, McDonalds is open until midnight and there is activity as normal in touristy areas.
But today is different- everything is closed, even the public transportation shuts down, at least in the city in which I live. It’s a day for people to be with their families, in parks or at home, a day to celebrate being able to work by taking some time off!
Another funny thing about today is that it’s the one day where people are legally allowed to sell things in the streets (not themselves, of course!), and political parties usually sell small bouquets of lily-of-the-valley to finance their work. France’s legal system considers that it protects small business owners and private individuals by not allowing people to sell things without the proper permits; garage sales are illegal for example, unless run by an association. So today really is special in a lot of ways.
I like this holiday quite a lot now that I have a car, and a house, and a family, and have something to do instead of being trapped at home all day wondering what to do! But I can imagine that, as many people that are happy about having the day off (and a three day weekend to boot), there still are others who feel that it’s just one more day to get through, and even worse, without the distraction of shopping, or being able to get around on public transport.
So, here’s to all who have jobs, and are able to take time off! And to those who don’t have that luxury, here’s to hoping that this time next year you’ll be able to celebrate the start of summer by wishing for a day off yourself.
Happy Labor Day!
What’s your favorite public holiday? When does summer start for you?
Subscribe by 
Get updates by
Follow us on 
Friend us on 
{ 4 comments }
Today is May Day here in the USA although not very many celebrate it anymore. As a child I remember receiving (and giving) gifts of flowers in homemade containers on my front porch. Such lovely memories.
<abbr>Nancy´s last blog post..April Showers Bring May (Day) Flowers</abbr>
Thanks for this post. I enjoy hearing about some of the differences between how we do things in the US and how things are done in other countries.
We’re actually heading into winter here now, and I’m feeling every drop of the thermostat – it’s freezing!
I’d have to say my favourite holiday is Chinese New Year because of the free “red pockets” I get from all my relatives – though it isn’t officially a public holiday here in Australia!
I've been sick, so I missed this post, but May 1st is May Day, and there was a small celebration I was looking forward to going to, but I wasn't feeling well so spent the day in bed. Still, I think it's interesting to compare how the U.S. celebrates something as opposed to another country. I don't think anything short of a state of emergency would shut down EVERYTHING in the U.S. Even the grocery stores are still open. And, that's weird that garage sales are illegal. Is commerce so slow that garage sales really make a difference to the merchants?
I am a bit lucky in the job that I have because I get the major holidays off. I'm even so fortunate as to have the day after Thanksgiving off – which, in banking I've never heard of before. But the reality is, it's one of the slowest days of the year. People are busy shopping.
Thanks for sharing and a happy start of the summer to you and yours!
<abbr>Kristy @ Master Your Card´s last blog post..Financial Maxims: In Your 30s</abbr>