Labour Day is celebrated on the First of May every year in Guyana. It is an international observance that commemorates the struggles of workers and their significant input into society. Labour Day originated in 1889 in Paris, where the first congress of the Second Socialists International meeting decided to celebrate, on an international scale, a Worker’s Day.

The First celebration of Labour Day in then, British Guiana was during the 1930’s. It was organized by the British Guiana Labour Union. The first parade commenced at Bourda Green and ended at Independence Park. Led by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the participants all wore red shirts and white pants or skirts. The colour red is representative of workers, fallen in past struggles.