Every year, on the first Monday of September, the United States pauses to celebrate Labor Day, a federal holiday honoring the contributions of workers to the country's growth. In 2026, it falls on Monday, September 7, and as always, millions of families take advantage of the long weekend to gather, travel, and say goodbye to summer. Canada celebrates its own Labour Day on the same date, so much of North America enjoys the holiday weekend together.

The Origin of Labor Day

The story of this holiday goes back to the late 19th century, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, when many American workers faced shifts of up to twelve hours, seven days a week. In that context, labor unions began organizing to demand better working conditions.

On September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day parade took place in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union: thousands of workers marched from City Hall to Union Square to celebrate a "workingmen's holiday." The idea quickly spread across the country, and in 1894 the U.S. Congress declared it a federal holiday, to be observed on the first Monday of September.

How Is Labor Day Celebrated?

Over time, Labor Day evolved from a day of union parades into a family and social celebration. Its most popular traditions include:

• Barbecues and picnics: it's one of the biggest grilling weekends of the year, alongside the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.
• Parades: many cities keep the original tradition alive with parades and community festivals.
• Last pool and beach days: for many families, it's the final chance to enjoy outdoor summer activities before fall arrives.
• Sales and discounts: retailers launch end-of-season promotions, especially on summer items.
• Back to school: in much of the country, the holiday coincides with the start of the school year, reinforcing its role as summer's closing chapter.

There's even a quirky old etiquette rule that says you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day —a tradition from early 20th-century high society that today is mentioned more as a joke than an actual fashion law.

The Long Weekend That Says Goodbye to Summer

If Memorial Day (in late May) marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, Labor Day marks its close. That's why it's one of the busiest travel weekends of the year: millions of people hit the roads and airports for one last summer getaway.

Beach destinations are among the top favorites for the holiday, and warm-weather coastal cities —like Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico's Pacific coast— welcome travelers every September looking to stretch summer just a few days longer, with the added bonus of a calmer atmosphere than during peak season.

Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a local parade, or a beach escape, Labor Day is much more than a day off: it's a tribute to those who build the country through their work, and a chance to bid farewell to summer in good company.

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