Happy 1st of May! Today is a national holiday in Austria and we celebrate two things – Tag der Arbeit (Labour Day) and the tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)!

Labour Day honours workers’ rights and the labour movement. It started in 1890 with big marches demanding an 8-hour workday and better conditions for workers. Since 1919, it has been an official national holiday.

The maypole isn’t related – it’s an old folk tradition to welcome spring and just happens to be on the same day. Towns and villages raise that tall tree and celebrate with music, dancing and fun competitions, which include climbing to the top or even stealing the tree from another village!