I've been getting conflicting stories from Tuscans' regarding the May 1st holiday. Some say much is still open around touristy areas and most wineries and small villages shut down. Any experience with this Italian holiday?

It's not an Italian holiday. It's probably the most widely celebrated holiday throughout the world - Labour Day.

I would expect many, many things to be closed throughout Italy and the rest of Europe.

I didn't realize it was outside of Italy we celebrate on September 1 in Canada. So, its safe to assume that all government/schools and so on are closed. But, tourist attractions and restaurants are open.

We were there May 1st of last year and had planned for that day to be the day we visited Montepulciano...big mistake!!! We got into a horrible traffic jam driving into the village - all of Tuscany seemed to have turned out for their festivities so we somehow escaped and drove to Pienza where all the shops and restaurants were open. It was a bit crowded but very enjoyable - while we were strolling through the streets - a group of tractors decked out in flags began rumbling through the pedestrian only center, followed by a marching band made up of all ages...it was such fun. So I think it's kind of hit and miss - I'd try to be flexible about my schedule for that day. And I must add that they tend to celebrate a very long weekend and many Italians are out enjoying their holiday so crowds can be heavy.

Actually, I just looked back in my journal and I believe that there is also a Liberazione celebration which is commemorated about a week prior to the May 1st Labor Day holiday...many of the Italians take off for the entire period in between and that's why it can get so crowded. We didn't notice however a lot of closings that affected our sightseeing during that period.