I have read that May 1 is Labor Day in Spain and wondered what the implication of this is for the travellers since I will be there on that day. I noticed another Fodorite posting the same question with no response. Help, anyone?

Hi Leburta,

May 1 is a Holiday throughout Europe. Many, if not most, places will be closed.

Time to celebrate. May Day is as old as time - but nowadays associated with socialism - without which western europe would not be what it is (we like our welfare systems on the whole, and the fact that we still have them should be celebrated). If there's nowt open, just take a walk wherever you are.

Hi
we were in Madrid last year for May 1st & 2nd and it's a double bank holiday.
Restaurants & bars will all be open in major cities as it's boom time for business and there's plenty of music in the streets and bouncy castles etc for adults & kids alike. Tourist attractions were all open & hotels are often at full capacity.

The downside is that most shops will be closed for the two day period - which was a bit of a bugger as we were there for our wedding anniversary and wanted to buy each other presents

May 1st is May Day in almost every European Country except Britain. Instead of every worker getting the day off here, we get riots in the centre of London by the Greenpeace 'warriors' who generally hate anything that is successful, and definatly anything that is American. McDonalds are usually boarded up, many shops close, and London is usually a no go area for tourists.

May 3rd is the May Day Bank Holiday in the UK.

Leburta,
I'm probably the one you're talking about who was posing this question before.
I didn't get any answers, but I've been checking websites of various places trying to figure out what might be open.

Where in Spain will you be that day?

Glynn_Williams - that is the biggest load of *** I've heard in a long time. And I don't detect any irony. Are my antennae wearing out?

alice13 - Excuse me?? What part of that is a load of rubbish then?

It is correct that there are riots in the centre of London on Mayday. It is also correct that large, successful (usually American) firms board their windows up for fear of their stores being smashed up. It is also correct that London is usually a no go area for tourists, simply because it is not safe. Living in the UK, and being to London many times, l would not go into central London on Mayday for the specific reason of the riots.

Finally, the groups involved are usually Greenpeace, and other groups who have the same aim in life.

So finally, please tell me what part of my statement is incorrect, since l can find none of it being wrong.