I travel every year in Italy but generally in March/April so this is the first time I have ever had to deal with their Labor Day. May 1st is on a Tuesday. I will be in Florence where normally there is a very large Flea Market in the Cascine. I go to Italy for my business and am dependent on the Market for my business in Italy - at least for some of it. I cannot find anywhere that says this market will or won't be happening on May 1. There are plenty of other things to do in Florence on that day, but I need to go to that Market while in Italy. Does anyone have any information about whether or not Flea Markets happen on major holidays in Italy. Thanks....

The Market is known as Mercato delle Cascine which last various days which is not to be confused with Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market in English) which is actually in the city at Piazza dei Ciompi.

The market will definitely be open on the firts of May as the traders are not so stupid to close down on such a big trading day. Labour day is historically linked with trade unions and others on the left. Market traders are hardly trade unionists!

Not really sure this is a definitive answer as I was in Barcelona when markets were supposed to be open and they weren't. As far as the market in Ciompi, I know it well, I lived down the street for a time 15 years ago... I know the difference in the markets, and although I feel your comment is trying go make me feel stupid, I know that Italians do also very much enjoy their days off. I am also aware of the which government and museums (all) and archeological sites will be closed I did NOT get a definitive answer to this question at all....

terrasong7 - although I feel your comment is trying go make me feel stupid

Not the case. If you want a definitive answer why not send an email to the Florence Tourist office (ex APT) at [email protected] or [email protected]

Thank you.... for the info and as far as the stupid part, it has been very difficult to find an answer to this question and I know people that have been part of the supermercato centrale and they cannot find a definitive answer. Your reply did have a bit of arrogance to it, sorry, but it did. I will try the e-mails you suggested - again I thank you,