Spring and Labor Day in Russia

Before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, May 1st was a symbol of class struggle in Russia, and workers would hold protests on this day. It became known as the "Day of International Solidarity" in 1918, where cities across Soviet Russia would hold parades and obligatory workers' marches, until 1990. In 1992, the Russian parliament renamed this day "Spring and Labor Day". Now, Spring and Labor day is a public holiday where people relax and may go to their country homes (the дача). People may do some work in their gardens, or spend time with their families. Many families go on picnics and barbecues, and men give spring flowers to women, mostly tulips and lilacs. This day also celebrates the end of the cold season in Russia.