The 1st of May ,international workers day , is the holiday of working people throughout the world . In some countries there will be demonstrations ,marches and protests but in People’s Korea where the working people hold power there is no need to hold demonstrations or protests but instead celebrate their power and the existence of the people-centred socialist system . People’s Korea ,May Day is marked by mass meetings , games such as football and volleyball ,picnics and dances. May Day is an official public holiday in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and has been since 1946 . In the DPRK May Day is celebrated on the 1st of May and not on another date like some of the capitalist countries which tried to “de-politicise “ May Day by having the May Day holiday on the first Monday after the 1st of May . The USA even does not mark May Day but holds a “Labour Day “ in September to avoid any connection with what they see as a “communist holiday “.
Last year the Korean Central News Agency reported as follows about the May Day celebrations in the DPRK “ Officials of Party and power organs across the country significantly celebrated May Day together with working people.
Officials visited the production sites seething with the drive for increased production and congratulated the working class on the indomitable struggle to provide a springboard for the comprehensive national rejuvenation with sincere efforts and on their innovative successes.
Various sports and amusement games took place at the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, the Chonnaeri Cement Factory, the Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory, the Haeju Tractor Parts Factory and other industrial establishments across the country.
Working people's organizations in North Phyongan Province, Nampho Municipality and other local areas held meetings with persons of merit of the preceding generation and front-rankers in noble traits and meetings to follow their example.
Colorful performances were given at theatres and outdoor stages in the capital city to add to the festive mood.
The festive mood was revved up with art performances given in North Hwanghae, Jagang, Kangwon and South Hamgyong provinces and other parts of the country.
Many people spent a pleasant time at the Central Zoo, the Natural History Museum, the Munsu Water Park, a riding service base in Hamhung City and other cultural recreation grounds.
Diverse holiday services at he public catering units in Pyongyang and local areas including Okryu Restaurant, Chongryu Restaurant, and Kyongam Restaurant of Sariwon and Songdowon Restaurant of Wonsan delighted customer”
The famous British comedian Michael Palin in his documentary “ Michael Palin in North Korea “ made in 2018 which although it was hostile and from a liberal standpoint , included excellent coverage of May Day festivities on the Moran hill in Pyongyang .
This contrasts with the so-called “free democratic” capitalist countries of the West the life of workers is very bitter indeed. There is mass unemployment with very few decent jobs available (many are “zero hours contracts “ ),insecurity , poverty , long hours and massive social inequality . In the UK according the website statista.com 2.9 million food parcels were distributed to people who could not afford to buy food.Food prices are sky high and inflation is rising all the time Working hours have actually lengthened in countries like Britain . Housing is unaffordable for many workers . In London the rent of a modest 2 bedroom flat on the outer reaches of London is £1,600 per month and that excludes council tax ,energy and water bills.
In People’s Korea workers can celebrate May Day joyfully not only with the pride of being masters of power , masters of their proud socialist country but because of the great benefits of people-centred socialism such as free of charge housing , free education , free health and the abolition of taxation. In People’s Korea food is distributed almost free of charge ; when I was in the DPRK in October 2025 I was told that food costs only the equivalent of 0.3 dollars -about 20 pence in British money - per month.
The workers of the DPRK have plenty to celebrate on May Day , no doubt the fireworks will fly high into the sky of Pyongyang on May Day !
Long live May Day !
Long Live People’s Korea !
(Dr Dermot Hudson ,general chairman KFA UK/deputy editor /reviewer PKT )
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