what is labor day?

Labor Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States (and Canada) on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of workers and the labor movement. It originated in the late 19th century with labor union activities and was first observed with a parade held in New York City on September 5, 1882. Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer in the U.S., often celebrated with parades, picnics, and gatherings. It became a federal holiday in 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation making the first Monday of September an official holiday for workers. The holiday is distinct from International Workers' Day (May Day) celebrated in many other countries, which has socialist origins, while Labor Day was established in the U.S. to honor workers without those associations.