When is Labor Day 2024? Date, meaning, and why we celebrate

 

When is Labor Day 2024? Date, meaning, and why we celebrate

Labor Day 2024 falls on Monday, September 2nd. It is a federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the contributions and achievements of American workers. The holiday originated in the late 19th century during the labor movement’s push for better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours. The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It has since become a national holiday, marking not only workers’ rights but also the unofficial end of summer.

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday of September. This year, it falls on September 2.

Why is Labor Day celebrated?

Labor Day recognizes the achievements of the U.S. labor movement in the late 19th century. During this time, American workers began forming labor unions to advocate for better working conditions, reasonable hours, and fair wages.

The first Labor Day was observed on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, followed by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York later that year.

By the time President Grover Cleveland signed it into law as a federal holiday in 1894, 23 states had already adopted the holiday.

What are the most popular domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend 2024?

This year, many U.S. travelers are heading toward Seattle with bookings for the Emerald City up nearly 30% from last year, according to AAA’s booking data. Some will be continuing to Alaska, with Anchorage and Juneau also topping the list for the most popular U.S. end-of-summer destinations.

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruises,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”

What are the worst times to drive for Labor Day weekend 2024?

The roads will be most congested during the afternoons of Thursday, Aug. 29, and Friday, and early evening and morning of Saturday. Returning home from the long weekend, drivers can expect the worst traffic during the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday and the morning of Tuesday.

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a statement. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”

What are the best times to drive for Labor Day weekend 2024?

If you’re hoping to avoid traffic jams, plan to hit the road at night or the early morning. The best times to drive for Labor Day weekend are before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, before noon or after 7 p.m. on Friday, and after noon on Saturday.

When is Labor Day 2024? Date, meaning, and why we celebrate