Labour Day in Belgium
View the global Labour Day guide
Labour Day is Belgium’s statutory 1 May holiday, called Dag van de Arbeid or Fête du Travail. Its employment treatment comes from federal holiday law, while particular marches or events require separate evidence.
Labour Day
Holiday
Belgium
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
May
01
May 1, 2026
Labour Day Date in Belgium
Date
May 1, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Labour Day Dates in Belgium
Labour Day 2026
- Confirmed
Labour Day 2027
- Confirmed
Labour Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Labour Day
Belgium’s statutory Labour Day falls on 1 May and reflects the modern labour movement. It is distinct from the country’s National Day in July.
Importance of Labour Day
The fixed 1 May holiday links the labour calendar with Belgium’s statutory paid-holiday regime.
How Labour Day Is Celebrated in Belgium
Labour organizations may use 1 May for public activity, while others treat it as a day of rest. The federal employment rules govern holiday work but do not mandate an event programme.
Office Impact
Private-sector workers generally may not be employed on this statutory holiday, except where Belgian law permits Sunday work. The employer owes holiday remuneration and, where applicable, compensatory rest or a substitute day under the federal rules.
Bank Impact
The National Bank of Belgium publishes its own closure calendar and lists this observance for 2026. Commercial-bank hours and payment-system availability should be checked separately because the NBB list is not a universal retail-bank schedule.
School Impact
Belgium’s education calendars are community-specific. Families should consult the calendar for the relevant Flemish, French-speaking or German-speaking system and the individual school.
Travel Information
The statutory status of 1 May does not establish one nationwide transport schedule. Consult the operator serving the intended route.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Labour Day in Belgium?
It is observed on 1 May.
Is working prohibited?
Work is prohibited in principle, with exceptions where Sunday work is legally permitted.
What are the Belgian names?
Dag van de Arbeid and Fête du Travail.