On Monday, the United States and Canada observe Labor Day, a holiday held on the first Monday of September in both countries. The day traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer, as vacations wind down and students return to school.

The U.S. Embassy and Consular Section in Pavas, San José, is closed today in observance of Labor Day. The embassy will reopen on Tuesday, with public hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Canadian Embassy in Sabana, San José, will remain open and follow its regular schedule.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the power of collective action by workers, who are essential to the functioning of society. The holiday, part of what is known as Labor Day Weekend, is recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.

“Beginning in the late 19th century, as trade unions and labor movements grew, unionists proposed setting aside a day to recognize labor,” the U.S. Department of Labor said.

The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor. Oregon became the first U.S. State to officially recognize the holiday in 1887. By the time Labor Day was designated a federal holiday in 1894, 30 states were already marking the day.

In Canada, Labor Day has been a statutory public holiday since 1894, though its origins date back to an April 1872 labor demonstration in Toronto. The protest, supporting striking printers, led directly to the Trade Unions Act, which legally recognized unions. Canadian unions, linked to the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, helped promote public observances on the first Monday of September.

By contrast, Costa Rica observes Labor Day on May 1, in line with International Workers’ Day.

Some other English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, recognize workers’ rights on the first Monday of May as a public holiday.