Primo Maggio Concert in Rome

1º May marks the celebration of La Festa dei Lavoratori or Labor Day in Italy. Also known as May Day, the Primo Maggio has long symbolized the workers that came before - establishing the rights we enjoy today to safe working conditions and 8 hour days. One of the largest events that takes place every 1st of May is the Primo Maggio Concert in Rome. The grand annual event draws crowds of over 700,000 to a music festival in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano and dates back to 1990 when 3 major labor unions (CGIL, CISL and UIL) in Italy decided to hold a concert in celebration of the worker’s day. The concert combines a mix of well-known Italian rock and pop bands with some international artists such as Iron Maiden in 1993, Alanis Morissette in 2000 and Robert Plant and Oasis in 2002. Even if you don’t know any of the groups performing, it’s a great way to witness one of the largest outdoor Italian concerts and the chance to listen to some good music. This year’s concert will be hosted by Italian comedian Geppi Cucciari. Among the performing artists Oscar winner Nicola Piovani, Daniele Silvestri, Vinicio Capossella, Elio e le Storie Tese and many other. The concert officially starts a 3pm and runs through midnight, it is nationally televised on RAI 3 and can also be followed on-line: http://www.primomaggio.com