Primo Maggio (literally, the first of May) is the Italian version of an international observance. And, it may surprise some to learn that Primo Maggio memorializes an American event. May Day has, since the late 19th century, been International Workers Day, inaugurated to recognize the martyrs of Haymarket Square in 1886.

It was brought to Barre more than 100 years ago by immigrants who came to the Granite City to work in the stone trades. At one time there were Primo Maggio celebrations in immigrant communities throughout America. Today, the only surviving observance harkening back to the festivity's origins may well be in Barre.

Read more

Source: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/