May 1st has always stood for solidarity, co-determination, safe working conditions and the inseparable link between work and dignity. As Labour Day and, for decades, the start of the Ruhrfestspiele festival, it reminds us that social progress is always achieved together. We celebrate this special day with culture, encounters and political engagement, and open the Ruhrfestspiele 2026 festival.The complete programme will be available in good time here and on the day of the cultural festival in the May Day newspaper.