When is Labor Day and why do we celebrate the holiday? What to know

Labor Day, the annual celebration of American workers, is around the corner.

For many, the holiday signals the last hurrah of summer. Labor Day is observed in the U.S. each year on the first Monday in September. It has been a federal holiday since 1894, which means some government services, schools and stores will be closed.

Here's what to know about Labor Day.

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 4, this year.

Why do we celebrate Labor Day?

Labor Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The holiday was first observed in the 1880s by labor activists and individual states. It became a federal holiday in 1894.

Both Peter McGuire and Matthew Maguire have been credited with the idea, the Department of Labor states. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, suggested a holiday for laborers in 1882. Other research shows Maguire, then-secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, also proposed the holiday that year.

Is there school on Labor Day?

Since Labor Day is a federal holiday, most public and private schools have the day off.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is Labor Day and why do we celebrate the holiday? What to know