When is Labor Day 2024? Here's why it's a national holiday

As the air begins to crisp and the first hints of autumn emerge, Labor Day weekend marks a transition from summer’s warmth to fall’s embrace, offering a final celebration of summer while nodding to the hard-working spirit that shaped our nation.

When is Labor Day?

Celebrated each year on the first Monday of September, the national holiday takes place on Sept. 2 this year.

Why is Labor Day celebrated?

Labor Day is celebrated to recognize the achievements of the United States labor movement in the late 19th Century when American workers began to form labor unions and advocate for better working conditions, reasonable hours and fair wages, according to USA TODAY.

The first Labor Day was observed on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, followed by four more states that year — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

By the time President Grover Cleveland signed it into law as a federal holiday in 1894, 23 states had adopted the holiday.

Labor Day Deals in 2024

Labor Day also brings with it some of the best deals of the season and you can get first dibs on the lowest prices by shopping Walmart Labor Day deals available right now. When it comes to Labor Day sales, Walmart knows what they're doing—you can save up to 65% on tech, home goods, kitchen appliances, seasonal items and more with today's early holiday markdowns.

See deals and sales: Walmart Labor Day deals have arrived! Save up to 65% on Beautiful, Dreo and more

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Labor Day 2024? Here's why it's a national holiday