My husband and I enjoyed a wonder vacation in Rome last September and are returning the end of April. I recently discoved that May 1 is Labor Day in Italy. As tourists, what can we expect on that day? Will all businesses be closed, i.e. restaurants and shops? Any suggestions on what a tourist can do on Labor Day in Italy? Thanks!

It's a bit early to tell you what to do (exibitions and so on). The only thing we can say is the big open-air concert organized by the trade unions at Piazza San Giovanni. Hundreds of boys and girls gather there from early morning. Timetable of buses and trams last year was 8.30-13.30/ 16.30-21.
What about going off the beaten track (for ex .the beautiful Quartiere Coppedè) Villa Torlonia with its nice Limonaia (greenhouse for lemon trees),Villa Ada and so on?

I'm not familiar with Quartiere Coppede or Villa Torlonia. They sound wonderful as we are looking to stay away from the large crowds and go off the beaten path. Can you tell me roughly where they are located?
Will shops and restaurants be open? I'm can imagine that there is always food available in Italy. Thanks for your response!

Hi
I will suggest to buy a weekly magazine called Roma c'e' ( it is only something like 1 Euro ) however it is all in Italian and it tells all what happens tat week in Rome.
About quartiere coppede'
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/decor/decorating/style-1.asp

Ps I am sure Gabriella e' Italiana e for 'Hundreds of boys and girls' shw actually means 'Hundreds of young man and young women'
Centinaia di Ragazzi e Ragazze .... E' vero Gabriella ?
Paolo

Yes I am Italian, but I meant VERY young people. If you have ever seen what they are able to do just to see their singers!! They stand for hours, sometimes from early morning to 11pm.