Today is May Day and all government offices and most businesses will be closed.

Known as International Workers Day in many parts of the world, the holiday is often marked by protests with social and economic undertones, such as the pot-banging rallies scheduled for this morning in downtown San José.

Though the United States commemorates Labor Day on the first Monday in September, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica will observe May Day and be closed.

The Tic o Times is open today.