Bangladeshi diaspora brings colour to Michigan’s Labour Day parade

The city of Hamtramck in Michigan came alive over the weekend as thousands gathered for the 45th annual Labour Day Festival, a three-day celebration that blended tradition, culture and community spirit.

Held from Saturday to Monday (30 August–1 September), the festival transformed Joseph Campau Street in downtown Hamtramck into a hub of entertainment. From midday until late evening, visitors enjoyed food stalls, shopping booths, musical performances, carnival rides and even wrestling contests – drawing crowds from across the state.

The highlight came on the final day with a colourful parade. Social and cultural groups marched through the streets, cheered on by spectators waving from the pavements.

Among the most striking participants this year were Bangladeshi expatriates, who brought a distinctive South Asian flair to the event. Dressed in traditional attire and carrying both Bangladeshi and American flags, they performed patriotic songs accompanied by dhol, harmonium, kartal and other instruments. Children lining the streets were treated to sweets and candies handed out by the community groups.

The parade also drew local leaders, including Hamtramck’s former mayor Karen Majewski, who joined Bangladeshi groups in the procession.

The Labour Day Festival, now a hallmark of Hamtramck’s cultural calendar, once again highlighted the city’s rich diversity – with the Bangladeshi diaspora adding a rhythm and colour of their own.