Every year on May 1, Berlin comes alive with its annual May Day celebrations. For over two decades, this eagerly awaited event has seen the city burst into leftist protests, street parties, and open-air raves. May Day, possibly the most ‘Berlin’ day there is, is a unique, politically charged celebration that heralds the start of summer with a literal bang. Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating May Day in Berlin.
The Origins of May Day
On paper, May Day might not seem like the most exciting festival in Germany. Officially marking Labour Day, it’s a time when trade unions and the Social Democrats organize rallies and protests, often fueled by cheap beer, hearty German food, and long speeches. However, in the German capital, this tradition is taken to another level with massive leftist demonstrations, with throngs of people dancing at open-air parties and an incomparable energy of rebellion, chaos, and anarchy.
Kreuzberg is the original epicenter for the day, with the SO 36 district and the Kottbusser Tor area transforming into a war zone as protesters clash violently with police. Much of this revolutionary attitude was born out of the historic events on May 1, 1987.
On this day, the atmosphere among leftist groups was already tense due to a series of government and police crackdowns. Initially, the May Day celebrations were peaceful, until the police forced new social groups, mainly those perceived as extreme-left, to leave the trade union’s demonstration. A riot broke out, and the police were forced to retreat from the SO36 area, as protesters overturned an empty police car. They then used construction vehicles and parked cars to create barricades in the entire area, which were then set on fire. Anti-fascism and anarchy engulfed the area, marking a turning point in the city’s history. Today, the atmosphere is subdued in comparison, however, there is still an energy of rebellion, violent protest, and anti-establishment in the air.
What to Expect
Today, May Day signals two opposing festivals in Kreuzberg. There is May Day of the violent, leftist protests, and Myfest, a peaceful street party, and the two celebrations come together, bringing a day of unrivaled partying and energy to the city. Next to concert stages, Marxist speeches and chants will erupt, and at a few of the local bars, you’ll receive a free beer or shot if you’re able to recite one by heart. On this day, locals and visitors take to the streets of Kreuzberg, with a beer in hand and excitement around them to immerse themselves in Berlin’s sought-after edge.
Political chants will meld into the melodic thump of techno, as stages, impromptu raves, and food vendors set up around the area to help create one huge street party. Attendees can enjoy the best of both festivals by starting out at a protest and ending the night at a rave, or they can opt purely to enjoy the debauchery of Myfest. On May Day, Kreuzberg is yours for the taking, and visitors can immerse themselves in the liberal attitude however they see fit.
Where to Go
The place to be on May Day is Kreuzberg. If you aren’t interested in protesting, you can head to Oranienstraße or Görlitzer Park to enjoy the open-air raves and the Myfest street party. Otherwise, Kottbusser Tor is a hotspot for protest and anti-establishment attitudes. All are welcome to join in, but remember these groups mean business and the ‘extreme-left’ are there to protest just about everything. So, if you want to yell ‘f•ck the system’ at the top of your lungs, head on over; otherwise, enjoy the peaceful parties just a few streets back. However, if large crowds, thumping music, and leftism isn’t your thing, it’s best to stay out of the area. Central neighborhoods of Berlin, like Mitte, will be rather quiet, and you can enjoy the public holiday in your own, relaxed style.
May Day demonstration marching through the quarters of Kreuzberg and Neukolln, Berlin
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