Last weekend, Berlin was granted some beautiful weather which was perfect as the city was celebrating Labor Day, also known as May Day. Every year on May 1st, many European countries celebrate laborers, the working classes, and the struggles and success of unions throughout history, just like we celebrate ours in September. The US Department of Labor Blog explains that "In 1889, an international federation of socialists and trade unions in Europe decided to create a similar holiday: International Workers’ Day (or Labour Day) to be celebrated on May 1 of each year, a tradition that continues to this day in more than 60 countries." (https://blog.dol.gov/2022/08/19/labor-day-around-the-world). The public holiday in Germany is known as Tag Der Arbeit, which means Day of Work in English, but in Berlin, there is a special meaning to May Day and it originates from the events that took place in 1987. At the time, Kreuzberg (a neighborhood in Berlin), was a poor neighborhood that can be categorized by migrants, guest workers, artists, and students. On May 1st, riots broke out between many leftists and police, ending in flames and destruction of the neighborhood - this is called a Kiezaufstand - or neighborhood uprising. Since then, the May Day celebrations have changed and shifted multiple times but are nevertheless filled with passionate people and groups of activists demonstrating. On the other hand, MyFest is celebrated on May 1st as well and was established in 2003 to counteract the violent demonstrations with peaceful celebrations including music, dancing, and food.
Since May Day is a public holiday in Berlin, my friends and I decided to head over to Oranienplatz to see what was going on. Our school sent out an email that read:
"We would like to remind you that Germany’s Labor Day is coming soon: May 1st. It is an official holiday, so most shops are going to be closed. The IES Abroad Berlin Center is closed as well.
There might supposedly be demonstrations going on throughout the city. Although most of the demonstrations are peaceful, some can get dangerous, especially those taking place in the evening. Use your common sense and avoid getting involved in any demonstrations.
Please notice the CISI alert below: Germany (Severity - Low): Workers' organizations plan demonstrations in multiple cities on May 1 to mark Labor Day"
This email speaks to the political landscape of Berlin, as it has always been a city filled with multiple viewpoints and contrasting beliefs. Even after the unification, activist groups will show up for what they are passionate about even if it could get violent. I believe this culture also parallels American culture in a way, as there have always been political protests and demonstrations throughout our history too. Up until this day, large activist groups come together to celebrate and demonstrate issues like abortion rights, women's rights, police brutality, gun control, etc. Protests have also turned violent as well where stores have been looted and set aflame. This shows that although countries may have contrasting political landscapes, people and societies act together, and standing up for what you believe in has no borders.
We entered the celebrations and there were a lot of people outside sitting on the grass, food vendors, music, and dancing. Although there was a police presence, it wasn't overwhelming (yet). We grabbed some Indian food and sat in the grassy area while a group of women dressed in traditional clothing performed a dance. I could not make out from which culture they belonged but my friends and I guessed Syria or some other middle eastern country. They dance and sang while being surrounded by a crowd of interested spectators. After, we headed over to. a stage where performers were singing and dancing in front of a large crowd. The performers sang Turkish, Italian, Spanish, and so many other types of music. After a while, we decided to walk home because we did not want to be involved in the demonstrations if they did turn violent. All in all, May Day seemed more like a festival than a violent demonstration, but we also left early in the day and did not see what the night held so I am not sure. People seemed laid back and relaxed and used the day to drink and have fun with friends (as Germans do on many national holidays).
This is similar to America, where many Americans celebrate their day off by having barbeques, drinking with friends and family, and taking advantage of Labor Day sales. It also signifies the end of summer, as many schools begin after this day. The date of our September celebration contrasts with Europe's May 1st celebration because President Groover Cleveland declared it in September. He was one of those concerned that a labor holiday on May 1 would tend to become a commemoration of the Haymarket affair and would strengthen socialist and anarchist movements that backed the May 1 commemoration around the globe.[19] In 1887, he publicly supported the September Labor Day holiday as a less inflammatory alternative,[20]"
I am glad we got to discover what May Day was about in Berlin. Although we only saw one little part of it, it was fun to see how so many cultures and people merged together in one area to celebrate. Berlin is different than the rest of Germany, (people always say it is not Germany at all) which I sometimes find true. It is so different than traditional cities like München, but it is cool to see how the city assembles despite everyones differences,
