The Events in Which I Have Participated

THE FIRST MAI

First May Day is a very important day in Berlin. In 1886, in order to obtain improved working conditions and an eight-hour day, American workers took to the streets and called for a general strike. This is obviously not without incidents and the police must intervene to avoid an overflow. This incident is called the "Haymarket affair". The following year, the international gathering of the left-wing parties in Paris - the "Workers International" - declared May 1 "Day of Workers' Struggle".

From 1890 onwards, May 1st was "celebrated" worldwide with strikes and demonstrations. The National Assembly of the Weimar Republic declares May 1, 1919 a public holiday in Germany.

Demonstrations were quickly banned in Berlin and Prussia because their main objective was to denounce the NSDAP and Adolf Hitler. In 1929, the KPD (the Communist Party of Germany) ignored this ban and nevertheless called for demonstrations. The "hot" situation that has arisen only calms down after three days, following strong police intervention. After the end of the Second World War, the Allies confirmed May 1 as an official holiday in Germany and legalized demonstrations again.

Since then, the Street Festivals, organised annually by the "autonomous" of the far left and the socialists, have always taken place in relative calm - there are certainly overflows, but they are under control. Since 1983, the far left has been conducting a boycott campaign against the population census ("VoBo"), which it considers contrary to the Basic Law.

In response to this boycott, police forced access to the movement's office and searched it. And all this on May 1, 1987, when the "autonomous" did not allow themselves to be done. They join the street festivals of the previously peaceful Berlin district of Kreuzberg and begin to disturb them.

The police intervened and the situation went off track, resulting in overturned police cars, mounted and burning barricades, Molotov stone and cocktail throws, looting, arson, etc. The events turned so violent that the police had to withdraw from the riot zones. Since then, May 1 has taken place in an atmosphere of fighting in major German cities (especially Berlin and Hamburg).

Fortunately, the May 1st celebrations I attended were relatively calm and in a friendly atmosphere. There were several stages throughout the Kreuzberg district (the district in which I live). The scenes featured different singers from all possible music styles and electronic music DJs. All the bars in the neighbourhood had opened a counter on the street to make it easier for people to order. The streets were crowded and the atmosphere was at its height. The festivities lasted all day on May 1st and all evening. Many events were organized in the early evening in the various OpenAir clubs in the area such as Birgit and Bier or Badeschiff where my friends and I went.

SOURCES :

• http://sabinekambiafrance.blogspot.com/2010/05/le-1er-mai-lallemande.html

DER KARNEVAL DER KULTUREN

It is much more than just a great celebration - the Carnival of Cultures is a reflection of Berlin's cultural diversity. It brings together professional artists and amateurs, young and old, and - much more - it offers a great opportunity for members of different Berlin communities to make their culture visible to Berliners and visitors.

Whether traditional or modern - each culture has the opportunity to reveal its particular beauties and strengthen the reputation of the capital as a fast-paced, ever-changing metropolis. Participating in this traditional event has always been an unforgettable experience for both visitors and participants.

For four days, during the Carnival of Cultures, a street festival takes place on Blücherplatz in the Kreuzberg district. On several stages, the Berlin music scene and international groups give concerts. Waders, acrobats and magicians invite visitors to test their own abilities. About 300 market stalls attract visitors with culinary temptations, art, crafts and much more.

My friends and I participated in this incredible event. It's a party all weekend long and all the clubs organize big events all weekend long. The biggest part of this great celebration is the parade that takes place on Sundays. It is the parade of tanks where each tank corresponds to a country. These countries are from all over the world and represent all the cultures that are gathered in Berlin. During this parade, the good atmosphere was present with songs, laughter and dancing. We also had the opportunity to follow the tanks and therefore to do the planned tour with them. I really enjoyed this festive and pleasant atmosphere despite the fact that, with the recent temperature changes, I was sick with angina.