Demonstrations Commencing Post-5 PM on Wednesday - Protests commence across various locations, starting on Wednesday evening, leading up to the 1st of May.
Here's the lowdown on the upcoming demonstrations in the city!
Kick-off on Walpurgis Night
Frustrated citizens take to the streets of Berlin this Wednesday evening, the infamous Walpurgis Night. At 5:00 PM, a large left-wing demonstration, named "Raise Wages, Lower Rents, Create Peace," will march through the Wedding district.
Left-wing Women's Groups Unite
Following this, left-wing women's groups will congregate at Mariannenplatz in Kreuzberg under the slogan "Take Back the Night." With up to 3000 participants expected, their goal is to make their voices heard loud and clear. In previous years, the events have been heated, with instances of projectiles being hurled towards the police.
Traditional Union Demonstration
On Thursday, May 1st, the traditional union demonstration will proceed from Strausberger Platz to the Red City Hall, starting in the morning hours. From noon, satirical protest actions will be staged in the Grunewald villa district. By afternoon, up to 10,000 participants are expected to join in the festivities.
"Revolutionary May Day Demonstration"
In the early evening, at 6:00 PM, the much-anticipated "Revolutionary May Day Demonstration" led by left-wing and radical groups will commence in Kreuzberg. The primary organizers are pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli initiatives.
Safety Measures in Place
Given the unpredictable nature of these events, over 5000 police officers from Berlin and other federal states will be on duty throughout the protests to prevent outbreaks of violence from radical elements and fend off external attacks such as rambos or terrorist incidents.
Now, let's delve into some historical context. Although not explicitly addressing the May Day protests on Walpurgis Night in Berlin, there have been significant police-protest incidents in the city's past. For example, the infamous "Blutmai" of 1929 saw a violent clash between the Communist Party of Germany and Berlin Police, leading to numerous injuries and arrests.
Kreuzberg, too, has been a notable epicenter for protests and activism since the 1980s. From refugee protests to anti-gentrification movements, the area has a rich history of civic engagement. However, specific details regarding Walpurgis Night or May Day incidents in Kreuzberg involving police are not extensively documented.
Finally, while not directly related to May Day or Walpurgis Night, the "Defend the Berlin4" rally in April 2025 brings to light the ongoing activism in the city. The rally, which involved university students and activists, protested against the deportation of genocide opponents.
In closing, Berlin's protest scene is anything but quiet, with citizens pushing for change and the police working hard to maintain peace and order. Stay tuned for more updates!
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the light of the forthcoming May Day protests in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, known for its rich history of activism and civic engagement. This year's events follow a traditional union demonstration, which commences from Strausberger Platz to the Red City Hall, and the much-anticipated "Revolutionary May Day Demonstration" led by left-wing and radical groups, both taking place in Kreuzberg. The police forces, given the unpredictable nature of these events, will deploy over 5,000 officers from Berlin and other federal states to prevent outbreaks of violence and fend off external attacks.
