May 1

In Germany May 1 is a holiday since 1933, but it had been celebrated long before with all kinds of customs. Two of these customs were lighting May Fires and putting up May Trees, both of which is still done. May Hikes are particularly popular. Groups of people go on a day trip by foot with a handcart full of food (and drinks, of course!) or by bike. When the weather is nice these trips often end in one of the many beer gardens.

In the former GDR and other communist countries May 1 had a much higher significance as "Labor Day" and wasn't celebrated that lively. There were official May Parades taking place during which "the people" marched past the respective local functionaries. Political rallies have always taken place all over Germany, but in a different way. Mainly trade unions organize events on market squares where functionaries hold speeches. However, this way of spending May 1 is not shared by the majority of people *g*

Last update: January 18, 2009