May Day is more commonly known around the world as International Workers' Day (Labour Day). In Berlin the First of May is a public holiday and some of the biggest celebrations occur in the area of Kreuzberg, just south east of Mitte.
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| Image care of Google Maps |
"MY FEST" is the organised celebration around Kottbusser Tor/Oranienstrasse/Görlitzer Bahnhof in Kreuzberg and is well worth the visit DURING THE DAY.
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| Image care of www.nicoleisthenewblack.com |
The residents and restaurants move everything into the streets, and one can pick up some amazing Turkish food, €4 Cocktails, Nutella Waffles and more, while having a different band perform every 200 metres along the street. It is extremely crowded, but by incredibly diverse people of different backgrounds and politics.
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View to Görlitzer Bahnhof © MJT
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MAY DAY in Berlin however is not without a darkened reputation. A significant police presence is noticeable along the street and intersections. The anarchists and far left use their opportune moment to riot and protest - in years past, toppling parked cars if not setting them alight. Hence the warning by Lonely Planet and alike to stay away from Kreuzberg on May Day.
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| Image care of www.nicoleisthenewblack.com |
But MY FEST is a definite must do!!! - it epitomises the true
Berlin/Kreuzberg atmosphere, with great food, a very crowded atmosphere,
plenty of booze and bands - and it only comes around once a year.
Just don't chance the riots - leave by dusk.
TIPS and RECOMMENDATIONS:
Wear proper footwear - despite the weather suggesting sandles/thongs, the broken glass on the ground or people trampling (accidentally) on your feet will probably affect your impression of the event for the worse.
Mariannenstrasse for the Turkish food
Cassonade for Waffles - Oraniestrasse 199
Mirchi for Cocktails - Oranienstrasse 204
More information at:
www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/05/photo-essay-first-of-may.html
http://maydayberlin.blogsport.de/ (Deutsch)
