May Day in Germany
May 1 · Level 10 · #90 of 2238
May Day in Germany brings together workers’ rights and the welcome arrival of spring. Trade union gatherings share the occasion with village festivities, giving the day both a political voice and a lively local character.
How it is celebrated: unions hold rallies and marches, while many communities raise a decorated maypole. Food, music and dancing bring neighbours together, with some celebrations beginning the evening before.
In parts of Bavaria, neighbouring villages try to steal one another’s maypoles. Getting a captured pole back can involve negotiating a ransom of food and drink.