On Wednesday evening, the 1st of May spectacle in Berlin started with a “Queerfeminismus-Demo” in Kreuzberg. According to dts reporters’ estimates, at least two thousand predominantly young women marched through the streets of the former postal delivery district SO 36. On the posters, slogans such as “Patriarchy on Fire” or “Take back the night” could be read and many female protesters are also directing their criticism at Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
For decades, violent clashes between left-wing groups and police were a common sight in Kreuzberg on May Day. However, since the 2000s, the situation has largely calmed down, thanks to the parallel “MyFest” event, which was also visited by many families with children. This year’s “MyFest” officially did not take place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The police was present in Kreuzberg with a large contingent on Wednesday evening, with over two thousand officers deployed throughout the city. Numerous further left-wing protests are planned for Thursday, including the traditional “Revolutionäre 1.-Mai-Demo”.