Berlin -- Boxhagener Platz -- Eve of May 1st

My host extraordinaire, Dagmar, told me to meet her at Boxhagenerplatz in Friedrichshain. I knew May 1st was a big anarchistic bash with lots of parades, protests, and riots, and knew that something would be cooking in Boxhagenerplatz. However, I was not prepared for the crowds of punks, squads of police, big dogs, and riot tape that greeted me. I saw Dagmar and said, "Dagmar what is this?!" And she replied, "Dis is da most punks in da Vestern Vorld!"


Indeed it was. There was certainly something in the air, and everyone was waiting for the first stone to be thrown. Despite the fact that police searched your bags before you entered the main square, overall it was more like a big block party. There was heavy loud music, lots of beer, and people enjoying the tradition.

Nothing major happened, although it was fun to see this annual ritual, a gathering of punks and police. Dagmar predicted everyone was saving their energy for the main day tomorrow; due to the bad economy, the city was expecting some big brawls this year. I got a pretty awesome pamphlet that read, "Communism, Yes we can!" The rest was in German and gave details for the parade tomorrow. We just sort of watched the scene while drinking beer, eating falafel, and joking how I could be the first socialist yogini.