The most recent huge demonstration I attended was actually a few days ago on May First, appropriately called Erster Mai (first of May). Erster Mai is techinally Germany's Labor Day, just like in the U.S., but it plays out much differently in Berlin because of a dark history, which I'll explain more below.
The second tradition is street art! This is a much more modern tradition, with origins in the late 20th century while the Berlin Wall still stood. Even today, graffiti, art and markings painted on public spaces and walls cover much of this city, so much so that it is sometimes referred to as "the graffiti Mecca." Even official buildings display graffiti, ranging from amateur tags to elaborate murals. I got a chance to do my own artwork on some local walls! Don't worry— it was legal and sponsored by my school here.
Erster Mai has been celebrated for a long time, but it is widely recognized in Berlin for an infamous day in 1987. On May First of that year, violent clashes erupted between protesters and police. Berliners became angry as law enforcement tried to control extreme-left protesters. Cars were overturned and things were set on fire in the streets. All of this happened in the Kreuzberg neighborhood where I live. Nowadays, the demonstration is much more peaceful and fun. The streets are filled with concert stages, and thousands of people celebrate Berlin's current high labor standards and social atmosphere.
Street art and graffiti are extremely common in Berlin, despite it being illegal without permission.
