Berlin celebrated Labor Day 2026 with political protest and an exuberant celebration atmosphere.
While the focus was primarily on classic rallies during the day, on the evening of May 1st the events increasingly shifted to Kreuzberg. The traditional demonstration “Revolutionary May 1 – Freedom. Peace. Solidarity” took place there. with around 10,000 participants through Kreuzberg and Neukölln. At the same time, a completely different dynamic developed around Görlitzer Park and Mariannenplatz: celebrations, raves and concerts dominated the scene. Görlitzer Park had to be temporarily closed due to overcrowding. A highlight of the evening: Ikkimel’s performance at the Left Party’s festival on Mariannenplatz – a previously kept secret “secret act” that had only been announced a few hours before.
Ikkimel attracts thousands
The rapper played a 20-minute set in front of thousands of fans and curious onlookers: “None of us are working today – and that’s a good thing,” she called out to the audience. And further: “I’m in favor of a four-hour week and a higher salary. And I think it’s important that we fight for it.”
The performance was slightly delayed, partly because some male audience members had apparently climbed onto nearby roofs. The crowd reacted with anger with announcements like “Lock the men away.” When she finally started, Mariannenplatz quickly turned into a mosh pit.
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Political messages and festival atmosphere
While political demands were formulated on the streets, for example at the DGB demo with the motto “First our jobs, then your profits”, May 1st in Berlin once again proved to be a hybrid of activism and street festival.
Left-wing politician Elif Eralp said before the concert: “We will ensure that the Red City Hall finally turns red. We want to burden millionaires in order to relieve the burden on millions of people.”
The fact that the concert and the revolutionary demonstration took place at the same time caused criticism in advance. Some saw it as a distraction from political protest. However, one thing became clear on site: Berlin can do both at the same time. According to Interior Senator Iris Spranger, around 50,000 people gathered in the city – at demonstrations, street festivals and in parks. The police also drew a largely positive conclusion.