Mayday has traditionally been a time of both celebration and rebellion – and 2015 will be no exception. Here are a few events taking place this year that we have heard about – let us know of others to add to the list over the next couple of weeks.
Milan: International anti-capitalist protest
Six weeks after the massive protests against the opening of the European Central Bank HQ in Frankfurt, European anti-capitalists will be gathering again, this time in Italy, to take on another major showcase of European neoliberalism. The mobilisation on Friday May 1 is being billed as “a joyful angry international demonstration through the centre of Milan” and starts at 2pm at Piazza XXIV Maggio on the south side of the city centre. It is focused on the opening day of Expo 2015, an extravagant six-month “world fair” celebrating the corporate wealth built on the exploitation of workers and the destruction of the environment.
London: Mayday street party
Reclaim the Beats – join the Fuck Parade! Class War 12V multi rig street party at 1 Commercial Street, London, from 6pm on Friday May 1.
London: Occupy Democracy
Cardiff: Radical Workers Bloc (May 2)
South Wales Anarchists will be demonstrating in Cardiff on May 2 to celebrate this year’s May Day. We call on all those struggling for a world of justice, dignity and freedom to come together and join us this May Day in Cardiff. Bring your red and black flags and class struggle banners! Meet at 12 noon on Saturday May 2 at the southern end of St Mary St, under the railway bridge near the Great Western Wetherspoons. March starts at 12.30 through the streets of Cardiff City centre to…. somewhere with no bureaucrats’ speeches!!!
Future events
Didcot, UK. Reclaim the Power: Direction action camp May 29 – June 2.
Reclaim the Power is holding a direct action camp near Didcot Power Station (Oxfordshire) as part of a global day of action, ahead of the UN climate talks (COP21) in December 2015.
Basque Country: International anti-fracking camp, July 13-19
The Frackanpada is an international protest camp against fracking that will take place this summer in Euskal Herria (Basque Country), called by the local movement against fracking (Fracking Ez) and with the support of a committed team of people based in different European countries.
Rhineland, Germany: Climate Camp – mass civil disobedience, August 14-16
“In a big colourful action of civil disobedience we will obstruct the exploitation of lignite (soft coal) with many hundreds of people. Thus we will resist one of the crucial root causes of climate change. We will use a variety of actions, about which we will communicate in an open and reliable way. Let’s make the Rhineland the focal point of a strong and powerful anti-coal-movement!” Also Degrowth Summer School, August 9-14
Peak District, England: Earth First! Summer gathering, August 19-24
The gathering is billed as “five days of skills sharing for grassroots ecological action” revolving around the struggle against fracking, new roads and lots more, with a particular emphasis on community-based campaigns. It is “a chance for people and groups from across the country and beyond to get together to network, share practical skills, ideas and inspirations to help our actions and campaigns be as strategic and effective as possible “.
Other sites with events info