Unusual 1st May Traditions Only Germans Will Understand

Every year on Erster Mai, Germany erupts into a carnival of chaos – and, in some areas, a showdown of police uniforms against varying degrees of civil disobedience – in what has come to be known as the May Day celebrations. From stealing trees to three-day parties and securing a dance with the devil, here are some cornerstone occurrences of the day that might not make sense to the outside world.

Dance into May

Germany loves to party, and May 1 is the perfect occasion. So perfect, in fact, that the party usually starts well before May Day, on April 30, in a tradition known as ‘dancing into May’, or Tanz in den Mai. This is a tradition practiced in both small towns and big cities, happening across every bar, club and event in one way or another.

Erecting the Maibaum (May Tree)

Party protest or protest party?

Depending on who you are and where you come from, May 1 in Germany will either be just another excuse to party, an opportunity to sell drinks to thirsty crowds or to retain its original meaning, as an ode to the working class and eternal struggle against oppression. If you find yourself in the German capital at this time, the centre of the storm is none other than Kreuzberg, where marches are organised and the streets become dance floors flooded with people, parties and smashed glass. To the ignorant eye, it might not be obvious that all this debauchery actually has its roots in Berlin’s political scene, as May 1 marks Germany’s Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit).

Witches Night

Known as Hexennacht, May 1 happens to coincide with the night that witches used to meet in the peaks of the Harz Mountains to enjoy a dalliance with the devil, according to German folklore. If you’re in the Harz area on this day, look out for (and join in with) the women who dress up, warts and all, to go and dance and cackle on the mountaintops.

The night the witches of Harz gather to dance

Finally professing your love

So you’ve had a crush on a special someone for weeks, months (years?!) and still haven’t plucked up the nerve to tell them? Well, May 1 in Germany is your chance. This confessionary tradition is known as Maistrich, or May Line, and is about drawing a line between your house and the house of your dream lover with chalk, signing off your name and hopefully a chance of reciprocation.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.