Berlin's new May day festival a success.

This year's 1st of May festival was a celebration of all that is exciting in Berlin - excluding the fists. For years the 1st of May protests moved through Kreuzberg 36 in Berlin bringing violent confrontations with police and shopowners.

Now, after just three years in the making the Kreuzberger Myfest stands firmly in the way of the protests (literally), whilst at the same time celebrating the many facets of Berlin life. This year's festival included 19 stages of music and dancing throughout the day in the Oranienplatz and Mariannenplatz areas.

As can be seen below, many protesters were forced to stay peaceful and join the celebrations instead - as much as the attitude levels allowed it ofcourse! al

Berlin: "Can we have some more?"

Berlin's Mayor, Klaus Wowereit (SPD), has been part of a court process in the German Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe over the last few days in an effort to receive a special emergency grant from the federal government. The problem: Berlin's 60 billion Euro debt that shows no sign of decreasing.

Wowereit has attempted to show that despite conscious efforts at saving, Berlin is struggling to become the 'financial centre of Germany'. Representatives from other states, such as the Ministerpräsident of Saxony Georg Milbradt (CDU), have been critical in their appraisal of Berlin's saving efforts however. An opinion supported by many Berliners - who are constantly confronted with new elaborate street beautification schemes taking place across the capital.

Fear exists amongst the more prosperous states that they may be further required to assist Berlin financially - something they have already been required to do for many years following the reunification of Germany in 1990. al