May Day occurs on May 1 and refers to several public holidays. In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organised by unions, anarchists, and socialist groups. May Day is also a traditional holiday in many cultures.In all my many trips to Europe, only once did I find myself in position to attend a May Day celebration.
It was in Vienna, in 1987. I walked into the city center from my hostel off Mariahilfer Strasse, and found a comfortable place to stand along the Ring. The various unions, workplaces and districts were represented, and at the end, after the sanctioned elements had marched past, there were a series of piggybacking anarchists, radicals and even hooded Muslim extremists.
Ah yes, I remember it well. Afterwards I splurged on schnitzel and draft beer, reflecting on the way that America detached its labor holiday from the rest of the world’s.
It’s another wonderful of our oblivious exceptionalism at work, and accordingly, I find it delicious that on a day when Louisvillians will be drunkenly gazing at race
Thanks Roger. If only more media outlets would recognize May Day.
ReplyDeleteI remain completely unapologetic about my vehemence toward Derby. Its like an old man in Cincinnati told me once, "I don't hate, I evaluate."
Had a great Derby and recognized it as May Day as well. Placed one bet and made $1.40. I'm thinking about going full bore (by old man standards) next year. I truly miss the transcendent aspects of fervent revelry. It's something as a society with which we sorely need to reconnect.
ReplyDeleteIt just goes to show that Confidentialism is by no means monolithic.
ReplyDelete