In pictures: May Day celebrations worldwide, from clashes, protests to colourful rallies

People march to celebrate May Day in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, Turkey, May 1, 2026.

People hold a banner as they march to celebrate May Day, in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, Turkey, May 1, 2026.

Police use pepper spray to disperse demonstrators, as people attempt to defy a ban and march on Taksim Square to celebrate May Day, in Istanbul, Turkey, May 1, 2026.

People take part in a march to celebrate May Day in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, Turkey, May 1, 2026.

A man gestures as people take part in a march to celebrate May Day in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, Turkey, May 1, 2026.

A large effigy depicting U.S. President Donald Trump is carried by protesters during a May Day rally highlighting political and economic grievances in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia May 1, 2026.

Protesters hold "Time to Resist" placards during a May Day rally addressing political and environmental concerns in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia May 1, 2026.

A close-up shows a protester wearing a headband reading "Bangkit" (Rise), during a May Day rally celebrating workers’ rights and labor solidarity, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 1, 2026.

People attend the traditional May Day celebrations in Vienna, Austria, May 1, 2026.

People attend the traditional May Day celebrations in Vienna, Austria, May 1, 2026.

People attend the traditional May Day celebrations in Vienna, Austria, May 1, 2026.

People attend the traditional May Day celebrations in Vienna, Austria, May 1, 2026.

A demonstrator holds a placard reading: "Whether East or West, down with the Nazi plague", as members of the coalitions "Essen stellt sich quer" (ESSQ - "Essen stands up to it") and "Omas gegen Rechts" (Grannies Against the Right) protest against a march by far-right party Die Heimat during May Day in Essen, Germany, May 1, 2026.

Demonstrators hold a banner as members of the coalitions "Essen stellt sich quer" (ESSQ - "Essen stands up to it") and "Omas gegen Rechts" (Grannies Against the Right) protest against a march by far-right party Die Heimat during May Day in Essen, Germany, May 1, 2026.

People wear Power Rangers costumes as they take part in a "Free Goerli - Rave against the Zaun" demonstration on May Day at Goerlitzer Park in Berlin, Germany, May 1, 2026.

A person waves an Antifa flag as people take part in a "Free Goerli - Rave against the Zaun" demonstration on May Day at Goerlitzer Park in Berlin, Germany, May 1, 2026.

People attend the traditional May Day labour union march in Paris, France, May 1, 2026.

People gather for the traditional May Day labour union march in Paris, France, May 1, 2026.

Labourers protest outside the Indonesian Parliament during a May Day rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 1, 2026.

Labourers carry placards as they protest outside the Indonesian Parliament during a May Day rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 1, 2026.

Supporters of the Russian Communist Party attend a May Day rally in Moscow, Russia May 1, 2026. The banner reads: "Moscow Region".