BRUSSELS, May 3 (Xinhua) -- May 1 is widely celebrated across Europe, with street marches, official ceremonies, and fireworks displays among the many events marking the first weekend of May this year.
In France, a traditional International Workers' Day march is inevitable to show the power of workers and unions.
People attend the traditional International Workers' Day march, in Lille, France on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)A man holds a sign reading "first May, day of Struggle" during the traditional International Workers' Day march, in Lille, France on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)A man holds a sign reading "against poverty, a guaranteed basic income" during the traditional International Workers' Day march, in Lille, France on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)People attend the traditional International Workers' Day march, in Lille, France on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)
In Prague, a day to observe the witch culture came before May 1. It is a traditional custom of warding off evil and welcoming spring, attracting many visitors each year.
A girl takes part in a parade during the Witches of Lesser Town event in Prague, the Czech Republic, April 30, 2026. Held here on Thursday, the event reflected a traditional custom of warding off evil and welcoming spring, drawing both locals and visitors. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)A woman takes part in a parade during the Witches of Lesser Town event in Prague, the Czech Republic, April 30, 2026. Held here on Thursday, the event reflected a traditional custom of warding off evil and welcoming spring, drawing both locals and visitors. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)People take part in a parade during the Witches of Lesser Town event in Prague, the Czech Republic, April 30, 2026. Held here on Thursday, the event reflected a traditional custom of warding off evil and welcoming spring, drawing both locals and visitors. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)People take part in a parade during the Witches of Lesser Town event in Prague, the Czech Republic, April 30, 2026. Held here on Thursday, the event reflected a traditional custom of warding off evil and welcoming spring, drawing both locals and visitors. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
In Helsinki, Finland, people celebrated May Day, or "Vappu" in Finnish, with music and dances.
People place a cap on the Havis Amanda statue with the help of a crane during a celebration of the upcoming May Day, or "Vappu" in Finnish, in Helsinki, Finland, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Matti Matikainen/Xinhua)People take part in a celebration of the upcoming May Day, or "Vappu" in Finnish, in Helsinki, Finland, April 30, 2026. During the celebration, a cap was placed on the Havis Amanda statue in the city center as crowds celebrated around it. (Photo by Matti Matikainen/Xinhua)People take part in a celebration of the upcoming May Day, or "Vappu" in Finnish, in Helsinki, Finland, April 30, 2026. During the celebration, a cap was placed on the Havis Amanda statue in the city center as crowds celebrated around it. (Photo by Matti Matikainen/Xinhua)People take part in a celebration of the upcoming May Day, or "Vappu" in Finnish, in Helsinki, Finland, April 30, 2026. During the celebration, a cap was placed on the Havis Amanda statue in the city center as crowds celebrated around it. (Photo by Matti Matikainen/Xinhua)
In Malta, the coming of May Day is always celebrated with the Malta International Fireworks Festival at the Grand Harbour on the eve.
Fireworks light up the sky during the grand finale of the Malta International Fireworks Festival at the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)Fireworks light up the sky during the grand finale of the Malta International Fireworks Festival at the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)Fireworks light up the sky during the grand finale of the Malta International Fireworks Festival at the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)Fireworks light up the sky during the grand finale of the Malta International Fireworks Festival at the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)■
