My experiences at the Mayday riots, Berlin, 2008. Berlin is just a crazy town. Where else do they celebrate the coming of spring with a good 'ol battle? It is almost like a ceremonial event these days, (a riot as a ceremony?) but still dangerous, as explosives and flying debris is still used on the Police (they like to test their riot gear I reckon!) The rioters light a fire and challenge Police...the Police move in to extinguish fire...but then get forced to retreat...in a tightly knit Roman formation..covering all flanks....they would go back to and fro...until they launch their all out assult... I copped a beer bottle in the head, and I got shoved by Police. But I could tell it wasnt personal, its just an excuse for the Germans to let of steam after winter and celebrate spring with a good ol Battle!! riot! riot! riot! Less