May Day Parade in Union Square, New York City

During the 1930s, tens of thousands of people marched in parades celebrating May Day. The festive events were organized by the Communist Party and by a number of left-led unions, and other organizations. The parades were enhanced by elaborate, colorful floats, and banners and signs of all sorts. 

Image by John Albok from the Tamiment Library Collections, New York University.

View the exhibit Five Photographers for related images.