Celebrations light up China’s May Day holiday

From the vibrant streets of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, to the jazz-filled stages of Beijing, China's May Day holiday has transformed cities into hubs of cultural celebration and immersive entertainment.

In Chengbei District of Xining, the nights during the May Day holiday come alive with dazzling folk parades and music. On a 700-meter snow leopard-themed street, crowds of over 10,000 gather nightly to dance, snap photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Performances run from 07:30 to 21:30, creating an immersive experience for visitors. A rotating lineup of acrobatics, magic tricks, traditional Hanfu fashion shows, and Shehuo folk performances keeps the audience engaged. Interactive games like the finger-guessing game and pitch-pot between performers and tourists add to the fun. The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Shehuo, a traditional folk celebration in China, is a festivity in multiple forms consisting of dragon dance, lion dance, traditional Chinese opera, drum playing and other folk performances that may vary in different regions.

Beyond the performances, riverside camping has become a popular way to spend the evening. Dozens of tents adorned with colorful lights dot the wetland park, where families and friends gather under the night sky.

"During the May Day holiday, our campsite sees over 3,000 visits daily. Our tents are almost fully booked every night. Business is booming," said Bai Yuhong, head of a local camping base.

Xining has also embraced the snow leopard theme with creative shops. Visitors can purchase themed souvenirs like plush toys, fridge magnets, and decorative ornaments. Special holiday coupons have boosted sales significantly.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) launched a jazz-themed music festival at its Taihu Stage Art Center. Throughout the holiday, the event features free indoor and outdoor concerts, with over 200 jazz musicians from nine countries performing.

Outside the concert venues, a bustling market offers food, crafts, and cultural and creative products. "From the snack stalls to the recreation area, and back to the music, it's amazing. I love how it blends everything together," said Ma Yue, a visitor.

As the tunes of jazz fill the air, visitors enjoy a laid-back holiday experience that combines music, food, and cultural shopping.

"We hope the Taihu Jazz Festival will create a fusion of performance and tourism. We want our audience to experience great shows and also enjoy the gardens, shop for cultural and creative products, and taste delicious food," said Guan Jianbo, NCPA's deputy director.

Celebrations light up China’s May Day holiday

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests