1. Forget everything you learned about May Day in elementary school — because the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota are giving it a massive makeover.
2. The annual May Day Parade and Festival draws upwards of 50,000 spectators to ring in spring with cheer.
3. Giant puppets take to the streets...
4. Alongside dancers...
5. Musicians...
6. And people of all stripes.
7. ...Like all stripes.
8. The event is organized by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, a community arts non-profit.
9. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the parade, which Heart of the Beast describes to BuzzFeed as "a rite of spring for artists, environmentalists, and social justice activists across the spectrum."
10. It's also a family affair...
11. And a multicultural celebration.
12. Artists spend months planning and constructing their puppets...
13. Which range greatly in size...
14. ...And style.
15. But all serve to showcase the diversity...
16. And eccentricity...
17. Of the Minneapolis arts community.
18. The event has been described as Minnesota's own Mardi Gras, which definitely makes sense.
19. Where else could you possibly find this friendly dog...
20. And this (hopefully friendly) woman with giant scissors...
21. And these dapper dung beetles...
22. And these green people...
23. ...All hanging out together in the middle of the street?
24. Only in Minneapolis on May Day.
25. So, whether you can make it out to the parade this weekend...
26. Or want to find some other way to celebrate spring...
27. Remember that the sky's the limit for all your festivities.
28. Happy May Day to all!
If you're in the area, the May Day Parade starts at noon on Sunday, May 3, at the corner of 25th St. E. and Bloomington Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
You can find more information here.