Suspended finance ministry cleaning workers were among more than 15,000 people who turned out in Athens to protest against the continuing Greek austerity measures
Locals protesting about a lack of jobs and poor living conditions took to the streets in Macau
Tributes to those who were on the sunken ferry Sewol could be seen in marches in the South Korean capital Seoul
Marchers in Barcelona bear placards saying: Spain's demographic suicide; Spain is under the rule of law; The lie is a weapon of mass destruction; No to the destruction of the people
Turin was one of several Italian cities to see rallies against unemployment and austerity
In Germany, as well as political demonstrations, much older traditions were on display. Here in Bavaria preparations are being made for the raising of a maypole, usually followed by a May dance around it.
In the Philippines, labour organisations rallied, mostly demanding better wages and conditions - but protesters from one group burned an effigy of President Benigno Aquino
Lilies of the valley lie on the ground as people take part in a May Day rally in Rennes, western France
In Moscow, more than 100,000 Russians took part in a May Day workers parade - reviving a tradition last seen before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991
Meanwhile, in Russia's second city St Petersburg a gay rights march was led by an activist wearing a caricature head of President Vladimir Putin
