Farmers threw organic fertilizer into the streets of Turin, while mass protests took place in more than 50 cities in Italy, against rising cost of living and poor public services.
Thousands of students and workers took to the streets, demanding improved health and education systems as well as measures to alleviate the economic burden.
The protests were organised under a national strike supported by the USB anticapitalist union, which included teachers, agriculture workers and the health sector.
The biggest gatherings were held in Milan, Turin and Rome, where protesters expressed disappointment with Prime Minister Giorgia Melon and her right-wing government.
In some cities there were clashes between demonstrators and police.
Anti-government banners appeared in Milan, while some protesters burned Melon’s pictures in Naples.
The demands changed from city to city.
In Genoa, port workers protested against militarism of ports and arms exports towards conflict zones, while at Bologna the students sought changes in educational policies
Protest waves are not limited to Italy. Similar demonstrations have been held in recent weeks in France, Spain, Portugal, Albania and Serbia, mainly against the high cost of living, housing crisis and discontent with governments.