Thousands turn out in Puerto Rico at May Day demonstration

Demonstrators holding wooden shields were confronted by police during a protest against the Federal Fiscal Control Board, as part of the May Day celebration, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carlos Giusti/AP/Associated Press

(AP) — Thousands of Puerto Ricans marched to the rhythm of traditional music and tambourines while opposing austerity measures, with many demanding the ouster of a federal control board overseeing the U.S. territory’s finances.

Protesters in San Juan also called Wednesday for much faster federal help in the island’s recovery from September 2017’s Hurricane Maria.

Many in the crowd waved Puerto Rican flags made in black and white rather than red, white and blue to symbolize mourning for the territory’s plight.

Participants also urged the local government to save a public pension system that faces nearly $50 billion in payments it doesn’t have funds to cover.

A protester dressed as comic book superhero Superman was arrested after jumping over a street barrier and hugging a police officer.

A protester carried a Puerto Rican flag during a protest against the Federal Fiscal Control Board, as part of the May Day celebration, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carlos Giusti/AP/Associated Press

A protester dressed as Spiderman exercised civil disobedience when crossing the perimeter established by the police during a protest against the Federal Fiscal Control Board in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carlos Giusti/AP/Associated Press

Protesters in San Juan also called Wednesday for much faster federal help in the island’s recovery from September 2017’s Hurricane Maria.Carlos Giusti.AP/Associated Press

A protester shouted during a protest against the Federal Fiscal Control Board in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carlos Giusti/AP/Associated Press