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Firefighters honour Virgin Mary with floral tribute in Rome

Continuing their tradition, firefighters in Rome marked the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December by placing two floral wreaths on the statue of the Virgin Mary.

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Warm autumn leaves Santa's Lapland village with less snow

In Lapland, Santa readies himself for the annual tradition of delivering presents around the globe. However, this year’s unusually warm autumn has left less snow in his village near Rovaniemi, northern Finland, impacting the experience for visitors.

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A choir inside a giant Christmas tree in the USA

In Michigan, the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree is 20 metres tall, with 25,000 LED lights, 1,580 linear metres of greenery and 15 levels on which 180 choir members stand. The 40-year-old tree can hold up to 220 singers.

Lifestyle

Sinterklaas, poems and Zwarte Piet: How the Dutch celebrate Christmas

On the evening of 5 December, Dutch friends and families get together to celebrate their unique take on the festive season.

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Buddha’s tooth relic arrives in Bangkok to honour King’s birthday

A relic of Buddha's tooth was brought to Bangkok on Wednesday in a procession with 2,000 participants. The sacred relic, flown from Lingguang Temple in Beijing, is being displayed to celebrate King Maha Vajiralongkorn's birthday and will remain on display for 73 days.

Culture news

Krampus parades spark violence and debate

In Austria and Germany, Krampus parades bring chaos and controversy. While the tradition is meant to scare children into behaving, recent events have left many injured — raising questions about safety and the darker side of festive customs.

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Devilish creatures take over streets of Hollabrunn in Austria

Thousands gathered in the Austrian town of Hollabrunn on Saturday to watch the traditional Krampus procession featuring devilish creatures.

Modern Nomads

Discovering Abai Qunanbaiuly: The legacy of Kazakhstan's poet, philosopher and musician

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we explore the enduring legacy of Abai Qunanbaiuly, Kazakhstan's greatest poet, philosopher and cultural figure. From literature to opera, his influence continues to shape Kazakhstan's modern identity.

Focus

How Niigata balances heritage and innovation for a sustainable future

In partnership with The Government of Japan

In this episode of Focus, we explore Niigata's groundbreaking innovations, from turning rice into sustainable plastics to creating digital villages that preserve rural traditions, offering a fresh perspective on Japan's sustainable and technology-driven progress.

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France celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 release

Beaujolais Nouveau was officially uncorked at midnight on 20-21 November 2024, continuing a cherished tradition that dates back to the 1950s and gained global popularity in the 1980s.

Crossing Cultures

Gardens of culture: French grandeur & Chinese serenity

A co-production with CGTN

In this episode of Crossing Cultures, we explore two iconic garden models - a grand French masterpiece and a tranquil Chinese oasis - to discover how nature and design reflect the cultural identities that shaped them.

Explore

Explore Japan's indigenous Ainu culture: Upopoy & Marimo Festival

In partnership with JNTO

In this episode of Explore Japan, join us as we discover the vibrant culture and traditions of Japan's Indigenous Ainu people in Hokkaido.

Scenes

Watch: The young performers celebrating their heritage through dance in Georgia.

In partnership with Media City

Dance is an essential part of Georgian history and culture, and the locals are proud to perform traditional routines whose origins date back decades.

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Record number mariachis belt out classic songs in Mexico City plaza

The number of musicians apparently topped the previous record of 700 mariachis at an earlier gathering in the Mexican city of Guadalajara.

Partner content

Soak up cultural heritage (and plenty of wine) on a day trip from Yerevan, Armenia

Partner content presented by Armenia Tourism

Yerevan, the tuneful capital of Armenia, boasts over 2,800 years of cultural heritage and has plenty to sing about.

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Juliette Binoche launches Paris Christmas window display

The iconic Printemps Haussmann department store launched its enchanting Christmas window display on Thursday, with celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche unveiling this year’s festive theme, a magical train journey.

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Kazo City unveils 100-metre carp streamer for annual airing

Kazo City, renowned for its koinobori, recently held its annual airing of a colossal 100-metre-long carp streamer.

Explore

From salmon to sake: Savouring Niigata’s sustainable gastronomy

In partnership with JNTO

In this new episode of Explore Sustainable Japan, we discover the sustainable food and drink culture in Niigata Prefecture – a region known for its salmon, rice, and sake.

Partner content

Unraveling the art of silk production in Uzbekistan

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s tradition of silk production has been a hallmark of its cultural and economic landscape for millennia, with deep roots tracing back to the ancient Silk Road.

Lifestyle

Take a look at Europe's largest 'Day of the Dead' altar

Each year, thousands gather at the Casa de México in Madrid to experience the largest Day of the Dead altar in Europe, designed this year by Oscar-winning production designer Eugenio Caballero.