world news What are the origins of Mother's Day around the world? For many countries the commercial success of Mother's Day is inspired by the US — but what about its origins? 31/03/2019
Turkey Turkey recalls ambassador over Greek mythology-inspired outfit The ambassador used an event commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey to promote the 2018 “Year of Troy”. 03/11/2018
no comment Fireworks at Eiffel Tower celebrate Bastille Day France capped its Bastille Day celebrations on Saturday (July 14) with a firework display over the Eiffel Tower, a day before French soccer team face Croatia for the World Cup final. 15/07/2018
no comment President Macron leads military parade for Bastille Day Fighter planes flew over Paris and thousands of troops paraded down the Champs-Elysees as France celebrated Bastille Day on Saturday. 14/07/2018
Ireland Irish brave chilly temperatures for St Patrick's Day 'Beast from the East 2.0' is visiting Ireland for St Patrick's Day. But that's no reason to stay indoors. 17/03/2018
Australia Invasion Day protests put Australia Day celebrations in shade Tens of thousands flood streets of Melbourne while only a few thousand celebrate debut of British colonisation. 26/01/2018
no comment Russia celebrates Unity Day The 17th century victory over Polish-Lithuanian forces heralds the start of modern Russia, celebrated in Unity Day. 04/11/2017
Spain Madrid waits for answer from Catalonia The clock is ticking as Madrid waits for Catalan leaders to clarify its independence bid by a five-day deadline 12/10/2017
Spain Catalonia celebrates national day amid tension over secession vote plans Catalonia has renamed its fete day 'the National Day of Yes'. 11/09/2017
France Crowds get lucky as France's military musicians play Daft Punk tracks Emmanuel Macron seemed to get it, but did Donald Trump? 14/07/2017
world news Macron's Bastille Day invite to Trump sparks debate An invitation by the French President to Donald Trump to attend July 14 national holiday celebrations in Paris has sparked debate 29/06/2017
Hungary Hungarian PM directs political fire at EU during rally An estimated 20,000 Hungarians have taken part in rallies in central Budapest, upholding the traditional way to commemorate their 1848 revolution against the… 15/03/2017
Thailand Thailand: March 13 – Elephant Day! Around 60 elephants at Ayutthaya in Thailand enjoy a fruit buffet to mark Elephant Day, which raises awareness to end their exploitation. 13/03/2017
Poland Rival marches bring Warsaw to a halt Two rival protest marches have brought tens of thousands of people onto the snowy streets of the Polish capital as the country marks Independence Day. 11/11/2016
Spain Spain: National Day celebrations - and push-ups too! The Royal family turned out on Wednesday – and so did the rain – as Spaniards celebrated their National Day with a traditional military parade through Madrid. 12/10/2016
no comment Fireworks in Hong Kong for China National Day A massive fireworks display took place on Saturday evening over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to celebrate China’s National Day. 02/10/2016
Ukraine Ukraine tension rises as Independence Day nears A ceasefire is supposed to be in place, but as Ukraine's Independence Day nears, fighting against pro-Russian separatists in the east has intensified. 23/08/2016
brussels bureau The brief from Brussels: High security in Belgium for country's National Day festivities This is the brief from Brussels, a daily roundup of all the top stories from Europe’s de facto political capital. 20/07/2016
brussels bureau Security high in Belgian capital ahead of country's National Day Security is tight in Brussels as the city prepares to celebrate its National Day on Thursday. 20/07/2016
Turkey France closes diplomatic missions in Turkey over security concerns France has closed its diplomatic missions until further notice in Turkey’s two main cities – Ankara and Istanbul – due to security concerns. 14/07/2016
focus Heirs of the Great Steppe: 550 years of the Kazakh khanate Kazakhstan is celebrating its ancient roots with around 100 events across the country marking the @550th anniversary of the Kazakh 14/09/2015
Ukraine Ukraine marks 24 years of independence from Soviet rule Ukraine is marking 24 years of independence from Soviet rule. There have been ceremonies in the centre of Kiev, including a show of military might 24/08/2015
world news Who gets the most public holidays in the EU? France is today putting its feet up to mark Pentecost today – one of a dozen public holidays the country will enjoy in 2015. But how does France – 25/05/2015
United Kingdom Seven things to know about England on St George’s Day Here are seven things to know about England to coincide with the country’s annual celebration, St George’s Day. Great Britain, United Kingdom and 23/04/2015
India Obama first US president to attend India National Day parade Barack Obama is the first US president to be guest of honour at India's annual Republic Day parade, a flamboyant display of the South Asian nation's military might and cultural diversity. 26/01/2015
