France

Bastille Day: Macron tries to woo India's Modi

France is staging a seduction campaign for visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, guest of honour at Friday's annual Bastille Day parade.

14/07/2023

Culture news

Everything you need to know about Labour Day, from origins until today

The first day of May marks a global celebration to honour the contributions of workers, representing a key moment for trade unions to call on governments for stronger labour rights.

01/05/2023

Vatican

Pope Francis misses Good Friday Way of the Cross procession

The recently hospitalised Pope Francis will be watching from his home at the Vatican due to unseasonably cold night-time temperatures in Rome, the Holy See said.

07/04/2023

Myanmar

Myanmar marks Armed Forces Day as US increases sanctions

Myanmar displays power during Armed Forces Day as the US increases sanctions targetting aviation fuel suppliers.

27/03/2023

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Watch: Putin marked the annual national Defender of the Fatherland Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a ceremony marking the annual national Defender of the Fatherland Day, laying wreaths at a WWII monument and meeting Russian combat veterans.

24/02/2023

Netherlands

Over 200,000 tulips up for grabs in Amsterdam on National Tulip Day

National Tulip Day makes for a colourful splash in Amsterdam's Museumplein Square. The Netherlands is the world's biggest tulip producer.

22/01/2023

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Malaysia celebrates 65th Independence Day with parades

Malaysia celebrates its 65th Indepence Day on Wednesday in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, with over 20,000 people taking part in parades that involved flag-waving uniformed personnel and military vehicles.

31/08/2022

Culture news

May the 4th be with you: how the date became a Star Wars phenomenon

The earliest use of this play on words dates back to 1978, one year after the release of 'A New Hope', where American newspapers employed the phrase in the headlines on Independence Day. But now 'May' is a month rather than a wish.

04/05/2022

Culture news

February 15 is Serbia's National Day, but what are they celebrating?

Celebrated as one of the most culturally and historically significant days for Serbia, Statehood Day was first recognised as a national holiday in 2001.

15/02/2022

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Australia: Thousands participate in 'Invasion Day' protests

Demonstrations across Australia to demand an end to the celebration of a day that marks the arrival of the first British settlers in Sydney Cove.

26/01/2022

Partner content

Dubai celebrates the UAE’s Golden Jubilee anniversary

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

The UAE’s National Day celebrations this year are particularly significant as they signal 50 years since the Emirates were founded.

02/12/2021

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Royals attend military parade marking Spain's Day

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain presided over Spain's annual military parade in central Madrid Tuesday, in celebration of the country's national day.

12/10/2021

Spain

Pedro Sánchez calls for unity as Spain celebrates National Day

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was booed by some members of the public as he arrived at the traditional military parade in Madrid.

12/10/2021

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North Korea marks 76th year of ruling party

North Korea marked the 76th anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea on Sunday. The capital city Pyongyang was decorated with flags and placards with the Workers' Party emblem of a hammer, sickle, and brush.

10/10/2021

Serbia

New Serbian national holiday triggers unease across the Balkans

Serbia kicked off Unity Day with a display of military power and calls for all Serbs in the Balkans to unite under one flag.

15/09/2021

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People in Thailand ride elephants to mark National Elephant Day

Wildlife advocates have long denounced the brutal taming of elephants so they can perform tricks for tourists.

13/03/2021

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India's military parade interrupted by protesting farmers

Authorities had agreed to allow tens of thousands of farmers to stage a tractor rally as long as they waited for the military parade to end.

26/01/2021

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Australians demand justice for indigenous people on national day

Organisers of the protests called for the abolition of Australia Day as it marks the beginnings of colonial rule by Britain.

26/01/2021

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Spain's far-right holds drive-in protest against state of emergency

Scores of cars jammed traffic in Madrid on the Paseo de la Castellana, one of the capital's main roads.

12/10/2020

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Belgian DJ gives silent performance atop Brussels landmark

He kept the performance secret to avoid crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic. For the same reason, only the DJ could hear what he was playing.

21/07/2020