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Traditional Christmas carols from Romania

On Sunday, carolers from all over Romania gathered in the city of Galati for a traditional folk festival.

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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.

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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.

USA

A guide to Thanksgiving for confused Europeans

Every year, Americans go mad for Thanksgiving. While many American traditions have been embraced abroad, this is one day that's still a mystery to most Europeans.

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Yabusame archery steals the show at Japanese shrine

Ten archers dazzled spectators at the Nikko Toshogu shrine during the autumn festival by performing "yabusame," the traditional Japanese horseback archery.

Europe News

The centuries-old German beer festival Oktoberfest has begun

At least six million people are expected to sip on the best of Bavarian beer over the 16 heady days that make up the centuries-old festival Oktoberfest in Munich.

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Honoring the sun, the Inca Inti Raymi celebration

An ancient Inca ritual, offering to the sun, was re-enacted on Monday, bringing actors and Indigenous communities together.

Culture news

The many ways Spain celebrates Midsummer Eve

Midsummer's Eve is celebrated in many ways in Spain. But did you know that it is a celebration that dates back to ancient, pagan traditions?

Experiences

Around the maypole: What it’s like to celebrate midsummer in Sweden

In 2024, Midsummer Eve falls on 21 June and there are celebrations throughout the whole weekend.

Culture news

Celebrating the 'mischief' of London's carnival costumes

A collaborative exhibition by the Museum of British Folklore offers a peek behind the pearly buttons of London's vibrant folk communities.

Culture news

George the dragon slayer: Europe's most multicultural patron saint

Today is Saint George's Day. The patron saint has been depicted in countless works of art, and the date of his martyrdom is celebrated in many European countries.

World News

Hungarian village celebrates Easter with centuries old tradition

The northern Hungarian village of Holloko celebrates Easter Monday in its own particular - and peculiar - way.

Art

These European festivities turn satire into a popular celebration

Before València's fallas burn, we take a look at this and other European celebrations that were born out of social criticism or revolts against established power.

Lifestyle

Love, Gloves and Cocktails: European Leap Year superstitions

It's 29th February - a date that comes only every 4 years. But why, and what are the traditions and superstitions in Europe surrounding this special day?

Culture news

From Barbie to AI: Switzerland's largest carnival begins in Basel

This year's themes for one of Switzerland's oldest traditions include artificial intelligence and the Barbie movie.

Art

Meow-erry Christmas: Have you met the Icelandic anti-Santa?

While you’re overindulging in the festive cheer and the rampant commercial takeover of these holidays, keep this Icelandic folklore in mind... Or Christmas might be far from puuuurrrfect...

Europe Decoded

Real or fake: Which Christmas tree is better for the environment?

For those celebrating Christmas, you may be increasingly concerned about your carbon footprint when it comes to traditional decoration. Let’s get down to the truth.

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One million visitors expected at the Vienna christmas market

One million visitors are expected to attend the Schönbrunn Christmas Market in Vienna.

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Watch: Thanksgiving turkeys prep for White House pardon

Watch as Liberty and Bell get ready for their presidential pardons in Washington.

Hungary

Budapest celebrates Samhain, the Celtic festival that gave rise to Hal

Before the Roman conquest, the area around present-day Budapest was inhabited by a Celtic tribe, the Eravisci, who celebrated Samhain, the beginning of the dark season.