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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?

Moments

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.

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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...

The Cube

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.

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Hong Kong revives its 'living tradition' of fire dragon dance

The dragon was hoisted by hundreds of volunteers who danced and bounded along the streets of the Tai Hang neighbourhood in a raucous parade.

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WATCH: Thousands of people in the streets at Lille Fleamarket

Thousands of people take to the streets of Lille, Nothern France, for the annual Braderie, one of the biggest flea markets in Europe, with almost 80 kilometres of stalls and some 2.5 million visitors expected.

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Around 17,500 dancers meet at Latvian national song and dance festival

The repertoire for Perpetual Motion includes 33 dances, 13 of which are prize-winning new dances, while seven are from Latvia’s Golden Foundation of Dance.

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Thousands of drummers in Spain mark Good Friday

Thousands of drums come together in the village square in Calanda northeast Spain. At midday on Good Friday, they begin to beat in unison, filling the whole village with sound

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Watch: Iraqi Kurds celebrate Nowruz New Year festival in Akre

Nowruz marks the first day of Spring and is celebrated by some 300 million people around the world.

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WATCH: Iran prepares to celebrate the Persian New Year

Iran is gearing up for its annual Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations. In Tehran, a group of artists are decorating ornamental eggs with colourful drawings.

Travel News

In pictures: The triumphant winner of Rio Carnival 2023

This year's winning samba school won by just one tenth of a point.