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First 'human towers' in Barcelona since the pandemic

The Plaza de Valls in Barcelona hosted the first 'colles castelleres' - or human towers - since the beginning of the pandemic on Sunday.

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Venezuelans fight Covid with a ritual

Every October 12, known in Venezuela as the Day of Indigenous Resistance, thousands of believers gather on Mount Sorte in northwestern Venezuela. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic, which prevented the meeting from taking place in 2020, is at the heart of the ceremonies.

Experiences

Georgia’s bizarre festival of boulder tossing is called Kvirikoba

A look at religious rituals and some bizarre sporting traditions in Georgia's Svaneti region.

My Europe Series

Rebels gather at Stonehenge as Europe marks a muted summer solstice

A few hundred people held in-person ceremonies at the ancient stone circle in England while bonfires were lit and folk festivals held in other parts of Europe for the longest day of the year.

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People

A guide to the strangest Easter traditions from around the world

In mainstream culture, Easter is most closely associated with spring flowers and chocolate eggs. But some towns and cities around the world have their own take on celebrating the Holy Week.

People

How a trip to China helped me grieve the loss of a loved one

For Hope Talbot, China was the backdrop to learning and understanding how people grieve and commemorate life.

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Sambistas perform to open Rio's would-be carnival season

The symbolic performance marked what would have opened Rio's carnival season - a series of events that has been scrapped due to the pandemic.

People

How to celebrate Chinese New Year at home

With Chinese New Year plans on pause this year, we explore how you can recreate the festivities at home.

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Japan celebrates coming-of-age day despite recent COVID-19 surge

At Yokohama Arena, women in ornate kimonos, fluffy white stoles and masks sat in socially distanced seating for the ceremony, with the men dressed mainly in suits.

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COVID-19 rains on Spain's Epiphany parades

COVID-19 restrictions mean the traditional parades in Spain for Three Kings' Day have been scrapped.

Travel News

Here’s how Colombians celebrate New Year’s Eve

Lots of traditional Columbian customs revolve around expelling negative energy and bringing luck for the year ahead..

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Diving Santa Claus brings festive spirit to Rio de Janiero aquarium

Santa Claus swam with the sharks at the Aqua Rio Marine Aquarium during their daily feeding session.

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El Salvador goes ahead with clown day despîte coronavirus pandemic

The country is nearing a total of 40,000 coronavirus cases, with more than 1,000 deaths.

Travel News

Skull sculptures in Mexico City mark the Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead celebration takes place once a year across Mexico as a way of welcoming those who are no longer with us.

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Celebrations for the traditional Shoton Festival begin in Lhasa

A traditional "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony marked the start of the festival Wednesday in the capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, with a huge Thangka painting bearing the image of the Buddha being displayed on hillsides near the Drepung Monastery.

Cult

Dubrovnik celebrates the feast of Saint Blaise

In partnership with Croatia

People from all corners of the Dubrovnik region gather to honour Saint Blaise, the patron saint of the city for over a millennium, who according to legend, saved it from the attack of a Venetian fleet.

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Mountain men in Poland bring in the New Year in full costume

Residents of Milowka disguise themselves as devils, bears and death as they parade through the village.

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Amsterdam marks National Tulip Day with free flowers

Amsterdam's famous Dam Square was adorned with tulip blooms on Saturday in celebration of National Tulip Day.

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Orthodox Christian worshippers plunge into icy waters

Orthodox Christian worshippers braved cold weather and plunged into cold wateron Monday to retrieve a wooden cross during the traditional blessing of the Orthodox Epiphany Day.

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North and South Korea welcome in the new decade

There were fireworks in Pyongyang and bell-ringing in Seoul.