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Dec 19, 2024Sibiu Christmas Market, Romania

As the winter chill sets in, the city of Sibiu transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland as it hosts one of Romania"s most popular Christmas markets. The Sibiu Christmas Market, known in Romanian as Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu, is held in the central square from the end of November until early January. Sparkling strings of lights drape across the square, seen in today"s image, creating a canopy that bathes the cobblestone streets in a warm, festive glow. There also stands a beautifully lit Christmas tree, surrounded by charming wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally made treats like cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread; vin fiert, an aromatic mulled wine; and covrigi, a type of pretzel served warm and sprinkled with salt.Desktop Version

Mar 25, 2025Tolkien Reading Day

Today is Tolkien Reading Day. A time to dust off well-worn copies of "The Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit," and journey once more into the lands of elves, dwarves, and one particularly famous ring. But why this date? March 25 is the day the One Ring was destroyed, bringing down Sauron and ending his dark reign. This day was launched in 2003 to encourage people to explore J.R.R. Tolkien"s works. Schools, libraries and fans worldwide take part, reading passages aloud, discussing favourite moments and diving into the rich lore of Middle-earth. Some go all out with themed events, cosplay and even second breakfasts—because what better way to honour Tolkien than by feasting like a hobbit?Desktop Version

Stairway to heaven?

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Jan 23, 2025Sundance Film Festival

Today, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off, celebrating the magic of movies against the backdrop of Utah"s mountains in the United States. As a launchpad for groundbreaking films and emerging talent, Sundance has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1978. Now one of the film industry"s most influential events, it has introduced the world to talents like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh, whose early works premiered here before shaping their iconic careers. With competitive sections for dramatic and documentary movies, from features to shorts, the festival offers an inspiring array of storytelling.Desktop Version

Sep 21, 2024Munich, Germany

Step into Munich, Bavaria, Germany, pictured here, for a celebration like no other, Oktoberfest. The culture of Bavaria is distinct from the rest of Germany, especially in rural areas where traditions, religion and language play a significant role. They take great pride in their heritage, which is reflected in the traditional attire known as tracht—lederhosen for men and dirndls for women—worn during special occasions. Known for their egalitarian and informal nature, Bavarians are famously sociable, a trait that"s on full display during the annual Oktoberfest, the world"s largest beer festival, attracting about six million visitors each year. This sociability is also evident in Bavaria"s iconic beer gardens, where patrons are welcome to bring their own food while enjoying beer exclusively from the hosting brewery.Desktop Version

Jul 29, 2024International Tiger Day

We"re off to a roaring start today: it"s International Tiger Day. Celebrated on July 29, this day was established in 2010 to protect tigers from threats such as poaching and habitat loss due to deforestation. At the end of the 19th century, there were thought to be around 100,000 tigers in the wild; these days, there are fewer than 6,000.Desktop Version

The festival of colours

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Straight out of a fairytale

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May 28, 2024The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece

When you think of Greece, you might picture sea, sandy shores, whitewashed buildings and blue domes. However, there is so much more to this country. Pictured here is the Roussanou Monastery, nestled amidst the towering cliffs of a rock formation called Meteora in Thessaly, northern Greece. Legend has it that in the 14th century, a group of monks seeking refuge from political turmoil scaled these cliffs to establish their hermitages. Roussanou is one of the six remaining monasteries in the Meteora UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you"ve conquered the climb, you"ll be greeted by stunning panoramic views, but the real treasures lie within the monastery itself—a world of Byzantine art and architecture. This style emerged in the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th century CE until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. So, are you ready to take the climb?Desktop Version

Jul 10, 2024Collared aracari

Black and yellow plumage, bright eyes and an oversized bill—meet the collared aracari, a fascinating tropical bird. Gracing the forests from Mexico through Costa Rica, where today’s image was taken, to Colombia and Venezuela, this member of the toucan family gets its name from the red collar on the back of the neck. Measuring 38 to 40 centimetres long and tipping the scales at a mere 175 to 249 grams, this bird is a wonder of nature"s design. Both male and female aracaris share the same dazzling appearance. These birds circle through the air in groups of 6 to 15, and at night, they snuggle together in tree cavities. Their song is as unique as their look—a sharp "seek" or a whimsical "pink," sometimes a purring sound or even a raspy "grhhrr." Although deforestation and hunting pose threats to these birds, they are currently classified as a least-concern species. For now, collared aracaris remains a captivating sight, a splash of colour and a burst of life amidst the sprawling branches.Desktop Version

Why are blackbirds tied to winter?

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When ice imitates art

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Wind powered ice racing

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Blue as far as the eye can see

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Jul 5, 2024Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia

Welcome to a land where greenery meets the endless blue! Situated on the North Queensland coast of Australia is Noah Beach, a sanctuary encircled by the dense foliage of the Daintree Rainforest. Bordered by the waters of the Coral Sea, this beach is a fascinating blend of two distinct ecosystems—the rainforest seamlessly meeting the azure waters of the sea.Desktop Version

Where can you find this cute creature?

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May 2, 2025Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil

In the lush Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, a striated heron perches on a Victoria water lily. This water bird, also known as the mangrove heron, is over 40 centimetres tall. It is a master of patience, waiting to ambush its prey. It uses clever tactics, such as dropping feathers or insects to lure fish. Common in the wetlands of South America, the striated heron is also found in North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, New Guinea and the Pacific islands. The Victoria, or giant water lily, belongs to the genus of aquatic herbs, including species like Victoria amazonica and Victoria boliviana, which can boast leaves more than 3 metres in diameter. The Pantanal, the world"s largest tropical wetland, is a sanctuary for wildlife and offers an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world.Desktop Version

May 30, 2024Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

On this day, 90 years ago, an act was passed that would lead to the creation of one of America"s natural gems: The Everglades National Park. This park in Florida encapsulates the largest subtropical wilderness of the United States. The Everglades, spanning across more than 6,100 square kilometres, are a lifeline to 36 federally protected and endangered wildlife, from the gentle manatee to the stealthy Florida panther. Here, the air thrums with the calls of over 350 bird species like limpkins and snail kites, while the waters teem with life too: fish, like snook and redfish, and American crocodiles are all found here. Beyond its biodiversity, the park has earned global recognition, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance.Desktop Version

Aug 4, 2024Friendship Day

On the first Sunday of August, India celebrates Friendship Day. Initially championed by the greeting card industry, Friendship Day saw a resurgence, especially in Bangladesh and Malaysia, along with India, fueled by social networking sites and the widespread use of mobile phones, digital communication and social media.Desktop Version

May 8, 2024Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch

Get ready to soak up the sun and Olympic spirit in Marseille, France. A vibrant coastal city renowned for its rich maritime heritage and cultural diversity, Marseille serves as a gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the arrival of the Olympic torch ignites a fervour of anticipation here. The fire was lit in Olympia, Greece, on April 16. Symbolising the link between the modern games and its ancient Greek heritage, the flame embarks on its journey around France to the Paris Olympics. The Summer Olympics will begin on July 26. As Marseille prepares to host the Olympic sailing competition, the city pulsates with energy, blending tradition with innovation.Desktop Version

Oct 2, 2024Gandhi Jayanti

Today is Gandhi Jayanti—a day that marks the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, whose words of truth and nonviolence echo through history. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a well-known lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist. He is celebrated for his use of nonviolent resistance to spearhead India"s successful struggle for independence from British rule. This day is globally recognised as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations. Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes throughout the country, with special observances at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, the site of his cremation.Desktop Version

Black-and-white bovines

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