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Sep. 16, 2023Oktoberfest begins

Dating back all the way to 1810, Oktoberfest is the world"s biggest beer festival, held in Munich, Germany. It all began with the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebrations took place at Theresienwiese, also known as Theresa"s Meadow. The festivities lasted for five days, filled with exciting activities such as parades and horse races. Oktoberfest has become an annual event that can draw over six million people, with each person drinking just over a litre of beer on average. Beyond Munich, this tipsy festival has become a popular celebration in multiple countries, including Canada, particularly in the region of Kitchner-Waterloo, Ontario. The Canadian Oktoberfest is one of the largest Bavarian-style celebrations outside of Germany. This festival showcases a vibrant blend of cultural traditions and local entertainment.Desktop Version

Spring is coming

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Jun. 5, 2024World Environment Day

Happy World Environment Day! First celebrated back in 1973 with the theme "Only One Earth", this event, organised by the United Nations, is all about encouraging people to help protect the environment. It is celebrated in over 143 countries around the world. This year"s theme focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.Desktop Version

Reflecting on Christmas

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Apr. 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark

Today"s homepage takes us to Jutland, Denmark, where the arrival of spring showcases the green hues of the European beech, a national symbol of this northern land. The young leaves of these budding trees are significant to the Danish people, as they are harvested from April to May and used in cooking—particularly in salads. In the past, Europeans would often use the smooth bark of beech trees for writing texts. In fact, in the modern Dutch language, the term for "book" directly translates as "beech tree." As the sun shines through the forest canopy, wild anemones brighten up the woodland with their white petals. These blooms, representing delicate beauty and sincerity, have even starred in masterpieces by artists such as Monet and Vincent van Gogh.Desktop Version

Nov. 12, 2023Diwali

Diwali is a religious festival of lights, and holds widespread significance in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is celebrated worldwide in countries with an Indian diaspora. The name "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit term "Dipavali," which means "row of lights." The heart of Diwali lies in the lighting of oil lamps, or "diyas," illuminating homes and public spaces, creating a dazzling spectacle that signifies the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The present-day city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India—believed to be the birthplace of the God of Protection, Lord Rama—holds the Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps. As seen in today"s image, the "diyas" are lit on the banks of the Sarayu River during Diwali.Desktop Version

Lighting the world

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The other great barrier reef

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This clever bird passes with flying colours

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Jun. 14, 2024Peggys Point Lighthouse

Perched on a rugged granite outcropping, Peggys Point Lighthouse is a stoic guardian of Nova Scotia"s coast. Built in 1914, the 15-metre-tall lighthouse embodies the enduring spirit of maritime Canada. Its beacon was first turned on in 1915. The current lighthouse replaced a wooden structure made in 1868 that was damaged by Hurricane Edna in 1954. The ground floor of the building served as a post office during the summer months until 2009, when Canada Post shut down the service, citing mould growth as a hazard. The lighthouse, now automated, attracts visitors eager to glimpse into Canada"s seafaring past and feel the ocean"s spray.Desktop Version

Cascade in the City of Waterfalls

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Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel

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A grizzly bear sanctuary

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Jul. 3, 2024World Meerkat Day

Everybody say, "Hakuna Matata." It is World Meerkat Day, a celebration of these adorable creatures known for their instantly recognisable upright position. But don"t be fooled by their names; meerkats are not cats. They"re small carnivores of the mongoose family, native to the deserts and grasslands of southwestern Africa. Meerkats are highly social animals, living in tight-knit groups called mobs, which can consist of up to 30 individuals. These groups are a cooperative effort, with meerkats foraging together, grooming each other, babysitting and taking turns as sentinels to watch for predators. These critters create extensive burrows where they spend the night and retreat to escape the midday heat–meerkats love their afternoon siesta.Desktop Version

Jan. 18, 2025Dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Today"s image features the dazzling beauty of White Sands National Park, New Mexico—a surreal expanse of glistening white gypsum dunes, the largest of its kind on Earth. Spanning more than 587 square kilometres, these ever-shifting dunes rise up to 18 metres tall, creating a landscape not seen in many places. This park isn"t only a natural wonder but a historical treasure, with fossilised human footprints dating back as far as 23,000 years, some of the oldest in North America.Desktop Version

Sep. 19, 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland

With their twists and turns, record heights, and breathtaking vistas, mountain roads like Umling La and Pico de Veleta are steeped in history. One such route of the Lepontine Alps—Splügen Pass—is pictured here today. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, the 2114-metre-high pass is one of the highest paved roads in Europe. Although its modern form was built between 1818-1823, the Splügen Pass is rich in history, with links to Roman times. The pass has been much quieter since the nearby San Bernardino road tunnel opened in 1967. The now quiet pass, which has 51 marked hairpin bends, remains closed during the winter. So, if spectacular mountainside views and picturesque lakes tickle your fancy, you can enjoy this ascent between June and mid-October. Has your interest in a Swiss-sational time "peaked" yet?Desktop Version

Oct. 7, 2023Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA

Katmai National Park, situated in southern Alaska, is renowned for its breathtaking wilderness and unique natural features. One of its famous inhabitants is the brown bear, with a population of approximately 2,000. Each year, park rangers organise a bracketed tournament to crown one ravenous grizzly as the fattest bear. Bears such as Beadnose and Bear 747—everyone has their own number—are repeat champions. Katmai also houses the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a landscape created by a volcanic eruption called Novarupta. Here visitors can explore this otherworldly terrain, hike trails, enjoy the view of the pristine lakes, and have a look at the salmon-filled rivers.Desktop Version

Sep. 4, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates

Desert-dwelling camels have been central to lives in the United Arab Emirates for generations, upholding Emirati heritage and customs. A key mode of transportation for Bedouins to access water and supplies, camels are invaluable in traversing the sweltering sands. These dromedaries have even been used as currency to fulfil various obligations, such as dowries or zakat, an annual charitable fee in Muslim communities. They provide nourishment: camel milk is a valuable and nutritious ingredient in many recipes. Finally, camels have successfully entertained Bedouin tribes and travellers through camel racing, further showcasing the versatility of these hardy creatures.Desktop Version

Dec. 3, 2023Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona features an array of sandstone rock formations, towering hoodoos and surreal slot canyons. The monument, established in 2000, was named after the vibrant red hues that dominate the landscape. Once you get a permit to visit this exclusive outdoor excursion, make sure to visit the "Wave." It"s a stunning geological wonder, with flowing layers of rocks that appear frozen like red liquid. Other visual treats include Cobra Arch and the White Pocket formation of sandstone structures, featuring swirling patterns, crossbedding and a combination of colours; including white, red and orange.Desktop Version

Mar. 13, 2025Holi celebration in Jaipur, India

Strolling through the streets of India during Holi is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colours—vivid splashes of blue, green, red, yellow, pink and orange fill the air. This festival falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna—usually in late February or March. It is a significant tradition that symbolises the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Outside India, Holi is celebrated by Hindus in Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as by Indian communities around the world, including in countries like Canada.Desktop Version

A sea of humanity

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Trusty water-shifters

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The healing powers of wastewater

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