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4 Mar 2025Happy Fat Tuesday!

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a vibrant tradition that marks the last day of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Rooted in ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia, Mardi Gras evolved as Christianity spread, blending local customs—most notably Carnival festivities—with religious observances. The name itself originates from French, with the word gras meaning "fat," referring to rich, fatty foods like meat, eggs and cheese that are traditionally enjoyed before the fasting season begins.Desktop Version

24 May 2024European Day of Parks

Today is European Day of Parks! On this day in 1909, Europe"s first nine national parks were founded in Sweden. This year, the celebration puts the spotlight on the vital role of protected areas in shaping and implementing nature policies. Additionally, it highlights how they contribute to building a sustainable and resilient society for European citizens. Essentially, these areas are more than just guardians of biodiversity; they are also pillars of our collective well-being, reminding us to preserve our natural heritage.Desktop Version

11 Oct 2023The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA

Featured here is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, specifically the mesmerising Painted Hills. Layers of vividly coloured clay-rich soils make for a captivating landscape. These hills contain a record of changing climates and ecosystems that spans millions of years. Here, visitors can explore a museum that displays fossils of plants and animals that thrived long ago. One can get a glimpse of fossils of opossums, oreodonts, sabre-toothed tigers and turtles by visiting the Clarno unit of the monument. These remnants serve as a reminder of the dynamic and fascinating history our planet holds.Desktop Version

Happy New Year!

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21 Sep 2024Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Today, we"re raising a stein and saying Prost! Step into the capital of Bavaria, Germany, pictured here, for a celebration like no other. Oktoberfest, dating back to 1810, starts today in Munich. This grand event is a vibrant blend of Bavarian culture, tradition and, of course, beer.Desktop Version

1 Jan 2025Happy New Year!

Happy New Year"s Day! Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year today. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.Desktop Version

15 Dec 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy

You might have heard of a pool of tears, but have you ever heard of a lake of tears? Well, legend has it that Lake Misurina, pictured here, in Italy"s Dolomites, was born from the sorrow of a giant named Sorapis. At more than 1,700 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in the Cadore region, with its perimeter stretching more than 1.5 miles. The area around the lake is known for its beneficial climate, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding hotels provide a perfect getaway for up to 500 visitors. The lake played a role in the 1956 Winter Olympics, where it hosted speed skating events on natural ice, and it has even been immortalised in a pop song by singer Claudio Baglioni. With astounding views, mythical roots and activities for every season, this lake may well be the Dolomites" most alluring reflection.Desktop Version

2 Apr 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 writings 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

Starry, starry night

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31 Jan 2025Happy International Zebra Day!

Celebrate the beauty of zebras on International Zebra Day! These striking animals, known for their unique black and white patterns, are mostly found in the African savannah, stretching from Kenya to South Africa. Of the three zebra species—Grévy"s zebra, plains zebra and mountain zebra—the Grévy"s zebra is the most endangered, with more than half its population lost in only three decades. While plains zebras are thriving, mountain zebras face significant threats, such as poaching and habitat encroachment. Zebras play an essential role in the ecosystems they live in, coexisting with predators like lions and hyenas while shaping the grasslands they call home.Desktop Version

14 Jan 2025Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain

Zahara de la Sierra, a stunning whitewashed village in the hills of Cádiz, Spain, offers a perfect blend of history and nature in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched on a rocky hilltop, the village seen in today"s image overlooks the turquoise Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and the lush Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977. Its iconic Moorish castle ruins and the 15th-century tower reflect its history as a medieval fortress. Stroll through narrow streets lined with flower-filled balconies, visit the picturesque church of Santa María de la Mesa, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. Zahara is also a gateway to adventure—activities like hiking, cycling and kayaking are only a little of what the village has to offer.Desktop Version

26 Apr 2025Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario, Canada

Carved by time and water, Bruce Peninsula National Park protects a breathtaking stretch of the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario, Canada. Designated in 1987, it safeguards a landscape of towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, dense forests and untouched shorelines. As part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it"s a haven for species that have adapted to its rugged terrain, like black bears, massasauga rattlesnakes and white-tailed deer.Desktop Version

25 Sep 2023Sea otters

It"s hard not to smile when you spot a sea otter. Their whiskery faces, busy paws and thick fur give the impression of a stuffed animal that has come to life and taken to the ocean. Native to the Pacific Ocean, these heaviest members of the weasel family can be found along the coast from Japan to Mexico. They aren"t just cute though, they also play a vital role in the kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check. Once numbered as high as 300,000, their worldwide population had dropped to fewer than 2,000 after widespread hunting. International protections were put into place in 1911 and numbers have rebounded to around 125,000, but they still remain endangered. While some habitats never recovered, others have emerged in entirely new locations, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve that"s pictured here. In 1995, five sea otters were spotted in Glacier Bay and today there are over 8,000 that hunt, play and raise pups in the kelp-abundant waters.Desktop Version

14 Aug 2024World Lizard Day

From mythology to modern media, lizards have often been portrayed as scary reptiles. As it turns out, they"re not as dangerous as stories might lead you to believe. Today, World Lizard Day, is the perfect time to learn about these cold-blooded creatures. With more than 7,000 species, these animals have adapted to a wide range of environments—from deserts to rainforests. Take the gecko, for example. These little climbers have specialised toe pads that let them scale walls and even walk on ceilings. Then there"s the chameleon, known for its colour-changing skin. While many think it"s all about blending in, chameleons also change colour to communicate and regulate their temperature.Desktop Version

21 Jan 2025Squirrel Appreciation Day

What"s that long, bushy tail scurrying across the branches? Chances are, it"s a squirrel. These little rodents are found across most of the globe, and today is their special day: Squirrel Appreciation Day. This unofficial holiday was started by a North Carolina wildlife rehabilitator to encourage people to leave out seeds and nuts for these critters. From the tiny least pygmy squirrel—just 14 centimetres long—to the Bhutan giant flying squirrel at more than a metre, these mammals come in all shapes and sizes.Desktop Version

4 Sep 2024Dusky eagle-owls, Pakistan

As daylight fades, dusky eagle-owls, the silent hunters seen in today"s image, emerge from their nests. These primarily nocturnal raptors were photographed in Pakistan but can also be found in the forests and scrublands across South and Southeast Asia. An impressive wingspan of 38–43 centimetres, piercing yellow eyes and exceptional hearing help them to catch small mammals and birds with precision in dim light. Measuring up to 30 centimetres tall, these feathered predators can also be spotted hunting in the daytime when the weather is cloudy. They often live in the abandoned nests of other birds or in natural crevices. Dusky eagle-owls breed in December and January, usually rearing their young in the safety of tall trees or cliff ledges. Nature lovers and bird watchers are captivated by their solemn gaze and elegant stature.Desktop Version

8 Jun 2024European hare

Springtime brings a whirlwind of activity across the European meadows. The European or brown hare bursts into a frenzy of what is dubbed "March madness." Britain"s fastest land mammals become a captivating sight, chasing and "boxing" in the fields. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, these hares" tawny coat is perfect camouflage for the temperate, open landscapes they favour. Their diet of grasses and herbs, and in winter, twigs and bark, fuels their remarkable bursts of speed, essential for outrunning predators. Unlike their burrow-dwelling rabbit cousins, hares bear their young, known as leverets, above ground. From birth, these youngsters are on the move—furry, wide-eyed and precociously active.Desktop Version

11 Aug 2024Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada

Discover the beauty of Vancouver Island, Canada. The wooden pathway in today"s image, surrounded by ancient pine and cedar trees, leads to Kennedy Lake, the largest freshwater body on the island. The lake covers a surface area of 16,000 acres (6,475 hectares). It is part of the ancestral lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation where the Clayoquot and Kennedy Rivers meet.Desktop Version

15 May 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Welcome to Jodhpur, the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India, where it isn"t just the sky that"s blue—it"s the houses too! Jodhpur is situated in the Thar Desert. The city is called the Blue City as all the buildings in the old district are painted light blue. The name "Jodhpur" finds its beginnings in its esteemed founder, Rao Jodha. Belonging to the Rathore clan, he is recognised for establishing the foundations of this city. For more than five centuries since its founding, the city has been known for its thriving textile industry, fine furniture shops, delectable cuisine and bustling markets. Famed for its forts, palaces, mausoleums, gardens and lakes, the city boasts some famous spots like Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Come and explore the wonders of this blue city!Desktop Version

The rolling hills of Moravia

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27 Sep 2023Via Krupp, Capri, Italy

Via Krupp, a historical pathway on the island of Capri, Italy, is renowned for its dramatic serpentine design. Constructed between 1900 and 1902 by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, the footpath connects the town of Capri to Marina Piccola beach, which allowed Krupp to access his private properties back in the day. The pathway"s intricate layout, with its sharp turns and steep inclines, was an engineering marvel of its time. Via Krupp"s panoramic vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Faraglioni rock formations and the lush landscape of the island have drawn admiration for generations. Due to concerns over preservation and safety, because of falling rocks, the pathway has faced intermittent closures, though it reopened in June this year for the first time in nine years.Desktop Version

6 Mar 2024Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA

At the end of a slot canyon in Oregon, US, there"s something special awaiting hikers: the Wahclella Falls. Fed by Tanner Creek, a tributary of the Columbia River, these waterfalls were named after a Native American village by members of the Mazama Mountaineering Club. At the end of a foot trail, visitors can see the spectacular two-tiered cascade that crashes down 105 metres into a pool below, which is the perfect place to take a dip and cool off. While you"re swimming, don"t forget to keep an eye out for the water ouzel—also known as the American dipper—a species of bird that calls the falls home. They can be spotted flying along the side of the stream and occasionally diving into the water.Desktop Version

9 Apr 2024Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Walk through a real-life canvas where vibrant blossoms paint the Earth in the shadow of Mount Vernon in the United States. That"s exactly what awaits you at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington. Founded in 1984 by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, it began as a three-day event but has since grown into a month-long fiesta. The festival runs from April to May and draws visitors from all over the world. The floral show spans multiple gardens in the valley, so make sure you explore Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, Garden Rosalyn and the 50-acre (20.23 hectares) display at RoozenGaarde. You can tour the tulip gardens by bicycle and explore the local wineries, breweries and restaurants. Among the petals, life slows down just enough for us to remember the simple joys—breathe deeply, smile widely and revel in the spectacle that is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.Desktop Version

23 Jun 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cultural opulence, bustling economy and spirited locals—welcome to Dhaka in Bangladesh! This megacity on the Ganges Delta, home to over 10.2 million people, is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Once known as Jahangirnagar after ruling emperor Jahangir, Dhaka was the provincial capital of the Mughal Empire for 75 years in total.Desktop Version

29 Jun 2024Pride in London

Parades, parties and rainbows everywhere—Pride in London is back for another colourful celebration of love and diversity! This annual event"s history traces back to 1972, just three years after the Stonewall riots galvanised the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Over the decades, it"s been a voice of protest against injustices like Section 28—a series of now-repealed laws prohibiting the "promotion of homosexuality"—and a stage for joyous celebration. In 1992, London first held EuroPride and bewitched a crowd of 100,000 with the message of love and equality. Fast forward to 2024, and Pride in London stands as the largest pride festival in the UK, with an incredible 1.5 million visitors estimated to have attended in recent years.Desktop Version

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