In Viet Nam, Hanoi is celebrating the 237th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da victory with the annual Dong Da Festival, held on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

The festival commemorates Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue and the Tay Son forces for defending national independence. This year’s event combines traditional rituals, including processions and ceremonial offerings, with cultural performances, sports activities and folk games.

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As the last vestiges of winter cling to the Russian landscape, a 25-metre high wooden structure was set on fire at the Nikola Lanivets art park in Russia's Kaluga region as part of celebrations for Maslenitsa. Maslenitsa is one of the region’s most ancient festivals and is also a Lenten Christian holiday, though it aligns specifically with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Celebrants traditionally greet the holiday’s leading lady called Lady Maslenitsa and they dressed her in old clothes, placed the effigy on poles, and carried her on a sleigh. Villagers would often throw old clothes and objects onto the bonfire, burning away the past to make room for the future. 

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State Security and Peace Commission Member and Union Minister for Border Affairs and for Ethnic Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, accompanied by Union ministers, the Chin State chief minister and relevant officials, attended the 78th Anniversary of the Chin National Day ceremony in Haka, Chin State, yesterday.
Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Ministers U Maung Maung Tint and Dr Charlie Than, State Chief Minister Dr Wong Hsun Thang and Deputy Minister U Ye Tint cut the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate the event, and Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented awards to the music and dance troupes.
The attendees saluted the State flag, and Patron Members then took the position and Patron Leader Daw Phwa Daw, representing Matupi Township, made a greeting speech.
Union Minister Lt-Gen Thiri Pyan Chi Sithu Yar Pyae read out the message sent by Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing to the occasion.
The Chin State chief minister also spoke on the occasion.
Union ministers and officials presented prizes to those who won good civil servant awards, and awards for excellence in management (first) and second class), and in social (first), (second) and (third) classes.
Deputy Minister U Ye Tint also presented 60 DTH receivers and 40 DVB-T2 set-top boxes donated by the Ministry of Information for the Chin State government to the state social affairs minister.
Union ministers and party observed the booths and MSME galleries marking the 78th Chin National Day at the district compound office, enjoyed Chin dances and presented cash prizes.
They proceeded to the Sasana Rakkhita TatU monastery in Haka, and donated offerings to Haka and Thantlang Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman, Presiding Sayadaw of the Haka Kyawboke Monastery Bhaddanta Paññobhasa.
At noon, they headed to the Training School for Development of Nationalities Youth from Border Areas in Kalay and Women’s Vocational Training School, met the principals, teachers and students, and presented cash to them. — District IPRD/KTZH

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78th Anniversary Chin National Day Ceremony took place at the compound of District Assembly Office in Hakha Township on Friday.

Member of the State Security and Peace Commission Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae together with Union Minister for the Ministry (3) of the President’s Office U Maung Maung Tint, Union Minister for Industry Dr. Charlie Than, Chin State Chief Minister Dr. Vung Suan Thang, Deputy Ministers, concerned officials and invited guests.

First, the ceremony was commenced after ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by commemorative group photo session. Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented cash awards to the performance troupes. Subsequently, the 78th Chin National Day ceremony was held at the designated area, saluting the state flag by the attendees.

Lt-Gen Yar Pyae later read out the commemorative message sent by Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing.

During the ceremony, honorary certificates and awards were presented to the winners of Management Excellence Award and Social Excellence Award and Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Tint presented 60 DTH dishes and 40 DVB T-2 Set top Boxes for Chin State Government.

Then, Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and officials toured around the display booths opened by the departments and MSME products exhibition. The Union Minister and party also enjoyed the performance by Chin Traditional dance troupes and presented cash rewards.

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Diverse cultural and tourism activities have added to the festive atmosphere in Beijing during the Chinese New Year holiday. The Changdian Temple Fair in Beijing’s Xicheng District offered a vibrant mix of traditional Beijing flavor and modern technology which captures the full atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

In eastern Beijing’s Miyun District, a vast sea of lanterns spanning over 10,000 square meters are captivating visitors with both traditional and innovative designs. Various folk performances are also staged at the event, enhancing the celebratory vibe in the city. Meanwhile, the cultural appeal of the Great Wall created immersive new scenarios for visitors.

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Families in Tibetan-inhabited areas in southwest China’s Sichuan Province are celebrating the Tibetan New Year, or Losar, with traditional rituals and reunion dinners.

According to the Tibetan calendar, the Tibetan New Year in 2026 falls on Feb 18. Right before the new year, a traditional horse racing event, symbolizing progress and good fortune, took place in Sichuan’s Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains, riders showcased their speed and skill, highlighting the unique charm of Tibetan culture. In the morning, the family dressed up in traditional Tibetan robes and adorned themselves with jewelry. Meanwhile, many were busy making preparations for the reunion lunch. The highlight of the meal is a dish that symbolizes reunion — steamed buns.

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Preparations are underway to mark the 77th Pa-O National Day and the Pa-O traditional Taboung Festival in the Thamanya area of Kayin State, according to a member of the Pa-O Literature and Culture Organization (Kayin State).
The 77th Pa-O National Day will fall on 2 March 2026, which coincides with the full moon day of Taboung, when the traditional Taboung Festival will also be held.
A responsible official said the commemorative events would be organized with traditional Pa-O performances, including songs, dances and cultural displays, in areas where Pa-O people mainly reside, such as the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone and towns across southern Shan State, as well as in other regions.
In Kayin State, organizers are making arrangements to hold the celebrations in a lively and grand manner in the Thamanya area. The programme for the 2026 event will begin on the 13th waxing day of Taboung (28 February) with traditional cultural dance performances and competitions.
In addition, a women’s football tournament will be included as part of the 77th Pa-O National Day commemorative activities at the Pa-O National Multipurpose Ground in Myaingkalay Village. — ASH/KZL

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The 2026 Chinese Traditional New Year Festival for Horse-Year was held at the Yunnan Temple in Myitkyina  Township, Kachin State on Tuesday.

Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan and his wife attended the event, along with state government officials and their wives. They were warmly welcomed by the temple’s chairman and members, received traditional flower bouquets and red scarves and signed the guestbook.

They took commemorative photos with members of ethnic literature and cultural associations and social organizations. This was followed by singing national anthem and saluting State Flag.

Then, a Reverend from the Kachin Baptist Convention offered prayers and Yunnan Temple Chairman U Chit Shwe delivered a welcome speech marking the Chinese New Year.

In his New Year speech, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the Year of the Horse would bring energy and wisdom to overcome challenges and promote development for the benefit of the people of Myanmar and China, including Kachin State. He urged all attendees to work together for peace, harmony and stronger Myanmar-China friendship.

The Chief Minister and his wife exchanged commemorative gifts with the chairman. The Chief Minister and party then enjoyed traditional Chinese songs and dance performances and donated 400,000 kyats to performance troupes. They then had lunch, together with the attendees.

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Colombia’s Barranquilla celebrated its traditional carnival with the colorful “Battle of Flowers”. Hundreds of performers and floats paraded through the streets, showcasing dance, music, and folkloric expressions that capture the joy and creativity of the local communities.

The festival highlights the rich cultural heritage and identity of the people of Barranquilla, the Colombian Caribbean, and the Río Grande de la Magdalena region, making it Colombia’s most important folkloric and cultural celebration.

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In Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, Carnival in predominantly Afro-Brazilian neighborhoods celebrated differently known as bate-bola.

Crews in Rio's outskirts don clown-like costumes and race through neighborhoods to a frenetic mix of funk, fireworks and fear. Men have long dominated bate-bola but nowadays women are joining in. The traditional Bate-bola event saw groups of masked revelers carrying a ball tied to a string and or bounce the ball on the ground as they parade through the streets.

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