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  • 2
    days
    ago

    Gothic fans gather in Leipzig

    Hendrik Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images

    A visitor of a Wave-Gothic meeting poses for a photo on May 17, 2013 in Leipzig, eastern Germany. Organisers expect some 20,000 visitors from all over the world for the "dark" music and arts festival running until May 20.

    Hendrik Schmidt / EPA

    Alexander from Saxony poses for the photographer prior to the start of the 22nd Wave-Gothic Festival (WGT) in Leipzig, Germany.

    Hendrik Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images

    A visitor of a Wave-Gothic meeting poses for a photo on May 17, in Leipzig, eastern Germany.

    Hendrik Schmidt / EPA

    A woman poses prior to the start of the 22nd Wave-Gothic Festival (WGT) in Leipzig, Germany, May 17. The gothic and 'dark' culture festival runs until May 20.

    Hendrik Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images

    Vistors to a Wave-Gothic meeting have a pram with skeleton in it on May 17, in Leipzig, eastern Germany. Organisers expect some 20,000 visitors from all over the world for the "dark" music and arts festival running until May 20.

     

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  • 7
    days
    ago

    Rock 'n' Roll alive and kicking in Hemsby, England

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    Rock and Roll devotees Lori Barker and Yvette Hillebrandt pose as they attend the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender on May 21 in Hemsby, England.

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    Classic cars line up for a cruise to Great Yarmouth during the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender on May 12.

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    Rock and Roll pianist and singer Lewis Jordan Brown, 11, entertains devotees at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender.

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    Rock and Roll devotees dance the night away at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender on May 12.

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    An attendee of the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender chalks his cue as he plays pool in Hemsby, England on May 12.

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    Rock and Roll devotees attend the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender in Hemsby England.

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    An Elvis fan's Ford Consul is parked at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender on May 12.

    By Getty Images,

    Fans of Rock and Roll, Rockabilly, Rockin' Blues and Americana gathered at Seacroft Holiday Camp in Hemsby, England this weekend to dress up in period clothing and re-live the 1940s and 50s.

    Every day of the four day Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender, a line up of top live bands played the music of the era as devotees hit the dance floor to hop, bop, jive and Rock 'n' Roll.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

    Rock and Roll devotees attend the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender.

    2 comments

    Great to see how these pics of us rockabillies in the UK have gotten all over the world! :)

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  • 2
    Apr
    2013
    1:39pm, EDT

    Day in the park: Iranian families celebrate public picnic day

    Ebrahim Noroozi / AP

    Iranians fly kites during the ancient festival of Sizdeh Bedar, or public picnic day, at the Pardisan park, western Tehran, Iran, on April 2, 2013. The tradition of picnic day has occurred since ancient times in Iran, with families spending time outdoors on the thirteenth day of the Iranian calendar. Sizdah is the Persian word for thirteen.

    Ebrahim Noroozi / AP

    An Iranian woman smokes a water pipe during the ancient festival of Sizdeh Bedar in a park in western Tehran, Iran, on April 2.

    Ebrahim Noroozi / AP

    Iranians pose for pictures while they celebrate Sizdeh Bedar in a park in western Tehran, Iran, on April 2.

    Ebrahim Noroozi / AP

    An Iranian woman rides a bicycle as a man stands with his horse to lease at a park, during the ancient festival of Sizdeh Bedar, in western Tehran, Iran, on April 2.

    Iranians headed outside to celebrate the ancient festival of Sizdeh Bedar, or public picnic day, in Tehran on Tuesday. The tradition of picnic day has occurred since ancient times in Iran, with families spending time outdoors on the thirteenth day of the Iranian calendar. Sizdah is the Persian word for thirteen.

    --The Associated Press

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    Ebrahim Noroozi / AP

    An Iranian girl flies a kite in ancient festival of Sizdeh Bedar at the Pardisan park, western Tehran, Iran, on April 2.

    Previously on PhotoBlog:

    • Scene from an Iranian execution: Condemned man lays his head on hangman's shoulder
    • Iranians commemorate martyrdom of prophet's grandson
    • Iran urges baby boom
    • Iranians celebrate festival of fire

    5 comments

    Is this really news? In Nazi Germany,Stalins Russia,Idi Amin´s Uganda people went to parks also.What´s the point of the story? As for 60's veteran it´s not the prez of Iran that holds the power,It´s the ayatollahs,and their Islamic Revolution.The prez is just a puppet that c …

    Show more
    Explore related topics: iran, festival, daily-life
  • 26
    Mar
    2013
    12:11pm, EDT

    The Hindu festival of colors celebrations continue in India

    Vivek Prakash / Reuters

    A boy sprays colored foam during Holi celebrations in a lane near the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on March 26. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, heralds the beginning of spring and is celebrated all over India.

    Altaf Qadri / AP

    Hindu devotees chant religious slogans amid dust from colored powder inside Banke Bihari temple during Holi festival celebrations in Vrindavan, India, on March 26.

    Thousands pack a small town in India to celebrate spring with their traditional Holi Festival. TODAY.com's Dara Brown reports.

    Previously on PhotoBlog:

    • In a dirty, polluted river, prayers are offered
    • Hindus worship the sun god as night falls during Chhath Puja
    • With a flash and a bang, Hindus celebrate festival of lights
    • Color flies at Hindu festival in India

     

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    1 comment

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  • 22
    Mar
    2013
    12:21pm, EDT

    Colorful Holi celebrations kick off in India

    Sanjay Kanojia / AFP - Getty Images

    Indian Hindu devotees participate in rituals for the Lathmar Holi festival at the Nandji Temple in Nandgaon on March 22, 2013. Lathmar Holi is a local celebration, but it takes place well before the national Holi day on March 27.

    Sanjay Kanojia / AFP - Getty Images

    Indian Hindu devotees participate in rituals for the Lathmar Holi festival at the Nandji Temple in Nandgaon on March 22, 2013.

    Sanjay Kanojia / AFP - Getty Images

    Indian Hindu devotees participate in rituals for the Lathmar Holi festival at the Nandji Temple in Nandgaon on March 22, 2013.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

     

    3 comments

    Awesome pics!

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  • 11
    Mar
    2013
    12:32pm, EDT

    Giddy-up! Ostriches race to win at Arizona festival

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Dustin Murley and Jessey Sisson race on their ostriches during the annual Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Ariz, March 10.

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Dustin Murley falls off his ostrich as Jessey Sisson looks on during the ostrich race at the annual Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Ariz.

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Dustin Murley falls off his ostrich as Jessey Sisson looks on during the ostrich race at the annual Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Ariz.

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Dustin Murley is run over by his ostrich after falling off during the ostrich race at the annual Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Ariz. on March 10.

    By Jon Sweeney, NBC News

    Chandler, Ariz. has more than a 100-year history with the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, but it wasn't until 1989 that the community decided to celebrate its feathered friend with the annual Ostrich Festival.

    The three day event held in late winter or early spring offers your typical fun festival fare with one exception, ostrich racing.

    “An ostrich is not really the most intelligent animal in the world,” said Steve Boger, whose Hambone Express brings ostrich racing to the event. “The only thing that’s less intelligent than an ostrich would be a person who would get on one and ride it.”

    “It’s kind of like getting in the car with no steering wheel and no seat belt,” he told the Arizona Republic. “You’re definitely at their mercy.”

    With no stirrups or reins and only a small pad to serve as a saddle, falls are common in this event, he said. Continue reading the Arizona Republic article.

    Why ostriches? From the 1890s to the 1920s the desert community was home to 80 percent of the American population of ostriches. They were brought to Arizona, which had a similar climate to their native Africa, to harvest their feathers for use in women’s hats. However, with fashion being fickle, the fancy plumes were no longer a necessity and ranchers began unloading their ostriches in the 1920s.

    The ostriches never returned to Arizona in any great number, but the festival was created as a community galvanizing event and to honor the history of the bird's contribution to the area's growth.

    For the record, the Humane Society of the United States doesn't condone ostrich racing.

    “At first glance it (ostrich racing) does appear to look fun, but it’s cruel,” said Kari Nienstedt, the Arizona director of the organization. “We don’t condone any event that torments captive wildlife causing undue stress and possible serious injury to an animal.”

    Nienstedt further wishes that Chandler would celebrate the ostrich in a more humane way. 

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Dustin Murley raises his hand as he races his ostrich during the annual Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Ariz.

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Spectators prepare to watch the ostrich race during the annual Ostrich Festival.

    Joshua Lott / Reuters

    Jessey Sisson rides his ostrich during the ostrich race at the annual Ostrich Festival.

     

    19 comments

    I'm wondering when we will stop using animals for our simple amusement. How insensitive and small-minded.

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  • 18
    Feb
    2013
    12:02pm, EST

    Close shave marks next step for naked holy men

    Kevin Frayer / AP

    Hindu holy man Baba Sanjay poses before and after he had his head and face shaved as part of an initiation ritual where he was to become a Naga Sadhu.

    Kevin Frayer, a photographer with The Associated Press, took a series of photos of Hindu holy men before and after they had their beards and hair shaved off as part of the initiation ritual to become Naga Sadhus — naked holy men — at the Maha Kumbh Festival in Allahabad, India.

    The initiation of new Naga Sadhus can only be performed at the Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every 12 years and sees millions of devotees converging at the confluence of three holy rivers: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

    Editor's note: Photos taken on Feb. 13, 2013 and made available to NBC News today.

    Kevin Frayer / AP

    Baba Ramshwal.

    Kevin Frayer / AP

    Brihaspst Giri.

    Kevin Frayer / AP

    Baba Vinod.

    Kevin Frayer / AP

    Baba Giri.

     

    17 comments

    They're rockin' those glassy-eyed homicidal druggie stares. "Holy" men - yeah right If I saw one of them on my front porch, I'd break out the Mossberg "persuader" and dial 911.

    Show more
    Explore related topics: india, hair, religion, south-asia, festival, world-news, featured, hindu, kumbh-mela
  • 12
    Feb
    2013
    4:47pm, EST

    Gold and feathered samba dancers spice up Carnival celebrations in Rio

    Christophe Simon / AFP - Getty Images

    A dancer with the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school performs during Carnival at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, on Feb. 12.

    Alexandro Auler/str / Getty Images

    Members of the Beija Flor Samba School perform during Carnival at the Sambodrome on Feb. 12, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    Antonio Scorza / AFP - Getty Images

    The Grande Rio samba school performs during Carnival at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Feb. 12.

    Antonio Scorza / AFP - Getty Images

    Dancers with the Grande Rio samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Feb. 12.

    Also see: From cubicle to Carnival: A samba dancer keeps her day job

    Slideshow: Carnival in Brazil

    Felipe Dana / AP

    A performer from the Unidos de Vila Isabel samba school parades during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, on Feb. 12.

    Launch slideshow

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

     

    Comment

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  • 7
    Jan
    2013
    4:02pm, EST

    A whale takes flight in Mumbai's kite festival

    Divyakant Solanki / EPA

    Participants fly a kite at the International Kite Festival in Mumbai, India, on Jan. 7.

    Divyakant Solanki / EPA

    Dance performers from Gujarat in cultural attire fly a kite during the International Kite Festival in Mumbai, India, on Jan. 7.

    Rafiq Maqbool / AP

    A participant from New Zealand flies a large heart shaped kite at the International Kite Festival in Mumbai, India, on Jan. 7. Kite-flyers from around 40 countries are participating in the day-long festival.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    Previously on PhotoBlog:

    • Indian laundry men spin out decades-old tradition
    • In the market for a camel? Pushkar fair has up to 20,000 animals for sale & trade
    • Tibetan Buddhists perform sacred dances in India
    • Sikh warriors show off their skills during Mohalla

    Comment

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  • 3
    Jan
    2013
    10:14am, EST

    Winter-only weddings - Bulgarian Muslims say 'I do'

    Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images

    Fatme Ulanova stands during her wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo, in southwestern Bulgaria, on Jan. 2.

    Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images

    Fatme Ulanova, 20, and Djamal Sirakov, 23, stand with with euro banknotes hung on their garments as presents during their two-day wedding ceremony in the Bulgarian village of Ribnovo.

    Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images

    Bulgarian Muslim women look at the dowry during a wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo in Bulgaria.

    Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images

    Bulgarian Muslim women look at the dowry during a wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo, in southwestern Bulgaria, on Jan. 2.

    Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images

    Bulgarian Muslim women dance during a two-day wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo on Jan. 2.

    The people of this Bulgarian town of Ribnovo are famous for performing their unique wedding ceremonies in winter time only.

    The inhabitants of the mountain village of Ribnovo are Bulgarian-speaking Muslims, sometimes referred to as "Pomaks" or "people who have suffered". Muslim Bulgarians are descendants of Christian Bulgarians who were forcibly converted to Islam by the Turks, during the 14th, 16th and the 18th century.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

     

    2 comments

    This is the official page :)

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    Explore related topics: muslim, religion, festival, wedding, world-news, bulgaria
  • 28
    Dec
    2012
    7:54am, EST

    The colorful faces of Kathmandu's Yomari Puni festival

    Narendra Shrestha / EPA

    A group of young Nepalese Newari girls wearing costumes representing various deities participate Jyapu Day procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Dec. 28. Thousands of the Kathmandu based majority Jyapu, which means ethnic farmers, celebrated farmers day all over the country. The Nepalese government has made the day a national holiday in recognition of the Jyapu.

    Niranjan Shrestha / AP

    A Newar community girl dressed as a deity watches as she participates in a parade marking Yomari Puni festival in Katmandu, Nepal, on Dec. 28. Yomari Puni is a festival observed annually by the Newari community on a full moon day where Yomari, a confection of rice flour, is prepared and eaten.

    Niranjan Shrestha / AP

    Newar community girls dressed as deities participate in a parade marking Yomari Puni festival in Katmandu, Nepal, on Dec. 28.

    See more photos from Nepal on PhotoBlog.

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

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  • 19
    Nov
    2012
    7:15pm, EST

    Peru celebrates culture with bullfighting festival

    All images by Karel Navarro / AP

    A member of folkloric music group 'Los Brillantes de Matacancha' from Huanuco, Peru, performs during a show inside a bullring at the Yawar Toro center during a festival on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, Nov. 18.

    Bullfighter Brayan Quinonez performs during a festival in Peru, Nov. 18.

    Karel Navarro, AP — A festival was organized by Peru’s town of Huanuco to celebrate native customs in culinary art, dance and music.  People from Peru's Andean highlands, who have emigrated for decades to the capital in search for opportunities, organize fairs on various dates on the outskirts of Lima to honor various patron saints, celebrate anniversaries or to celebrate local customs.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: Images made available to NBC News on Nov. 19

    See other images related to Peru on PhotoBlog

    Follow @NBCNewsPictures

    •Sign up for the NBCNews.com Photos Newsletter

    People watch a parade outside a bullfighting ring at the Yawar Toro center during a festival on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, Nov. 18.

    People watch a show inside a bullring at the Yawar Toro center during a festival on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, Nov. 18.

    Alejandro Evangelista, a musician from the Pomapata Musical Center, pours himself a beer after performing in a bullring at the Yawar Toro center during a festival on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, Nov. 18.

    3 comments

    If a GOP/Tea Begger gets gord in the butt? Does that mean that they are full of crap?

    Show more
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