This long weekend marked an abundance of historic moments both here in America and abroad. We experienced motivating experiences of victory, dynamic cultural expressions, and impactful culture switch actions. From the iconic Kentucky Derby in the United States to vibrant performances in Brazil, various activities captured the public’s attention.
Down in Louisville, Kentucky, the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby featured Sovereignty #18 and jockey Junior Alvarado breaking the line in dramatic fashion. As friends and family members cheered their horses to the finish line, they captured the heart and soul of this quintessentially American event. Meanwhile, Himanshu Sharma captured the energy of runners participating in local events, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere surrounding this renowned sporting occasion.
Lady Gaga took the world stage by storm with a sensational, high-energy performance. From there, she wowed audiences at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The hugely popular event attracted thousands of partygoers who were excited to experience all the Grammy-winner’s talent while being surrounded by the beach’s stunning views. Here one of our red kites in flight, passing through with elegance and acrobatics.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a red kite searched for food in Buckinghamshire, UK, focusing the world’s eye on the area’s diverse wildlife. In High Wycombe, jockeys sped gallantly to the finish line in exactly the same way they saw on the cartoons. It was an exciting competition that produced exciting entertainment for race fans.
Leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un inspects a T-55 tank factory where he checked the production line of multiple variants of military vehicles. Surrounded by at least a dozen officials with notepads in hand, he assessed the heavy production measures being undertaken. This official visit highlights the deeper military issues at play within the country.
The weekend featured a demonstration in Israel where an Israeli reserve soldier participated in a protest at the Israel-Gaza border. This event illustrated existing rising tensions and use of violence in the area and brought national attention to specific calls for change. Climate activists demonstrate with hand painted boards and placards in Germany as part of Friday’s For Future protests worldwide, showing the global demand for action.
In the other European nations, cultural festivities were at the epicenter. Catholic Pilgrims wearing Knights Templar regalia march through St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, upholding the old times. In Prague, participants dashed over the historic Charles Bridge, celebrating cultural heritage and athleticism at once.
In Waterlooville, UK, residents celebrated the Beltain Celtic fire festival at Butser Ancient Farm, an event that honors ancient customs and community spirit. Simultaneously, the UK marked 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, reflecting on a pivotal moment in history and the sacrifices made during that time.
In Ajmer, India a purple sunbird sitting gracefully on a flower stalk. It represents the beauty of nature, flourishing despite the craziness of what the world has turned into.