The origins of the ritual are linked to Hindu folklore, particularly a mythological marriage dispute. Two groups take part in the event. One group, including members from castes such as Golla and Kammara, throws cow dung in the name of Goddess Bhadrakali. The opposing group participates in honour of Lord Veerabhadraswamy.

Participants acknowledge the possibility of injuries but often express little concern, citing traditional beliefs about healing. The festival is traditionally held a day after Ugadi, which marks the first day of the Hindu calendar year.

Around 10,000 people had gathered for the late-night climax, during which the lights are extinguished and sacred wooden talismans are hurled into the crowd.

The festival, which dates back more than 500 years and is designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is a tightly choreographed ritual . 

In the final ceremony, priests throw bundles of small wooden charms into the darkened temple hall, followed by two larger sacred sticks known as “shingi.” Thousands of men, dressed only in a traditional loincloth called a “fundoshi,” surge forward in a dense mass, pushing and grappling to seize one of the prized objects. 

The two men who manage to secure the shingi are declared the year’s “lucky men,” believed to receive a year of good fortune and prosperity.

While it has been a cherished tradition in Japan, the festival’s combination of darkness, noise and extreme crowding has long raised safety concerns, particularly as participants pack shoulder to shoulder in a confined space .

In 2007, one participant died after being crushed.

Japan has several ‘naked’ festivals

Saidaiji Eyo is one of several “naked festivals” held across Japan during the coldest months of the year. These rituals combine Shinto and Buddhist elements and are rooted in ideas of purification: participants douse themselves in icy water and strip down to symbolise a return to an untainted state before petitioning the gods.

In northern Japan, the Somin-sai at Kokusekiji in Iwate long saw men battle for a sack of amulets believed to ward off disease and disaster. After centuries of observance, the temple announced its final full edition in 2024, citing dwindling local support.

Further south, the Hayama-gomori at Kuronuma Shrine in Fukushima remains a more secretive rite. Participants undergo days of abstinence and cold-water purification before nocturnal ceremonies and an oracle’s prophecy for the coming harvest.

For devotees, these festivals express communal endurance and spiritual renewal. Yet as crowds swell and rural organisers struggle with ageing populations, Japan faces a delicate balance between preserving tradition and preventing tragedy.

Pilgrims advance towards the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Socavón, some on their knees in acts of promise and faith, while emblematic dances such as la diablada and la morenada reflect centuries of spiritual and cultural fusion. The carnival is both a religious pilgrimage and a national cultural expression with global recognition.

Footage from the fair shows stalls filled with tiny replicas of houses, cars, buildings, money and household goods, as visitors browse, purchase and prepare the miniatures for ceremonial blessings. The objects represent personal wishes, ranging from home ownership to financial stability.

“There are little cars, buildings, and money. So everything you can desire you can buy, and later you smoke it so that a year later it is fulfilled. But there always has to be faith,” said Giovana Quispe, a vendor at the fair.

As part of the Andean ritual, participants light incense, attach miniature accessories to figures and pour alcoholic drinks over statues of Ekeko as offerings while asking for blessings and good fortune. The Alasitas Fair was recognised by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Dozens of comparsas moved through the streets accompanied by drums and vibrant costumes, dancing to the rhythms of candombe , a musical and dance tradition recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The sound of percussion echoed across the neighbourhoods, transforming public space into a living stage for collective memory and expression.

Participants and organisers emphasised the role of the drum as a symbol of continuity and resistance. Members of the Ansina Tradición comparsa noted that percussion has been central to preserving African heritage since colonial times, when enslaved communities used music as a way to sustain identity and solidarity. Today, that legacy is passed on as a form of education for younger generations.

The celebration also honours San Baltazar, a figure associated with Afro-descendant devotion in the region. His presence reflects the blending of Catholic traditions with African cultural practices that emerged during the colonial period, reinforcing a distinct Afro-Uruguayan identity that remains visible in music, dance and ritual.

The parade traditionally concludes at the House of Afro-Uruguayan Culture in Palermo, a site of remembrance for communities displaced during the 19th century. Organisers describe the event not only as a cultural celebration, but also as a statement of visibility and belonging, linking Uruguay’s past to ongoing efforts across Latin America to recognise and protect Afro-descendant heritage.

In reality, however, the sheer press of bodies — worshippers jostling to touch the image with their hands or wipe it with white towels — is often enough to propel the carriage along the nearly six-kilometre route, a journey that can take almost a full day.

As the Philippines marks the feast of the Jesus Nazareno, Global South World looks back at the image’s history and its rise into one of the country’s most enduring religious traditions, in a nation with the world’s third-largest Catholic population.

16th-century roots

Historical accounts trace the image’s arrival to 1606, when Spanish Augustinian Recollect missionaries brought it from Mexico to the Philippines. It was first housed in Bagumbayan, now Luneta Park, before being transferred to churches in Intramuros as devotion intensified.

By the mid-17th century, the cult of the Jesus Nazareno had gained official Vatican recognition. Pope Innocent X approved the formation of a religious brotherhood tasked with caring for the image.

The annual Traslación commemorates the transfer of the statue to its present home at Quiapo Church in central Manila, ordered between 1767 and 1787. What began as a modest procession steadily grew into a massive public event, particularly after the image was believed to have survived fires, earthquakes and wars — episodes devotees regard as miraculous.

A mammoth procession

In recent decades, the Traslación has evolved into a national spectacle. The procession retraces the historic route from Bagumbayan to Quiapo and can last nearly 24 hours.

In 2025, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines designated January 9 a nationwide liturgical feast, further elevating the event’s status.

Authorities expect around eight million people to take part this year. Many participate in the pahalik , a ritual veneration of the image, or attempt to touch it during the procession, believing it brings healing and blessings.

Why the Church dropped the word ‘black’

The Traslación has changed in recent years, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic. The image is now carried in a glass-enclosed carriage to prevent damage to the centuries-old statue and reduce the risk of injury to devotees.

A more symbolic shift came in 2024, when Quiapo Church dropped the word “black” from its official title. 

In a decree, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula announced the church would formally be known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno – Saint John the Baptist Parish.

The move, the decree said, was intended “to further focus the people on the holy name of our Lord rather than a colour or attribute.” 

As a national shrine, the Church said it aimed to be “more inclusive,” recognising devotions to other images of the cross-bearing Christ that are not dark in colour.

Despite these changes, the meaning of the image and the procession remains largely unchanged for Filipino devotees. 

For many, the Jesus Nazareno represents a suffering Christ who identifies with hardship and endurance — a powerful symbol that, more than four centuries on, continues to shape religious life and identity in the Philippines.

Visitors moving through the fair encountered stalls filled with alasitas, miniature figures representing personal aspirations, alongside stones, candles and natural quartz. These objects form part of a belief system in which material symbols are used to give shape to desires, with the expectation that intention and ritual can help turn them into reality.

Now in its 27th edition, the fair reflects practices shared across the Peruvian–Bolivian highlands, where faith in miniatures and wishes has been passed down for generations. Vendors say the figures commonly represent homes, vehicles, family life or economic stability, mirroring the goals many people set at the beginning of a new year.

In addition to the miniatures, the fair offers cleansing baths, amulets and energy rituals aimed at attracting health , love, prosperity and success. For many participants, selecting an item marks the symbolic beginning of a process through which hopes for the coming year are activated.

The Fair of Wishes will remain open until early February, but its significance is closely tied to the New Year period. In a global context shaped by uncertainty and rapid change, the tradition stands as a distinctly Peruvian way of welcoming the year ahead through cultural continuity and collective belief.

Panama’s government has proposed a shift in fuel policy that would make ethanol blending mandatory in gasoline and introduce accompanying fiscal adjustments for fuel products. According to officials, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, support agricultural sectors that produce biofuel feedstocks, and align energy policy with environmental commitments. The proposal would reshape the current fuel taxation scheme, though exact blend ratios and timelines are yet to be finalised. Lawmakers and industry stakeholders are now reviewing the plan, with debates expected over costs, infrastructure readiness and impacts on consumers and transport sectors. Critics caution that mandatory ethanol could raise fuel prices if implementation is not carefully managed.

Court upholds Ministry of Public Works fine against Fourth Bridge consortium

Panama’s Third Chamber of the Supreme Court has ruled that a fine imposed by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) on the consortium responsible for the Fourth Bridge project is not illegal. The court found that the sanction, related to contractual compliance issues, fell within legal bounds and did not violate due process. The decision was welcomed by the MOP as an affirmation of the government’s authority to enforce infrastructure contracts, but it drew scrutiny from the contractor, which has argued that the penalty was disproportionate. The ruling could affect future infrastructure disputes and reinforces legal oversight on major public-private projects. Legal experts say the case highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing state interests and investor rights.

Allegations surface over “secret” Panama Canal expansion project

Reports have emerged alleging a secret project linked to the Panama Canal expansion, suggesting that undisclosed plans may be underway for additional waterway works beyond the official multipurpose programme. Critics and analysts argue that if true, such covert initiatives could divert resources and undermine transparency in one of the country’s most strategic assets. Government agencies and canal authorities have not publicly confirmed the specifics of the alleged project, but the discussion has intensified scrutiny of governance practices and public communication surrounding canal operations. Panama’s waterway is central to national income and global shipping, so any suggestion of hidden plans draws considerable attention from civil society and economic stakeholders.

Trade deficit with Mercosur hits US$490 million

Panama’s commercial deficit with Mercosur nations (a South American trade bloc including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) has reached approximately US$490 million, according to the latest statistics. Analysts attribute the imbalance to higher Panamanian imports of vehicles, electronics and manufactured goods from Mercosur countries compared to Panama’s exports in agriculture and services. Business associations are calling for renewed focus on export competitiveness and diversification to narrow the gap, while trade experts note that Panama’s strategic position as a logistics hub makes balanced trade with regional partners both a challenge and an opportunity. The deficit figure underscores ongoing structural trade issues that policymakers are seeking to address.

Preparations begin for the 2026 “Mil Polleras” parade

Organisers have begun finalising plans for the 2026 Mil Polleras Parade, a celebrated cultural event showcasing Panama’s traditional dress and folk heritage. Preparations include the rental of tarimas (stages/platforms) at a cost of about US$54,000, indicating the scale and logistical complexity of the festivities. The “Mil Polleras” event draws participants and spectators from across the country and abroad, highlighting regional costumes, music and dance. Officials say early planning is essential to ensure safety, scheduling and cultural programming, as well as to accommodate expected tourism. The parade remains a hallmark of Panamanian identity and civic pride.

Held annually from 25 December to 6 January, the festivities are a longstanding fixture of Costa Rica’s cultural calendar. Hundreds of spectators gather in a festive, family-oriented atmosphere, where improvised and often costumed participants step into the ring, waiting as a bull bursts out and charges, drawing loud reactions from the stands.

For those who take part, the appeal lies in the adrenaline and the public response. Amateur bullfighter Andrei Romero said the thrill comes from interacting with the animal and hearing the crowd’s applause and shouts as the bull closes in, moments that define the experience for both participants and spectators.

For many Costa Ricans, toros a la tica represent a distinctive way of marking the end of the year, blending excitement, humour and a strong sense of community. The tradition is seen as a shared cultural expression, passed down through generations and rooted in local identity.

Veteran bullfighter Jorge Rojas, 74, recalled that earlier bullfighting events in Costa Rica, during the late 1960s and early 1970s, were largely unregulated. He noted that the modern version operates under clear rules, reinforcing the emphasis on safety and animal welfare .

The origins of toros a la tica date back to the colonial era, when bullfights followed the customs of the Spanish crown. After independence, the practice continued but evolved, eventually becoming known as corridas a la tica — a term that reflects Costa Rica’s distinctive style and its departure from more violent forms of bullfighting.

Footage recorded this week shows shelves and tables throughout Valencia’s home filled with nativity displays of varying sizes, materials and styles. The scenes represent countries and regions including Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Italy and Hungary, as well as broader cultural interpretations from Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East , highlighting the diversity of Christmas traditions beyond their European origins.

Valencia began building the collection in 1991, after the death of her father just days before Christmas Eve. What started as a way to preserve the spirit of the season during a period of personal loss gradually evolved into an annual event, with visitors coming to view the displays and engage with the different cultural expressions of the nativity story.

Encouraged by growing interest from both local and international visitors, Valencia now plans to seek global recognition for her collection. “I want to fill out the application, apply to the Guinness Records,” she said, explaining that visitors from Peru and abroad have told her they have not seen an entire house dedicated to such a wide range of nativity scenes and traditions.

Despite suffering a serious fall earlier this week, Valencia said she remains committed to continuing the tradition, which takes around two months each year to assemble. For her, the project has come to represent more than a seasonal display, reflecting a long-standing effort to share cultural diversity and keep a personal legacy alive through a universally recognised celebration.

Footage from Sunday shows crowds gathering to watch the torching of the Trump-themed effigy, accompanied by fireworks as part of the celebration. For many participants, the act carries symbolic meaning. With many participants viewing the burning of a small devil figure as a way to cast out misfortune and start the year renewed, a sentiment often expressed by regular piñata buyers who take part in the tradition.

For artisan families, the event is also a vital economic moment. Among them is Marco Antonio González, owner of ‘Piñatas Tom y Jerry’, known for crafting multiple versions of Trump piñatas, including models dressed as ICE and FBI agents. González said he began producing Trump figures at the start of the president’s term “because of the disastrous policies he carries out,” describing the effigy as a portrayal of “the highest disastrous authority of deportations”.

Although rooted in Catholic tradition, the Burning of the Devil has evolved into a cultural space where creativity, political expression and craftsmanship converge. The ritual continues to serve both as a symbolic cleansing ceremony and as a platform for social commentary within Guatemala’s end-of-year celebrations.

The practice was believed to carry cultural meaning, with designs used to identify members of the community and protect them from harm.

However, as rural Hindu communities in Muslim-majority Pakistan become increasingly connected to nearby towns and cities, fewer young women are choosing to continue the tradition.

Just 2% of Pakistan’s 240 million people are Hindu, most of whom live in Sindh.

Discrimination against minorities remains widespread, and many young Hindus say tattoos make them more visibly identifiable in public.

For Hindu activist Mukesh Meghwar, notions tied to tattoos are one reason for the declining tradition.

"We grew up hearing that a tattoo on the body is a sin [according to Muslims in Pakistan]," he told AFP. "I remember ten years back, I heard that one who has tattoos will have no life after death. It’s sin. And when we discuss such things with our families, it certainly affects our women as well.”

Many Muslims in Pakistan view tattoos as forbidden, and those who do have them rarely display them publicly.

Few Hindus interviewed could recall the origins of the custom, but anthropologists say it stretches back hundreds of years.

“These symbols are part of the culture of people who trace their roots to the Indus civilisation,” anthropologist Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro told AFP, referring to the Bronze Age period that predates modern religions. “These ‘marks’ were traditionally used to identify members of a community and to ward off evil spirits.”

For young Hindus, however, the practice no longer holds the same significance.

Durga Prem, a 20-year-old computer science student, said: “We want to represent our skills in front of others. We don’t want these things [tattoos] that could create hurdles in our communication.”

Another student, Mumta Prem, said tattoos can be a reason to be outcast.

“With education and living in the city, this trend is declining. One looks different from others if one has tattoos. So, we don’t have tattoos.”

While the tradition remains visible among older women in rural areas, Meghwar believes the younger generations are unlikely to carry it forward.

"This is very painful. Perhaps we are the last generation to see tattoos," he said.

During the festival, participants threw stones at each other while using shields for protection, and many were treated for injuries afterwards.

Many of the 80 injured sustained head wounds.

“There has never been any untoward incident here. There are injuries, but there have never been any deaths or serious injuries reported here,” said participant Rohi Dani. “In these years of practice, we have seen no unfortunate incident happen here.” 

Injuries during the festival are blessings from Maa Barahi, said local resident Prakash Varial.

“These injuries are a blessing of Goddess Maa Barahi, there is nothing to be scared. It is a very good thing to be blessed with injuries. We have come so far to get this blessing,” he said. “This is our tradition. We have to follow this tradition. There will be blood. But with the blessing of Maa Barahi, we become hardened stones.” 

Dating back to at least the sixth century, the Bagwal Mela was originally a ritual involving human sacrifice but later evolved into a stone-pelting event. 

The festival attracts visitors from across India and abroad, with injuries remaining part of the tradition.

Attendees said the festival typically draws more than 100,000 people , but attendance was lower this year due to bad weather. 

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers die in military helicopter crash

Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed died in an August 6 crash of a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi. Read more here .

Mission 300: The bold plan to bring power to half of Africa by 2030

Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity—more than the populations of the U.S., Canada, and Brazil combined. The African Development Bank and the World Bank’s Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people by 2030, linking half of unserved communities to the grid within five years. Read more here .

What should US deportees expect from Rwanda?

Rwanda will take in 250 immigrants deported from the US, becoming the third African nation after Eswatini and South Sudan to accept such arrivals. The country has struggled to secure similar migration deals. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest before his coup plot trial, citing violations of prior restraining orders and alleged attempts to involve U.S. President Donald Trump. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order despite recent U.S. sanctions against him. Read more here .

Sarah Sanabria: Humour, activism, and journalism in the digital age

Bolivian journalist Sarah Sanabria, with degrees in communication, journalism, and audiovisual production, has built a following on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by mixing humour with sharp political critique, carving out a unique space beyond traditional media. Read more here .

Oil find could bring $$$ for BP and $ for Brazil but what will it cost the planet?

BP has announced its largest oil and gas discovery since 1999, uncovering the Bumerangue field off Brazil. The find could boost its fossil fuel portfolio and mark a shift away from renewable energy investments. Read more here .

Hong Kong hit by heaviest August rainfall since 1884

On August 5, Hong Kong saw its fourth top-tier rainstorm warning in just over a week, with over 355 mm of rain—the highest August daily total since 1884—causing severe flooding and shutting hospitals, schools, and courts. Read more here .

Indonesia warns ban of ‘One Piece’ flag, seen as symbol of protest vs President Prabowo

Indonesia is restricting public displays of the One Piece “Jolly Roger” flag, which has become a symbol of dissent against President Prabowo Subianto. Authorities warn it must not be flown alongside the national flag. Read more here .

Inside India’s temple ritual, where priests smash coconuts on worshippers’ heads for blessings

For generations, thousands have travelled to Mahanadapuram Temple from across southern India to fulfil vows and seek blessings. Locals say the tradition, often tied to personal milestones, deepens their connection to the deity. Read more here .