US President Joe Biden joined in on Halloween festivities by playfully interacting with children at the White House as they celebrated the holiday with costumes and treats. Meanwhile, in Valencia, Spain, severe flash flooding wreaked havoc, with cars abandoned in the streets and more than 200 lives lost due to the torrential downpour that obliterated homes and infrastructure.
In Edinburgh, Scotland, the annual Samhuinn Fire Festival captivated attendees with its vibrant celebration marking the change of seasons from summer to winter, featuring fire dancers, drummers, and acrobatic performances. In Africa, citizens participated in Botswana's general election, where voters turned out in numbers, casting ballots and shaping the nation’s future.
Globally, efforts to eradicate polio continue as a critical vaccination campaign commenced in Peshawar, Pakistan, aiming to protect millions of children under the age of five from the devastating disease. Back in Johannesburg, South Africa, a young boy celebrated his heritage, playing beside a statue of the revered Nelson Mandela, symbolizing the spirit of resilience in the nation.
In London, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves unveiled a significant £40 billion tax rise aimed at bolstering public services and the NHS, marking a historic moment after her party's return to governance. Finally, Japan's picturesque Mount Fuji remains snowless later into the season than ever recorded, signaling a concerning trend in climate patterns. Festivities also unfolded in New York's Greenwich Village, where attendees paraded during the 51st Annual Village Halloween Parade, claimed to be the largest Halloween celebration on the globe, showcasing the diverse ways people embrace traditions and seasonal changes.
