A Worldwide Visual Chronicle: Celebrations and Conflicts on February 16, 2026
On Monday, February 16, 2026, picture editors from The Guardian curated a diverse collection of photographs from across the globe, capturing moments of festivity, political expression, and everyday life. This visual narrative spans continents, highlighting both joyous occasions and pressing societal issues.
Political and Social Statements
In Tehran, Iran, pedestrians walked past a prominent anti-US billboard on Enqelab Square, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, in Duesseldorf, Germany, a carnival float depicted caricatures of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, adding a satirical twist to political discourse during the Rosemonday parade.
Cultural Celebrations and Traditions
The day was marked by vibrant cultural events worldwide:
- In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a Portela samba school dancer participated in the opening night of the city's Carnival at the Marques de Sapucai sambadrome, showcasing the energy of this iconic festival.
- Lunar New Year's eve was observed in multiple locations: women at the Dragon Lotus temple in Bangkok's Chinatown, worshippers at Donglong Temple in Donggang, Taiwan, and women in traditional dress strolling in a Beijing park.
- In Venice, Italy, a masked reveller posed at dawn in St Mark's Square during the city's Carnival, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the event.
Environmental and Humanitarian Scenes
Several photos highlighted environmental challenges and human resilience:
- In Dhaka, Bangladesh, brick kilns along the Dhaleshwari River were shown as major contributors to air pollution, underscoring urban environmental issues.
- A flooded playground in Chertsey, England, resulted from weeks of persistent rain, illustrating the impact of weather extremes.
- In the Gaza Strip, displaced Palestinians played chess outside their tents, depicting moments of normalcy amid hardship.
- Roe deer searched for food during a cold snap in Dunte, Latvia, highlighting wildlife struggles in harsh conditions.
Other Notable Moments
Additional snapshots included:
- Officials in Vienna, Austria, preparing for the arrival of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- A woman walking after heavy snowfall in Kyiv, Ukraine.
- Children in Pristina, Kosovo, holding stars with names of war victims during an independence day parade.
- Army recruits in Rishon LeZion, Israel, watching paratroopers' first jump in full gear.
- Workers cleaning a rug at the Mahabat Khan mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, for Ramadan preparations.
- The peloton cycling through a desert landscape during the UAE Tour 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
- A family sitting by the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
This collection offers a comprehensive look at global events, blending celebration with commentary on political and environmental realities.
