The city of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, witnessed the grand finale of Europe’s largest Halloween festival, drawing thousands of spectators from across the globe. The four-day carnival, now in its 39th year, culminated in a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the night sky, leaving the massive crowd in awe. The event, which cost £550,000 to organize, is projected to inject £7.4 million into the local economy, with hotels, bars, and restaurants experiencing a surge in business throughout the week. Visitors from Spain, Italy, Germany, the United States, Australia, and Iran flocked to Derry for the festivities, which included a vibrant parade, the Awakening the Walled City Trail, and a host of mythical and magical performances. Despite weather-related cancellations, the festival’s spirit remained undiminished, with highlights such as a six-foot-tall she-wolf puppet and a 160-ft-long fire-breathing snake captivating audiences. Festival manager Jacqueline Whoriskey emphasized the event’s unique blend of folklore, fire, and festivity, making it a must-see for families and thrill-seekers alike. The parade, a celebration of community creativity, showcased the imaginative talents of local groups, reinforcing Derry’s reputation as a hub for unforgettable Halloween experiences. Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the event continues to honor the tradition of spirits roaming the earth, with mythical characters bringing the streets of Derry to life.
分类: entertainment
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Casa Milano launches ‘Ambiente’, a home décor division led by Ruby Sajan
Casa Milano has introduced ‘Ambiente by Casa Milano,’ a groundbreaking home décor division, during an exclusive event that also commemorated the brand’s sixth anniversary. Spearheaded by Ruby Sajan, the division represents her artistic vision and passion for creating spaces that blend elegance, emotion, and functionality. Ruby, a certified makeup artist turned interior design aficionado, has channeled her creative expertise into curating collections that reflect her unique aesthetic. Each piece in the Ambiente collection is handpicked by Ruby from around the globe, merging vintage charm with modern artistry to craft distinctive and emotionally resonant interiors. Ruby’s debut collection embodies her personal style — elegant, expressive, and soulful — while emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing. Azhar Sajan, founder of Casa Milano, expressed pride in Ruby’s leadership, highlighting how Ambiente reflects her vision and dedication. The division aims to redefine luxury interiors in the UAE, focusing on eco-friendly materials and mindful design. With plans to expand across the UAE, Ambiente promises to inspire homes to embrace artistry, individuality, and elegance.
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Halloween 2025: The best celebrity costumes so far
As Halloween approaches, celebrities are already stealing the spotlight with their extravagant and imaginative costumes. US model Julia Fox made a bold statement by dressing as a blood-soaked Jackie Kennedy at a New York party, while singer Demi Lovato revived her viral ‘Poot Lovato’ meme from 2015. North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and her friends paid homage to the Japanese kawaii-metal band BABYMETAL, showcasing their love for unique cultural references. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion transformed into Choso from the popular manga series Jujutsu Kaisen, and former Little Mix member Jade channeled Greta from the classic film Gremlins. Janelle Monae brought Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat to life, and Paris Hilton recreated Britney Spears’s iconic red jumpsuit from the ‘Oops!… I Did It Again’ music video. Actress Keke Palmer embraced her inner rapper by dressing as Snoop Dogg, complete with lip-syncing to his hits. These early Halloween celebrations highlight the creativity and flair of celebrities, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable holiday season.
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Tan Dun bridges East and West at Lincoln Center
Renowned Chinese-American composer Tan Dun premiered his choral concerto ‘Nine, Wine, and Time’ at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York on October 29. The performance marked the 20th anniversary of the Bard College Conservatory of Music, where Tan serves as dean, and celebrated President Leon Botstein’s 50th year leading Bard College. Originally conceived to honor Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birth anniversary, the pandemic delayed its 2020 debut, allowing Tan to expand the work into a three-part masterpiece. The concerto intertwines elements of Chinese philosophy, Taoist and Buddhist chants, and ancient poetry by Qu Yuan and Li Bai, creating a profound cultural dialogue. Tan explained that the title’s ‘nine’ (jiu) in Chinese symbolizes not only the number but also ‘wine’ and the concept of eternity. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, blending nature-inspired themes with innovative vocal and instrumental techniques. Attendees praised the work’s beauty and power, with one describing it as ‘stunning’ and ‘overwhelming.’ Tan, a Grammy and Academy Award winner, continues to bridge Eastern and Western traditions through his music, fostering global unity and cultural exchange.
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Shen Wei traverses cultural bridge
Shen Wei, a multifaceted artist renowned for his work as a painter, dancer, and director, continues to bridge the cultural divide between East and West. His latest exhibition, ‘Shen Wei: Still/Moving,’ showcased at the Pocantico Center of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in New York, exemplifies his unique ability to merge traditional Chinese art forms with contemporary Western aesthetics. The exhibition, which runs until April 18, 2026, features a series of works that explore universal themes through the lens of his diverse artistic background.
Born in Hunan province, Shen Wei began his artistic journey at the age of seven, learning traditional Chinese painting. Over the years, he expanded his repertoire to include Chinese opera, calligraphy, and dance. His immersion in Western culture began after moving to the West, where he delved into Western aesthetics, painting, dance, music, film, and opera. Shen Wei’s work is a testament to his deep appreciation for both cultures, which he seamlessly integrates into his art.
In a recent performance in New York, Shen Wei directed four American dancers as they moved across a large canvas, their bodies acting as brushes to create a living artwork. This innovative approach to art and dance highlights Shen Wei’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and create a new artistic identity that resonates with audiences worldwide.
‘Chinese culture has its own beauty and civilization that have been passed down for thousands of years,’ Shen Wei remarked. ‘After coming to the West, I began to understand Western civilization, its aesthetics, painting, dance, music, film, and opera. I love both cultures deeply. They are both humanity’s shared pursuit of beauty expressed through sound, sight, and movement in different ways. I find both profoundly beautiful, creating a new artistic identity of my own that deeply relates to my Chinese roots, as well as Western culture.’
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A solid gold toilet is up for auction with a $10 million starting price
LONDON (AP) — A unique piece of art, blending luxury and satire, is set to make headlines once again. Sotheby’s announced on Friday that it will auction “America,” a fully functional solid gold toilet sculpture by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. This provocative piece, weighing over 101.2 kilograms (223 pounds) of gold, is valued at approximately $10 million, matching its material worth. The auction is scheduled for November 18 in New York.
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Japanese series that inspired Power Rangers to end after 50 years – reports
After five decades of captivating audiences, the iconic Japanese superhero series Super Sentai is set to conclude, marking the end of a cultural phenomenon that inspired the globally renowned Power Rangers franchise. Reports indicate that declining merchandise and event revenues have rendered the production unsustainable, prompting its broadcaster, TV Asahi, to halt the series. The Asahi newspaper confirmed the broadcaster’s reluctance to comment on future programming decisions. Since its debut in 1975, Super Sentai introduced a groundbreaking formula featuring five teenagers who transform into color-coded, masked fighters to combat alien threats. This blueprint not only shaped Power Rangers but also influenced numerous superhero shows across Asia. Beyond its television success, Super Sentai served as a marketing powerhouse, driving sales of toys, costumes, and collectibles. It also launched the careers of many Japanese actors and introduced international audiences to Japan’s vibrant superhero and comic culture. Shows like Choudenshi Bioman and Hikari Sentai Maskman, dubbed in English, garnered cult followings in countries like the Philippines. The series’ signature elements—martial arts, swordfights, and epic robot battles—remained consistent throughout its run, appealing to fans with its unique live-action animation style. The original Power Rangers, adapted from Super Sentai by producer Haim Saban, aired in the U.S. from 1993 to 1996 and spawned multiple spin-offs. Saban recalled the initial skepticism he faced, stating in a 2017 interview with the LA Times that networks initially dismissed the concept as ‘crazy.’ News of Super Sentai’s cancellation has sparked an outpouring of nostalgia and sadness among fans and celebrities. Actress Keiko Kitagawa expressed ‘despair’ in a widely viewed post on X, while actor Yasuhisa Furuhara, who starred in the series, reflected on its historical significance. Fans lamented the end of an era, with one noting the generational impact of the show. ‘Super Sentai is coming to an end, so what should boys watch from now on?’ another fan pondered. As the curtain falls on this legendary series, its legacy as a cultural and entertainment milestone remains indelible.
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Nasa hits back at Kim Kardashian’s moon landing conspiracy
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has ignited a fresh wave of controversy by suggesting that the historic 1969 Moon landing was staged. During a recent episode of her show *The Kardashians*, Kardashian told co-star Sarah Paulson that she believes the Apollo 11 mission “didn’t happen.” She referenced an interview with astronaut Buzz Aldrin, quoting him as saying, “There was no scary moment because it didn’t happen.” However, the authenticity of the quote remains unverified. Kardashian later told a producer, “I center conspiracies all the time,” doubling down on her skepticism. NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy swiftly responded on social media, stating, “Yes, we’ve been to the Moon before… 6 times!” He also highlighted NASA’s ongoing Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon. Despite decades of scientific evidence debunking Moon landing conspiracy theories, such claims have persisted, fueled in part by social media. Duffy invited Kardashian to witness the Artemis mission launch, but the star shifted focus by inquiring about the interstellar object 3I/Atlas, dubbed the oldest comet ever observed. Experts, including the Institute of Physics, have repeatedly refuted claims that the Apollo 11 mission was a hoax, asserting that every argument has been discredited.
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Saudi Arabia: Ithra Museum showcases 50 Arab Women redefining Modern Art
The Ithra Museum in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition titled ‘Horizon in Their Hands,’ which spotlights 50 pioneering women artists from the Arab world. This landmark show, curated by Rémi Homs in collaboration with the UAE-based Barjeel Art Foundation, celebrates the transformative contributions of these artists to modern art, particularly during the socially and politically tumultuous decades of the 1960s to the 1980s. The exhibition spans 12 countries, featuring works by renowned artists such as Sheikha Ibrahim, Fela Kefi, and Safeya Binzagr, who have redefined traditional crafts like embroidery, ceramics, and tapestry, blending them with contemporary artistic expressions. ‘Horizon in Their Hands’ not only challenges the male-dominated narrative of art history but also bridges the gap between fine art and craft, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of Arab women artists. The exhibition, which runs until February 14, 2026, is a testament to the cultural reclamation and innovation driven by these artists, offering a powerful narrative of tradition, modernity, and empowerment.
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Dubai Shopping Festival to begin December 5; Dh400,000 grand prize announced
The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is set to commence on December 5, 2025, and will run through January 11, 2026. This annual extravaganza promises to deliver unparalleled shopping experiences, world-class entertainment, and lucrative opportunities for participants. A highlight of this year’s festival is the Mega Raffle draws, where one fortunate shopper will win a brand-new Nissan vehicle along with Dh100,000 daily. Additionally, a grand prize of Dh400,000 will be awarded on the festival’s closing day. Raffle tickets, priced at Dh100 each, are available for purchase at Tasjeel centres, ENOC stations, ZOOM stores, and AutoPro service outlets. Each ticket grants two chances to win, with daily draws offering a selection of Nissan models, including the Pathfinder, X-Terra, X-Trail, Kicks, and Magnite. Participants who do not win in the daily draws will still have a shot at the Dh400,000 grand prize in a special draw on January 11, 2026. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), emphasized the significance of the Mega Raffle as a cornerstone of the DSF, attributing its success to the unwavering support of strategic partners. The festival continues to embody Dubai’s vision of retail innovation and excitement, combining unbeatable shopping deals with a celebration of global retail excellence.
