The Guardian's picture editors have selected a series of compelling photographs from across the globe, capturing events ranging from Labour Day marches to Buddha's birthday festivities.
Labour Day Demonstrations
In Turin, Italy, demonstrators clashed with police during a May Day march, with images showing tense confrontations. Similar scenes unfolded in Manila, Philippines, where protesters were blocked while attempting to march towards the US Embassy during a Labour Day rally, leading to clashes with authorities. In Seoul, South Korea, members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions staged a rally, holding banners reading 'Basic labour rights.' Meanwhile, in Venice, Italy, people participated in a national demonstration focusing on worker rights, called by trade unions in Marghera. In Istanbul, Turkey, crowds marched to celebrate May Day, and in Mexico City, thousands attended a concert in the Zócalo to celebrate Children's Day, which recognises children's rights and wellbeing.
Buddha's Birthday Celebrations
In Bangalore, India, Buddhist devotees burned incense during celebrations to mark Buddha's birthday. In Kathmandu, Nepal, Buddhist monks waited for donations as pilgrims visited the Boudha Stupa temple, with thousands flocking to observe the traditional birthday of Siddhartha Gautama, born about 2,500 years ago in Lumbini.
Other Notable Images
In Hook, UK, members of the Hook Eagle Morris performed outside the Shack Cafe in Hampshire to see in the May Day dawn. Floods in Dhaka, Bangladesh, left roads submerged, with water levels ranging from knee-deep to waist-deep. In Beijing, China, Chen Yuxi and Lu Wei competed in the women's 10-metre synchronised finals at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2026 Super Final. At the Fondation Beyeler museum in Riehen, Switzerland, visitors in bathing suits received free admission to view Paul Cézanne's Bathers series. In Los Angeles, USA, a young grasshopper rested atop a rose in California. In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Mohammed Ahmed Masoud al-Susi, 10, struggled with malnutrition due to Israel's restrictions on aid entry, also needing medical treatment for developmental delays and epilepsy. In Odesa, Ukraine, a nurse cared for newborns at Maternity Hospital No 1 amid air-raid alerts and Russian bombardment, highlighting the war's impact on fertility rates. In Coolangatta, Australia, Erin Brooks of Canada competed in the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks. In St Andrews, Scotland, the annual Gaudie procession saw students in traditional red gowns commemorating a rescue from 1800.
