The Guardian's picture editors have selected a striking collection of images from around the world for Thursday, capturing moments of protest, tradition, nature, and commemoration.
Pussy Riot Protests Russia's Return to Venice Biennale
In Venice, Italy, the activist group Pussy Riot demonstrated against the readmission of Russia to the Venice Biennale. This marks the first time Russia has been allowed at the art fair since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which previously sparked widespread protest and the resignation of the fair's jury.
Samaritan Passover Pilgrimage in the West Bank
Samaritan worshippers gathered on Mount Gerizim in Nablus for the Samaritan Passover pilgrimage. Members of this ancient community congregate at their holiest site to commemorate the biblical exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The Samaritan Passover typically occurs about a month after Jewish Passover, following their own distinct religious calendar.
Elections Across Great Britain
In London, a person was seen holding the leads of their dogs as they left a polling station. Elections were taking place across Great Britain, with voters casting their ballots.
Scottish Parliament Election in Edinburgh
At St Phillips Church in Portobello, Edinburgh, signs and placards for Reform, SNP, Green, and Labour were displayed during the Scottish Parliament election, highlighting the competitive political landscape.
US Secretary of State Visits Vatican
Swiss Guards took position before the arrival of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the San Damaso courtyard in Vatican City.
Rice Planting in Vietnam Amid Economic Fallout
In Ban Ho, Vietnam, a farmer from the Red Dao ethnic group prepared his terraced paddies before planting rice near Sapa. The economic fallout from the Iran war is affecting farmers across Asia, with costs of fuel and fertiliser from the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz skyrocketing as the planting season for staples like rice begins.
Increased Security in Moscow for Victory Day
Russian security personnel patrolled an area on a pickup truck armed with a machine gun amid heightened security measures for Victory Day, which marks the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Dried River Sabarmati in Ahmedabad
In Ahmedabad, India, a man walked on a dried portion of the river Sabarmati as he returned after searching for reusable items, illustrating the impact of water scarcity.
Heron in Hunan Province
A heron frolicked in a mountain forest in Hunan Province, China, captured in a serene moment of wildlife.
Giant Sand Portrait of David Attenborough
In Morecambe, UK, a drone view showed an artist from the Sand In Your Eye art team putting finishing touches to a giant sand portrait of David Attenborough to mark the conservationist's 100th birthday.
Yeoman Warders at St Paul's Cathedral
In London, Yeoman Warders were seen before the service for the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul's Cathedral.
Dawn at Mount Shivling in India
In the Tapovan region of India, the first golden rays of dawn illuminated the peak of Mount Shivling near the Gangotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalaya range of Uttarakhand.
Chadian Soldiers Patrol Lake Chad After Boko Haram Attack
Chadian soldiers patrolled by boat from a military base on Lake Chad. Chad declared three days of national mourning after an attack by Boko Haram jihadists on 6 May that killed two generals.
