Thousands of redheads celebrate their strands at a festival in the Netherlands

TILBURG, Netherlands (AP) — Thousands of redheads from all over the world are gathering in the southern Dutch city of Tilburg for a once-a-year festival to celebrate their flaming locks. The 2025 edition of the Redhead Days festival this weekend includes music, food trucks and workshops tailored to particular needs of redheads, including makeup explainers and skin cancer prevention. The festival continues a two-decade tradition of bringing redheads together to celebrate their unique and vibrant manes.

Swastikas still linger on some flags in Finland's air force, but are on the way out

GENEVA (AP) — Finland's air force is moving to remove swastikas from its flags, partly due to the awkwardness it creates with Western allies. The swastika, an ancient symbol, was adopted by Finland's air force in 1918, long before the birth of Nazi Germany. However, it has become associated with hate groups. The military has been phasing out the symbol, which has caused embarrassment, especially with American allies. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, and while the change isn't directly related to this, the symbol's perception as embarrassing in international contexts has driven the decision. New flags featuring an eagle will replace the old ones.

Tons of overripe tomatoes become projectiles in Spain's ‘Tomatina’ food fight

BUÑOL, Spain (AP) — Thousands of people from around the world seeking a uniquely messy thrill have spent a wild hour flinging bushels of overripe tomatoes at each other. Spain’s “Tomatina” is the mother of all food fights. The celebration Wednesday painted a packed central street bright red in the eastern town of Buñol as revelers hurled 120 tons of the overripe fruit. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the eye-catching event that party lore says began when local children tossed tomatoes in 1945. Since then it has grown from a yearly tradition to an event that draws a significant international crowd.

What to know about Spain’s ‘Tomatina’ festival, the tomato street fight turning 80

Thousands of people are set to paint a Spanish town red with tomato pulp during the famous "Tomatina" festival. The event brings 120 tons of overripe tomatoes to the eastern town of Buñol. Up to 22,000 participants join in the hourlong tomato fight. The festival marking its 80th anniversary Wednesday began in 1945 after a spontaneous food fight. It was briefly banned in the 1950s then gained international fame in the 1980s. The tomatoes are grown specifically for the event. Participants are encouraged to squash tomatoes before throwing them to avoid injuries.

Little legs, big dreams: More than 100 teams compete in Lithuania's international Corgi race

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Thousands of people gathered over the weekend in Lithuania's capital Vilnius to watch teams of corgis compete in an international race. Some 120 teams of adorable Welsh corgis, widely known for their association with the British royal family, took part from countries including Poland, Latvia, Germany, Austria and Italy. The events included a solo sprint, a contest for the “mightiest voice,” costume challenges and a group race. A corgi named Amigo, wearing a factory-themed costume complete with two tiny chimneys and “Fur Factory” lettering, was named the proud winner of that contest.

From empty party to an all-night stadium bash, a Mexican teen’s 15th birthday goes viral

AXTLA DE TERRAZAS, Mexico (AP) — Fifteen-year-old Isela Anahí Santiago Morales' coming-of-age party has become a sensation. Initially, her family's modest party in Axtla de Terrazas, Mexico, saw few attendees, but when her father posted on Facebook about leftover food, it sparked unexpected support and transformed her life. A local photographer and DJ offered services, and donations poured in. Two thousand people attended the event, held at the town's stadium. More than a dozen local music groups performed free of charge on two stages. Isela asked for toy donations for vulnerable children instead of gifts, but still received a plot of land and a scholarship.

Don't fret: Air guitar world title returns home to Finland after 25 years

OULU, Finland (AP) — Finnish air guitarist Aapo “The Angus” Rautio has plucked victory from thin air, grabbing the world championship title for his homeland for the first time since 2000. This year’s Air Guitar World Championships reached the climax with a final on Friday evening on a square in the western city of Oulu. The three-day event held in Finland brings together competitors from 13 countries. Contestants are judged on the performance of two songs in two separate rounds, each lasting 60 seconds, with the singers pretending to play an imaginary guitar. Props and costumes are allowed, but backup bands and real instruments are off-limits.

Campaigners want to change the world map to show Africa is bigger

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Advocacy groups in Africa have launched a campaign to replace the Mercator map, which distorts Africa's size by making it seem smaller. The Mercator map created in the 16th century enlarges regions near the poles and shrinks areas like Africa. The African Union endorsed the campaign on Aug. 14, marking a significant milestone. The groups are urging schools and organizations to adopt the Equal Earth projection, which more accurately reflects Africa's true size. Advocates argue correcting the map is about truth and accuracy, affecting how Africa is perceived globally. The change aims to inspire a more balanced view of the continent.

UK's top diplomat gets a warning for illegal fishing with US vice president

LONDON (AP) — Britain's top diplomat has been given a formal warning for fishing without a license during a recent outing with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. An Environment Agency spokesperson said on Friday that Foreign Secretary David Lammy received a written warning but avoided a fine of up to nearly $3,400 for the violation. Lammy's spokesperson called it an “administrative oversight.” Lammy bought a license afterward and reported himself. Lammy hosted Vance and his family at his estate south of London earlier this month. Lammy didn't catch any fish but Vance's young children did. In England and Wales, anyone over 13 needs a fishing license.