YEARENDER 2017 MAY
French presidential election candidate for the far-right Front National (FN) party, Marine Le Pen delivers a speech after being defeated in the second round of the French presidential elections at the Chalet du Lac in Paris, France, 07 May 2017. French presidential election candidate for the 'En Marche!' (Onwards!) political movement, Emmanuel Macron defeated Marine Le Pen in the final round of France's presidential election, with exit polls indicating that Macron is leading with approximately 65 per cent of the vote. EPA-EFE/IAN LANGSDON
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A South Korean man watches a television displaying news broadcasts reporting on North Korea's recent medium-range ballistic missile launch at a station in Seoul, South Korea, 22 May 2017. According to South Korea's Military, North Korea launched a ballistic missile on 21 May that flew more than 500km towards the Sea of Japan, the same type of missile reportedly test-launched on 12 February. The model, a Pukguksong-2, also known as a KN-15 missile, is an upgraded version of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) using a solid fuel engine. North Korean state media confirmed the launch as 'successful' adding that the weapon was ready to be deployed for military action, media reported. EPA-EFE/JEON HEON-KYUN
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
French presidential election candidate for the 'En Marche!' (Onwards!) political movement Emmanuel Macron celebrates at the Carrousel du Louvre after he won the second round of the French presidential elections in Paris, France, 07 May 2017. Macron defeated Marine Le Pen in the final round of France's presidential election, with exit polls indicating that Macron is leading with 66.1 per cent of the vote. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Japanese driver Takuma Sato of Andretti Autosport celebrates in Victory Circle after winning the 101th running of the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 28 May 2017. EPA-EFE/STEVE C. MITCHELL
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Abo Mohammed pray the sunset prayers with his family, during the first day of Ramadan at al-Shaffouneh, rebel-held besieged Eastern Ghouta, outskirts of Damascus, Syria, 27 May 2017 (Issued 28 May 2017). Abo Mohammed's family locally emigrated several times, the family was from al-Qesa city which belongs to al-Marj side in Eastern al-Ghouta, they emigrated from al-Qesa to Hamoria after huge bombing, then they emigrated to al-Shaffouneh after a huge battle between the opposite forces in Eastern Ghouta. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts daily between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the Koran's first verse was revealed during its last 10 nights. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
On Memorial Day, Christian Jacobs, 6, of Hertford, NC, and his mother, Brittany, comfort each other as they visit the grave site of husband and father, Marine Sgt. Christopher Jacobs, in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, USA, on 29 May 2017. Section 60, is the burial ground in the cemetery where military personnel killed in the global war on terror since 2001 are interred. EPA-EFE/PETE MAROVICH
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Sacha Treille (L) of France in action against Jonas Holos (R) of Norway during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2017 group B preliminary round game etween Norway and France in Paris, France, 06 May 2017. EPA-EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Rita Ora arrives on the red carpet for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute's benefit celebrating the opening of the exhibit 'Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garons: Art of the In-Between' in New York, New York, USA, 01 May 2017. The exhibit will be on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute from 04 May to 04 September 2017. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Opposition demonstrators clash with Bolivarian Guard in Caracas, Venezuela, 03 May 2017. Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) used tear gas to keep opposition demonstrations from reaching the center of the Venezuelan capital. EPA-EFE/MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Iranian emergency personnel try to help an injured coal worker around the Azad-Shahr coal mine in the city of Golestan, northern, Iran, 03 May 2017. Media reported that around 80 mine workers got trapped at 1800 meters deep after explosion in the mine. EPA-EFE/STRINGER
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Clashes erupt between protesters and French anti-riot police during a May Day demonstration against French far-right in Paris, France, 01 May 2017. Thousands of people demonstrated against the presence of Far-right Front National (FN) party candidate Marine Le-Pen for the second turn of the presidential elections. Labor Day or May Day is observed all over the world on the first day of the May to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers and fight for laborers rights. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Outgoing French President Francois Hollande (L) waves to the crowd as new French President Emmanuel Macron (R) looks on during a handover ceremony at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 14 May 2017. EPA-EFE/YOAN VALAT / POOL MAXPPP OUT
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A group of Nepalese and Thai Buddhist monks attend the evening prayer at Mayadevi temple, to mark Buddha's birthday in Lumbini, Nepal, 09 May 2017. Thousand of Buddhist monks from various countries and pilgrims arrived in Lumbini to celebrate the 2561st birthday of Buddha at his birthplace in Lumbini. EPA-EFE/NARENDRA SHRESTHA
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Claudia Pina of Spain reacts during the UEFA European Women's U17 Soccer Championship final between Germany and Spain in Plzen, Czech Republic, 14 May 2017. Germany won 3-1 on penalties. EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Julian Assange speaks to the media from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, Britain, 19 May 2017. Swedish prosecutors have dropped their rape case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, according to news reports. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Elderly women undergo a session with a so called therapy horse, in a nursing home in Deventer, the Netherlands, 11 May 2017. The horse helps the elderly, who are often dementing, getting in touch with the outside world. EPA-EFE/PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Afghan Army soldier uses his weapon among smoke and rubble after an attack by IS militants in Chapahar district of Nangarhar district, Afghanistan, 21 May 2017. Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan, is one of the most turbulent regions of Afghanistan and a stronghold of the Islamic State, as well as having a significant presence of the Taliban group. Since the end of NATO's combat mission in January 2015, insurgents have been gaining ground in various parts of Afghanistan and currently control, influence or are fighting the government in at least 43 per cent of the territory, according to data from the United States. EPA-EFE/GHULAMULLAH HABIBI
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Moon Jae-In (front, C), presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea (The Minjoo Party of Korea), celebrates with his supporters after hearing exit polls results at temporarily party headquarters at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, 09 May 2017. Exit polls, conducted by three major local broadcasters, MBC, KBS and SBS, indicated a win for Democratic Party candidate Moon Jae-in, who was estimated to have garnered 41.4 per cent of all votes, compared to Liberty Korea Party candidate Hong Jun-pyo's 23.3 per cent. EPA-EFE/JEON HEON-KYUN
A young man from the Toafo Asafo Hunters group walks in search of a deer to hunt during the deer hunting Festival Winneba, Ghana, 06 May 2017. Deer Hunting Festival In the Local language called Aboakyer Festival, literally means Catching a live Deer with the bear hands stick and club. This is done by two hunting groups in Ghana with the first to catch the deer and present it to the paramount Chief to step on for it three times is declared the winner of the traditional festival. EPA-EFE/CHRISTIAN THOMPSON
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
People walk past a public art installation by artist Jeff Koons called 'Seated Ballerina', a 45-foot tall inflatable nylon sculpture, in Rockefeller Center in New York, New York, USA, 12 May 2017. The sculpture was on display until 02 June 2017. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A Palestinian protester uses his sling shot to throw stones at Israeli troops during clashes following a protest marking the 69th anniversary of Nakba, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, 15 May 2017. According to medical reports, 23 Palestinians were wounded during the clashes. EPA-EFE/ALAA BADARNEH
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG in action during the second training session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmelo, near Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 12 May 2017. The 2017 Formula One Grand Prix of Spain will take place on 14 May 2017. EPA-EFE/ALBERTO ESTEVEZ
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Fans of Feyenoord celebrate a goal as they watch a broadcast of the Dutch Eredivisie soccer match against Heracles Almelo, in the centre of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 14 May 2017. Feyenoord clinched the Dutch Eredivisie championship with a win over Heracles. EPA-EFE/MARCO DE SWART
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A view of the installation by Austrian artist Erwin Wurm during a media preview of the 57th International Art Exhibition in Giardini Park in Venice, Italy, 11 May 2017. The exhibition at the Giardini and the Arsenale venues were open to the public from 13 May to 26 November 2017. EPA-EFE/Zsolt Czegledi HUNGARY OUT
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Two women kiss each other during a flashmob on the ocassion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain, 17 May 2017. The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is held every year on 17 May. EPA-EFE/VILLAR LOPEZ
Yemenis read the holy book of the Koran on the first day of Ramadan at a mosque in the old city of Sana'a, Yemen, 27 May 2017. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts daily between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the Koran's first verse was revealed during its last 10 nights. EPA-EFE/YAHYA ARHAB
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
People walk past a snow plough as it clears snow off the road at the Great St. Bernard pass, Switzerland, 16 May 2017. The snow ploughs and snow blowers make their way slowly through the mountain every spring and will have carved through layers several meter-deep during a four-week operation this year. The Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard, in French, is the third highest road pass of Switzerland and connects the canton of Valais to Italy. EPA-EFE/VALENTIN FLAURAUD
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
The Queen, Elizabeth II smiles during the Royal Windsor Horse show in Windsor, Britain, 10 May 2017. Royal Windsor Horse Show is the UK's largest outdoor horse show with international competitions in 3 different equestrian disciplines. 10 – 14 May 2017 in the grounds of Windor Castle. EPA-EFE/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A member of the Dietrich farmer family is on his way during the 'Alpfahrt', the ceremonial driving of cattle to the alps, in Urnaesch, canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, 23 May 2017. EPA-EFE/GIAN EHRENZELLER
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A visitor tries virtual reality glasses branded by pharma company Bayer at the Cube Tech Fair in Berlin, Germany, 11 May 2017. The Cube Tech Fair is presenting innovations in digital health and life sciences, infrastructure and interconnectivity and machinery and manufacturing. The fair was open from 10 to 12 May 2017. EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Demonstrators protest against the Government of Brazilian President Michel Temer, at the Paulista Avenue, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 18 May 2017. Thousands of people took to the streets in the principal cities of Brazil to protest against the government of Michel Temer, over allegations he is involved in a corruption scandal and attempts to obstruct justice. The sign held by the protestors reads: 'Out Temer.' EPA-EFE/FERNANDO BIZERRA JR.
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray as others harvest wheat in a field near the central Israeli town of Modi'in, 11 May 2017. The harvested wheat was stored for almost a year and then use it to grind flour to make unleavened bread for the week-long Passover festival. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) reacts to fellow dignitaries as they line up for the group photo at the NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium, 25 May 2017. NATO countries' heads of states and governments gathered in Brussels for a one-day meeting. EPA-EFE/ARMANDO BABANI
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Bangladeshi people walks with their belongings towards a safer area near the coastal line at the Cox's Bazar district in the Chittagong, in Bangladesh, 30 May 2017. At least five dead, 10 injured, and houses damaged after the cyclone Mora hit the southwestern part of Bangladesh, where around two million people were evacuated and the situation is debilitating. EPA-EFE/STR
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing is reflected in a helmet of Monaco fireman during the first practice session at Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco, 25 May 2017. The 2017 Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco took place on 28 May 2017. EPA-EFE/SRDJAN SUKI
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
US President Donald J. Trump in the Agora of the NATO headquarters at the NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium, 25 May 2017. NATO countries' heads of states and governments gathered in Brussels for a one-day meeting. EPA-EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
An aerial view on a team competing in the Dragon Boat Race on the Pearl River as they swim under a bridge in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, 30 May 2017. The Dragon Boat Festival or ‘Duanwu jie’ is one of the most important holidays in the traditional Chinese calendar. It is typically held on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar and is also known as the ‘double five’. According to Chinese legend, the festival commemorates the death of poet and patriot Qu Yuan who became a martyr when he drowned himself in the Miluo River. In southern China's Guangdong province, the boat races take place in many towns and villages that run along the countless canals and tributaries of the Pearl River. Each boat represents an influential local family and the competition is fierce. The winner can claim up to 10.000 Yuan (aprox. 1250 euro) in money and enjoy fame for 100 years. Not surprisingly, the competition can lead to long-lasting feuds between villages.
Strict rules surround the male-dominated event. Women are not allowed to touch the boats at all, let alone steer them. Many people even believe that a dragon boat that sails under a bridge on which a woman stands is doomed to failure. This is because of the belief that women should never stand above men. The races generally take place over several days and when the event is over, the boats are ceremonially covered in mud and sunk at the bottom of the canals, where they will remain until the following year. This is because the boats are made from expensive teak wood and it is believed that water storage protect them from degradation. Boats can cost about 40.000 Yuan (aprox. 5000 euro) and are generally created with ornate designs. EPA-EFE/ALEKSANDAR PLAVEVSKI
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
A festivalgoer dances during the Israel Midburn Festival in the Negev desert southern Israel, 31 May 2017. About 10,000 people attended the colorful festival which is the Israeli version of the world known Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO COMMERCIAL SALES
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
South African surfer Andy Marr rides a wave at Dungeons offshore reef in the Atlantic Ocean outside Cape Town, South Africa, 30 May 2017. The big wave surfing season during the southern hemisphere winter is driven by storms in the South Atlantic which generate powerful swells that break on the Cape's outer reefs. EPA-EFE/NIC BOTHMA
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Bee keeper Bui Duy Nhat sits while thousands of wild bees land on his body, in Nua Ngam commune, Dien Bien province, Vietnam, 26 May 2017. Nhat, 41, is known as one of a few people in Vietnam who can engage in bee bearding. Nhat began to get acquaintanced with wild bees, learn their activities and try to interact with them in 1993. Without using any protective gear, apart from covering his ears, Nhat can gather the wild bees in about 20 minutes, he can even talk and move while letting his face and a part of the body be covered with thousands of wild bees. According to Nhat, in order to attract the wild bees, he captures the queen bee and keeps her on his person, which causes members of the bee hive to land on his body. EPA-EFE/PHAM NGOC THANH
YEARENDER 2017 MAY
Members of the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela (GNB) cross a bridge to block demonstrators during a protest in support of the suspended RCTV TV channel in Caracas, Venezuela, 27 May 2017. A rally took place to mark the 10th anniversary of the last broadcasting of the private channel Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), which turned into clashes between protesters and the police. EPA-EFE/MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
