South Sudan's men's basketball team have received a heroes' welcome in the country's capital Juba after returning from France.
The team made history by beating Puerto Rico 90 points to 79 in their first-ever Olympics, and put up a spirited performance against the tournament favorites, the United States.
With the defeat to the U.S. and Serbia, they ultimately bowed out in the group stage. But that didn't stop the Bright Stars becoming a source of joy for the world's youngest nation.
Many residents in Juba have decided to be off from work, and have come in large numbers to welcome the team that has returned from the Paris Olympics.
As players get out of the plane in Juba, thousands of supporters are awaiting their Olympic basketball stars.
"I came at six o'clock in the morning. I am very happy, I have been waiting, and now the team has arrived. I want them to stay for a week or two with us before they return to their respective clubs," said James Magok, a resident.
"The basketballers are back in town and we are so proud of them. Though they did not make it to the last stage, we are so grateful that they managed to represent us at the global stage and put our name on the map," said Arek Abraham, South Sudan's candidate for the 71st Miss World beauty pageant.
From Juba Airport, the team drove across the city then headed to the basketball stadium.
South Sudan's government says the impact of the basketball team goes beyond sport.
"Let me tell you this, you have turned the trend of what is happening in our country, now the young people, the youth that I am responsible for, you have changed them and you have united them," said Rebecca Nyandeng, Vice President of South Sudan.
South Sudan basketball players say what keeps them going is the unwavering support they get from fans at home.
The next competition for the Bright Stars is Afro Basketball in November where the team will meet Mozambique, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
South Sudan's Olympic basketball team receives heroes' welcome at home
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
