Culture
Latest news and important information on culture, art, the arts industry, theatre, cinema, and more.
WATCH: Abba legend Benny Andersson serenades Social Democrat leader
The composer of legendary Swedish pop group Abba on Sunday gave the band's hit "Mamma Mia" a campaign makeover to rally support for centre-left opposition candidate Magdalena Andersson.
Meet the woman who photographed Germany from its trains
British photographer Katie Edwards has likely taken more photographs of Germany through train windows than anyone else. She spoke to The Local about her project, and the ups and down of travelling with Deutsche Bahn.
What’s on in Germany: Nine unmissable events in August 2026
Whether you prefer music festivals, jousting, e-sports or watching fireworks over the river with a glass of wine in hand, August in Germany offers something for everyone. Here are nine of the best events taking place across the country.
Sommerlochtiere: Germany's wildest summer 'silly season' stories
From runaway caimans to lovestruck swans, and lions that turn out to be wild boars, Germany has elevated the slow-news-day animal story into an art form.
How Madrid became Europe's gateway to Latin music
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny kicks off a series of 10 concerts on Saturday in Madrid, a city with a booming Latino population now emerging as a new hub of the Latin music industry.
Why two iconic Stockholm museums might have to close
Two beloved museums in central Stockholm are at risk of closing because the government agency which owns the land is now requiring the museums, which are also run by a government agency, to pay market rents on the space.
Bulgaria's 'Bangaranga' wins Eurovision, with Israel second
Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday with Dara's catchy floor-filler "Bangaranga" sweeping the 70th edition of the world's biggest live televised music event and pushing into second place Israel, whose participation had triggered a major boycott.
What fans should know about the Backstreet Boys' concerts in Düsseldorf
Millennial favourite pop act, the Backstreet Boys, have chosen Düsseldorf to stage a 10-day residency this autumn. Here's a look at the boy band's strong connection to Germany – and what fans should know about visiting.
Why do Portuguese people speak much better English than Spaniards?
How is it possible that there can be such a difference between two neighbouring countries so culturally similar, with related Romance languages and tourism-based economies?
Geopolitics threatens 70th anniversary of Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest is famous for celebrating everything from cross-dressing ballad singers to heavy metal bands in monster masks, but geopolitics is threatening its 70th anniversary edition.
Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain is the fourth country in the world with the most sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, just behind Italy, China and Germany, and with so many there's bound to be several you haven't heard of.
From classics to thrillers: Seven movies set in Austria
Austria has been the first choice for the setting of multiple internationally famous movies. The country’s beautiful mountainous landscape, numerous lakes, and historical cities have captured some unforgettable movie moments.
SKARS-GUIDE: Who's who in Sweden's Skarsgård acting dynasty?
Alongside Abba and Ikea, Oscar nominee Stellan Skarsgård and his many children are some of Sweden's most famous international exports. But who are they and what have you seen them in?
Culture, politics, food: What makes Europeans proud of their country?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons.
French actor sells used tissue for €100,000
A used tissue put up for auction by the French actor Pierre Niney has attracted bids rising to €100,000, which the actor says will be donated to charity.
15 art exhibitions to look forward to in France in 2026
From Robert Capa to Auguste Renoir - via Lee Miller and Louis XIV carpets - French museums are preparing their temporary exhibitions for the upcoming year.
French supermarket's veggie wolf Christmas ad goes viral
A French supermarket has made a strong entry into the competitive field of Christmas advertising with a viral animated clip about a vegetarian wolf that has wracked up tens of millions of views internationally.
Why Spanish pop-star Rosalía sings in German in her latest single
Her latest song 'Berghain' has gone viral online, with fans speculating about the artist's unusual language choice. So why does Rosalía sing in German in her new single, and what does she say?
'Where can I find Ophelia'? How Taylor Swift put a German museum in the spotlight
Swifties are flocking to a German museum to see the painting that inspired the video for the star's hit song, The Fate of Ophelia. Journalist Rachel Loxton interviewed the museum's director to find out more about Swift's impact on German art.
OPINION: Louvre jewel theft shows that France is simply too rich
As politicians decry the 'national humiliation' of the theft of the crown jewels from the Louvre, John Lichfield ponders whether France has simply too many treasures to protect them all properly.
Ten of the best documentaries about Spain
Want to learn more about Spanish history, culture, music and all those idiosyncrasies that make it so unique? These documentaries, some available to watch for free, offer true insight into what makes Spain the fascinating country that it is.
19 must-visit winter festivals and events in France
Celebrations of truffles, wine, farming and lemons - as well as Christmas and New Year festivals and a long dog-sled race - give winter a festive feel in France.
Ten things to know about Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards
Spain's Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony has acquired international prestige and is easily the highest accolade Spain grants exceptional citizens. This quick explainer will fill you in on everything you need to know.