The Associated Press has unveiled its collection of the most striking photographs from around the world for the week of October 17-23, 2025. Curated by photo editor Beatrice Larco, this carefully selected gallery showcases the diverse range of compelling visual stories captured by AP's international team of photojournalists.
Political tensions and significant events dominated several of the featured images. In Madagascar's capital city of Antananarivo, soldiers loyal to Colonel Michael Randrianirina were photographed standing guard at the entrance of the high constitutional court on October 17. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., construction workers atop the U.S. Treasury building watched as demolition work continued on the East Wing of the White House to make room for a new ballroom on October 22.
Cultural celebrations and artistic performances provided vibrant contrast to the political imagery. A particularly striking photograph captured a young girl performing on a mallakhamb pole as fireworks illuminated the sky during the Diwali festival of lights in Mumbai, India, on October 20. The image beautifully represents the traditional Indian sport that combines elements of gymnastics and yoga with festive celebration.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine was powerfully represented through the image of 11-year-old Tymofii Lifyrynko, who was photographed leaning on his hockey stick while waiting out an air raid alarm in an underground shelter in Shostka, Ukraine, on October 16. This poignant photograph illustrates how children continue to adapt to the harsh realities of war while maintaining their connection to normal childhood activities.
Several African nations were featured prominently in the week's selection. In Nairobi, Kenya, a signature cowboy hat that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga loved to wear adorned his coffin during his state funeral at the Nyayo National Stadium on October 17. In Ivory Coast, a balloon bearing the image of President Alassane Ouattara floated above supporters during a campaign rally in Koumassi, Abidjan, on October 22.
Sports and athletic achievements were well represented in the collection. Brazilian gymnast Sophia Weisberg was captured competing on the balance beam during the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 21. In the world of professional basketball, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was photographed colliding with Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard during the first half of their NBA game in Oklahoma City on October 19.
Protests and social movements across multiple continents provided compelling visual narratives. Thousands of protesters filled Times Square during a "No Kings" protest in New York on October 18, while in Bogotá, Colombia, a demonstrator was captured being hit by a jet stream of water from a police water cannon during protests demanding action from President Gustavo Petro's government on social, environmental, and security issues on October 17.
Religious observances and cultural traditions were beautifully documented throughout the week. Orthodox nuns were photographed attending the procession of Saint Dimitrie Bassarabov, the patron saint of the Romanian capital, in Bucharest on October 23. In Mexico, farmer Jesus Cuaxospa was captured working on his farm where he grows cempasúchil flowers in San Luis Tlaxialtemalco on the outskirts of Mexico City on October 17, preparing for Day of the Dead celebrations.
Unique and unexpected moments added character to the collection. Gary Kristensen, dressed as the character Buddy from the holiday movie "Elf," celebrated after winning a race during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin, Oregon, on October 19. In Germany, a vintage Cadillac covered by autumn leaves was photographed inside a private car sculpture park within a forest in Neanderthal Valley in Mettmann on October 19.
The week's photographs also captured significant international incidents and ongoing global issues. Rescue workers were shown approaching a cargo aircraft that skidded off a Hong Kong runway on October 20. In the Middle East, the complex situation in Israel and Gaza was represented through contrasting images: relatives and friends mourning during the funeral of Israeli soldier Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, killed in Gaza, in Modiin on October 20, and people paddle boarding in the Mediterranean Sea in the Gador Sea and Nature Reserve in Hadera after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on October 18.
European politics and international relations were documented through the photograph of Britain's former Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaving after a COVID Inquiry at Dorland House in London on October 21. Sports continued to provide dynamic imagery with Juventus player Teun Koopmeiners challenging Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Juventus in Madrid, Spain, on October 22.
The collection concluded with images that highlighted both struggle and tradition. In Haiti, a worker was photographed pounding a wall of rock to make gravel and sand in the Kenscoff neighborhood of Port-au-Prince on October 17. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, fishermen were captured sorting fish during a traditional fish haul of the Rozmberk pond near the town of Trebon on October 17, representing the continuation of centuries-old practices.
This diverse collection of photographs demonstrates the breadth and depth of global events captured by AP's photojournalists, ranging from moments of celebration and tradition to instances of conflict and social change. Each image serves as a window into different cultures, conflicts, and human experiences occurring simultaneously across the world during this particular week in October 2025.
