World Press Photos of February 2025: 18 Images That Defined the Month
The world press photos captured throughout February 2025 span continents and emotions — from spectacular cultural festivals to raw political protests and quiet human moments. This collection of 18 photographs, taken by leading photojournalists for AP, Reuters, AFP, Getty Images, and Anadolu, offers a powerful visual record of a turbulent and colourful month.
For earlier coverage from the same period, see our most powerful world press photos of 2025 – Set 5, which documents equally gripping scenes from earlier in the year.
Technology, Faith, and Spectacle
London’s Outernet Draws Curious Eyes
On February 11, 2025, a visitor at the free public galleries of Outernet in London paused to photograph the venue’s towering Ultra HD screens. Photographer Kirsty Wigglesworth captured the moment for AP, highlighting how immersive digital art continues to reshape urban public spaces.
Saint Haralampi Day in Bulgaria
On February 10, 2025, the Church of the Blessed Virgin in Blagoevgrad, eastern Bulgaria, became the setting for a striking Orthodox ceremony. Worshippers lit candles mounted on honey jars arranged in a cross-shaped platform, honouring Saint Haralampi — the patron saint of beekeepers. Nikolay Doychinov documented the ritual for AFP.
Taiwan’s Beehive Fireworks Festival
As part of the Lantern Festival celebrations on February 11, 2025, crowds descended on Tainan, Taiwan, for the famous Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival. Participants donned full protective gear as thousands of firecrackers detonated around them in a breathtaking — and deliberately dangerous — tradition. Ann Wang photographed the event for Reuters.
Molten Iron Sparks in Shanghai
A folk performer at Shanghai Happy Valley amusement park created a cascade of molten iron sparks on February 12, 2025, marking the Lantern Festival — the traditional close of Lunar New Year. Go Nakamura captured the dazzling display for Reuters.
Protest, Conflict, and Unrest
Tel Aviv Highway Blocked Over Hostage Deal
On February 11, 2025, relatives of Israeli hostages blocked Highway 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to protest the suspension of the hostage swap agreement with Hamas. One demonstrator leapt from a bridge over the highway as others gathered below. Mostafa Alkharouf documented the confrontation for Anadolu via Getty Images.
National Strike Turns Tense in Brussels
Belgium’s capital erupted in clashes on February 13, 2025, as riot police wielded batons against demonstrators during a national strike by workers and trade union members demanding stronger public services. Stephanie Lecocq captured the standoff for Reuters.
Car Attack in Munich
Also on February 13, 2025, police in Munich, Germany, responded to a vehicle-ramming incident in which a car was driven into a crowd, injuring several people. Wolfgang Rattay documented officers working at the scene for Reuters.
Sport and Competition
The 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10–11, 2025. On February 10, Aslan — a Pomeranian — charmed judges during the Toy Group competition, photographed by Eduardo Munoz for Reuters.
The following evening, February 11, the show’s top honour went to Monty, a Giant Schnauzer handled by Katie Bernardin. Their victory was captured by Julia Demaree Nikhinson for AP in a jubilant post-win celebration.
Mixed Pair Skating in Harbin
Uzbekistan’s Ekaterina Geynish and Dmitriy Chigirev took to the ice on February 12, 2025, during the Mixed Pair Skating Free Skating competition held in Harbin, China. Issei Kato photographed their performance for Reuters.
NRL Indigenous All Stars in Sydney
On February 14, 2025, Kirra Dibb of the Indigenous Women’s All Stars led her teammates through a Unity Dance during the NRL Indigenous All Stars Captains Run at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Brendon Thorne captured the cultural moment for Getty Images.
Culture, Cinema, and Music
Anya Taylor-Joy at The Gorge Premiere
British-American actress Anya Taylor-Joy attended the Los Angeles premiere of her film The Gorge on February 12, 2025. Mario Anzuoni photographed her arrival for Reuters.
Shakira Launches Global Tour in Rio
Colombian pop icon Shakira kicked off the worldwide launch of her “Las Mujeres ya no Lloran” tour at the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2025. Pablo Porciuncula photographed the electrifying performance for AFP.
Tilda Swinton Honoured at Berlinale
British actress Tilda Swinton received an honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at the opening of the 75th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin on February 13, 2025. Markus Schreiber documented the ceremony for AP.
Faith, Humanity, and the Natural World
Shab-e-Barat in Indian-Controlled Kashmir
On February 13, 2025, a young Kashmiri Shiite Muslim girl lit candles on the graves of her relatives on the outskirts of Srinagar, praying for the souls of the departed during Shab-e-Barat. Dar Yasin captured the intimate, candlelit scene for AP.
Maha Kumbh Festival at Prayagraj
On Maghi Purnima — the full-moon day — February 12, 2025, government officials showered flower petals from a helicopter over pilgrims gathered at the Sangam in Prayagraj, India: the sacred confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers during the Maha Kumbh festival. Rajesh Kumar Singh photographed the sweeping aerial moment for AP.
Drying Coffee Beans in South Sudan
Near Nzara, South Sudan, on February 15, 2025, a worker carefully turned excelsa coffee beans laid out to dry in the sun. Brian Inganga documented the quiet agricultural scene for AP, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s most overlooked coffee-producing regions.
Breaking News: Toronto Airport Crash Aftermath
On February 19, 2025, cleanup crews at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, began recovering the wreckage of a Delta Air Lines-operated Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. Cole Burston photographed the fuselage being hoisted onto a truck on the runway for Reuters, documenting the aftermath of one of the month’s most significant aviation incidents.
This set is part of an ongoing series documenting the most compelling press images of the year. You can explore more in our collection of best press photos of 2025 – Set 6, featuring equally powerful imagery from across the globe.
Conclusion
From the pyrotechnic spectacle of Taiwan’s Beehive Fireworks Festival to the sombre vigil of a young girl lighting candles in Kashmir, these world press photos of February 2025 remind us of the extraordinary breadth of human experience unfolding every day. Each frame, taken by a skilled photojournalist in the field, preserves a moment that words alone cannot fully convey.
