The world's largest paper balloon has taken off on its 150th birthday to celebrate the feast of San Roque and satirise politicians in Betanzos, Spain. EPA
A nun prays as she waits for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano Laziale, Italy. AFP
Participants try to reach the top of a greased pole to collect prizes, during a 'Panjat Pinang' contest celebrating Indonesia's 80th Independence Day, at Ancol in Jakarta. Reuters
Devotees carry an idol of the elephant-headed Hindu deity 'Ganesha' during a procession in Mumbai, India ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. AFP
Athletes compete in the swimming leg of Ironman Copenhagen in the Danish capital. Getty Images
Preparations are in place for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, in Beijing. Reuters
A lightning storm passes over Valletta, as seen from Sliema, Malta. Reuters
A demonstrator stands before riot police officers at an anti-government rally in Valjevo, the fifth night of unrest across Serbia in protest against the party of right-wing President Aleksandar Vucic. AFP
Best photos of August 17: Largest paper balloon to protests in Serbia
