These images of abandoned hospitals across Italy are not for the faint-hearted. Both of the hospitals featured in the photographs are Italian asylums – known as manicomios – that were used as mental hospitals. Shut down by law in 1978, the derelict buildings are visibly overgrown and make for very eerie portraits. Photographer Thomas Windisch, 32, of Graz, Austria, said the asylums, located in top-secret spots, can get very creepy when there aren't many people there with him. Here: a hallway within an abandoned hospital. (Photo by Thomas Windisch/Caters News)

“The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which is observed primarily in Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and also the Riau Islands. In Thailand, this festival is called Tesagan Gin Je, the Vegetarian Festival. It is celebrated throughout the entire country, but the festivities are at their height in Phuket, where about 35% of the population is Chinese. It attracts crowds of spectators because of many of the unusual religious rituals that are performed”. – Wikipedia. Photo: A devotee gest pierced at the Bang Neow shrine in Phuket. (Photo by Paula Bronstein)

Children listen to speakers as U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host a barbeque with active-duty military families on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 4, 2023. (Photo by Julia Nikhinson/Reuters)

People take part in the “The Burial of the Sardine” funeral procession, which marks the end of carnival festivities, in Madrid, Spain, February 10, 2016. “Mourners” carry a coffin with a mock sardine through the streets to celebrate the countdown to Lent. Spanish painter Francisco de Goya's painting “El entierro de la sardina” (The Burial of the Sardine) was inspired by this tradition, which started in Madrid in the 18th century, around the time of Spanish King Carlos III. (Photo by Juan Medina/Reuters)

Penitents wearing masks, known locally as “Morions” take a selfie during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. The Moriones is an annual festival held on Holy Week on the island of Marinduque, Philippines. The “Moriones” are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)

Indian security personnel adjust a uniform during full-dress rehearsal ahead of the 74th Republic day celebrations in Bangalore, India, 24 January 2023. The Republic Day of India marks the adoption of the constitution of India and the transition of the country to a Republic on 26 January 1950. (Photo by Jagadeesh N.V./EPA/EFE)

Filipino barefoot Catholics carry a replica of the Black Nazarene during a procession ahead of the Black Nazarene feast day celebrations in Manila, Philippines, 07 January 2016. The procession of the Black Nazarene is expected to draw millions of barefooted Catholic devotees to Manila on 09 January, according to a Manila police official. (Photo by Francis R. Malasig/EPA)

A policewoman uses her mobile phone as navy honor guards stand near of a World War Two memorial during celebrations to mark Victory Day in the Black Sea port of Odessa May 9, 2014. Ukraine celebrates the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany during World War Two on May 9. (Photo by Gleb Garanich/Reuters)