World in focus - best photos for December 8, 2018

Take a look at some of the best images from around the world today

An artist gets ready backstage to perform an Indian art form of dance called 'Ottamthullal' at the annual eight-day long Vrischikolsavam festival, which features a colourful procession of decorated elephants along with drum and trumpets concerts, at Sree Poornathrayeesa temple in Kochi, India. Reuters

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel acknowledges the applause after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. AFP

A large mural depicting the EU flag being chipped away and attributed to the British artist Banksy is seen at the Port of Dover in south east Britain. Reuters

Air force officers throw their caps in the air, as they celebrate after their graduation ceremony, at the Brazilian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Pirassununga, Brazil. Reuters

A butterfly sucks nectar from a flower in Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir, India. EPA

People light candles next to the grave of a relative in a cemetery during the traditional 'Night of candles' in Cali, Colombia. Thousands of Colombian families crowded the streets today with lanterns and candles to start the Christmas season with the celebration of the traditional 'Night of candles' prior to the Immaculate Conception. EPA

People take pictures of the Nativity scene and Christmas Tree that were officially unveiled in St Peter's Square at the Vatican. The Nativity scene is made of sand and sculpted by an international set of artists. About 700 tons of sand have been shipped to St. Peter's Square for the sculpture, which are the centerpiece of the Vatican's Christmastime decorations along with a giant tree. AP

Wild swans glide across the lake of the Yinghuahu Park during snowfall in Rongcheng in China's eastern Shandong province. AFP

An Indian fisherman fishes with a traditional net at the Mangalajodi bird sanctuary around 65km south of Bhubaneswar. The Mangalajodi wetland, located on the west side of Chilka lake, is a popular area for spotting migratory birds along with native bird species. AFP

A worker cleans a market alleyway after the closure of businesses in Hong Kong. AFP

Austrian policemen guard the entrance to the headquarters of Opec where is taking place a meeting of OPEC members and non-OPEC members in Vienna, Austria. AFP

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