diff --git a/src/actions/theme-manager.ts b/src/actions/theme-manager.ts
index 0c0050ea..105bd5af 100644
--- a/src/actions/theme-manager.ts
+++ b/src/actions/theme-manager.ts
@@ -12,10 +12,12 @@ import { siteSettings } from "@/lib/services/site-settings";
 import { logStaffActivity } from "@/lib/services/staff-activity";
 import {
 	BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS,
+	BACKGROUND_EFFECTS,
 	BACKGROUND_POSITIONS,
 	BACKGROUND_REPEATS,
 	BACKGROUND_SIZES,
 	isSafeBackgroundUrl,
+	OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX,
 } from "@/lib/theme-bg";
 import {
 	type CustomTheme,
@@ -187,6 +189,17 @@ export async function saveBackground(formData: FormData): Promise<void> {
 	const repeat = String(formData.get("background_repeat") ?? "")
 		.normalize("NFC")
 		.trim();
+	const effect = String(formData.get("background_effect") ?? "")
+		.normalize("NFC")
+		.trim();
+	const overlay = String(formData.get("background_overlay") ?? "")
+		.normalize("NFC")
+		.trim();
+	const overlayOpacity = String(
+		formData.get("background_overlay_opacity") ?? "",
+	)
+		.normalize("NFC")
+		.trim();
 
 	if (image && !isSafeBackgroundUrl(image)) redirect(MANAGER_PATH);
 
@@ -210,6 +223,22 @@ export async function saveBackground(formData: FormData): Promise<void> {
 				? repeat
 				: BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_repeat,
 		);
+		await writeSetting(
+			"background_effect",
+			(BACKGROUND_EFFECTS as readonly string[]).includes(effect)
+				? effect
+				: BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_effect,
+		);
+		await writeSetting(
+			"background_overlay",
+			/^#[0-9a-fA-F]{3,8}$/.test(overlay) ? overlay : "",
+		);
+		await writeSetting(
+			"background_overlay_opacity",
+			/^\d{1,2}$/.test(overlayOpacity)
+				? String(Math.min(parseInt(overlayOpacity, 10), OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX))
+				: "0",
+		);
 		siteSettings.reload();
 		revalidatePath("/", "layout");
 		revalidatePath(MANAGER_PATH);
@@ -344,6 +373,29 @@ export async function getThemeManagerData() {
 			)
 				? (backgroundValues.background_repeat as string)
 				: BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_repeat,
+			effect: (BACKGROUND_EFFECTS as readonly string[]).includes(
+				backgroundValues.background_effect ?? "",
+			)
+				? (backgroundValues.background_effect as string)
+				: BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_effect,
+			overlay: /^#[0-9a-fA-F]{3,8}$/.test(
+				backgroundValues.background_overlay ?? "",
+			)
+				? (backgroundValues.background_overlay as string)
+				: "",
+			overlayOpacity: /^\d{1,2}$/.test(
+				backgroundValues.background_overlay_opacity ?? "",
+			)
+				? String(
+						Math.min(
+							parseInt(
+								backgroundValues.background_overlay_opacity as string,
+								10,
+							),
+							OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX,
+						),
+					)
+				: "0",
 		},
 	};
 }
diff --git a/src/app/(site)/page.tsx b/src/app/(site)/page.tsx
index 0e3540b8..f1242c01 100644
--- a/src/app/(site)/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(site)/page.tsx
@@ -249,6 +249,23 @@ export default async function Home() {
 					/>
 					<AmbientOrbs />
 					<div className="hero-ring" aria-hidden="true" style={{ zIndex: 3 }} />
+					{/* Floating mascot — decorative, hidden on smaller screens. */}
+					<div
+						aria-hidden="true"
+						className="pointer-events-none absolute bottom-3 left-4 hidden lg:block xl:bottom-5 xl:left-8"
+						style={{ zIndex: 2 }}
+					>
+						<div className="brand-halo left-1/2 top-1/2 h-40 w-40 -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 xl:h-48 xl:w-48" />
+						<Image
+							src="/assets/images/FrankwithBag.gif"
+							alt=""
+							width={104}
+							height={138}
+							priority
+							unoptimized
+							className="relative animate-float object-contain drop-shadow-xl"
+						/>
+					</div>
 					<div
 						className="relative flex flex-col items-center gap-5 px-4 py-12 text-center sm:gap-8 sm:px-6 sm:py-14 md:px-12 md:py-24"
 						style={{ zIndex: 2 }}
@@ -409,7 +426,7 @@ export default async function Home() {
 						{features.map((f) => (
 							<SurfaceCard
 								key={f.title}
-								className="group card-glow relative p-4 sm:p-5 text-center transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-1.5"
+								className="group card-glow card-hairline relative p-4 sm:p-5 text-center transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-1.5"
 							>
 								<div
 									className="mx-auto mb-3 flex h-11 w-11 sm:h-12 sm:w-12 items-center justify-center rounded-xl transition-transform duration-300 group-hover:scale-110 group-hover:rotate-3"
@@ -487,7 +504,7 @@ export default async function Home() {
 						].map((s) => (
 							<SurfaceCard
 								key={s.label}
-								className="card-glow relative p-3 sm:p-5 text-center transition-all duration-300 ease-out hover:-translate-y-1.5 hover:shadow-xl"
+								className="card-glow card-hairline relative p-3 sm:p-5 text-center transition-all duration-300 ease-out hover:-translate-y-1.5 hover:shadow-xl"
 							>
 								<div
 									className="mb-1 text-2xl sm:text-3xl font-black tracking-tight md:text-4xl"
@@ -510,9 +527,17 @@ export default async function Home() {
 									style={{
 										background:
 											"color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-muted) 8%, transparent)",
-										color: "var(--color-text-muted)",
+										color: s.live
+											? "var(--color-primary-readable, var(--color-primary))"
+											: "var(--color-text-muted)",
 									}}
 								>
+									{s.live && (
+										<span className="relative flex h-1.5 w-1.5">
+											<span className="animate-ping absolute inline-flex h-full w-full rounded-full bg-primary opacity-75" />
+											<span className="relative inline-flex rounded-full h-1.5 w-1.5 bg-primary" />
+										</span>
+									)}
 									<Image
 										src={s.icon}
 										alt=""
@@ -569,7 +594,8 @@ export default async function Home() {
 									{recentUsers.map((u) => (
 										<div
 											key={u.username}
-											className="flex flex-col items-center gap-0.5 rounded-lg px-1 py-1.5 transition-colors hover:bg-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--color-primary)_5%,transparent)]"
+											title={u.username}
+											className="flex flex-col items-center gap-0.5 rounded-lg px-1 py-1.5 transition-all duration-200 hover:bg-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--color-primary)_5%,transparent)] hover:ring-1 hover:ring-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--color-primary)_35%,transparent)]"
 										>
 											<UserAvatarThumbnail
 												figure={u.look}
@@ -628,6 +654,16 @@ export default async function Home() {
 													→
 												</span>
 											</div>
+											<div
+												className="absolute left-2.5 top-2.5 rounded-full px-2 py-0.5 text-[10px] font-bold backdrop-blur-sm"
+												style={{
+													background:
+														"color-mix(in srgb, #000 45%, transparent)",
+													color: "#fff",
+												}}
+											>
+												{formatDate(a.createdAt, "date", "")}
+											</div>
 											<div
 												className="absolute bottom-0 left-0 w-full p-2.5 sm:p-3"
 												style={{
@@ -670,12 +706,14 @@ export default async function Home() {
 				recentPhotos.length > 0 && (
 					<Reveal>
 						<SurfaceCard title={tp("recentPhotos")} icon={ICON_CAMERA}>
-							<div className="mx-auto grid max-w-md grid-cols-4 gap-2">
+							<div className="mx-auto grid max-w-xl grid-cols-4 gap-3">
 								{recentPhotos.slice(0, 4).map((p) => (
 									<Link
 										key={p.id}
 										href="/photos"
-										className="block aspect-square overflow-hidden rounded-xl border transition-all duration-200 hover:shadow-md hover:scale-[1.02]"
+										title=""
+										aria-label={tp("recentPhotos")}
+										className="block aspect-[4/3] overflow-hidden rounded-xl border transition-all duration-300 ease-out hover:scale-[1.03] hover:shadow-xl hover:ring-2 hover:ring-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--color-primary)_45%,transparent)]"
 										style={{
 											borderColor:
 												"color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-muted) 8%, transparent)",
@@ -683,9 +721,9 @@ export default async function Home() {
 									>
 										<Image
 											src={p.url}
-											alt=""
-											width={200}
-											height={200}
+											alt={tp("recentPhotos")}
+											width={280}
+											height={210}
 											className="h-full w-full object-cover"
 											unoptimized
 										/>
@@ -696,6 +734,66 @@ export default async function Home() {
 					</Reveal>
 				)
 			)}
+
+			{/* ── Join the fun ── */}
+			<Reveal>
+				<section
+					aria-labelledby="join-cta-title"
+					className="relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl p-6 text-center sm:p-10"
+					style={{
+						background:
+							"linear-gradient(135deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 12%, transparent), color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-accent) 12%, transparent))",
+						border:
+							"1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 22%, transparent)",
+					}}
+				>
+					<div
+						aria-hidden="true"
+						className="brand-halo left-1/2 top-0 h-64 w-[560px] max-w-full -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/3"
+					/>
+					<h2
+						id="join-cta-title"
+						className="relative text-2xl font-black tracking-tight text-balance sm:text-3xl"
+						style={{ color: "var(--color-text-readable)" }}
+					>
+						{tp("joinCtaTitle")}
+					</h2>
+					<p
+						className="relative mx-auto mt-2 max-w-xl text-sm sm:text-base"
+						style={{ color: "var(--color-text-muted)" }}
+					>
+						{tp("joinCtaBody")}
+					</p>
+					<div className="relative mt-6 flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-3">
+						<Link
+							href="/register"
+							className="btn-shine group inline-flex items-center gap-2 rounded-xl px-6 py-3 text-sm font-bold text-primary-foreground shadow-lg transition-transform duration-300 hover:-translate-y-0.5"
+							style={{
+								background:
+									"linear-gradient(135deg, var(--color-primary), color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-accent) 55%, var(--color-primary)))",
+							}}
+						>
+							{tp("ctaJoin")}
+							<span className="transition-transform duration-300 group-hover:translate-x-0.5">
+								→
+							</span>
+						</Link>
+						<Link
+							href="/community"
+							className="inline-flex items-center rounded-xl px-6 py-3 text-sm font-bold transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-0.5"
+							style={{
+								background:
+									"color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-muted) 8%, transparent)",
+								border:
+									"1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-muted) 18%, transparent)",
+								color: "var(--color-text-readable)",
+							}}
+						>
+							{tp("browseCommunity")}
+						</Link>
+					</div>
+				</section>
+			</Reveal>
 		</div>
 	);
 }
diff --git a/src/app/(site)/register/page.tsx b/src/app/(site)/register/page.tsx
index dabfdd89..11fff2b5 100644
--- a/src/app/(site)/register/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(site)/register/page.tsx
@@ -65,16 +65,16 @@ export default async function RegisterPage() {
 							<div
 								className="absolute inset-0"
 								style={{
-									background: `url(/assets/images/background.png) center/cover no-repeat`,
+									background:
+										"linear-gradient(135deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 10%, transparent), color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-accent) 10%, transparent))",
 								}}
 							/>
 							<div
-								className="absolute inset-0"
-								style={{
-									background:
-										"linear-gradient(135deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-surface) 88%, transparent) 0%, color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-surface) 35%, transparent) 100%)",
-								}}
-							/>
+								aria-hidden="true"
+								className="absolute inset-0 overflow-hidden"
+							>
+								<div className="brand-halo left-1/2 top-0 h-64 w-[460px] max-w-full -translate-x-1/2 -translate-y-1/2" />
+							</div>
 							<div className="relative">
 								<div className="flex items-center gap-4">
 									<div className="shrink-0 animate-float">
@@ -135,7 +135,8 @@ export default async function RegisterPage() {
 									{recentUsers.map((u) => (
 										<div
 											key={u.username}
-											className="flex flex-col items-center gap-1.5 rounded-xl border px-1 py-2 transition-all duration-200 hover:-translate-y-0.5"
+											title={u.username}
+											className="flex flex-col items-center gap-1.5 rounded-xl border px-1 py-2 transition-all duration-200 hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:ring-1 hover:ring-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--color-primary)_35%,transparent)]"
 											style={{
 												background:
 													"color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 4%, transparent)",
@@ -163,7 +164,7 @@ export default async function RegisterPage() {
 
 						{latestUsers.length > 0 && (
 							<SurfaceCard
-								title="Newest citizens"
+								title={tpr("newestCitizens")}
 								icon={ICON_FRIENDS}
 								bodyClassName="p-4"
 								className="card-glow"
@@ -172,7 +173,8 @@ export default async function RegisterPage() {
 									{latestUsers.map((u) => (
 										<div
 											key={u.username}
-											className="flex flex-col items-center gap-1.5 rounded-xl border px-1 py-2 transition-all duration-200 hover:-translate-y-0.5"
+											title={u.username}
+											className="flex flex-col items-center gap-1.5 rounded-xl border px-1 py-2 transition-all duration-200 hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:ring-1 hover:ring-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--color-primary)_35%,transparent)]"
 											style={{
 												background:
 													"color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 4%, transparent)",
diff --git a/src/app/globals.css b/src/app/globals.css
index 5eb2cfa0..b819a65c 100644
--- a/src/app/globals.css
+++ b/src/app/globals.css
@@ -590,6 +590,148 @@ html.dark body.site-bg:has([data-admin]) {
 	background-blend-mode: normal;
 }
 
+/* ── Animated site backdrop (Theme Manager effects) ────────────────
+   A fixed, decorative layer between the body wallpaper and the content.
+   Theme-driven: aurora + particles are pure CSS on transform/opacity, so
+   they stay cheap and pause for prefers-reduced-motion automatically. */
+.site-backdrop {
+	position: fixed;
+	inset: 0;
+	z-index: -1;
+	overflow: hidden;
+	pointer-events: none;
+	contain: layout paint style;
+}
+.site-backdrop > span {
+	position: absolute;
+	inset: 0;
+	pointer-events: none;
+}
+body:has([data-admin]) .site-backdrop {
+	display: none;
+}
+
+/* Aurora blobs (large, soft radial gradients — no filters). */
+.site-backdrop > .site-backdrop-aurora {
+	inset: -12% -10%;
+	overflow: hidden;
+}
+.site-backdrop-blob {
+	position: absolute;
+	border-radius: 999px;
+	opacity: 0.42;
+	will-change: transform;
+	animation: aurora-drift 20s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
+}
+.site-backdrop-blob-1 {
+	width: clamp(320px, 44vw, 620px);
+	height: clamp(320px, 44vw, 620px);
+	top: -14%;
+	left: -10%;
+	background: radial-gradient(
+		circle at 32% 32%,
+		color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 60%, transparent) 0%,
+		transparent 68%
+	);
+}
+.site-backdrop-blob-2 {
+	width: clamp(280px, 38vw, 540px);
+	height: clamp(280px, 38vw, 540px);
+	top: -10%;
+	right: -8%;
+	background: radial-gradient(
+		circle at 62% 40%,
+		color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-accent) 48%, transparent) 0%,
+		transparent 68%
+	);
+	animation-delay: -7s;
+	animation-duration: 24s;
+}
+.site-backdrop-blob-3 {
+	width: clamp(360px, 50vw, 700px);
+	height: clamp(360px, 50vw, 700px);
+	bottom: -22%;
+	left: 12%;
+	background: radial-gradient(
+		circle at 50% 50%,
+		color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 34%, transparent) 0%,
+		color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-accent) 18%, transparent) 42%,
+		transparent 72%
+	);
+	animation-delay: -13s;
+	animation-duration: 28s;
+}
+@keyframes aurora-drift {
+	0% {
+		transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0) scale(1) rotate(0deg);
+	}
+	100% {
+		transform: translate3d(6vw, 5vh, 0) scale(1.16) rotate(6deg);
+	}
+}
+html.dark .site-backdrop-blob {
+	opacity: 0.55;
+}
+
+/* Floating particles drifting upward. */
+.site-backdrop-particles {
+	inset: 0;
+}
+.site-backdrop-dot {
+	position: absolute;
+	bottom: -4vh;
+	width: calc(var(--dot-size, 3) * 1px + 1px);
+	height: calc(var(--dot-size, 3) * 1px + 1px);
+	border-radius: 999px;
+	background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 70%, transparent);
+	box-shadow: 0 0 8px color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 55%, transparent);
+	opacity: 0;
+	animation: particle-rise var(--dot-duration, 12s) linear infinite;
+	animation-delay: var(--dot-delay, 0s);
+}
+@keyframes particle-rise {
+	0% {
+		transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
+		opacity: 0;
+	}
+	10% {
+		opacity: var(--dot-alpha, 0.45);
+	}
+	88% {
+		opacity: var(--dot-alpha, 0.45);
+	}
+	100% {
+		transform: translate3d(var(--dot-drift, 2vw), -108vh, 0);
+		opacity: 0;
+	}
+}
+html.dark .site-backdrop-dot {
+	background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 82%, transparent);
+}
+
+/* Overlay tint above image/effects keeps custom backgrounds readable. */
+.site-backdrop-overlay {
+	inset: 0;
+	background: var(--background-overlay, transparent);
+}
+
+/* Show only the selected effect(s). */
+.site-backdrop[data-effect="none"] .site-backdrop-particles,
+.site-backdrop[data-effect="none"] .site-backdrop-aurora,
+.site-backdrop[data-effect="aurora"] .site-backdrop-particles,
+.site-backdrop[data-effect="particles"] .site-backdrop-aurora {
+	display: none;
+}
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+	.site-backdrop-blob {
+		animation: none;
+	}
+	.site-backdrop-dot {
+		animation: none;
+		opacity: 0;
+	}
+}
+
 .article-body {
 	line-height: 1.7;
 }
diff --git a/src/components/admin/theme/theme-manager-panel.tsx b/src/components/admin/theme/theme-manager-panel.tsx
index bbe2b33c..cce7a9f2 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/theme/theme-manager-panel.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/theme/theme-manager-panel.tsx
@@ -15,9 +15,12 @@ import {
 } from "@/actions/theme-manager";
 import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button";
 import {
+	BACKGROUND_EFFECTS,
 	BACKGROUND_POSITIONS,
 	BACKGROUND_REPEATS,
 	BACKGROUND_SIZES,
+	OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX,
+	OVERLAY_PRESETS,
 } from "@/lib/theme-bg";
 import type { CustomTheme } from "@/lib/theme-custom-store";
 import { serializeThemeExport, swatchColors } from "@/lib/theme-manager-format";
@@ -28,6 +31,9 @@ export type ThemeManagerBackground = {
 	position: string;
 	size: string;
 	repeat: string;
+	effect: string;
+	overlay: string;
+	overlayOpacity: string;
 };
 
 interface ThemeManagerPanelProps {
@@ -133,6 +139,45 @@ function RenameInline({ theme }: { theme: CustomTheme }) {
 	);
 }
 
+function OverlayOpacityField({
+	defaultValue = "0",
+}: {
+	defaultValue?: string;
+}) {
+	const t = useTranslations(
+		"pages.housekeeping.domains.hotel.routes.themeManager",
+	);
+	const parsed = /^\d{1,2}$/.test(defaultValue)
+		? Math.min(Number(defaultValue), OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX)
+		: 0;
+	const [value, setValue] = useState(parsed);
+	return (
+		<div className="flex flex-col gap-1 text-xs text-[var(--admin-text-muted)] sm:col-span-2 lg:col-span-2">
+			<label
+				htmlFor="background_overlay_opacity"
+				className="flex items-center justify-between"
+			>
+				<span>{t("backgroundOverlayOpacityLabel")}</span>
+				<span className="font-semibold text-[var(--admin-text)] tabular-nums">
+					{value}%
+				</span>
+			</label>
+			<input
+				id="background_overlay_opacity"
+				type="range"
+				name="background_overlay_opacity"
+				min={0}
+				max={OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX}
+				step={5}
+				value={value}
+				onChange={(e) => setValue(Number(e.target.value))}
+				className="accent-[var(--admin-accent)] py-2"
+				style={{ border: "none", background: "transparent" }}
+			/>
+		</div>
+	);
+}
+
 export function ThemeManagerPanel({
 	themes,
 	current,
@@ -397,8 +442,20 @@ export function ThemeManagerPanel({
 										backgroundRepeat: background.repeat,
 									}
 								: {}),
+							...(background.overlay
+								? {
+										backgroundColor: `color-mix(in srgb, ${background.overlay} ${Number(background.overlayOpacity) || 0}%, transparent)`,
+									}
+								: {}),
 						}}
 					/>
+					{background.effect !== "none" ? (
+						<p className="mt-1.5 text-xs text-[var(--admin-accent)]">
+							{t(`backgroundEffectPreview`, {
+								effect: t(`backgroundEffect_${background.effect}`),
+							})}
+						</p>
+					) : null}
 				</div>
 
 				<form
@@ -461,6 +518,68 @@ export function ThemeManagerPanel({
 							))}
 						</select>
 					</label>
+
+					<label className="flex flex-col gap-1 text-xs text-[var(--admin-text-muted)] lg:col-span-2">
+						<span>{t("backgroundEffectLabel")}</span>
+						<select
+							name="background_effect"
+							defaultValue={background.effect}
+							className="px-3 py-2 rounded-lg border bg-[var(--admin-canvas)] text-sm text-[var(--admin-text)]"
+							style={{ borderColor: "var(--admin-border)" }}
+						>
+							{BACKGROUND_EFFECTS.map((value) => (
+								<option key={value} value={value}>
+									{t(`backgroundEffect_${value}`)}
+								</option>
+							))}
+						</select>
+					</label>
+
+					<div className="flex flex-col gap-1 text-xs text-[var(--admin-text-muted)] lg:col-span-2">
+						<label
+							htmlFor="background_overlay"
+							className="flex items-center justify-between"
+						>
+							<span>{t("backgroundOverlayLabel")}</span>
+							<input
+								id="background_overlay"
+								name="background_overlay"
+								type="color"
+								value={
+									/^#[0-9a-fA-F]{6}$/.test(background.overlay)
+										? background.overlay
+										: "#000000"
+								}
+								className="h-8 w-12 cursor-pointer rounded-md border bg-[var(--admin-canvas)] px-0.5"
+								style={{ borderColor: "var(--admin-border)" }}
+							/>
+						</label>
+						<div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-1.5">
+							{OVERLAY_PRESETS.map((preset) => (
+								<button
+									key={preset.label}
+									type="button"
+									title={preset.label}
+									onClick={() => {
+										const input = document.getElementById(
+											"background_overlay",
+										) as HTMLInputElement | null;
+										if (input) input.value = preset.value || "#000000";
+									}}
+									className="h-7 w-7 rounded-md border transition-transform hover:scale-110"
+									style={{
+										borderColor: "var(--admin-border)",
+										background:
+											preset.value ||
+											"linear-gradient(135deg, #64748b, #94a3b8)",
+									}}
+								/>
+							))}
+						</div>
+					</div>
+
+					<OverlayOpacityField defaultValue={background.overlayOpacity} />
+
 					<div className="sm:col-span-2 lg:col-span-4 flex flex-wrap gap-2">
 						<Button type="submit" size="sm">
 							{t("applyBackground")}
diff --git a/src/components/theme-vars.tsx b/src/components/theme-vars.tsx
index 6a072772..eb3ae797 100644
--- a/src/components/theme-vars.tsx
+++ b/src/components/theme-vars.tsx
@@ -1,9 +1,12 @@
+import type { CSSProperties } from "react";
 import { siteSettings } from "@/lib/services/site-settings";
 import {
 	BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS,
+	BACKGROUND_EFFECTS,
 	BACKGROUND_POSITIONS,
 	BACKGROUND_REPEATS,
 	BACKGROUND_SIZES,
+	type BackgroundEffect,
 	isSafeBackgroundUrl,
 } from "@/lib/theme-bg";
 import { themePaletteCss } from "@/lib/theme-css";
@@ -16,6 +19,18 @@ import {
 
 // Injects the DB-driven CSS custom properties into :root / html.dark.
 // Readable (WCAG) text colors are derived centrally in themePaletteCss.
+
+// Deterministic particle layout (stable keys, no random state per render).
+const PARTICLE_DOTS = Array.from({ length: 14 }, (_, i) => ({
+	key: `site-backdrop-dot-${i}`,
+	left: Math.round(((i * 7.13 + 3) % 100) * 100) / 100,
+	duration: 10 + (i % 5) * 1.7,
+	delay: (i % 8) * -1.9,
+	drift: ((i % 3) - 1) * 2.2,
+	size: 3 + (i % 3),
+	alpha: Math.round((0.35 + (i % 4) * 0.12) * 100) / 100,
+}));
+
 export async function ThemeVars({ nonce }: { nonce?: string } = {}) {
 	const g = (k: string, d: string) => siteSettings.get(k, d);
 	const [
@@ -62,6 +77,9 @@ export async function ThemeVars({ nonce }: { nonce?: string } = {}) {
 		backgroundPosition,
 		backgroundSize,
 		backgroundRepeat,
+		backgroundEffect,
+		backgroundOverlay,
+		backgroundOverlayOpacity,
 	] = await Promise.all([
 		g("color_primary", "#f59e0b"),
 		g("color_background", "#f8fafc"),
@@ -106,6 +124,12 @@ export async function ThemeVars({ nonce }: { nonce?: string } = {}) {
 		g("background_position", BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_position),
 		g("background_size", BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_size),
 		g("background_repeat", BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_repeat),
+		g("background_effect", BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_effect),
+		g("background_overlay", BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_overlay),
+		g(
+			"background_overlay_opacity",
+			BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_overlay_opacity,
+		),
 	]);
 
 	// Only hex/keyword color values are admin-controlled — sanitize defensively.
@@ -203,11 +227,30 @@ export async function ThemeVars({ nonce }: { nonce?: string } = {}) {
 		? backgroundRepeat
 		: BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS.background_repeat;
 
+	const safeEffect = (BACKGROUND_EFFECTS as readonly string[]).includes(
+		backgroundEffect ?? "",
+	)
+		? (backgroundEffect as BackgroundEffect)
+		: BACKGROUND_EFFECTS[0];
+
+	const safeOverlay = /^#[0-9a-fA-F]{3,8}$/.test(backgroundOverlay ?? "")
+		? (backgroundOverlay as string)
+		: "";
+	const overlayPct = /^\d{1,2}$/.test(backgroundOverlayOpacity ?? "")
+		? Math.min(parseInt(backgroundOverlayOpacity as string, 10), 90)
+		: 0;
+
 	const backgroundCss =
 		backgroundImage && isSafeBackgroundUrl(backgroundImage)
 			? `body.site-bg{background-image:url("${backgroundImage}");background-position:${safeBgPosition};background-size:${safeBgSize};background-repeat:${safeBgRepeat}}`
 			: "";
 
+	const backdropStyle: CSSProperties | undefined = safeOverlay
+		? ({
+				"--background-overlay": `color-mix(in srgb, ${safeOverlay} ${overlayPct}%, transparent)`,
+			} as CSSProperties)
+		: undefined;
+
 	return (
 		<>
 			{googleHref ? <link rel="stylesheet" href={googleHref} /> : null}
@@ -222,6 +265,39 @@ export async function ThemeVars({ nonce }: { nonce?: string } = {}) {
 				// Staff-authored custom CSS (housekeeping → Theme). Trusted input.
 				<style nonce={nonce} dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{ __html: customCss }} />
 			) : null}
+			{/* Animated site backdrop: aurora + particles + optional tint. Pure
+			    decoration, behind the content, hidden in the admin panel. */}
+			<div
+				className="site-backdrop"
+				data-effect={safeEffect}
+				aria-hidden="true"
+				style={backdropStyle}
+			>
+				<span className="site-backdrop-aurora">
+					<i className="site-backdrop-blob site-backdrop-blob-1" />
+					<i className="site-backdrop-blob site-backdrop-blob-2" />
+					<i className="site-backdrop-blob site-backdrop-blob-3" />
+				</span>
+				<span className="site-backdrop-particles">
+					{PARTICLE_DOTS.map((dot) => (
+						<i
+							key={dot.key}
+							className="site-backdrop-dot"
+							style={
+								{
+									left: `${dot.left}%`,
+									"--dot-duration": `${dot.duration}s`,
+									"--dot-delay": `${dot.delay}s`,
+									"--dot-drift": `${dot.drift}vw`,
+									"--dot-size": dot.size,
+									"--dot-alpha": dot.alpha,
+								} as CSSProperties
+							}
+						/>
+					))}
+				</span>
+				<span className="site-backdrop-overlay" />
+			</div>
 		</>
 	);
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/theme-bg.ts b/src/lib/theme-bg.ts
index f3025eeb..f0eb5c11 100644
--- a/src/lib/theme-bg.ts
+++ b/src/lib/theme-bg.ts
@@ -7,9 +7,37 @@ export const BACKGROUND_KEYS = [
 	"background_position",
 	"background_size",
 	"background_repeat",
+	"background_effect",
+	"background_overlay",
+	"background_overlay_opacity",
 ] as const;
 export type BackgroundKey = (typeof BACKGROUND_KEYS)[number];
 
+/**
+ * Animated background effects rendered behind the public site. Purely
+ * decorative and CSS-driven (transform/opacity only) so they stay cheap on
+ * every device and respect `prefers-reduced-motion`.
+ */
+export const BACKGROUND_EFFECTS = [
+	"none",
+	"aurora",
+	"particles",
+	"aurora-particles",
+] as const;
+export type BackgroundEffect = (typeof BACKGROUND_EFFECTS)[number];
+
+export const BACKGROUND_EFFECT_DEFAULT: BackgroundEffect = "none";
+
+export const OVERLAY_PRESETS = [
+	{ label: "None", value: "" },
+	{ label: "Black", value: "#000000" },
+	{ label: "White", value: "#ffffff" },
+	{ label: "Navy", value: "#0b1220" },
+	{ label: "Slate", value: "#1e293b" },
+] as const;
+
+export const OVERLAY_OPACITY_MAX = 90;
+
 export const BACKGROUND_POSITIONS = [
 	"center center",
 	"top center",
@@ -36,6 +64,9 @@ export const BACKGROUND_DEFAULTS: Record<BackgroundKey, string> = {
 	background_position: "center center",
 	background_size: "cover",
 	background_repeat: "no-repeat",
+	background_effect: BACKGROUND_EFFECT_DEFAULT,
+	background_overlay: "",
+	background_overlay_opacity: "0",
 };
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/messages/en.json b/src/messages/en.json
index ced68329..4d047718 100644
--- a/src/messages/en.json
+++ b/src/messages/en.json
@@ -288,7 +288,11 @@
 			"sectionStatsLabel": "Live stats",
 			"sectionStatsTitle": "A community that keeps growing",
 			"sectionCommunityLabel": "Community",
-			"sectionCommunityTitle": "Make yourself at home"
+			"sectionCommunityTitle": "Make yourself at home",
+			"joinCtaTitle": "Ready to make yourself at home?",
+			"joinCtaBody": "Create your avatar, grab some furni and meet new friends — your hotel adventure starts here.",
+			"ctaJoin": "Join the hotel",
+			"browseCommunity": "Browse the community"
 		},
 		"news": {
 			"title": "News",
@@ -997,6 +1001,7 @@
 			"alreadyHaveAccountLink": "Sign in",
 			"register": "Register",
 			"whoIsOnline": "Who's online",
+			"newestCitizens": "Newest citizens",
 			"usersOnline": "{count} online",
 			"termsError": "You must accept the terms & rules to register.",
 			"usernameError": "Username is required.",
@@ -4810,6 +4815,15 @@
 							"applyBackground": "Apply background",
 							"uploadButton": "Upload image…",
 							"clearBackground": "Remove background",
+							"backgroundEffectLabel": "Effect",
+							"backgroundEffectHint": "Animate the public background with a gentle, theme-matched layer (aurora uses your primary/accent colors).",
+							"backgroundEffect_none": "None (plain background)",
+							"backgroundEffect_aurora": "Aurora glow",
+							"backgroundEffect_particles": "Floating particles",
+							"backgroundEffect_aurora-particles": "Aurora + particles",
+							"backgroundEffectPreview": "Effect: {effect} — shown behind the public site.",
+							"backgroundOverlayLabel": "Overlay tint",
+							"backgroundOverlayOpacityLabel": "Overlay strength",
 							"notice": {
 								"saved": "Theme saved.",
 								"applied": "Theme applied.",
diff --git a/src/messages/it.json b/src/messages/it.json
index 930f2978..28e18c24 100644
--- a/src/messages/it.json
+++ b/src/messages/it.json
@@ -283,12 +283,16 @@
 			"featuresCommunityDesc": "Fai amicizia e chatta",
 			"featuresGames": "Giochi",
 			"featuresGamesDesc": "Competi e divertiti",
-			"sectionFeaturesLabel": "Features",
-			"sectionFeaturesTitle": "Everything a great hotel needs",
-			"sectionStatsLabel": "Live stats",
-			"sectionStatsTitle": "A community that keeps growing",
+			"sectionFeaturesLabel": "Funzionalità",
+			"sectionFeaturesTitle": "Tutto ciò che un grande hotel merita",
+			"sectionStatsLabel": "Statistiche live",
+			"sectionStatsTitle": "Una community che continua a crescere",
 			"sectionCommunityLabel": "Community",
-			"sectionCommunityTitle": "Make yourself at home"
+			"sectionCommunityTitle": "Fatti sentire a casa",
+			"joinCtaTitle": "Pronto a sentirti a casa?",
+			"joinCtaBody": "Crea il tuo avatar, prendi dei mobili e incontra nuovi amici: la tua avventura nell'hotel inizia qui.",
+			"ctaJoin": "Entra nell'hotel",
+			"browseCommunity": "Scopri la community"
 		},
 		"news": {
 			"title": "Notizie",
@@ -976,6 +980,7 @@
 			"alreadyHaveAccountPre": "Hai già un account?",
 			"alreadyHaveAccountLink": "Accedi",
 			"whoIsOnline": "Chi è online",
+			"newestCitizens": "Nuovi cittadini",
 			"usersOnline": "{count} online",
 			"accepted": "Accettato e confermato",
 			"showPassword": "Mostra",
@@ -4809,6 +4814,15 @@
 							"applyBackground": "Applica sfondo",
 							"uploadButton": "Carica immagine…",
 							"clearBackground": "Rimuovi sfondo",
+							"backgroundEffectLabel": "Effetto",
+							"backgroundEffectHint": "Anima lo sfondo pubblico con un livello delicato e abbinato al tema (l'aurora usa i colori primario/accento).",
+							"backgroundEffect_none": "Nessuno (sfondo semplice)",
+							"backgroundEffect_aurora": "Bagliore aurora",
+							"backgroundEffect_particles": "Particelle fluttuanti",
+							"backgroundEffect_aurora-particles": "Aurora + particelle",
+							"backgroundEffectPreview": "Effetto: {effect} — mostrato dietro il sito pubblico.",
+							"backgroundOverlayLabel": "Tinta di sovrapposizione",
+							"backgroundOverlayOpacityLabel": "Intensità tinta",
 							"notice": {
 								"saved": "Tema salvato.",
 								"applied": "Tema applicato.",