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Culture / 7 weeks ago
Who is boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest?
A growing number of countries have announced they will withdraw in protest over the participation of Israel in the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. A growing number of countries have announced they will withdraw in protest over the participation of Israel in the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. At least five nations, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, have formally declared their intention to boycott the competition if Israel remains in, following the decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to allow its participation.
World / 49 weeks ago
Valentine’s day: A global tapestry of love and traditions
February 14th is widely recognized as the day of love, but its significance and acceptance vary across cultures. While some embrace Valentine’s Day as a time for grand romantic gestures, others approach it with a more sceptical lens, considering it a commercialized holiday or one that does not align with their cultural or religious values. According to BBC, the origins of Valentine’s Day remain uncertain. Some legends suggest that a Roman priest named Valentine defied an imperial marriage ban imposed by Emperor Claudius II, secretly arranging marriages for young lovers. Before his execution on February 14th, he is said to have sent a note to a young woman, signed “From your Valentine.” Others link the day to ancient fertility festivals such as Lupercalia, which celebrated the arrival of spring with feasts and matchmaking rituals. Without official documentation to confirm its origins, Valentine’s Day remains steeped in mystery and historical speculation.
Culture / 1 year ago
The timeless bond between Christmas songs and iconic films
Christmas songs have an unparalleled ability to transport us to a world of nostalgia, joy, and warmth. Many of these beloved tunes owe their enduring popularity to tradition and their inclusion in iconic films that have become an essential part of holiday celebrations. FiveThirtyEight reveals the latest popular music in the film. Take Jingle Bells, for instance. It was never meant to be a Christmas song written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and originally titled One Horse Open Sleigh. Intended as a Thanksgiving tune, it wasn’t until decades later that it became a quintessential holiday classic. Its cheerful melody has since found a home in countless films, cementing its place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Culture / 1 year ago
America’s Thanksgiving turkeys: The states feeding the nation
Every Thanksgiving, millions of American families gather around tables to celebrate the holiday, with turkey as the centrepiece of the feast. Behind this cherished tradition lies a massive agricultural effort concentrated in a handful of states that dominate the nation’s turkey production. U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that Minnesota stands at the forefront, producing nearly 34 million turkeys annually. The state’s success is attributed to multi-generational farming expertise, fertile land supporting abundant corn and soybean crops, and advancements in veterinary science that ensure efficient and sustainable production.
