We’re here to remind you (hopefully before it’s too late) that it’s April Fools’ Day today, and so when someone tells you that ex-The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr is joining Guns ‘N’ Roses for a reunion tour (as someone told … Continue reading
Ελληνική Επανάσταση [e-lee-nee-KEE e-pa-NA-sta-see] (the Greek Revolution) Greece celebrates its Independence Day on March 25th. This day commemorates the Greek War of Independence, which was fought against the Ottoman Empire from 1821 to 1832. Greece had been under Ottoman rule … Continue reading
Persian new year, or Noruz (meaning “New Day”) is celebrated by Iranians all over the world on the first day of spring (usually on March 21st). There is much preparation involved for welcoming the new year: lots of curtain-washing and … Continue reading
International Women’s Day is March 8, and in honor of this day, we are looking to two countries where women hold the highest position of power in their governments: Brazil and Germany. As we’ll see, President Dilma Rousseff and Chancellor … Continue reading
Απόκριες (apo-kreas=goodbye to meat) is the three week period before the Σαρακοστή (sa-ra-ko-STEE), the “Great Lent”. The Σαρακοστή lasts forty days and ends on Πάσχα (PAS-cha=Easter).During Σαρακοστή, people fast and prepare themselves spiritually for the great feast of Πάσχα. Απόκριες … Continue reading
The noun simpatia – from the Greek sun (with) pathos (feeling) expresses in Portuguese a feeling of friendliness or tenderness toward people,places or things: nós temos muita simpatia pelo Brazil, we are very fond of Brazil. You can use the adjective, simpático(a) to refer to a person: Clara é simpática, Clara is … Continue reading
Despite the abundance of sophistication in French culture, most French people love simple things. So when it comes to La Saint-Valentin (Valentine’s Day) or dating in general, these intimate places remain favorite ideas: un parc (a park), la campagne (the countryside), … Continue reading
Carnaval, Carnival, is a movable holiday that is celebrated annually in Brazil forty days before Easter. This year it will take place between Saturday, February 14 and terça-feira gorda, Fat Tuesday, February 17. Carnaval is taken so seriously in Brazil … Continue reading
With great zest Russian people anticipate the beginning of a new year and mark the end of the previous one with incredibly festive and joyous celebrations throughout the whole country 31 декабря (December 31). Everyone exchanges подарки (gifts), yet … Continue reading
La Fête des Rois is a family tradition in France that falls on the first Sunday of the new year, around the Catholic holiday of Epiphany which falls on Jan. 6 this year. The tradition dates back to Roman times … Continue reading
