When most people think about Peruvian tourist attractions, they think about ancient ruins. The city of Cusco is ever-evolving, though, and it has a new attraction in the works: Apukunaq Tianan, also known as the “Abode of the Gods.”
Tag: Folklore
Detroit Bead Museum Honors African Culture
The outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, have experienced a lot of upheaval over the years. However, Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum helps to offset these struggles and bring joy to the area.
Why’s There a Plastic Toy Baby in New Orleans King Cake?
Have you ever heard of king cake? This sweet, circular pastry is beloved across the globe and is a staple in celebrations that welcome the new year. Throughout the world, especially in countries where Catholicism is the predominant religion, you’ll see king cake show up in bakeries when January rolls around.
A Look Back To the First Department Store Santa
Department store Santas are a staple during the holiday season. Where did this tradition start, though? Who was the first department store Santa?
Book a Virtual Holiday Flight To Rovaniemi With Finnair
To spread some extra holiday cheer this year, Finnair, Santa’s official airline, is using virtual reality to offer eight “flights” to Santa’s hometown of Rovaniemi, Finland. This will be Finnair’s first-ever virtual flight experience. Starting on December 25, Finnair’s virtual reality flights will be available for just €10 ($12) per person. All of the flights’ profits will go to a fund created by UNICEF, which will help children who have been negatively affected by COVID-19.
How ‘Sati,’ a Once Funeral Ritual, Became Banned in India
Self-immolation is a practice associated with many different types of religions. And the common principle unique to each association is the aim of nobility, heroism, and protest. The act of “sati” began as such a gesture. Until its history took a darker, more sinister turn. But what is sati? Why did it flourish–and what led to it being banned throughout India?
La Calavera Catrina: Mexico’s Lady of the Dead
Often referred to as the Grande Dame of Death, La Calavera Catrina (the “elegant skull”)—or, simply, La Catrina—is frequently seen throughout the streets of Mexico during the Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, celebrations. You’ve likely seen the face before: an eerie meld of macabre and charm; fear and poise. But from where did this deathly figure emerge? What does she stand for? And why has she become such a ubiquitous part of Mexican culture?
New Mattel Barbie Doll Honors the ‘Day of the Dead’
To celebrate Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos), Mattel is releasing a second special-edition Barbie doll. With her traditional calavera (English: skull) face-paint, floral-updo, and skull-and-flowers-patterned lace gown, this gorgeous doll encapsulates the celebrations of this time.
Airbnb Offers Chance To Spend the Night in Hell
Hell, Michigan, that is. That’s right, nestled deep in the southern region of the “Great Lakes State,” in Livingston County, lies an unincorporated community called Hell. With no defined boundaries or population statistics, Hell (as it appears on maps) is difficult to take seriously as a place name. But don’t tell that to the locals, especially the self-proclaimed Mayor of Hell, John Colone, who keeps his town’s reputation alive by indulging visitors with terrifying tableaus and horror stories.
Raise a Glass (Finally): The Allure of Tuscany’s Wine Windows
As the rest of the world continues to power through the COVID-19 pandemic, a delightful and intoxicating respite has returned to Italy — one of the planet’s most ravaged and earliest hit countries — in the form of tiny windows scattered throughout the luscious Tuscany region. The surprise awaiting imbibers on the other end of the opening is vino, pure and simple. A staple beverage that is ubiquitous to Italy; presented, with discreet charm, in a historic display that seems to indicate that things, finally, might just be returning to normal.