Weekly Warm-Up: 4 Springtime Holidays Around the World

As the spring equinox approaches, several cultures and religious groups will be celebrating holidays. For students, holidays are an exciting break from the norm. Why not take advantage of this week of overlapping celebrations to teach students about world cultures and religions? Check out this map of major world religions to get started. Magha Puja Day: February 11, 2017 More than 2,500 years ago, Buddhists believe … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: 4 Springtime Holidays Around the World

Weekly Warm-Up: Some Mardi Gras Thoughts and Memories

Mardi Gras 2016 is this Tuesday—laissez les bon temps rouler! This terrific post about Mardi Gras in the U.S. was written by Rebecca Sheehan, Ph.D., back in 2009. Dr. Sheehan is an associate professor of geography at Oklahoma State University. The French Quarter is the quintessential center of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and traditionally what people associate with the celebration. Here, debauchery is at … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: Some Mardi Gras Thoughts and Memories

Happy Diwali

WORLD Diwali has become a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. (National Geographic Kids) Use our resources, including a video and photo gallery, to learn more about Diwali! Teachers, scroll all the way down for a short list of key resources in our “Teachers’ Toolkit.” Discussion Ideas Read our terrific study guide on Diwali. The article says Diwali … Continue reading Happy Diwali

Carnival Cutbacks?

WORLD Shortages of both water and funds have cities across Brazil canceling or hedging plans—even for the world-famous Carnival of Rio. (The Guardian) Use our resources to learn more about Carnival and other cultural geographies of South America. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Read through our terrific encyclopedic entry on the cultural geography of South … Continue reading Carnival Cutbacks?

India’s Festival of Colors

WORLD India’s Festival of Colors Each spring, millions of Indians and other Hindus celebrate the festival of Holi. The annual Holi celebrations usually include full-body splashes of colored powders (called gulal) and water. This dazzling National Geographic photo gallery showcases participants in this year’s Holi festival. Discussion Ideas: Read our “media spotlight” about Holi. It gives a brief description of the mythic origins of the … Continue reading India’s Festival of Colors