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Celebrating Chilean Independence Day with Reflection and Tradition This 18th and 19th of September, we’re joining in the fun and festivities for Chilean Independence Day! ?? Like many, we’ll be toasting independence with a traditional ‘terremoto’ (which means “earthquake”) – a delicious and refreshing mix of sweet wine and pineapple sorbet. ???? But beyond the celebration, this day also invites us to reflect. Where do some of the traditions come from? Independence Day marks freedom from some colonialist powers, but some of the traditions, like ‘cueca’, tell a complex story. The cueca, Chile's national dance, reflects both indigenous and Spanish influences – a blend which can result in some of its indigenous links being lost. In the late 20th century, under the dictatorship, cueca was claimed as a symbol of nationalism and became linked to repression, it was part of an imposed national identity. Later some managed to reclaim it as a dance of resistance. Now, we often see performers dressed as huasos, the Chilean ‘cowboys’ but perhaps it's time to highlight the indigenous roots of many of these traditions; the links the dance has to Peru and Bolivia as well as Spain and the Andaluz traditions. We can honour the cultural diversity that has shaped Chile's history and I can add some of the English awkwardness in attempts to dance it (that comes from the other half of my family). Cheers the coming days of joy, reflection,and appreciation! ????? #IndependenceDay #Cueca #CulturalHeritage #Terremoto #CelebrateDiversity #El18deSeptiembre

Today, Portugal celebrates Freedom Day, commemorating the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, a pivotal moment that not only changed the course of Portuguese history but also stands out globally for its almost entirely nonviolent nature. This peaceful coup ended decades of authoritarian rule under the Estado Novo regime and sparked the decolonization of Portuguese colonies in Africa. What makes the 25th of April so remarkable is the way it unfolded—without bloodshed, contrasting sharply with many other revolutions that led to extensive conflict. It was a military-led movement, supported by widespread civil resistance, that quickly turned into a festive celebration as people filled the streets, placing carnations in the muzzles of rifles and on soldiers' uniforms. On a personal note, this day holds a deep resonance due to my grandfather's experiences. He fought in the Portuguese Colonial War, also known as the War of the Overseas. While serving, he was torn away from his young family—his son, his wife—to fight in a conflict that was dictated by the motives of others, not by the soldiers' own choices. Despite the hardships, he sought to find moments of joy and connection amid the adversity. Reflecting on his stories is crucial, especially today, as Europe sees a resurgence of right-wing movements. It's important to remember not only the official narratives found in history books but also the personal histories carried in the hearts of our elders. These stories of individual sacrifice, often reluctant and forced, highlight the complexities of freedom and the heavy costs of political and ideological battles. As we observe this day, let's honor those like my grandfather, who despite personal misgivings, fulfilled their duties under challenging circumstances. Let’s listen to and learn from the past, ensuring that the values of democracy, freedom, and peace are never taken for granted. #FreedomDayPortugal #CarnationRevolution #HistoryMatters

Celebrating 50 Years of Freedom Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution, a moment that reshaped the course of a nation and stands as a testament to the power of (peaceful) resistance — through the bravery of individuals like Celeste Caeiro, who, with a simple gesture captured in the photo below, helped symbolise the triumph over oppression. [As an aside, I can see a future where the Sunflower, much like the Carnation is for the Portuguese today, becomes a symbol of hope for the Ukrainian people.] On this day in 1974, the Portuguese reclaimed their voice and future with barely a shot fired. The 25th of April, alongside the 25th of November (when a left-wing coup d'état in the following year failed to usher the country into a communist state), aren't just dates on the calendar; they are celebrations of freedom after nearly five decades of dictatorship and repression, marking the outset of a sustainable representative democracy in Portugal—away from the violent and unstable first experiment between 1910-1926. As I reflect on the legacy of the Carnation Revolution, it's crucial to remember that freedom is never guaranteed. It's a precious gift earned through the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us. We must cherish and protect these fundamental values, for they are the cornerstone of human flourishing—and we stray away from them at our great peril. I also want to express my appreciation for what typically emerges from the project of liberty: considerable economic and social mobility. Personally, it's a journey that led me to England, a country that embraced me with open arms. I'm endlessly grateful for the chance to live a life of purpose and responsibility, with opportunities unimaginable to members of my lineage a mere two generations prior (at the outset of the 1970s, Portugal was a predominantly agrarian society with illiteracy rates of roughly 30%). Happy Freedom Day to all! #25deAbrilSempre #CarnationRevolution #FreedomDay

July 4th is famously known as American Independence Day, but the date also marks a special celebration in The Philippines. Republic Day is celebrated in The Philippines on July 4th and commemorates the day in 1946 when the Philippines ceased to be a U.S. territory and gained independence after 48 years of American rule. In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal moved the official Independence Day celebration to June 12th, commemorating the 1898 declaration of independence from Spain.?July 4th was then renamed as Republic Day in 1964. July 4th is no longer an official holiday in the Philippines, but some Filipinos still recognise its historical significance. The day is often marked by smaller-scale events or personal reflections on the country's journey to independence and its relationship with the United States. When it was recognised as an official holiday, it would be marked by formal dinners and receptions, grand fireworks in the capital Manila and elsewhere throughout the country, tree planting to symbolise independence, and a range of cultural performances such as concerts with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Today, you will find a 4th of July event at Manila Ocean Park, described as a "spectacular celebration of independence and America's pride," which may acknowledge what is also frequently known as ‘American Friendship Day’ in the Philippines, acknowledging the ongoing relationship between the two countries despite a complicated past. Every Destination Has A Story… #independenceday #exploretheworld #travel #tourism

Planning your move to Austria? Knowing the national holidays is essential to immerse yourself in the local culture and plan your activities. Here’s a list of national holidays in Austria: ? New Year's Day (Neujahrstag) – January 1: Celebrate the start of the year with festivities and fireworks. ? Epiphany (Heilige Drei K?nige) – January 6: Marking the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. ? Easter Monday (Ostermontag) – Date varies: A public holiday following Easter Sunday. ? Labor Day (Staatsfeiertag) – May 1: Celebrating workers’ rights and achievements. ? Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) – Date varies: Commemorating Jesus Christ's ascension to heaven. ? Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) – Date varies: The day after Pentecost, celebrating the Holy Spirit. ? Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) – Date varies: A Catholic festival honoring the Eucharist. ? Assumption of Mary (Mari? Himmelfahrt) – August 15: Celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. ? National Day (Nationalfeiertag) – October 26: Commemorating the Declaration of Neutrality in 1955. ? All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) – November 1: Honoring all saints and martyrs. ? Immaculate Conception (Mari? Empf?ngnis) – December 8: Celebrating the conception of the Virgin Mary. ? Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) – December 25: Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. ? St. Stephen’s Day (Stefanitag) – December 26: The day after Christmas, honoring Saint Stephen. However, it is important to remember that being in the gastronomy and hotel sectors, you will probably have to work on these dates - but don't worry, in addition to being informed in advance, there is extra compensation for hours worked during holidays, or on a free day at the end of the year. #Austria #NationalHolidays #ExpatLife #CulturalInsight #Immigration #AustrianCulture

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ALL THESE NATIONAL DAYS? Fun or boring? Useful or ridiculous. Some of them really seem crazy. Look at these for example (and yes, they ARE real, I've not just made the up you know... ?? Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. ?? International Pillow Fight Day. ?? National Hug a Plumber Day. ?? Lost Sock Memorial Day. ?? Talk Like Yoda Day. ?? Beer Day Britain. Sometimes it's a national week or even a whole month! Did you know that yesterday was the start of South Asian Heritage Month? The purpose is to commemorate and educate people on all things South Asian. So - if you're tucking into a curry in the coming days - here's some other stuff to chew over ... What do YOU think of as South Asia? The term normally incorporates Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Those who have a cultural heritage from South Asia usually would have an ancestor brought to the UK as part of the Slave Trade. Over three million South Asian people were brought as slaves to the UK and forced to do mundane tasks to serve those in power. BUT... How many things can you spot that ... ... is an element of South Asian culture that has influenced the way we live in Britain today? They include aspects of food, clothing, music, words and generally an overall ambiance of our different towns and cities. Up until 17th August. There will be a beautiful and rich display of proud South Asian heritage and culture. This is a form of education for those who don't have any experience/knowledge of how life works in South Asian cultures. People will be sharing stories of their own cultures and traditions that help contribute to the diversity of our nation and the way we live today. Why did it start on 18th July? Because that's the date that the Indian Independence Act 1947 gained royal assent from King George VI, and it ends on 17th August, the date the Radcliffe Line was published in 1947, which finally set out where the border between India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be. The start and end dates show just how much of an influence Britain has had on South Asia as a whole over the last few centuries. The theme for 2024 is “Free to Be Me”. Interested in learning more? Attend Events: workshops, and performances. Engage with storytellers, artists, and community leaders who share experiences and insights. Connect with Others: Join discussions and forums to engage with fellow community members. The more we share, the more we understand the bridges between our vibrant cultures and backgrounds. If you’d like to know what’s happening near you, google South Asian heritage month. Can you name any British words that come from a South Asian language? Ever watched a Hindi film or Bollywood movie? #FreeToBeMe #southasianheritagemonth

On the occasion of the 76th Israel Independence Day, I wanted to share with you my thoughts ... Our country is 76 years old. And what haven't we been through... and we're still going through... For 3000 years this nation has fallen, risen, and fallen again, always accompanied by light, optimism, and a desire to improve the world... And how many improvements has this nation brought to the world... including our country... Since its establishment, how many inventions has it brought... Always facing towards the good, towards improvement. So proud to be part of the START-UP NATION, of this process that never stops, not even during wartime... I have always been proud to tell the world that I work in Israeli high-tech companies, bringing changes to all areas of life, always making sure that everyone knows what "Made in Israel" means... And now, even in my new business that helps people travel with peace of mind, using a platform for hotels worldwide, an Israeli development, where a large part of the support (and real support, not bots) is based here in Israel. The company’s people are always working to improve the system, innovate with the latest technologies, ensure more suppliers to reduce costs, and many more solutions... So for your next business or vacation travel, think again about where to book from. Whether you need help planning a trip in detail with personal guidance or if you are the type who likes to organize on your own, I invite you to talk to me first. I'll end with a quote I loved: “The desire to build, the desire to live life to the fullest, the desire to help people live better lives: that's the standard that we hold ourselves to!" ---

Living in Spain: In this article we consider some of the issues and highlight some of the best places to live in Spain for families. https://lnkd.in/d-8H3NJC

How?the Dominican Republic?Finally Achieved Independence?in 1844: Follow the Dominican Republic's long road to independence - first from Spain, then decades of Haitian occupation and oppression until the secret La Trinitaria society led by Juan Pablo Duarte finally achieved freedom in 1844. Learn the history behind February 27th and the iconic blue, red and white flag still flown today. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/giQD6-6Y #simplydominican #dominicanrepublic #luxuryrental #dominicanrepublic #luxury #villarental #luxurytravel #luxurylifestyle #luxuryvacation #luxuryresort #luxuryhotel #luxurydestination #luxuryexperience #luxurygetaway #luxuryadventure #luxuryescape #luxuryadventures #luxuryretreat #luxuryvillas #luxurytraveler #luxurylife #luxuryworldtraveler #luxurytravelblog #luxurytravelgram #luxurytravelinspiration

A considerable number of African American individuals are journeying to Ghana with the intention of reconnecting with their ancestral roots. This migration has been sparked by a rise in travel opportunities and a longing to explore and embrace their cultural legacy. Ghana has emerged as a favored destination for these individuals, offering a profound sense of belonging and attachment. The increasing trend of African Americans flocking to Ghana not only bears great significance for the individuals involved but also serves to fortify the bond between African Americans and their ancestral homeland. https://buff.ly/4be3Pu9