Image by María José Bonilla/Prensa Libre Every October, Guatemalans pay tribute to the Virgen del Rosario, known as Our Lady of the Rosary in English. She is recognized as the "Saint of the Nation" in Guatemala. In short, the Virgen del Rosario is one of the most revered Marian devotions in Guatemala, with her feast day observed annually on October 7. Throughout the month, Guatemala holds a traditional fair dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario. There, you will have an opportun

Image by Wix Numerous forms of art are forever associated with a particular place, whether it is because of abundant resources, a unique quirk or a distinctive landscape. It's incredible to see how these art forms have significantly impacted society, influencing not only local traditions but also future generations. This also reflects changes in society and pushes creative boundaries beyond limits. To gain insight into how certain places influenced certain art movements, here

Image by Wix The violin is one of the most important instruments in the world of music. It is renowned for its bright, resonant sound and its vital role in the traditional symphony orchestra, as well as solo performances and chamber ensembles. It is the highest-pitched instrument of the violin family, which includes the viola, cello and double bass. It is played by using a bow across the strings or by plucking them (called pizzicato) with the fingers. The big question is, how

Image by Sivani Bandaru/Unsplash At some point, many of us have played with action figures and dolls by making them move or talking to them. Or perhaps you have worn a mask, transforming into someone totally different from yourself? This distinctive art form is known as puppetry, which dates back to between 30,000 and 20,000 B.C.E. Because it defies fixed definitions, puppetry is an ever evolving art form that encompasses a wide variety of techniques, styles and cultural infl

Houston, TX boasts a truly gorgeous, breathtaking hidden gem that is absolutely worth visiting. The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park makes the ideal place for unforgettable photoshoots, particularly graduations, quinceañeras, senior proms, engagements or simply to check this spot off your Houston bucket list. Or, if it is a hot day in Houston, the Waterwall offers the ideal spot to cool down. In fact, it is Houston's most photographed spot. The Waterwall Park's name honors rea

Image by Ali Karimiboroujeni/Unsplash When you envision a beret, you instinctively connect it with French fashion and sense. According to Merriam-Webster, a beret is defined as a "visorless usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft full flat top." Its earliest known use of that definition was in 1826. In fact, the French beret has been an enduring piece of fashion for over a century. Often, people envision the beret in "An American in Paris," mimes, artists, poets a

Image by Wix Sushi is more than just food, it is also a cultural symbol among Japanese society and culture. Originally a centuries-old fish preserving method using fermented rice, sushi has gradually evolved into globally respected symbol of Japanese culture and cuisine. It is renowned for its elegance and simplicity. According to Merriam-Webster, sushi is defined as "cold rice dressed with vinegar, formed into any of various shapes, and garnished especially with bits of raw

Credit: Spanish Academy Antiguena Many of us have person in our lives with whom we can share our concerns with, someone who is willing to hear us out. However, there comes a time when we need just a little extra support. These are known as worry dolls, or munecas quitapenas in Spanish. They are various ways of crafting these dolls. Ranging between 1 to 3 inches high, they are made from wire, wood and cardboard for the base. Then, they cover the body with different types of ma

Image by Wix There is no denying that pasta has been a favorite dish on family's tables for many years. So long, in fact, that many people are often curious about where exactly pasta comes from. Pasta is frequently featured in some of the most iconic food scenes in movies. These include "Elf," (2003), "Lady and the Tramp" (1955) and even "Goodfellas" (1990). Pasta has become synonymous with Italian cuisine, and its love affair with the food boasts a rich and complex history.

Image by Roven Images/Unsplash Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a holiday celebrated with patriotic displays, such as outdoor barbecues, booming fireworks, fun-filled parades and other festive activities. Independence Day is celebrated every year because it marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history. The United States declared its freedom from British rule upon adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by the Continental Congress, which wa

Image by Wix It's a Sunday morning, and you wake up to the smell of maple syrup, butter and the scent of batter cooking to a golden brown on a griddle. Pancakes have become a popular breakfast staple, with countless iterations and forms around the globe. However, the base ingredients - flour, milk, eggs and a leavening agent - remain consistent. As a result, the exact origin of pancakes is difficult to pinpoint as many countries have developed their own versions, making it a

Image by Wix What better way to express love and gratitude for your mom than with a special Mother's Day card, a bouquet of flowers, or even a special dinner at her favorite restaurant? In essence, Mother's Day is a holiday celebrating motherhood and the impact of mothers and mother figures on society. Motherhood certainly is not a one-size-fits-all package and goes beyond biological mothers. It comes in various forms, including mothers-in-law, stepmothers, foster mothers, ad

When you think of Easter, you imagine about the delicious chocolate bunnies and candy eggs. However, it is much more than that. Image by Wix A cornerstone in the Christian faith, Easter is an important celebration because it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his Crucifixion. In the Christian calendar, Easter follows Lent, which is the 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter. Lent is traditionally observed as a period of acts of penance and f

Credit: MOMA Design Store In your grandparents' kitchen, you probably have noticed a special clock that has become a valuable timepiece. You probably have also seen this clock in media cameos or even in television commercials. You might have recognized a cat clock that consisted of the signature wagging tail, perpetual smile and shifting eyes. According to the company website, Kit-Cat clocks have become an "indelible part of American history with their happy and catchy look."

Image by Wix When people hear the word "chocolate," they might think of a box of assorted chocolates, a chocolate bar, brownies or even a hot chocolate. Today, chocolate is perhaps one of the world's most beloved treats. There are many types of chocolate, ranging from white to dark, bitter to sweet; everyone has a favorite. But have you ever wondered where chocolate actually comes from? Let's uncover the history of this ancient treat. Image by Wix Chocolate begins with the ca

In the modern world, photographs are especially important for a numerous reasons. For one, photographs provide history documentation. In other words, it provides a visual record of history's important events. Another reason is storytelling. Photographs are an excellent tool for visual storytelling and can be used to narrate events or experiences, as well as conveying emotions beyond words. Two examples include photo essays (collections of images that work together to tell a s

Credit: Jimena Gonzalez The Hotel Casa Santo Domingo makes you feel like you are being transported into another place and time. In other words, it blends elements of centuries worth of history with the amenities of modern-day luxury. Originally, Casa Santo Domingo was known as the Convent of Santo Domingo, a 16th-century convent that was founded by Dominican evangelists. In 1773, the Santa Marta earthquake partially destroyed the convent. In 1989, Casa Santo Domingo opened as

If you have been to Guatemala, you are probably curious as to why this country has plentiful of natural wonders, especially lakes, volcanoes and mountains. In fact, a hidden gem exists in Guatemala City that is definitely worth visiting. In addition, this is considered a gem in modern engineering and art. This is called a raised-relief map, a type of 3D map that shows the different elevations (high points) and depressions (low points) of a land surface using contour lines and

If you have been to or lived in Guatemala, you probably know that corn tortillas is a must-have staple in its traditional cuisine. The main ingredient, corn, is a staple crop in Guatemala and dates back to the ancient Mayas at least 3,500 years ago. Based on the Maya creation myth from "Popol Vuh," the sacred Maya book, corn was used to create man after other methods, such as wood and mud, had failed. Corn also appears in another legend from "Popol Vuh," where two brothers we

You might have seen a peculiar art form using life-size bears. Of course, I am not referring to the real bears you see in the woods. The phenomenon of CowParade, another statue decorating statue project using life-size fiberglass cows, has spawned similar statue decorating projects in numerous cities worldwide. One of these projects is the Buddy Bears. They consist of 2-meter-tall fiberglass bear sculptures that are hand-painted. While the sculpture is the same, the designs a