Going Expat’s Post

Carnival Social Commentary Pretty-mas costumes are yawningly predictable ... calypso is no longer kaiso ... calypso today is fatally pale next to its earlier grand monarchial version ... I don't even bother to watch Dimanche Gras anymore ... I find it so annoying ... every culture is gifted with creativity ... I'm sure that we have creativity in spades! ... but ... we're not really seeing it in its fullest, most resplendent glory between January and March ... here's what's even worse ... we are people who do not truly invest in creativity or creatives outside of carnival ... and ... we only truly appreciate our own when *outsiders* appreciate the cultural icons and treasures who are homegrown ... why are we too lazy to nurture creativity? (and I gotta say that our info-cramming memorization-based education system does not help) ... and ... why are we too cheap or too thieving or too philosophically frivolous to appreciate the bright stars among us? ... Trinidad has much to answer for ... as individuals and as a nation ... #creativity #carnival #caribbean #caribbeanlife #trinidadandtobago

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 hold significant importance for cultures as they serve as expressions of cultural identity, history, and social values. These dances often tell stories, celebrate important events, or convey spiritual beliefs, helping to preserve cultural heritage across generations. They foster a sense of belonging and community among participants, while also educating others about cultural traditions and customs. Traditional dances contribute to cultural continuity and diversity, offering a vibrant way to keep cultural practices alive and relevant. https://lnkd.in/gbbHqBKB

🎉👯♀️Besides Brazil: Carnival around Latin America There are two big misconceptions about #Carnival and Latin America. One is that Carnival entirely defines Brazil, and the other is that Brazil is the only place to find a good Carnival party on the continent. Though Brazil differs from its neighbors by having been the only Portuguese colony, its most famous celebration can also be found around the continent, with their own local twists. The Brazilian Report has taken a look at all of the unique Carnival celebrations around Latin America. 🇨🇺 Free your hips in Cuba As Brazil’s celebrations are largely split between Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife and São Paulo, Carnival in Cuba is focused in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The roots of the island’s Carnival go back to the celebrations of the annual Catholic feast of Corpus Christi, which combined with the rhythms of African enslaved communities brought to Cuba in the 16th century to create a singular result. As you go to the capital, something different comes into view, with Havana’s old buildings from revolutionary times colored by the country’s most important celebration. 🇨🇴 A mix of colors in Colombia The world’s self-declared “second-biggest Carnival,” the party in northern city of Barranquilla is one of the must-see attractions in Colombia.  As the city lies not far from the Caribbean Sea, it takes influence from African and pre-Colombian—mainly Mayan and Incan—traditions. According to the historiography, the first notable date in Barranquilla’s Carnival’s story comes in 1888, when the character known as King Momo appeared as the foremost figure of the local celebration. Subscribe now to read more! (and read the full article at Brazilian.Report).

Φιλοξενία = Hospitality In ancient Greece, hospitality was more than just a courtesy; it was a sacred institution deeply rooted in their culture and beliefs. The Greek word "φιλοξενία" (philoxenia), combining "philos" (love) and "xenos" (stranger), embodies the essence of welcoming and caring for guests as if they were sent by the gods themselves. This practice, protected by Zeus Xenios, the god of hospitality, involved an elaborate ritual of receiving, honoring, and caring for strangers, reflecting the Greeks' profound respect for human connections and their belief in the divine nature of unexpected visitors. The concept of "xenos" evolved to encompass both the potential danger of the unknown and the honor bestowed upon a worthy guest, highlighting the complexity and importance of human interactions in Greek society. Fast forward to today, and while the context of hospitality has evolved, its essence remains. In a world often shadowed by skepticism and insecurity, the ancient Greek concept of φιλοξενία reminds us of the power and importance of welcoming and respecting others, whether in personal or professional settings. As we navigate our interconnected global society, perhaps we can draw inspiration from this ancient Greek virtue, fostering a culture of welcome and mutual respect that transcends borders and cultures. After all, in the words of the ancients, every stranger could be a god in disguise or a bearer of invaluable knowledge and friendship. #Hospitality #AncientGreece #CulturalHeritage #GlobalConnections

🇺🇾Uruguay, the longest Carnival The small nation of Uruguay, sitting to Brazil’s south, has more than its fair share of stable political and economic indexes. But what is less well-known is that the 3.5 million-people country also has the longest Carnival celebration in Latin America, lasting more than 40 days. Often seen as a largely white country with ties to Europe, Uruguay’s Carnival takes heed from its lesser-explored African roots. One of the most famous attractions is the Candombe parades, which sees the streets of Montevideo filled with revelers dancing to traditional rhythms. Candombe was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. The party also has other Afro-Uruguayan elements among its influences, from ‘llamadas’ to ‘mamas viejas’ and ‘gramilleros,’ recalling the spiritual leadership and cultural heritage of the days of slavery. African drums were prohibited during Uruguay’s 1973-1985 military dictatorship, a time when the country’s diversity was nearly crushed by European dominance. As such, the Candomberos see their cultural expression as a movement of resistance, with parades often including political elements. This is reflected in the Uruguayan proverb los tambores no se tocan sin razón (drums aren’t played without a reason). Subscribe to read more about Latin America! Link in bio.

There are a zillion things that everyone loves about Italy but there is one thing that stands out far beyond the others. Everywhere you go you may experience hard times but this one reason more than makes up for it. We love living in Italy. Retiring in Italy is a great bet! #Italy #Italian #movetoitaly #propertypurchase #virtualpropertytours #ItalianProperty https://lnkd.in/gvPGkTEJ

Did you know the color traditionally associated with St. Patrick was blue and not green?  See the article below on more facts on the Holiday’s Symbols and Traditions.  What is your favorite tradition for St. Patrick’s Day? https://lnkd.in/gX_Y7By3

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Ireland through its timeless proverbs! Learn about the profound meanings behind these traditional sayings in different cultures at:

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Are you traveling or planning a trip to Rome in 2025? If so, be mindful there will be more than 35 MILLION travelers next year due The Jubilee. This event is once every 25 years, where there are various Catholic celebrations throughout the year. Take a few minutes to read this short article to understand why you may want to switch Rome for another lovely Italian city to avoid the crowds. #TravelAdvice #TravelItaly #TravelSmart #YourLocalTravelAdvisor https://lnkd.in/dcCsTrnG