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Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico
Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico
It may seem odd to celebrate death—after all, it"s the end of our personal era. But tell that to people who celebrate the Day of the Dead, or el Día de los Muertos, and they"ll smile. They may explain that death is part of the circle of life, and as natural as any other human milestone. As our photo shows, the Day of the Dead is a big holiday in Mexico, where calacas—skeleton figures of musicians, workers, and other folks in merry scenes of everyday "life"—lurk everywhere for weeks before the main event. Of course, living people also play dead for the day, donning skeleton outfits, masks, and grotesque makeup. Music, processions, and food add to the quirky, fun carnival atmosphere.Desktop Version
Happy Boxing Day!
Happy Boxing Day!
The holiday season isn"t quite over! December 26 marks Boxing Day—a popular day to get outside and enjoy a walk after a day of indulgence. Our homepage image shows a wintry sunrise over fields near the village of Dedham, in Colchester, England¬—perfect walking country.Desktop Version
Blackbird in Essex, England
Blackbird in Essex, England
The end of January in the Northern Hemisphere can be quite cold, as it is near the midpoint of winter. According to Italian folklore, the last three days of January are the coldest of the year and are referred to as the "days of the blackbird." One local legend gives a fun take on how blackbirds got their dark feathers: To protect her young chicks from the cold Northern Italian winter, a mother bird with white feathers built her nest in a chimney. After her white chicks emerged from their eggs, their feathers turned black from the chimney"s soot, and from that day on, all such birds were born as "blackbirds."Desktop Version
Arrone in Umbria, Italy
Arrone in Umbria, Italy
Close your eyes and picture a charming medieval Italian village, perched on a hill, church bells marking the hours, a hazy spread of patchwork fields fading into the distance. Well, that"s the ancient village of Arrone. (On second thought, we probably didn"t need the photo.) Arrone looks over the Valnerina, a valley carved by the River Nera, which twists its way through Italy"s scenic Umbria region, known as the Green Heart of Italy.Desktop Version
Pi Day
Pi Day
Did Neolithic humans build this structure to celebrate Pi Day? Not likely. Pi Day is a relatively recent phenomenon—invented by a physicist in 1988 and designated by Congress a national holiday in 2009. But it"s already almost certainly the most popular holiday celebrating a mathematical constant. While Pi Day is a young tradition, the number π (pi) itself has been a fascination since antiquity, when it was first calculated as the ratio of a circle"s circumference to its diameter.Desktop Version
An ice cap-puccino
An ice cap-puccino
No, that"s not a new frozen coffee drink from Starbucks; it"s the southern polar ice cap on Mars. Mars is the only other planet in the solar system with visible ice caps, though they differ from Earth’s because the ice caps on Mars consist of both water ice and frozen carbon dioxide. The ice cap looks smooth here, but its surface is pockmarked with swiss-cheese-like depressions caused by the seasonal freezing and melting of the Martian winters and summers. While Mars has been observed by humanity for thousands of years, it was only on August 13, 1672, that Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens observed the ice cap using the most powerful telescope of the day. The giant of science designed the 50x magnification telescope himself, and with his brother, produced the lenses as well.Desktop Version
World Olive Tree Day
World Olive Tree Day
While not everyone would recognize this as an olive tree, most of us understand the meaning of the phrase "extending an olive branch," long known as a gesture of peace and friendship. That sentiment of compassion, harmony, and wisdom is at the heart of UNESCO"s World Olive Tree Day, created in 2019 and observed every November 26. The intent of the day is to bring attention to the resolution of conflict worldwide and to the preservation of the olive tree itself, like this one standing in front of the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento, Italy. The well-preserved, Greek Doric temple was built on what is now the south shore of Sicily, around 440 BCE. Olive trees are native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean and are cultivated today in places with similar climates, like parts of California and Israel. About 90% of harvested olives are used to make olive oil, the quintessential ingredient in Mediterranean cooking.Desktop Version
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a reminder not only of the man, but also of his mission. He stood for advances in civil rights, nonviolent resistance, and a dream of racial harmony. In 1983, the third Monday of January was made a federal holiday to mark his birthday, which was on January 15. It"s the only federal holiday that"s designated as a national day of service and the "day on, not a day off" continues to inspire unity, progress, and the ongoing struggle for equality.Desktop Version
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Welcome to the spectacular Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, on the Indonesian island of Java, famous for stunning sunrises and its dramatic landscape. Here, a massive ancient volcano erupted thousands of years ago and inside its collapsed crater, more volcanoes formed.Desktop Version
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
A place where poetry, history, and nature blend—welcome to Grasmere in England"s Lake District. The village was once the cherished residence of the celebrated poet William Wordsworth, who described Grasmere, with its valley and lake of the same name, as "the loveliest spot that man hath found." Here, visitors are greeted by old cottages and homes built from local bluish-green slate. Dove Cottage, Wordsworth"s humble abode from 1799 to 1808, and the adjacent museum offer a dive into the poet"s life. His later residence, Rydal Mount, continues the story just a short journey away. The heart of the village is St. Oswald"s Church, which dates to the 13th century and is Wordsworth"s final resting place. Not far from the church, the aroma of the renowned Grasmere Gingerbread, made from a secret recipe, will set visitors" mouths watering.Desktop Version
The Tour de France begins
The Tour de France begins
The first stage of the Tour de France, known as the Grand Départ, begins today, as the 110th edition of the world"s most famous cycling race gets underway. The grueling event, first held in 1903, sees teams race more than 2,100 miles through the Pyrenees and the Alps to finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The competition is divided into 21 day-long stages and while some parts stay the same, others vary from year to year. For example, our image features the Pont du Gard—an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that was built during the first century AD—which only appeared in the 2019 race. The entire event takes place over a 23-day period, including rest days, as teams of eight cyclists compete for a cash prize and the coveted yellow jersey. For these riders, this competition is the apex of years of training and dedication. Bonne chance!Desktop Version
National Audubon Society s Christmas Bird Count
National Audubon Society s Christmas Bird Count
It"s that time again! Grab your binoculars and bird guide and head outside to start counting. The National Audubon Society"s Christmas Bird Count starts on December 14 annually and runs until January 5. Originating as an actual hunt in the 19th century, on Christmas Day in 1900 someone had the bright idea to stop killing the birds and instead just observe them.Desktop Version
National Take a Hike Day
National Take a Hike Day
Take a hike, buddy! No, not the "get out of here" version but the "get out there" version. It"s time to lace up those boots and take advantage of our national trails, which span over 91,000 miles. Back in the 1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Trails System Act into law, to preserve, promote, and develop scenic and historic trails across the country. Can"t decide where to start? Our homepage image offers up one option which is awash with fall colors—Copper Falls State Park in Wisconsin. With 17 miles of trails along the Bad River, past waterfalls and ancient lava flows, this park has a lot to offer. Whether it"s a rugged mountain path, a serene forest walk, or an oceanside stroll, this country has a trail waiting for you. But remember to respect nature, follow "leave no trace" principles, and take nothing but photographs. Happy hiking!Desktop Version
Black Fell in England s Lake District
Black Fell in England s Lake District
Today"s lovely landscape requires a slight bit of explanation. We"re at Black Fell, which can be found in the Lake District of England. The term "fell" originates from the Old Norse term for mountain, but it mostly applies to high, barren areas and, in the Lake District specifically, the area was usually uncultivated and used for grazing. Black Fell, which is a little over 1,000 feet high, has some acclaim, having been mentioned in Alfred Wainwright"s "Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells" as a prime viewing area. No matter which direction you gaze, you"re sure to see something wonderful.Desktop Version
Colle Santa Lucia, Dolomites, Italy
Colle Santa Lucia, Dolomites, Italy
This tiny hamlet on the slopes of the Dolomite Mountains is so picturesque, we"d understand if you mistook it for a movie set. But Colle Santa Lucia is a real village in Italy with about 400 residents. Despite its location in Italy"s northern reaches, the village is more culturally Austrian than Italian, and is only a stone"s throw from the Austrian border state of Tyrol. And like its Austrian neighbors, Colle Santa Lucia is known for its peaks and ski resorts. It has more in common with wintry Innsbruck than sunny Venice, which is less than 100 miles away to the south.Desktop Version
World Teachers Day
World Teachers Day
Class trip? Looks like this teacher has their youngsters in line. If only it were always this easy.... Today is World Teachers" Day, and we"re celebrating educators of all kinds. This year"s theme is "Teachers at the heart of educational renewal," and it highlights the remarkable efforts of teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine. They"ve had to balance health and safety concerns with an abrupt switch to remote learning or partial in-person classes, all while focusing on the education and well-being of their students.Desktop Version
Marine Day in Japan
Marine Day in Japan
The striking coastline of Omijima Island has earned it the nickname the Alps of the Sea. Its sheer cliffs and dramatic angles certainly echo the skyscraping peaks in that European mountain range. But a visit to Omijima Island will take you to the other side of the world, to Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Year-round scuba diving adventures reveal a world under the waves just as beautiful as the one above the surface.Desktop Version
The Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands, Spain
Welcome to Fuerteventura, one of Spain"s Canary Islands, found nearly 70 miles off the northwestern coast of Africa. For thousands of years, the volcanic islands have served as an international crossroads, attracting the interest of the Romans, Arab traders, and European navigators. Agriculture has long been important here, with bananas, tomatoes, and potatoes among the main crops. But while the first voyagers came in search of trade, today"s visitors come to explore the many beautiful national parks and relax on beaches like the Playa del Matorral on Fuerteventura, seen here during a spectacular sunset.Desktop Version
Mod gear
Mod gear
This Lambretta scooter, decked out with extra mirrors, lights, and horns, is an iconic symbol of the mod subculture. Attendees at Purple Weekend, a mod-revival festival held every year in León, Spain, will see many Lambretta and Vespa scooters. The popular event held this weekend gathers fans of mod music, fashion, and culture. The mod movement began in England in the late 1950s, as modern jazz and rhythm & blues records imported from the US sparked the clean-cut, modernist fashion and lifestyle aesthetic that appealed to a new middle class of young people in postwar Britain. The fashion, scooters, and music choices caught on outside the UK during the 1960s and inspired future generations to embrace the style. Now, mod-revival festivals like Spain’s Purple Weekend happen in many countries around the world.Desktop Version
World Octopus Day
World Octopus Day
One of the least understood of sea creatures, this glass octopus lives in the depths of the ocean where sunlight can"t reach, about 3,000 feet down. Glass octopuses are rarely seen and difficult to observe, but they"re a great example of the diversity of the order Octopoda, which we"re celebrating today on World Octopus Day. The observance comes around, appropriately, every Oct 8.Desktop Version
World Poetry Day
World Poetry Day
"How like a winter hath my absence been / From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year! / What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen! / What old December"s bareness everywhere!"Desktop Version
Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
As twilight descends today, Chiang Mai, Thailand"s second-largest city, will come alive with thousands of glowing lanterns for Yi Peng. Held on the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar, this celebration is about letting go of negativity and embracing new beginnings. The highlight of the festival is the release of "khom loi" or "khom loy"—floating paper lanterns—into the night sky, which becomes a sea of warm, golden lights. People often write their hopes and dreams on the lanterns. They gather around temples and palaces to send their wishes skyward, hoping for good fortune in the year to come.Desktop Version
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, California
Fancy witnessing a fiery waterfall? The seemingly impossible can be found at this time of year on the eastern side of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park"s famous rock face. Horsetail Fall is a seasonal waterfall that flows only when there has been plenty of snowfall, and when temperatures have been warm enough to melt it. For a couple of weeks in February, if skies are clear, water is flowing, and the sun shines at just the right angle, the long, slender waterfall takes on a glowing, flame-hued appearance. Hundreds gather in Yosemite Valley to see this mesmerizing natural spectacle. The phenomenon has earned the moniker "firefall," an homage to the historic Yosemite Firefall, a manmade event from the top of the park"s Glacier Point that took place between 1872 to 1968. Eventually, park rangers decided that dumping embers over a cliff onto the land below wasn"t the brightest idea.Desktop Version
St. Patrick s Day
St. Patrick s Day
Ireland has been called the land of "40 shades of green," but this green leprechaun"s-eye view comes from the feet of California"s coastal redwoods. Today we celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who famously never traveled to California. St. Patrick is often depicted holding a shamrock, which he purportedly used to explain Christianity in Ireland by saying the leaves illustrated the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity. Never mind that Celtic druids had revered the sacred shamrock and its three leaves long before Patrick"s arrival. Coins depicting St. Patrick with a shamrock date back as far as 1675.Desktop Version
A field of English lavender
A field of English lavender
Delighting the senses with its vibrant hues and fragrant blooms, lavender is thought to have arrived in England with the Romans, around 2,000 years ago. While it’s nice to look at, the Romans likely brought it with them for its many practical uses, including cooking, repelling insects, and as an antiseptic. Many perfumes, modern and historical, have featured lavender, and Queen Elizabeth I is purported to have used lavender scent. You’ll find lavender fields scattered across the country. This one is a typical example, a quintessential summer sight here in the picturesque county of Somerset, in southwest England.Desktop Version