Become an Artist-in-Residence at a National Park

Writers, painters and musicians can receive a stipend to create in some of the most majestic landscapes in the US.

Woman painting outdoors. Caroline Veronez. Unsplash

There is a long-running debate over whether to preserve the natural beauty of western landscapes or exploit them. The Artist-in-Residence program many national parks are now offering serves as a compromise, honoring these landscapes and giving back to the parks once inhabited by native tribes. This program provides writers, painters, musicians and other artists the chance to refine their art in some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. Selected artists live in the park and receive a stipend, as well as coverage for food and travel expenses. The stipends can reach up to $5,000, with half of it usually given at the start of the program and half at the end. The program lengths vary, but typically last between two to four weeks. These residencies are inclusive, welcoming artists of all backgrounds and ages (although only legal adults may submit applications). Each artist's primary task is to create art inspired by their natural surroundings and—upon completion of their residency—donate a piece of their work to the park.

Mount Rainier National Park. Lily M. Tang. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Artist-in-Residence programs welcome unique projects. Felix, a musician, served as the 2021 Artist-in-Residence at Canaveral National Seashore. His project, Listeners, was a collaborative sonic experience, capturing the park’s soundscape through contributions from people who live, work and visit there. Casey, a food writer, served as the 2022 Artist-in-Residence at Acadia National Park. She released a recipe book, Maine Ingredients: Recipes Inspired by Acadia National Park, crafting dishes using local ingredients and traditional regional cuisine.

These programs give artists the chance to immerse themselves in natural landscapes, gaining insight into the indigenous peoples who occupied western landscapes before us and learning about how their legacies live on today. While some view national parks as a byproduct of white settlement, the Artist-in-Residence program forces us to consider how we can shift the narrative, redirect the focus back onto their original inhabitants. The submission window for applicants is open during the summer, so act now! Keep in mind acceptance rates vary based on the park’s popularity. Check out NPAR openings here.

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Agnes Moser Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

Festival de Tango: The Heartbeat of Buenos Aires

Every August, the annual Festival de Tango engulfs the streets of Argentina’s vibrant capital in mesmerizing tango dance, soulful music and rich Argentinian culture.

Performers at Festival de Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. CC BY 2.0

From August 21 to September 1, 2024, the best tango dancers in the world are drawn to the Festival de Tango and the Tango World Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Events during this time of tango span the entire city, offering easy access to travelers regardless of location. Festival-goers have many exciting activities at their fingertips. Beyond viewing the tango competition which features hundreds of world-renowned dancers, visitors can attend film screenings, theater, book readings, tours and more. 

As the birthplace of tango, Argentina is the best place to celebrate. Tango first appeared in bars and dance halls during the 19th century in immigrant communities throughout the Rio de la Plata region that stretches between Uruguay and Argentina. Tango began to globalize during the 1930s and has since become a worldwide phenomenon, with the United Nations recognizing the tango dance as intangible cultural heritage in 2009. 

Tango is a big part of Buenos Aires’ identity. The Festival de Tango began in 2003 as an initiative to increase tourism and cultural appreciation. Throughout the city, there are dozens of dance productions and live music performances. Participants can take it to the next level by becoming Tango dancers themselves at one of the many local Tango classes. Other staple events in Buenos Aires are Tango dance parties called milongas. Classes are often offered before milongas and can also be found at the many world-famous tango schools throughout Buenos Aires. 

For those who prefer listening over dancing, venues such as the Usina de Arte and CCK often host free concerts. To delve even further into tango history and culture, visitors can take a trip to the tango neighborhood called Boedo, which was immortalized in the tango song Sur by Homero Manzi. Many of the Festival de Tango events are free. However, because hundreds of thousands of people often attend Festival de Tango events, it is recommended to reserve space ahead of time or arrive early before activities hit capacity. 

Here are a few Festival de Tango activities to check out:

Participate in immersive tango packages offered by Argentina Tango: $1,659 to $7,245

Attend the Tango World Cup at the Usina del Arte: FREE

Watch tango performances over dinner at the Galeria Guemes Theater: $80

Go out for a tango night with locals with Immersion Tours: $65

Attend private dance classes at several locations throughout Buenos Aires: $35

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

Mallorca and Beyond: Spain’s Balearic Islands

Get to know the lesser-known islands of Menorca, Cabrera and Formentera, alongside the classic Balearics, Mallorca and Ibiza. 

Cala Ratjada. originalpickaxe. CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Balearic Islands are destinations well-known for their beaches and energetic nightlife. Beyond the impressive coastlines and vibrant parties, visitors will find charming villages, ancient ruins and traditional cuisines that showcase the islands' heritage. From Menorca to Formentera, each island boasts a rich culture and history that makes it distinct and uniquely captivating.

Mallorca

The town of Banyalbufar, Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Vicenç Salvador Torres Guerola. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is celebrated for its diversity of landscapes, culture and history. The island has historically been a popular vacation spot among travelers for its secluded beaches and coves with turquoise waters, such as those in Cala d'Or and Playa de Muro. However, the island is also known for its dramatic cliffs and mountainous terrain along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, just a thirty-minute drive from the island’s capital, Palma. This region of Mallorca is home to intimate villages such as Valldemossa and Deia. Here, the towns are tranquil, filled with olive groves and surviving monastic charterhouses from as early as the 13th century, reminiscent of the island’s historic past and lasting Roman Catholic influence.  

Mallorca’s gastronomy is worth the trip alone, with dishes such as el arros brut, a meat and vegetable rice dish, and el frito mallorquin, an offal and vegetable stew. Another classic dish is the Frit mallorqui, which consists of potatoes tossed in a thickened sauce of onions, garlic, tomatoes and capers. The island is also rich in medieval architecture, being home to the gothic-style Bellver Castle, built in the 14th century for King James II of Majorca, and the renowned Cathedral of Santa Maria, once a mosque converted into a Christian church in 1229.

Menorca

The city of Mahon, Menorca. pxhere. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In contrast to Mallorca’s bustling island pace, Menorca is renowned for its peaceful ambiance, enticing beaches and historical heritage. The island's coastline is dotted with secluded coves and crystal blue waters, with stunning beaches like Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana. Menorca is much smaller than Mallorca, and most of its beaches are hidden 'calas,' or sandy coves between rocky cliffs. The island itself is calmer, with more intimate and relaxed “hippie” nightlife opportunities such as a cave disco in the Cova d’en Xoroi, Menorca’s most famous cave. 

Menorca’s capital, Mahon, features the second-deepest natural harbor in the world alongside charming streets lined with Georgian architecture, reflecting its British colonial past. The island is also well known for its famous Mahon cheese, matured exclusively in Menorca. The local cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood with traditional dishes such as lobster stew, Menorcan sausages and sweet and savory pastries. Additionally, Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with a diverse landscape of rolling hills, wetlands and forests, ideal for hiking. This island is quieter than its Balearic counterparts yet is just as abundant in nature, cuisine and architecture.  

 Cabrera

Isla de Cabrera National Park, Mallorca. Tommie Hansen from Stockholm, Sweden, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cabrera, a serene archipelago of nineteen islets off Mallorca's southern coast, stands out for its untouched natural beauty and ecological diversity. The island’s name, the Spanish word for goat, from a time when the island’s only inhabitants were goats transplanted there by the Romans as an emergency food source. Interestingly, today there are less than 30 permanent residents on the island, making it the largest undeveloped area in the Balearics. Once a hideout for pirates and later a prison for captured soldiers, today Cabrera, or Cabrera National Park, is a protected area that ensures a thriving habitat for numerous bird species and marine life. 

The island's transparent waters make it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, revealing undisturbed marine ecosystems and caves. Visitors can also explore historical landmarks like the 14th-century Cabrera Castle, which offers sweeping sea views. Unlike its neighboring islands, Cabrera offers a tranquil retreat where nature remains untouched.  

Formentera

Los Pujols, in Formentera. Emanuela Meme Giudic…. CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Formentera, while the smallest of the Balearic Islands, stands out for its calm beaches and clear waters, particularly at Playa de Ses Illetes and Playa de Migjorn. The island’s flat landscape contrasts with Mallorca’s rugged Serra de Tramuntana and Cabrera’s protected wilderness, offering easy exploration by bike or foot. Historical sites like the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse provide a glimpse into Formentera’s past, less grandiose than Mallorca’s Bellver Castle but no less significant. The island’s cuisine is full of dishes such as seafood paella, freshly grilled fish, leg of lamb, figs and local goat and sheep cheese.

Formentera’s charm lies in its blend of serene nature and rich history, providing a unique travel experience distinct from its larger neighbors. Like Menorca, Formentera is a less common destination than its closest counterpart, Ibiza, thus preserving the island’s natural beauty and relaxed pace. The local markets, often buzzing with artisans, offer a taste of the island’s vibrant craft traditions. Additionally, the annual jazz festival brings a rhythm to the island that echoes against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, highlighting its lively yet laid-back cultural scene. 

Ibiza

Sea view, Ibiza Spain. athinaf, CC BY 2.0.

Ibiza, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, is also a bastion of cultural and historical significance. The island’s party scene, with its origins in the countercultural movements of the 1970s, has evolved into a global hub for electronic music, hosting legendary clubs like Pacha and Amnesia. These venues, alongside the annual music festivals, continue to draw international crowds and top-tier DJs, cementing Ibiza’s status as a dance music mecca.

Beyond the beats, Ibiza’s cultural tapestry is rich in history. The Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta and the necropolis at Puig des Molins are testaments to the island’s ancient maritime trade and significant role in the Mediterranean economy in Antiquity. Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s historic center, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases over 2,500 years of history through its Renaissance military architecture and medieval streets. The island’s cuisine offers traditional dishes like bullit de peix, a fish stew, and local desserts such as greixonera. 

Ibiza’s beaches, from the popular Playa d’en Bossa to the tranquil Cala Comte, are celebrated for their white sands and clear waters, providing a natural counterpoint to the island’s bustling nightlife. Each beach offers a unique experience, whether it’s the serene Cala Salada or the lively atmosphere of Ses Salines.

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Julz Vargas

Julz is a student at Wellesley College studying Anthropology and Spanish. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and has studied all around the world in places such as Costa Rica, Greece, Iceland, and Spain. She is passionate about employing writing as a tool to explore human connection and diversity. Julz aspires to foster cross-cultural connections through community-based research, amplifying inclusive and diverse media about global cultures, foods, and people, to encourage individuals to engage more wholly with the world.

Summer Road Trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone

From experiencing geysers, to hot springs to glacial lakes, this is an adventurous road trip that offers exceptional and unique camping lodging. 

Gros Ventre Road. Mike Goad. CC0 1.0

Grand Teton and Yellowstone are neighboring National Parks celebrated for their rich biodiversity, particularly vibrant during the summer months. A scenic drive through both parks typically spans about a week, allowing time to explore key attractions along the route. Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its geothermal vents, pine tree forests and grasslands, while Grand Teton National Park is known for its rugged landscape, including lush fields and U-shaped valleys. For those planning a summer road trip to Wyoming, here are the top attractions, hiking trails and campgrounds in the Tetons and Yellowstone.

Attractions

Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk. Yellowstone National Park. PDM 1.0

Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone, erupts every 20 to 80 minutes. A 1.8-mile loop trail, accessible via a boardwalk, offers views of steaming blue pools, and bison are sometimes spotted in the area. Notably, it features the Steamboat Geyser, the world's largest active geyser, known to reach heights of up to 380 feet. 

Side note: for visitors road tripping through the Tetons and Yellowstone, I recommend purchasing the $80 America the Beautiful pass, granting access to attractions in all National Parks.

Grand Prismatic Spring. James St. John. CC BY 2.0

Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, is celebrated for its vibrant colors—a teal blue pool with bands of orange and yellow. For a viewpoint overlooking the spring, follow the 0.5-mile Fairy Falls trail.

Old Faithful Geyser. National Parks Gallery. PDM 1.0

Old Faithful Geyser erupts regularly, every forty minutes to two hours. Located in West Yellowstone near the Old Faithful Inn, the 0.7-mile loop trail offers convenient access to the geyser.

Jackson Lake. Diana Robinson. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Jackson Lake is a glacial lake known for its clear, icy water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Colter Bay picnic area and beach provide opportunities for fishing, boating and polar plunging. The Colter Bay campground is convenient for water enthusiasts and is the largest campground in the Tetons.

Hikes

Fairy Falls. Rudy Wilms. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

For outdoors lovers, there are can’t-miss hikes in both parks. In Yellowstone, the Fairy Falls trail is an easier, flatter route, a 1.6-mile hike to a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. A little longer, Mystic Falls is a 2.4-mile hike to a cascade-type waterfall. Pelican Valley is a 6.2-mile hike, providing a quieter, less touristy experience through serene meadows. In the Tetons, Cascade Canyon is a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail to a glacier-formed canyon, with wildflowers that are most vibrant during spring and summer months. It’s a more strenuous hike, so less experienced trekkers may opt for the Cascade Canyon Express to experience panoramic views of the area.

Campgrounds

Canyon campground site. Yellowstone National Park. PDM 1.0

In Yellowstone, both Madison campground and Canyon campground are centrally located. Madison is close to the Old Faithful area and Madison River, while Canyon is near the Geyser Basins. Canyon campground arguably has more privacy, mostly due to the shade from pine trees.

In the Tetons, Jenny Lake campground is next to the scenic Jenny Lake, providing expansive views of snow-peaked mountains.

Yellowstone is recognized by the National Park Service as one of the planet's last and largest natural ecosystems. The Tetons, often overshadowed by Yellowstone, are just as worth visiting. Experience the unbeatable views, attractions and trails of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks on a road trip this summer.

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Agnes Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

A Trip Through the Past: Japan’s Living Heritage on Sado Island

The historical music, performing arts and cuisine are kept alive on a tiny resort island off the Japanese coast.

A Noh performance onstage on Sado Island. Yoshiyuki Ito, CC BY-SA 3.0

Feudal Japanese history gave rise to one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. Decades of relative isolation on the islands of Japan allowed for a completely unique society to blossom, and the resulting art, music and performance is incredible to behold. Although the world has largely moved on from the 18th century, there are still small pockets of society that try to keep those cultures alive. And there is no better place to see Japan as it once was than on Sado Island.

Sado Island was not always beautiful. In the beginning, it was used as a prison colony for political exiles from nearby Japan. Around 1601, however, the territory's rulers discovered a massive vein of gold running through the island. This naturally led to a gold rush, which jump started the population of Sado. The mine lasted for over 400 years, closing at last in 1989. After this, the population began to decline, and now the island has gone from a mining hub to a lush resort.

Today, Sado is a massive cultural hotspot. Throughout history, Sado Island was a crucial trading base on the way to Osaka—this resulted in a huge number of cultures leaving their mark on the land over centuries. Ancient Buddhist shrines and feudal Japanese temples share space across the island, as architecture from all eras fills in the gaps.

The city of Shukunegi, for instance, has been around for over 400 years—it was constructed during the beginning of the Edo era in the 1600s. Many of the buildings were actually built from wood and stone brought by or recycled from the trading ships themselves. Many of these structures are still standing today, packed tightly together to form blocks of houses.

However, the heart of Sado’s cultural preservation comes in the form of its performing arts and music. Noh, a traditional style of Japanese theater, is typically performed in shrines, with the audience sitting outside around bonfires. The stages are open on three sides, with the back featuring a painted image of pine trees. The lead performer typically wears a mask, fashioned after the leading characters of the play (although they are also used to denote spirits and demons). There is nothing in the world quite like Noh, and Sado Island is one of the best places to watch these magnificent performances in person.

Another example of classic Japanese culture on Sado Island is onidaiko, which literally translates as “demon drumming”. These performances include masked dancers and the famous music of Japanese taiko drumming, which was traditionally used to ward off negative energy and spirits during rice harvests. Taiko is most prominent during the Earth Celebration, which takes place in the middle of August every year and lasts for three days of music, performances, and culture. The Sado Island Taiko Centre, where visitors can see taiko drumming year-round, is home to two of the biggest taiko drums in the world.

In addition to its vibrant culture and rich history, Sado Island is a simply gorgeous natural vista. It boasts over 170 miles of coastline, with everything from nearly 100-foot cliffs and volcanic rock walls to lovely beaches. The island is also home to a wide variety of rare plants and animals, including the toki, also called the crested ibis, an extremely rare bird that has become the unofficial mascot of Sado. Even if you’re more in the market for nature than culture, there’s an incredible amount of both to be found on Sado.

Sado has a large number of hotels all over the island, ranging in price from $99 to $500. The island is a wonderful travel destination year-round, but the best time to go is mid-August in order to catch the Earth Celebration.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

July 2024's Top European Music Festivals

Here's a compilation of music festivals to rock your summer.

Live outdoor concert. Ultrafan123, CC BY-SA 4.0

Exploring Europe offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from museums and historic cathedrals to renowned cuisines and coastlines. In between the typical, however, consider enlivening your trip with a summer music festival.

Rock Werchter (Werchter, Belgium) 

July 4-7, 2024

The Black Keys at Rock Werchter 2023. Haggis MacHaggis, CC BY-SA 4.0

Head over to the tiny town of Werchter, Belgium, which has hosted the multi-award-winning Rock Werchter festival for over 40 years. It is one of the largest and most renowned festivals in Europe, with this year’s event boasting a strong 4-day lineup with headliners including Lenny Kravitz, Måneskin, Dua Lipa, and the Foo Fighters. According to their website, the carefully curated lineup “spans across all genres, making it a truly unique experience.” The curators also make it a point to showcase established artists alongside new talents. Rock Werchter is known for its Belgian beer, waffles, campgrounds, and multiple stages.

EXIT Festival (Novi Sad, Serbia)

July 10-14, 2024

Drone shot of Exit Festival 2021. Exitfest, CC BY 3.0

The EXIT Festival of Serbia is known for its astounding location: the Petrovaradin Fortress, a historic fortress located on the banks of the Danube River, has unique acoustics and acts as a picturesque backdrop for the festival’s performances. This festival was first held in 2000 as part of a student movement fighting for democracy and freedom in Serbia. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest festivals in Southeast Europe, attracting tens of thousands of attendees each year. Today the festival continues to emphasize social activism and positive change through its various social responsibility projects. This year’s four-day lineup includes Gucci Mane, the Black Eyed Peas, John Newman, and Tom Morello.

NOS Alive Lisbon (Lisbon, Portugal)

July 11-13, 2024

The view of the mainstage from the crowd at NOS Alive. Chris, CC BY-SA 2.0.

NOS Alive Lisbon takes place at the waterfront Passeio Marítimo de Alges. Formerly known as Optimus Alive, this festival is known for local and international attendees attracted by its diverse lineup, including rock, indie, pop, electronic, and more. It typically showcases a mix of established artists and emerging talents across multiple stages. Festival goers can either camp on the grounds or stay in nearby hotels as the location is just eight minutes from downtown Lisbon. The three-day lineup this year includes artists like Arcade Fire, The Smashing Pumpkins, Dua Lipa, Tyla, Aurora, Pearl Jam, and Sum 41. Its reputation for hosting top-notch artists and vibrant festival atmosphere has contributed to its global appeal. 

Parookaville (Weeze, Germany)

July 19-21, 2024

The concert at the mainstage at Parookaville. Ss279, CC BY-SA 4.0

This German festival is truly unique as the event takes place in a faux city, known as Parookaville. Since 2015, the urban creation has come to life once a year in remembrance of the fictional founding father and mayor, Bill Parooka, whose goal was to make people remember to celebrate the joy of life. According to the festival’s website, Parooka is allegedly responsible for instituting the “Madness, Love and Pure Happiness” laws. Festival fans are invited to experience a “mad” musical place where they can connect with their purest selves, experience true connections, and feel sensations of bliss and love. This lineup for this year’s eccentric festival includes headliners such as Don Diablo, Steve Aoki, KSHMR, Oliver Heldens, and Timmy Trumpet. Parookaville is ideal for those open to new experiences and electronic dance. 

Hill Vibes Reggae Festival (Telfs, Austria)

July 24-27, 2024

Concert, Crowd, Silhouette image. Mike Wall, CC0.

For the more relaxed and tranquil festival-goer, consider the Hill Vibes Reggae Festival in the mountains of Telfs, Austria. Hill Vibes celebrates reggae music and its various sub-genres. Attendees can expect performances from both local and international reggae artists. The festival boasts a lineup of talented musicians, featuring Gentleman, Alborosie, Romain Virgo, Mellow Mood, Teacha Dee, Samora, and Treesha. From roots reggae to dancehall and dub, the lineup offers something for every reggae enthusiast.

Monegros Desert Festival 2024 (Fraga, Spain)

July 27, 2024 

Monegros Desert Festival attendees at night. Gaudencio Garcinuño, CC BY-SA 2.0

The festival takes place in the Monegros Desert, located near Fraga in the province of Huesca, Aragon, Spain. Monegros Desert Festival is renowned for its lineup of electronic music artists, spanning various sub-genres such as techno, house, trance, drum, bass, and more. The festival has a rich history, from its inception in 1994 growing in popularity and stature to become one of the most anticipated electronic music events in Spain and beyond. In addition to the music, the festival is known for its impressive visual displays, stage designs, and production value. Immersive lighting, pyrotechnics, and other visual effects enhance the overall experience for festival-goers. This year’s one-day lineup includes Chase and Status, Vitalic, Sophia Gabanna, Culture Shock, and ASTRIX. According to Music Festival Wizard, Monegros is the biggest electronic music festival in Spain, and although many attempt to describe the festival, “It is literally impossible to put in plain words if you have not had the chance to attend it.”

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Julz Vargas

Julz is a student at Wellesley College studying Anthropology and Spanish. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and has studied all around the world in places such as Costa Rica, Greece, Iceland, and Spain. She is passionate about employing writing as a tool to explore human connection and diversity. Julz aspires to foster cross-cultural connections through community-based research, amplifying inclusive and diverse media about global cultures, foods, and people, to encourage individuals to engage more wholly with the world.

In Mongolia, a Summer Festival for the Ages

For a few days in early July, the people of Mongolia eat, dance and play “the three games of men” during a storied festival called Naadam.

The 2012 Naadam opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar. Carsten ten Brink. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Mongolia is a country primarily known for its nomadic inhabitants and isolated location. Positioned between Russia and China, it is easily overlooked in the midst of these global giants. Its relative emptiness does not help matters; only 3.3 million people inhabit Mongolia’s 603,909 square miles , making it the least densely populated country in the world. But every summer, those 3.3 million come together in a celebration of sports, culture and Mongolia’s past. This celebration is called Naadam, and as far as festivals go, it is one of the last of its kind.

In ancient times, when Ghengis Khan and his horde of Mongols were inhabiting what would eventually become Mongolia, soldiers were selected for battle based on their skills in various sports. Wrestling, horse racing and archery in particular were activities that Khan believed a good soldier should, and would, excel at. Before and after battles, his battalions would organize and participate in sports competitions. These local competitions evolved into what Naadam is now. 

As a consequence of the 1921 Mongolian People’s Revolution, which brought the nation independence from China, Naadam’s essence was altered. It was officially sanctioned as a national holiday, with a date set in the second week of July. Mongolia’s capital of Ulaanbaatar became the home of “National Naadam,” the biggest and most important celebration of the holiday. Most importantly, the festival became less of a violent competition and more of a national celebration; an emotional change which remains today. 

Every celebration of Naadam features the three main sports of Mongolia; wrestling, horse racing and archery. All three sports have histories in Mongolia that are older than the country itself. For example: if a rock carving found in central Mongolia is anything to go by, wrestling competitions have been around in the county since the Bronze Age. Naadam features the grandest of all Mongolian wrestling competitions; up to a thousand or more take part in the Ulaanbaatar tournament. Before their matches, wrestlers often mimic local birds such as eagles, hawks and vultures. By doing well in the competition, wrestlers can receive titles based on these animals—“hawk of Ulaanbaatar,” for example, would be given to a wrestler who makes it to the final few rounds.

The final thing to note about Mongolian wrestling is the dress code, which is very particular. Wrestlers must don a four-sided hat, shorts, boots, and a shoulder vest that exposes the chest. The legend is that the open vest was put into practice after a woman snuck into the male-only wrestling competition in ancient times by pretending to be her father, and eventually won the competition. Such deceptions have been made impossible by exposing the chest of the wrestlers; to this day, Mongolian wrestling continues to be an exclusively male sport.

Naadam wrestling in the village of Tariat. Evgeni Zotov. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Horses are a large part of Mongolian life—nomadic tribes continue to depend exclusively on them for transportation. It follows that horse racing is extremely popular in the nation. According to Naadam’s official website, around 180,000 horses race during the holiday. All of Naadam’s races are very long in distance—at least in comparison to western competitions. The Kentucky Derby is about 1¼ miles long; a Naadam race can be up to ten times that.

Mongolian jockeys are incredibly wily and experienced; most Mongolians learn to ride a horse when they are just five years old. The jockeys treat their horses with incredible care. Before, after and even during the races, they are said to sing complimentary songs to their steeds.

The final sport of Naadam is archery, which is said to be even older than wrestling in Mongolia. Naadam’s official website hypothesizes that archery has been around in Mongolia since the Neolithic period, which ended in 4,500 BC. It was first used for hunting—later on, Ghengis Khan would employ it in his battles and sports competitions.

Male, female and child archers all compete at Naadam, wearing traditional costumes made of colorful cloth. There are three categories of the sport—Khalka, Buriat and Uriankhai—each of which come from different tribes and have different sets of rules. Only men are allowed to practice Uriankhai archery, for example.

While these three sports are the core of Naadam, the festival does not begin and end with them. There are smaller carnival games, singing and dancing. National cuisine is enjoyed; Khuushuur, a fried pancake with meat, is the most popular dish. Airag, a fermented, alcoholic drink made from horse milk, is also popular.

However, Naadam’s most important attribute is not the food, the history or the sports competitions. It is the fact that for a few summer days, the sparse vastness of Mongolia is filled. Whether in Ulaanbaatar or in a tiny village, Naadam brings Mongolians together to celebrate a culture that few in the world know anything about. This quiet happiness is the magic of Naadam; it is a magic that will continue long into the future.

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Finn Hartnett

Finn grew up in New York City and is now a first-year at the University of Chicago. In addition to writing for Catalyst, he serves as a reporter for the Chicago Maroon. He spends his free time watching soccer and petting his cat

Travel Europe For Free: Red Bull’s Annual “Can You Make It?” Challenge

Every year, the Red Bull drink company attracts hundreds of young travelers to participate in a race across Europe, using only social skills and Red Bull cans to fuel their adventures. 

Red Bull Cans. Sanket Sawale, CC0.

On May 21, 2024, teams of three from around the world began Red Bull’s "Can You Make It?" challenge across Europe. Every year, at the end of May, the drink company hosts a competition to challenge adventurous young adults. In order to compete, contestants must assemble a team of three eighteen-plus-year-olds and create a video explaining why they should be chosen as one of the representatives for their country. After being selected to represent their nations, contestants fly to one of five locations to begin their journey. This year, the cities were Copenhagen, Milan, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Budapest. From there, Red Bull states that, “Each team will hand over their cash, credit cards, and personal phones, and they’ll have just one week to make it to Berlin.” Their only form of currency: a case of Red Bull cans.

Teams are given the Red Bull, and it is up to them how they will pitch themselves to the European public in order to gain food, transportation, housing, etc. The can trades may also lead to once-in-a-lifetime experiences for competitors. One team’s contestants had never seen snow before, so they traded some of their cans for a ride up to the Swiss Alps. Other teams have traded cans for things like tattoos, private jet rides, tickets to the Champions League quarterfinal, fine dining at a three Michelin Star restaurant, and many more unique adventures.

While in the modern day it seems difficult to make thousand mile journeys with just cans and teamwork at one's disposal, the Red Bull teams make it work. The Salt Lake City based team “Connoisseurs'' shared their experiences with The Daily Utah Chronicle: “We are just armed with people’s kindness. That’s all we had to get from one point to another.” The group, which started in Copenhagen, had come up with different strategies for how they would convince people to help them. Team captain Zuni Olivares shares, “We had plans for different routes out of Copenhagen, we had plans for the pitch we were going to use, and plans for how we were going to get to Berlin.” Eight minutes into the competition, however, the team met a man from Italy that offered them tickets to Milan after hearing about the competition that they were participating in. Throughout their journey, the Connoisseurs noted that “Europeans were very receptive.” People would offer to bring them places and buy them good after hearing about the competition they were participating in, “intrigued by just helping us out rather than getting anything in return. People loved the adventurous nature of it all.”

In 2020, a Czech team known as “Airborne” also competed in the RedBull competition. Team member Ondrej Vašíček notes that, after their team was accepted, they attempted to strategize but realized that it would be difficult; “We basically had no idea what we signed up for. You can’t prepare for something like that.” The team struggled with finding accommodations for the night, spending upwards of four hours wandering city streets to find a hotel with an open room. At one point, the team exchanged four cans for a whole package of beer. Contestant Vašíček said that this exchange worked out well for the team because, “we could then give the beer as a present to others to make them happy because until this point people were constantly helping us.” As expected, the team did encounter their own set of issues when traversing across Europe. They noted that people would usually refuse at first, but then became more helpful once they heard Airborne’s story and more about the competition. Overall, the team was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and helpfulness of the local people.

In addition to the staple Red Bull can trades, contestants are also encouraged to participate in two categories of challenges; Adventure Challenges and Checkpoint Challenges. Adventure Challenges can be completed at any point during the day at any location. Most of these challenges are created to promote fun amongst teammates and focus on their creativity. Red Bull notes that, this year, “Adventure Challenges included the straightforward (trading cans for ice cream) as well as the more complex (gathering 30 people to scream their team name in public).” The second type is Checkpoint Challenges. These challenges have specific locations in several cities across Europe. Red Bull tries to make these more specific to the location, immersing contestants into the local culture or activities. Some Checkpoint Challenges contestants took part in were abseiling, surfing, recording music tracks, skydiving, and learning a traditional alpine Schuhplattler dance.”

This year, a United States team composed of Texas A&M University students won the seven day competition. Their team, called “Gladiators,” was composed of college students Weston Cadena, Jacob Mathiasmeier, and David Greek. Over the week, the team traveled 3,000 miles, created 80 vlogs, competed in 53 adventure and 14 checkpoint challenges, and traded approximately 150 Red Bull cans for a grand total of 18,784 points. The team recounts that, “We visited eight countries in seven days and interacted with people who spoke many different languages. But simply smiling, and our body language, allowed us to communicate and make strong relationships.”

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Aanya Panyadahundi

Aanya is a student at the University of Michigan studying sociology and journalism on a pre-law path. She loves to travel the world whenever she can, always eager to learn more about the different cultures and societies around her. In her free time, she likes to play the violin, ski, and listen to podcasts

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: The Natural Magic of Waterton National Park

Find some of the best hikes in the world on the southern Canadian border.

Waterton Lakes seen from the Prince of Wales. Sean Tseng, CC BY-SA 4.0

Uniquely positioned as the only national park in both the United States and Canada at the same time and known as an International Peace Park, and the first of its kind, Waterton is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During my two weeks there, I discovered hidden waterfalls, hiked over miles of snow and ice, and took a step back into Canadian history.

Our first destination was the Prince of Wales Hotel. Positioned on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Upper Waterton Lake, this building was constructed in 1927 and has remained one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire park. The interior is a classic 20th-century hotel, complete with a manually-operated crank elevator. Niagara, the restaurant within the hotel, holds high tea in the drawing room in the afternoons, bringing guests back to Victorian England, complete with pastries and ornate British tea sets.

The Prince of Wales Hotel. Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 3.0

Heading down along the steep path on the hillside, we arrived in the small town of Waterton on the edge of the lake. The sleepy mountain village was a lovely experience; it felt like taking a trip back through Canadian history, complete with uniformed mounties patrolling the streets. The town opens up onto a variety of hiking trails into the surrounding mountains and along the shores of the lake.

Taking one of these mountain paths, we climbed up and around the foothills and into a gorgeous pine forest. Making our way along the rocky outcroppings and winding paths, we found ourselves facing a thundering waterfall only a few minutes after we started out. This would prove to be the standard for our trip; it seems like everywhere you look, there’s another beautiful vista or secret wonder waiting to be discovered.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel, we arrived in Red Rock Canyon, a small but beautiful gap in the earth lined by small brush and occasionally frequented by coyotes. Thankfully, we didn’t run into any of them on our trail, but at the viewing spot at the end of the short hike we spotted one scampering along the bank of the small river far below us. This canyon is also a known visiting spot for both brown and grizzly bears; their presence in the park has led seasoned travelers to suggest carrying noisemakers or regularly shouting, “Hey, bear!” to avoid taking the huge animals by surprise and risking an attack.

After a few days enjoying the sights of Waterton, we made our way further west and crossed the border back into the US’s Glacier National Park to visit some of the last remaining glaciers in North America. One of these ancient ice giants, Jackson Glacier, is visible from the side of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This winding path along the side of the Rocky Mountains sits at an elevation of around 6,000 feet and is lined with waterfalls and scenic vistas. If you’re lucky, you can spot herds of bighorn sheep climbing the hills alongside the road; with their unique hooves, they can cling to a sheer rock wall as if it was flat ground. And as long as the weather is good, you can clearly see the massive ice sheet that carved out the valleys below, suspended between two peaks in the far distance.

Jackson Glacier as seen from Going-to-the-Sun Road. MONGO, CC BY-SA 4.0

Further along the road, we came to our next stop; a trailhead that led out into a massive field of snow. With bandanas and wool hats to resist the biting cold, we started out across what looked like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. But after a few feet, we discovered that there was actually a wooden walkway—about three yards beneath us. This massive field of snow was in reality a mountain of its own; it was several yards deep and miles wide in all directions.

After picking our way along the often slippery surface of the snowy mountain, we found ourselves in another forest, this one populated by tons of wild mountain goats. Groups of hikers stood along the roped-off path, snapping photos of the adorable baby goats as they rooted through the snow and brush for food. We also spotted some wolverines, keeping their distance from us as they hunted for prey along the upper slopes of the mountain.

A mountain goat with its kid. Photo by author.

Once we had descended to our car again, we made our way back north to our last stop: Many Glacier Hotel, overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake. After dropping off our things, we hopped on board one of the boating tours. We were taken across the lake to the opposite shore, where we briefly hiked our way through the foothills before hopping on another boat and circling back around. During our cruise, we were given the history of the area, from the area’s original residents, the Cheyenne and Blackfoot tribes, to the park’s founding in 1910.

Waterton and Glacier are some of the most beautiful national parks in the world; despite being overshadowed by Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, there is nothing quite like hiking across miles of snow and viewing the ancient glaciers that formed the landscape of America and Canada. The wildlife, the environment and even the towns of Waterton are steeped in natural beauty and wonder; anyone who enjoys hiking and loves a good view should make their way to Waterton once in their lives.

There are many ways to visit and stay in Waterton. The closest airport to the park is Kalispell (FCA), although for some Calgary International Airport (YYC) may be preferable. The Prince of Wales Hotel from this article is open for online bookings in the spring and summer at their website, and other lodgings are bookable here and on other sites you can find through Google Hotels. Prices in the area generally range from around $130 to $150 per night.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

An Epic Motorbike Journey Through Northeast Vietnam

The Ha Giang Loop offers travelers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Vietnam.

Mountain View on the Ha Giang Loop, Harper Noteboom.

Nestled against the southern Chinese border, the Ha Giang province serves as the great final frontier of Vietnam. The region is characterized by its striking limestone peaks, steep drop-off valleys and quaint roadside villages. Despite its natural beauty, its remoteness, at approximately 300 km outside of Hanoi, makes it less frequented among tourists. When I first embarked on my five-month solo trip through Southeast Asia, I had never heard of Ha Giang or the experiences it offered. But within a few weeks, I began to hear conversations about the region and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a passenger on or, for the braver travelers, to drive a motorbike for three days through lush valleys full of hairpin turns. Despite these conversations, nothing could have prepared me for the life-changing experience of the Ha Giang Loop. 

In the pre-dawn hours, our overcrowded semi-sleeper bus from Hanoi pulled into the city of Ha Giang. By 10 AM the street outside Jasmine Hostel was full of eager backpackers and their motorbikes. Being an inexperienced driver I opted to hire an easier ride, a Ha Giang local who would drive while I sat on the back. I would quickly be reassured that this was the right choice when I saw the injuries that a crash can inflict. We were sectioned off into groups of 15 and hit the road. 

Traffic jam on the Bac Sum Pass. Harper Noteboom 

We spent the first few hours of our drive traveling north out of the city of Ha Giang and over the Bac Sum pass. The first of many steep and narrow passes, Bac Sum is a 4.3 mile stretch of sharp zigzag turns at an altitude of 1475 feet. I was immediately encapsulated by the stunning mountain peaks that rose around me and began to understand its common nickname “Heaven Gate;” I truly felt like I was transcending the Earth and moving up into the Heavens. 

Throughout the day we made several stops to enjoy the view, take a necessary break from sitting, and eat some lunch. As we pulled away from one of our stops, I suddenly felt the bike start to slow down and emit a horrible creaking sound. We came to a complete stop and I watched as the rest of the group sped past leaving my driver and me in their dust. Suddenly I found myself completely alone on the side of a mountain with a driver who spoke no English and had no way to contact my friends. Through lots of pointing, I was instructed to sit down next to the bike and wait while my driver walked off to call someone. As I was sitting wondering how far ahead my friends were, two little girls appeared from their small roadside village and began to show me the flowers they had picked. Without any verbal communication we were able to appreciate the beauty of their flowers together. These girls belong to one of the many ethnic minority groups in the Ha Giang region. The loop not only serves as a beautiful journey for adventurous travelers but also as a lifeline between small, isolated minority communities and the modern world. In this small interaction, I was reminded of the true reason I was traveling, to experience and connect with people and cultures that were different from my own. 

Roadside Village. Harper Noteboom

Eventually, the leader of my group returned and put me on the back of his bike, he turned to me and said “Hold on tight we need to catch up”. And just like that, I was on my way to our homestay for the night. We closed out our first day with a delicious meal of authentic H’mong cuisine and shots of rice wine, accompanied by a chant-like toast from the group leaders. 

Pass along the Dong Van Plateau. Sabourock. CC BY-SA 4.0

We started day two with a visit to Kings' Royal Palace, the home of the traditional leader of the Hmong ethnic group. The 19th-century mansion, built fully by hand, combines Hmong, Chinese and French architecture and serves as both a majestic home and a protected army base. The palace's harmonic design and original furnishings transport the visitor back in time and give a real glance into the life of the Hmong King. After indulging in a traditional Vietnamese coffee, we took a brief drive to Lung Cu Flag Tower. At over 35 meters tall, the octagon-shaped tower sits at the northernmost point of Vietnam and represents unity and independence for the country, offering a panoramic view across the Chinese border. After our morning of traveling back in time, we departed for what would be one of the most terrifying, gut-wrenching and inspiring experiences of my life, the Skywalk. 

Entrance to Kings' Royal Palace. Gavin White. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Describing exactly what the Skywalk is and what it truly feels like to be there is no easy task. The beginning of the trail is extremely narrow and hugs the side of a mountain while snaking along its exterior. The short walk itself is nothing compared to the destination. A massive mound of rocks stretches out over the edge of a cliff and seems so perfectly balanced that a single shift would result in the complete crumbling of the cliff and all the people on it. From the side, one long, narrow, flat rock extends out from the rest. While barely big enough for two people and high enough that a misstep would result in a deadly drop, there was a long line of eager backpackers waiting for their turn to cautiously creep out onto the rock. When it was my turn to go, I was overwhelmed with fear and even glancing down sent my stomach into my chest, but I carefully and slowly crept to the edge and sat down. As I looked out at the 360-degree view of the sharp peaks and luscious fields below me, I felt like I was truly the queen of the world. In this moment I had a realization, this is what traveling is all about, this is what life is all about; it’s about facing your fears to fully take in the beautiful world that we are so blessed to explore. The memory of this moment is one I return to often, and I revel in the euphoria of travel and the beauty of experience. 

Skywalk. Harper Noteboom 

I rode the high of that moment for the rest of our drive to the quaint village where we would stay for the night. The following morning, as a final send-off, we took a cruise down the limestone-crested Tu San Canyon before our long, bumpy, and admittedly very dusty journey back to the city before catching our even longer bus back to Hanoi. 

Tu San Canyon. Ryan Le. CC0 

As I reflect on these 3 marvelous days, there's no way to describe the life-altering effect that the Ha Giang loop has had on me. I never thought I would have the chance to soar through epic mountain ranges on the back of a motorbike with some of my best friends, but I’m overjoyed that I did and I urge everyone who is visiting Vietnam to experience the Ha Giang Loop. 

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Harper Noteboom

Harper is a student at Pomona College majoring in Computer Science while exploring many interests in the liberal arts nature. Her worldly curiosity and passion for traveling took her to The Netherlands for High School and then on a gap year around Southeast Asia. Harper hopes to share the immense joy of traveling through her writing. 

Into the Inferno: 6 Destinations with Ever-Lasting Flames

From Australia to Ethiopia, destinations with seemingly eternal flames attract explorers from around the world.

Eternal Flame Falls, New York. Kim Carpenter. CC BY 2.0

Natural gasses, when combined with geologic, volcanic or industrial activities, have led fires that burn for tens to thousands of years. These marvels have created wonder, inspired myths and served as resources. Drawing people from around the globe, eternal flames continue to ignite the minds of travelers.

Baba Gurgur, Iraq

Fire in an oil field, Kirkuk, Iraq. KURDISTAN🌟 كوردستان. CC BY-SA 2.0

A fire has burned outside of Kirkuk, Iraq for an estimated 4,000 years. Baba Gurgur, roughly meaning "Father of the Fire" in Kurdish, is a circular area covered in holes bursting with smokeless flames. 

These flames are fed by natural gas from beneath the ground combined with flammable liquid derived from petroleum called naphtha. There is ample oil and natural gas at this site, considering Baba Gurgur was the world’s largest oil field when it was discovered in 1927.

In addition to Baba Gurgur, the Citadel is another one of Kirkuk’s primary tourist attractions. Built in the 9th century BC, the Kirkuk Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a market, a church and many mosques.

Burning Mountain, Australia

Smoke at the Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, Australia. Tatters ✾. CC BY-NC 2.0

A coal seam that has burned in Australia for an estimated 5,500 years can be found at the Burning Mountain Nature Reserve. Many Aboriginal Australians believe that the smoke and flames of the Burning Mountain are the tears of a woman who the sky god Biami turned to stone. Burning Mountain long served as a source of heat for the Wanaruah people, the traditional owners of the land.

Throughout the two-and-a-half-mile Burning Mountain walk, explorers can find an abundance of viewing platforms and opportunities to learn from informational panels. During an adventure to see Burning Mountain, travelers can also enjoy walks and picnics surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.

Erta Ale, Ethiopia

Lava lake in the Erta Ale volcano, Ethiopia.Thomas Maluck. CC BY-ND 2.0

Ethiopia’s Erta Ale volcano has been home to an inferno for decades. The active shield volcano contains lava lakes in both the northern and southern craters and is Ethiopia’s most active volcano. This phenomenon is a result of three tectonic plates separating and creating channels for magma to rise to the Earth’s surface. 

Erta Ale means the "gateway to hell" in the local Afar language. Erta Ale’s lava lakes have burned since at least 1967, and possibly for over a century, making the volcano home to one of the few consistent lava lakes in the world. Erta Ale has become a popular tourist destination, and travelers can safely witness this natural wonder by taking tours.

The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan. Martha de Jong-Lantink. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The burning pit in a remote region of Turkmenistan, internationally famous as the "Door to Hell," has burned for over 50 years. The story goes that the Door to Hell was set alight when an oil rig was lit on fire after falling into the crater.

Despite being one of the most closed-off countries in the world, many travelers have successfully ventured to Turkmenistan to experience the roar of the Door to Hell’s flames firsthand.

Home to one of the largest gas deposits in the world, oil and gas are important natural resources in Turkmenistan. Despite many failed attempts in the past, Turkmenistan’s government officials have expressed intent to get rid of the Door to Hell in an effort to conserve natural gas.

The Fire and Water Spring, Taiwan

The Fire and Water Spring, Taiwan. Amy Ross. CC BY-ND 2.0

The Fire and Water Spring is a unique place where fire and water co-exist in harmony. Taiwan is covered by fault lines that leak natural gasses such as methane. 

The Fire and Water Spring is above one of these fault lines, so the water that flows from the cliff walls is accompanied by natural gas. The natural gas, kept alight by the heat of the stone, has burned for over 300 years, according to locals.

During the trek to the Fire and Water Spring, adventurers can come across the Biyun Temple, in addition to a variety of treats like Chinese Mesona provided by street vendors. The Biyun Temple is over 300 years old and is home to many shrines.

Yanartas, Turkey

The flames of Yanartaş, Turkey. Veyis Polat. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Yanartas, meaning "burning rock" in Turkish, and also known as the Chimera, is a crop of flames coming from rocks that overlook the Cirali village in Turkey. The flames come from methane gas, which has seeped through the Mt. Olympos slopes for thousands of years. 

Some who experienced the flames during ancient times believed them to be the breath of a monster that combined the characteristics of lions, snakes and goats. Now, the flames serve as a pit stop for hikers along the Lycian Way.

The Yanartas is a place of great historical significance. The glow of the Yanartas flames was used as a landmark by sea travelers for centuries. At the entrance of the Yanartas site explorers will find an ancient church, and buried beneath the flames lie the remains of the Temple of the Greek god Hephaestus

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

The Oldest Russian Theatre is in Latvia

The Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theater in Riga, Latvia, faced political censorship under the Soviets but managed to keep its doors open.

Riga Russian Theater, 2018. Olaf Meister. CC BY-SA 4.0

Established in 1883, the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theater was the first of two kinds: the first professional theater in Latvia and the first Russian-language theater outside Russia. Before it was founded, there were no permanent Russian theaters in the capital city, only the occasional amateur performance, and it is thus deeply rooted in the history and development of professional theater in Latvia. Today the theater offers a mix of classical plays and modern, experimental works.

In 2006, the theater, known previously as the Riga Russian Drama Theater, was rechristened the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theater as a tribute to the actor, director and teacher, who spent two years working in Riga in the 1930s. A friend of Chekhov’s, Janis Karklinsh, quoted one of Chekhov's interviews with the Latvian press from this time: "Great nations crumble under the outcome of materialism and lust for power. The revival of art comes through the small nations.'' It was Chekhov’s opinion that the cultural context of Latvia in the early 1930s was the best ground for "real art.” Germany and France treated art as a "pretty cheap kind of entertainment.” “New art" could only be born in a developing country that was in the midst of cultural renewal. While in Riga, Chekhov directed and acted in five performances. 

The theater continuously confronted the issue of a lack of funding. In the early 1900s, a committee known as the ​​Society of the Guarantors of the Russian Theater in Riga was formed with the task of ensuring “the permanent existence of the Russian theater in Riga.” The First World War disrupted these efforts, and for a period of time between 1915 and 1921, the theater ceased operations. In 1921, the Latvian government made the decision to allocate close to $1,700 a year in order to “support the theaters of national minorities—German, Jewish, Russian” and the theater was able to resume its activities.

On August 5th, 1940, Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union. Around 35,000 Latvians were killed or deported during the occupation between 1940 and 1941. As a result, the Riga Theater became a public theater and was cut off from its financial support from private entities, facing the political censorship that was common under Soviet occupation. It was not until 1998, less than a decade after Latvia had regained its independence from the USSR, that the Society of Guarantors was revived and the theater could once again receive financial donations.

The theater employs directors and designers from all parts of Europe, including Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and more. Following the tradition of Russian theater, the company often performs pieces that include music and dance, though its repertoire is by no means limited to musicals. Directors employed by the theater strive to choose works that are profound and psychologically provocative in nature and push the boundaries of  drama itself. 

The theater retains a permanent troupe of actors as well as a repertoire of Russian, Latvian and international works, as well as works by young, emerging playwrights. In 2018, the theater inaugurated a studio for children and youth, ages seven to twelve, to train in the performing arts and develop skills in confidence and communication. Although the studio had to pause its workshops during COVID-19, as of 2024 they have resumed.

According to its website, the theater “harmoniously lives in the cross-cultural space, participates in the cultural dialogue—both nationally and internationally,” making it a significant cultural institution for Latvia.

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Rebecca Pitcairn

Rebecca studies Italian Language and Literature, Classical Civilizations, and English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. She hopes to one day attain a PhD in Classical Archeology. She is passionate about feminism and climate justice. She enjoys reading, playing the lyre, and longboarding in her free time.

Celebrate Pride at Oaxaca’s Annual Parade this June

Color and culture unite in the streets of Mexico’s Oaxaca.

People dancing during parade. Imogen Volland.

It was an overcast day late June, but downtown Oaxaca was anything but dreary. The cobblestone streets were an explosion of laughter and music, the adobe buildings adorned with flags and banners. The parade was a party and everyone was invited. We weaved our way through the bustling streets, singing along to the Selena song blasting from a nearby speaker, passing by bakeries, bars, markets and boutiques.

Last year, I had the privilege of attending Oaxaca’s annual pride parade, which attracts hundreds of locals and tourists alike. Located in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca is nestled in the Sierra Madre mountain range. The region is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, including mole, tlayuda, enfrijoladas and chocolate. It also boasts a vibrant arts scene. The winding streets are adorned with murals, and the region is famous for its handicrafts including candle making, pottery and embroidery. Even with a population of over 300,000, Oaxaca feels like a small town. With pride month expanding worldwide, corporations are finding new ways to capitalize off of the movement, however, the pride parade in Oaxaca is not commercially sponsored. It’s a community effort, celebrating inclusivity, unity and belonging in a historically Catholic country.

People carrying flags during parade. Imogen Volland.

Historically occupied by the Zapotec and Mixtec tribes, Oaxaca has a rich culture steeped in indigenous heritage, celebrated during the Guelaguetza festival in July. The Zapotecs occupied Oaxaca from 500 BCE to 900 CE and were followed by the Mixtecs around 1350 CE. Zapotec culture is unique in that it wasn’t rooted in conquest, and masculinity was associated with more “feminine” hobbies like art, craftsmanship and dance. A third gender is recognized in Zapotec culture, the muxe (also spelled muxhe), people who were assigned male at birth who dress or behave more “feminine.” Gender non-conformity in non-Western cultures dates back centuries. The two-gender binary system prevalent in Western cultures was a product of colonization and imperialism, in which Indigenous tribes were forced to surrender their cultural traditions, including the acknowledgement of a third gender. The Muxe still occupy Oaxaca today, defying heteronormative standards and carrying on the Zapotec tradition.

In 2012, the Supreme Court overturned a law preventing same-sex marriages in Oaxaca. Since the legalization of same-sex marriage across all of Mexico in 2022, Oaxaca has rapidly become one of the country’s most gay-friendly hotspots, featuring a variety of gay-owned and gay-friendly shops, restaurants and bars. Cuizzita Cafe is a queer-owned, community-oriented coffee shop with a casual, comfortable atmosphere, offering board games, puzzles and books for customers to use. Club 502 is Oaxaca’s first gay club with mixed drinks, dancing, karaoke and drag shows. Confetti Pool Club is a queer-owned hostel with a pool, swim-up bar, rooftop seating and live music. The hostel is a six-minute walk from the Mitla archeological site.

People carrying posters on platform. Imogen Volland.

This year, Oaxaca’s annual pride parade will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 3 p.m. from the Fuente de las Ocho Regiones. For more information about the parade, as well as other upcoming pride events in Mexico, follow the link here. For a celebration of life, and of love, I highly recommend visiting Oaxaca this June. Happy Pride Month!

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Agnes Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

7 Digital Safety Tips for Travelers

With about 25% of travelers experiencing data compromise while traveling and using public Wi-Fi, understanding digital security is a necessary aspect of preparing for a trip. 

Internet security padlock. www.vpnsrus.com. CC BY 2.0

Along with physical safety, digital security is another essential part of traveling. There are many digital security risks to be mindful of. The most common risks include public, unsecured wifi networks, public computers and devices, and the physical theft of devices. Despite these risks, there are many measures travelers can take to enhance their digital security.

1. Update Software

Software concept (gear on digital background). Craig Taylor. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Updated apps and operating system software can improve your device’s defense against malware. It is important to update everything before traveling, on a trusted network. This is because malware can be disguised as updates or patches when they’re prompted through an unsecured network.

2. Backup Information

Backup loading. Brian J. Matis. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Backing up things like photos, contacts and documents to a cloud service or other devices is another step to enhance your digital security, because that content is no longer easily accessible through your device. Common cloud services include DropBox, Google Docs and iCloud.

3. Disable Bluetooth

Bluetooth. Brad Wilmot. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Bluetooth can be handy for connecting to other devices such as sound systems, but these connections can put your devices at risk. Some devices automatically connect to Bluetooth and wireless networks, so disabling this function helps you control your connections.

Because connecting with a device via Bluetooth often stores your personal information on the device, it is recommended to avoid allowing Bluetooth connections with a device that is not your own, including rental car sound systems. If you do choose to connect to a device that is not yours, make sure to remove your device from the paired device lists and delete any data that was stored.

4. Be Conscious of your Connections, Clicks and Downloads

Free Wi-Fi sign. Mike Gifford. CC BY-NC 2.0

Connections, clicks and downloads can allow malware and other digital security risks to access your devices. Public wifi networks are often unsecured, and can be easily hacked because they’re accessible to everyone, don’t require authentication, and may have weak encryption protocols. 

While connecting to public wifi networks can be necessary when traveling, it is important to confirm the network and login procedures with staff before connecting. Confirming the network and login procedures can protect you from cybercrime because fake wifi networks can appear legitimate. While connected, avoid activities that involve personal information such as logging into accounts, shopping or online banking. 

If you receive unknown links, delete them and avoid clicking. Prompts to download anything like apps or documents should also be declined unless you were expecting the prompt and trust the source.

5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication demonstration. Sergejf. CC BY 2.0

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can help keep your data secure even if a password has been compromised. MFA consists of using multiple means of verifying a login, such as a password combined with a verification text, email or call. If you have a device or accounts that do not automatically have MFA, you can download apps such as Duo Multi-Factor Authentication to further secure your data.

6. Use a VPN

VPN key. www.comparitech.com/. CC BY 2.0

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can enhance data security by encrypting internet traffic and data. This means that you can connect to public networks and cybercriminals will not be able to access your activity. Another perk of using VPNs while traveling is that you can trick your devices into thinking that you’re still home, accessing your home versions of platforms such as Netflix.

7. Bring a Portable Charger

Portable chargers. Dennis van Zuijlekom. CC BY-SA 2.0

Ensuring you have charged devices while traveling is important for physical safety, however there are ways that charging your device can be risky. Charging your device through other devices that you do not control, including computers or hotel docking stations can put your device at risk of malware transfer through that connection. 

Even public outlets can be a risk. While there have not been any reported cases, cybersecurity experts have warned that cybercriminals are able to put malware into USB ports, including USB charging stations that are common at airports and hotels. This process is called ‘juice-jacking’. Because of the risks associated with public outlets and charging stations, it is recommended to bring portable chargers. If you must connect to another charging source and are prompted to select whether you trust the device, always say no.

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

Italian Night Life Thrives in Abandoned Buildings

Thanks to self-managed social centers, Italians have found a space to enjoy concerts, dinners, movie nights and more

Concert at XM24. Zeroincondotta. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

Since the 1970s, self-managed social centers have offered a place for Italians to gather as a community. Usually located on the outskirts of cities, these centers are established and operated entirely by locals. They are often formed as a direct response to social issues such as lack of affordable housing, drug addiction and marginalization. Members of the community occupy buildings that have fallen into disuse, such as schools, apartment complexes, forts and even farms. 

CSOA Forte Prenestino. boklm. CC0 1.0

The legal status of these centers varies, and some face eviction by authorities despite their value to the community. Many of the centers take a strong political stance, defining themselves as anti-fascist, anti-sexist, anti-racist and anti-capitalist. These spaces serve as important refuges for members of the community and a place for diverse groups of people to meet and collaborate.

Concert at XM24. Zeroincondotta. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

One of the most famous of these self-managed social centers was XM24, or ExMarket, of Bologna. It emerged during a period of repression as the mayor of the city engaged in a campaign against social housing and squatter movements. The center established itself in several abandoned spaces, including a former fruit and vegetable market from which it took its name. It offered a number of services to the community, including a cafe, a bike shop, a vegetable garden, live concerts, a gym, and a dormitory for migrants, refugees and the houseless. It was run by a general assembly of local volunteers.

XM24 Graffiti, Against those who close our spaces, let’s ignite our rage. Zeroincondotta. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In 2013, XM24 was able to reach an agreement with the local government, allowing the center to operate independently and utilize the abandoned spaces. However, the agreement expired in 2017. Members of the community attempted to protest the eviction in a struggle with the city that lasted two years, but in 2019 the space was evicted and bulldozers arrived to clear it out. As of 2024, the center no longer exists. 

Leoncavallo Spazio Pubblico Autogestito. Robertino Radovix. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

XM24 was not the only self-managed center to be evicted by the government, but many centers have still found a way to thrive. The Leoncavallo Spazio Pubblico Autogestito of Milan still offers jazz concerts, stand-up comedy, dinners, English lessons and more to locals. It is currently open Thursdays through Sundays in the afternoon and evening, although they face eviction on June 18th, 2024 by the bailiff and the property’s lawyers. 

Daniele Sepe & Aldolà Chivalà. L’Asilo. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

Je So’ Pazzo is a self-managed center in the Marterdei district on the outskirts of the city of Naples in a former asylum for the criminally insane. When it was occupied in 2015, it was managed by the Penitentiary Police. Volunteers collaborate with local associations to house, collect clothing for and distribute meals to the houseless. Their services include medical clinics, psychiatric support and migrant aid. They also offer a number of recreational activities, such as Naples’ only indoor rock climbing wall, a football pitch, a gym, a theater, a bar, social dinners, concerts, and so much more. It is still active and open 24 hours a day, six days a week. Like most places in Italy, it is closed on Sundays.

Concert at CPA, Firenze. GothEric. CC BY-SA 2.0

The Centro Popolare Autogestito Firenze Sud and LaPolveriera SpazioComune are both self-managed centers located in Florence. Like other social centers, they offer a variety of recreational activities during the days and the evenings, such as ceramics classes and concerts, as well as important social services for the community, 

Whether you are looking to participate in a ukulele workshop, enjoy a dinner and movie, discuss politics with local Italians, or let loose at a heavy metal concert, self-managed social centers are the perfect place.

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Rebecca Pitcairn

Rebecca studies Italian Language and Literature, Classical Civilizations, and English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. She hopes to one day attain a PhD in Classical Archeology. She is passionate about feminism and climate justice. She enjoys reading, playing the lyre, and longboarding in her free time.