National Bao Day By Sharon Schweitzer National Bao Day is celebrated on August 22nd every year. It’s a day to savor the deliciousness of the famed dumpling. It’s also a day dedicated to learn more about the bao, also known as ‘baozi’ or ‘hot Asian buns,’ and the culture that surrounds them. Do [...]
St. Stephen’s Day Hungary By Sharon Schweitzer St. Stephen’s Day holds a long and interesting history. It begins with Stephen the Grand Prince of the Hungarians who laid the foundations of the state. Until the end of the 10th century, the Hungarians were in conflict with other European countries. In 955 A.D., Hungarian [...]
South Korea on the World’s Stage By Polina Anastassieva, Sharon Schweitzer This past July, in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Austin, St. Edward’s University, Stratfor, and Neil-Cochran Museum, an event on South Korea was held. The two speakers, Dr. Jooyoun Lee, a professor at St. Edward’s University, and Roger Baker, an [...]
Obon Festival Tokyo, Japan - July 29, 2016 : Bon Odori Dancers at the Sugamo Bon Odori Festival in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Bon dance, is a style of dancing performed during Obon. By Sharon Schweitzer Obon Festival is an annual Japanese ritual observed from the 13th to the 15th of [...]
National Vinyl Record Day By Sharon Schweitzer Music enthusiast and founder of the first nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the cultural influence of vinyl, Gary Freiberg created National Vinyl Record Day as a way to honor the art behind the music, collecting, and recording. Also known as a phonograph record, the first [...]
Matice Slovenska Day By Sharon Schweitzer Matica Slovenská Day (Deň Matice Slovenskej) is a remembrance day in Slovakia held on August 4th each year. This day commemorates the establishment of Slovakia’s primary scientific and cultural institution. It was founded in 1863, in a town named Martin, as part of the Slovak nation’s effort to [...]
Celebrating National Sisters Day Sharon Schweitzer (left) with her sister Lisa (right) and her parents in Tampa, Florida By Sharon Schweitzer Your sister may be your twin, triplet, complete opposite, or a mix of something else! People say you look alike, but you don’t see it. You may have the same preferences or [...]
International Day of Friendship By Sharon Schweitzer The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in [...]
World Tofu Day By Sharon Schweitzer World Tofu Day is annually observed on July 26th, in honor of tofu, a plant-based alternative to meat that is manufactured from soybeans. Tofu has seen a surge in popularity as more people switch to a plant-based diet. For vegans and vegetarians, it is particularly appreciated and [...]
National Fortune Cookie Day By Sharon Schweitzer While these nuggets of enjoyment are most often found at the end of a Chinese meal, they didn't originate in China. The distinctively folded cookie began in Japan, where elegant desserts and folding techniques are quintessentially Japanese. However, in Japan, the fortune was tucked in the fold [...]