Festivals1 Dec 2024The overlooked benefits of real Christmas treesThe environmental pros and cons of Christmas trees go far beyond the climate impact of "real or plastic", scientists say. So what's the best choice for a green Christmas?1 Dec 2024Future12 Nov 2024The US's spectacular 'Olympics of hoop dancing'There's no better place to see hoop dancers at the top of their game than at the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest in Phoenix, Arizona.12 Nov 2024Travel31 Oct 2024Is this the true birthplace of Halloween?Think Halloween, and most of us associate it with the hedonistic, multi-billion-dollar event that is seen in the US. Yet, its true origins actually lie in Celtic culture.31 Oct 2024Travel23 Aug 2024Why Burning Man could be in troubleAs news of rising prices, intolerable weather and poor ticket sales have hit the Nevada desert event in recent years, some speculate its days could be numbered.23 Aug 2024Culture19 Jun 2024The solstice site older and bigger than StonehengeJust 38km north of Stonehenge, Avebury draws its own annual solstice visitors who want a more up-close and personal experience with Britain's ancient standing stones.19 Jun 2024Travel24 Apr 2024The return of the US' sandcastle championshipsFor three days in April, thousands of people descend on tiny Port Aransas, Texas, from all over the world when it becomes the epicentre of the sand-sculpting universe.24 Apr 2024Travel18 Mar 2024What a 3,500-year-old holiday can teach us in 2024Rather than fading from relevance, the values of this ancient festival – from taking a yearly reset to connecting with nature in a precarious time – are now more important than ever.18 Mar 2024Travel5 Mar 2024Gen Z ushers in a greener HoliHoli represents love, new beginnings and the onset of spring. This year, it also marks a pivot towards eco-conscious celebrations, thanks to Gen Z in India.5 Mar 2024Travel9 Feb 2024Brazil's new it-town for Carnival 2024This year, Brazilians seem to have recognised that the heart of carnival culture is not in Rio, but in little-known Belo Horizonte.9 Feb 2024Travel