Stories about Arts & Culture from May, 2016
Were Authorities Really Tricked Into Hosting a Cultural Revolution Throwback Concert? Chinese Are Skeptical.
"It is impossible for 56 Flowers to perform at the Great Hall of the People without prior approval from central authorities..."
Iranians Lip-Sync Their Love for Music Maestro Mohammed-Reza Shajarian in Tribute Video
"Shajarian, voice of the people of Iran: #Maestro_we_love_you #Shajarian"
Meet Japan's Biggest YouTube Star
Who is one of the most popular YouTube stars you have never heard of? Here's a hint: he lives in Japan.
Iran's Shrinking Lake Urmia Comes Under the Spotlight, Thanks to Hollywood's Leonardo DiCaprio
"I asked if they knew what disaster would befall us if the lake were to dry up. They said, if it goes dry, we'll just have to go somewhere else."
Indians Applaud a Journalist's Passionate Takedown of a Body-Shaming Facebook Meme
"We judge her everything merely on the basis of her size and colour of her skin," wrote Tiyash Mukhopadhyay about a popular meme featuring Oscar-nominated Hollywood actress Gabourey Sidibe.
‘Graffitours’ Capture a Colombian Community's Painful Past and Search for a Better Future
"We tell this story with great sadness, but we have to keep the memory alive. The memory must never be lost..."
The Fascinating History of Colombia's Currency, in 140 Characters or Less
On Twitter, @MonedasColombia shares facts about Colombia's currency. For example, did you know that 100 years ago, the National Bank released a 25 peso bill with a dog on it?
The Long History of One Greek Island’s Temporarily Canceled Easter ‘Rocket War’
"Everything is dangerous when you're not prepared. When you are prepared and you have taken the right measures, there is less danger."
Two Years Without Gabriel García Márquez: A Tribute
On meeting Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez, and highlights from a discussion about the novelist at the 2016 International Congress of the Spanish Language.
One Woman's Experience Breaking India's Feminine Ideal—With a Mohawk
"I constantly had to explain myself to others. There were whispers, giggles and derogatory comments: 'She’s gone butch.'"
The Hot and Cold Secrets of the Persian Kitchen
"The aim of a Persian cook is to balance hot and cold ingredients...or to correct the imbalance [that is] causing trouble to an individual, with food."
A Visual Journey Into the Floating Guava Markets of Bangladesh
Photographer Md. Moyazzem Mostakim captured dozens of wonderful scenes at the floating market. Global Voices highlights some of his best photographs.
This Dissident Poet Says Elections and the Nuclear Pact Give Him Hope for Iran
Shahram Rafizadeh is an Iranian poet living in exile outside Toronto. He still watches political events closely back home in Iran, and he’s holding out hope for change.
The Soviet Union's Psychedelic Side: Five Animations to Blow Your Mind
Featuring 'Hedgehog in the Fog', 'Wow! A Talking Fish!' and other mood-altering classics....