Stories about History from May, 2011
Cuba: Remembering Martí
Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo reflects [es] on the figure of José Martí, considered the founder of the Cuban Republic.
Russia: Photos and Videos of the Victory Day Parade
Blogger polyakovv publishes [ru] pictures and videos of the Victory Day Parade, a celebration of the end of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945 section of the World War II). Twitterers use hashtags #parad [ru], #pobeda [ru], and #9may [ru] to share their pictures and recollections of the holiday.
Portugal: Memory of Political Police Officer on Trial
Three portuguese theatre figures are on court [pt] because of a play about the life of the late Silva Pais [pt], the last director of the repressive police of the dictatorship, PIDE. Bloggers are outraged [pt] with the accusations of Dias’ nephews, who say that the play disrespects their uncle's...
Afghanistan: US National Archives releases new bin Laden files
Nick Fielding writes that the US National Archives, which has just published a remarkably informative bin Laden file containing some fascinating documents, including the President's Daily Brief from 6 August 2001 warning “Bin Ladin determined to Strike in US”.
Thailand: Opium Museum
The House of Opium in Thailand features the history of opium and its trade in The Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia. It also has a collection of materials which celebrate the culture of north Thailand.
Colombia: The Vallenato Legend Festival
Vallenato is one of the most popular and representative music genres in Colombia. There is a whole culture around Vallenato, and the city of Valledupar is paralyzed by the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata (Vallenato Legend Festival), a festival that takes place during late April.
Japan: Sanka, Legendary Gypsies Living in the Wild
A documentary has recently revived interest in the existence of the 'Sanka', a group of people who are said to have lived in the remote mountains and plains of the Japanese archipelago until the 1970s. Some bloggers have speculated on the origins of these legendary nomads.
Haiti, U.S.A.: Communication & Power
Throwing Down the Water wonders about the meaning behind the fact that Osama bin Laden’s capture was tweeted, saying: “It is still a victor-led world. History is still being written by those in power. The difference is that the victor knows it and so must…be ever so slightly more accountable...
Bermuda: Cricket Historian Passes On
Breezeblog mourns the passing of “lifelong cricket lover and historian of the local game…Tommy Aitchison”.
Arab World: “2011 is a Year That Will Be Marked in History”
It may only be May but a lot has happened in the last few months across the Arab world. After news of the operation in which Saudi terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden was killed was announced yesterday, tweeps are left reflecting on the year that was.
Haiti, U.S.A.: Bin Laden & Blindness
“When I heard the news, I wasn't sure whether I should exhale or hold my breath”: CURRENTS BETWEEN SHORES suggests that the killing of Osama Bin Laden is tantamount to a “powerful symbolic victory”.
