Elia Varela Serra · March, 2008

Latest posts by Elia Varela Serra from March, 2008

Czech Republic, Slovakia: Whipping Girls and Other Easter Traditions

  23 March 2008

Easter is a very important celebration both in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, called Velikonoce - from Veliké noci or Great Nights. Although the religious connotations of Easter were suppressed under the communist regime, nowadays Czechs and Slovaks are again aware of the strong Christian background of Easter, although they regard it as mostly fun times. Many traditions are still observed, especially in villages. Several bloggers have been describing some of them.

Macedonia: Name Change to Enter NATO, EU?

  16 March 2008

Ever since Macedonia became independent from Yugoslavia in 1991, its name has been the subject of a bitter dispute with its southern neighbor, Greece. Greece claims that the use of “Republic of Macedonia,” as Macedonia calls itself in its constitution, not only violates Greece's historic cultural claim to the name, but also implies a territorial claim to the northern Greek province of Macedonia. Elia Varela Serra reviews bloggers' responses to the issue.

Americas: International Women's Day Across the Region

  9 March 2008

Bloggers across Latin America celebrate International Women's Day and pay tribute to the hard-working, brave, and often, mistreated women from the region. Some honor particular women throughout history and others write about groups of mothers that defend the rights of others. For all, it is a celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Elia Varela Serra's space

Global Voices en EspañolJoin the Blue Ribbon Online Free Speech Campaign