#The Guadeloupe Carnival

[postcard-from-the-past]

Carnival in Guadeloupe

French vintage postcard

[sexypinkon]

Sexypink - Carnival in Basse Terre Guadeloupe - Mardi Gras de Fort-De-France which kicked off yesterday, Feb 21, 2023. 

Photography- Antoine Photo Bliss and others 

[the-blueprint]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢��� 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 --- 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Posted @withregram • @knowyourcaribbean This viral video shared by @tracecaribbean in Martinique is one of the most beautiful examples of how Carnival in the Caribbean was designed for colonial disruption.

What you are looking at is Nèg Gwo Siwo, a Carnival practice performed for almost 2 centuries by enslaved people and their descendants. While Europeans in the Caribbean had pretty masquerade balls before Lent, black people covered themselves in dark molasses to amplify the blackness of their skin. They called them the Molasses Negroes. Using something seen as valuable and expensive for the white man’s profit, to smear across their skin to make themselves the blackest version of their blackness. Look at the irony.

So this video you see today in 2023 is generations upon generations of a legacy of resistance, where whether we know it or not, we have this in our blood.

And this is why you must make room for the Nèg Gwo Siwo of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

And yes you can find many versions of this in the Caribbean - Jab Jab of Grenada, Lans Kod of Haiti, Jab Molassie of T&T, Los Tiznaos of Dominican Republic, Nèg Marron of French Guiana… the list goes on. These days most use charcoal or oil motor oil, but the intention is the same - BLACK.

[fatehbaz]

While sugarcane has defined Caribbean islands since the onset of European settler colonization, a little-known African species, guinea grass, has invaded sugar plantations from within. Cultivated to intensify sugar production, guinea grass ironically became a weed of the plantations while providing material and spiritual resources to enslaved and marooned Africans and their descendants. [...]

While sugarcane was imported from Austronesia, guinea grass hails from the western coast of Africa. Sugar was the principal crop of many Caribbean plantations; guinea grass was imported as fodder for the oxen that labored in the fields and for the cattle that fed the planters. [...]. A 1707 account by Hans Sloane, whose collections would form the core of the British Museum, describes the grass (then known as “Scotch grass”) as widespread in Barbados and Jamaica [...].

The imported grass was celebrated by eighteenth- and nineteenth-century planters for its high grazing quality. Bryan Edwards sang its praises in Jamaica, writing that it may be considered as next to the sugar-cane, in point of importance; as most of the grazing and breeding farms or pens throughout the island were originally created, and are still supported, chiefly by means of this invaluable herbage. For Edwards, guinea grass had an almost equal status to sugar cane because it could feed “the plenty of horned cattle both for the butcher and planter.” [...] By 1786, the African grass had become naturalized in Guadeloupe, and, by 1813, it had reached Mississippi, writes Parsons. It spread widely throughout Central and South America [...].

Indeed, one observer in New Granada (modern-day Colombia) was so enthusiastic as to argue that whoever had introduced the plant deserved a statue “as high as New York’s Statue of Liberty” [...].

In Cuba, the grass appears in an 1816 report of José Antonio de la Ossa, the first director of the Botanical Garden of Havana, who wrote: “It is an abundant and convenient pasture grass, because it multiplies its stalks in the same way as Sugar cane[.]” 

Like Sloane and Edwards, Ossa compares guinea grass to sugarcane. The two foreign grasses seemed to them similar in morphology and function, because they both [...] promoted the economic development of the islands’ cash crop societies. [...] While sugar was introduced to Cuba long before guinea grass, it was guinea grass that allowed for the intensification of Cuban sugar cultivation with large herds of oxen.

---

Yet something strange happened in the history of this ostensibly symbiotic relationship. 

Although guinea grass was meant to support the sugar economy by feeding its beasts of burden, ironically, it became a virulent weed to the sugarcane plants. By 1977, guinea grass was rated the number one weed to sugarcane in Cuba. In 2012, the journal of the National Botanical Garden of Cuba (Revista del Jardín Botánico Nacional) listed it as [...] an invasive species of greatest concern. In this way, the two imported grasses became stalky antagonists in the daily competition for light, water, and soil nutrients.

Their cultural meanings, however, had long since diverged. If sugarcane supported the economic interests of European planters, guinea grass was appropriated by enslaved and marooned Africans across the Caribbean for practical and religious purposes. 

Diasporic Africans in the Virgin Islands used the dried grass to make masquerade costumes for Carnival and other festivals. In Cuba, priests used it to make omiero, [...] of the Afro-Cuban Reglá de Ochá religion. 

Moreover, some of the enslaved canecutters used an ancestral West African technique to thatch their mud huts with guinea grass. [...] In fact, the famed maroon Esteban Montejo described using this method of thatching during his escape from a Cuban sugar plantation in the late nineteenth century: [...] I had never left the plantation before. I walked uphill, downhill, in every direction. [...] My feet were blistered and my hands were swollen and festering. I camped under a tree. I made myself a shelter of guinea grass in a few hours and I stayed there four or five days. [...]

Guinea grass has continued to take on new meanings for Caribbean writers in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In Alejandro Aguilar’s 1997 short story “Landscape of Clay,” [...] [t]he untamed grass, like the cadets’ expressions of sexuality, subverts the rigid structure of the institution.  Likewise, the storyteller in the 2002 play In the Time of the Revolution by the Guadeloupean writer Maryse Condé bemoans the fact that “people’s dreams are not made to grow freely like guinea grass on the banks and highways. Some people try to pull them up, to mow them down, to dry them out, to burn them and see them go up in smoke.” [...] In undermining the economic ambitions of the plantation system, guinea grass has come to represent acts of subversion [...].

---

All text above by: Hannah Rachel Cole. “Plant of the Month: Guinea Grass.” JSTOR Daily. 1 December 2022. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[traveluxxx4]

Guadeloupe: A Mosaic of Wonders Where Nature and Culture Dance to the Rhythm of the Waves

Discover the enchanting beauty of Guadeloupe, an exquisite Caribbean archipelago that promises a sensory journey like no other. From the lush tropical landscapes to the stunning turquoise waters, this island captivates with its diverse offerings.

Why You’ll Love Guadeloupe: Guadeloupe is an archipelago of contrasts, featuring the blissful beaches of Grande-Terre and the majestic volcanoes of Basse-Terre. Don't miss the charming islands of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Désirade—truly, it’s “The Island of Beautiful Waters.”

Must-See Gems:

Dream Beaches: Explore pristine sands at La Caravelle, the cinematic beauty of Grande Anse, and the unique volcanic sands of Malendure Beach.

Amazing Nature: Hike La Soufrière volcano, marvel at Chutes du Carbet’s waterfalls, and kayak through the biodiverse Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin.

Hidden Islands: Visit the pastel-hued houses in Les Saintes and savor artisanal rum on Marie-Galante.

Cultural Flavors: Immerse yourself in the vibrant market scene at Pointe-à-Pitre and indulge in delicious Creole dishes, from colombo curry to coconut sorbet.

Unforgettable Experiences: Swim with sea turtles in the Cousteau Reserve, take a breathtaking helicopter ride over the islands, and join in the lively Carnival celebrations.

Fun Fact: Guadeloupe boasts the longest hiking trail in the Lesser Antilles and features the beautiful Deshaies Botanical Garden.

Practical Tips: Plan your visit between December and April, rent a car for easy exploration, and choose from beachfront villas or eco-lodges for your stay.

Guadeloupe isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to awaken your senses. Are you ready to explore this vibrant paradise?

[brookston]

Holidays 1.6

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (Iraq)

Blessing of the Waters (Greece, Turkey)

Carnaval Blancos Negros, Day 3: The Day of the Whites (Colombia)

Carnival season begins (until Shrove Tuesday)

Children’s Day (Uruguay)

Cuddle Up Day

Daruma Ichi (Takasaki City, Japan)

Dezome-shiki (Tokyo, Japan)

Flying V Day

Four Freedoms Day

Greek Cross Day

Haxey Hood (Traditional Old English race, pushing a leather tub to a local pub)

Hornschlittenrennen (Horn Runners Race; Germany)

I Am A Mentor Day

International Day of Astrology

International Jewish and Proud Day

Insurrection USA Day (a.k.a. Jan. 6 Anniversary Day)

Kolmekuninga Päev (Belgium, Estonia)

Maroon Festival (Jamaica)

Missionary Childhood Day

National Davis Day

National Samantha Day

National Share a DAG Day

National Smith Day

National Standard Poodle Day

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day

National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

National Technology Day

National Weigh-In Day

Nurse Day (Mexico)

Parents and Parents-in-Law Day (India)

Pathet Lao Day (Laos)

Phi Day

Ray Epps Awareness Day

Reionization Era Day (Early stars begin Ionizing Interstellar Gas; Universal Timeline)

Schoolhouse Rock Day

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Day (Abeldane Empire)

Sherlock Holmes Day [also 5.22]

Shorinzan Daruma-Ichi (Shorinzan, Japan)

Surb Tsnund (Armenian Christmas)

Swap Day

Take a Poet to Lunch Day

Wheel of Fortune Day

World Day of War Orphans

Food & Drink Celebrations

Bean Day (New Orleans)

Creole Cuisine Day

Dry Bean Day

King Cake Day

King of the Bean (a.k.a. National Bean Day)

Marzipan Day (Sweden)

National Shortbread Day

Walker’s Shortbread Day

Nature Celebrations

Apple Tree Day

Pepe Le Pew Day

Wassailing the Apple Trees (UK)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

New Mexico Statehood Day (#47; 1912)

New Year’s Days

Kayin New Year (Myanmar)

1st Monday in January

Divorce Monday [1st Monday]

Handsel Day (Scotland) [1st Monday]

Makeover Monday [1st Monday of Each Month]

Meatloaf Monday [1st Monday of Each Month]

Meditation Monday [Every Monday]

Monday Musings [Every Monday]

The Most Depressing Day of the Year (UK) [1st Monday]

Motivation Monday [Every Monday]

National Rondling Day [1st Monday]

National Thank God It’s Monday Day [1st Monday; also 1st Monday in June]

National Weigh-In Day [1st Monday]

Postum Day

Weekly Holidays beginning January 6 (1st Full Week of January)

Braille Literacy Week [1st Week]

Diet Resolution Week [1st Week]

Napa Valley Restaurant Month (Napa Valley, California) [thru 2.2]

National Folic Acid Awareness Week [1st Week]

National Law Enforcement Training Week [1st Week]

Silent Record Week [1st Week]

Festivals Beginning January 6, 2025

Carnival (Cayenne, French Guiana) [thru 3.5]

Carnival (Guadeloupe) [thru 3.5]

Feast Days

André Bessette (Roman Catholic Church)

British Comedy Quotes Day (Pastafarian)

Carnival Season begins (Christian) [thru Tuesday before Ash Wednesday]

Charles of Sezze (Christian; Saint)

Christmas (Original Date) (a.k.a. ...

Christmas (Armenian Apostolic Church, Amish)

Christmas Day (Ethiopia)

Coptic Christmas (Egypt)

Día De Reyes (Kings Day; Mexico)

Heilige Drei Könige (Liechtenstein)

Kolmekuninga Päev (Belgium, Estonia)

Little Christmas (Ireland)

Nalujuit (Inuit Communities in Labrador)

Old Christmas (England before 1752)

Reyes Magos (Spain)

Sure Tsnund (Armenia)

Sveta Tri Kralja (Croatia)

Christmas Eve (Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine)

Circle Sancuary of Mount Horeb Foundation Day (Wisconsin; Everyday Wicca)

Day of Kore Underground (Pagan)

Epiphany (a.k.a. ...

Adoration of the Magi

Baptism of the Lord (Romania)

Día de los Niños (Uruguay)

Dia de los Santo Reyes (Dominican Republic)

Dia de Reyes (Venezuela)

Heilige Drei Könige; Liechtenstein)

La Befana (Italy)

Nollaig na mBan (Ireland)

Þrettándinn (Iceland)

Race of the Three Kings (San Pablo, Peru)

Reyes Magos (Spain)

Theophany (Eastern Christian Church)

Three King's Day (Florida, US Virgin Islands)

Three Wise Men Day

Trettondagen (Sweden)

Uphaliday (a.k.a. Uphalimas; Scotland)

Epiphic (The Season of Bad Noise, Devoted to the Indefinable; Church of the SubGenius)

Erminold (Christian; Saint)

Extra Cuddles Day (Pastafarian)

Faery Lovers Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Guarinus (a.k.a. Guerrin; Christian; Saint)

Haley Hood (England)

Nalujuk Night (Inuit)

Orthodox Christmas Eve (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro)

Pinky (Muppetism)

Romulus (Positivist; Saint)

Taos Pueblo Deer or Buffalo Dance (Native American)

Triple Goddess Day (Paganism)

Tursi (Slavic pagan fertility rite of Jar-tur, the bull) 

Twelfth Day (a.k.a. Twelfthtide)

Twelfth Night Wassail (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Twelve Holy Days #12 (Pisces, the feet; Esoteric Christianity)

William McGonagall Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Wiltrudis (Christian; Saint & Widow)

Orthodox Christian Liturgical Calendar Holidays

Theophany  (a.k.a. ... 

Denho (Syriac Christian; Saint)

Epiphany (Eastern and Oriental Orthodox)

Great Blessing of the Waters (Eastern Orthodox)

Natlisgeba (Georgia)

Sure Tsnund (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Timket (a.k.a. Timkat, Coptic Epiphany; Eritrea, Ethiopia)

Secular Saints Days

Rowan Atkinson (Entertainment)

José Campeche (Artist)

E.L. Doctorow (Writer)

Gustave Doré (Artist)

Aleksandra Ekster (Artist)

Kahlil Gibran (Philosopher)

Jean-Robert Ipoustéguy (Sculptor)

Wright Morris (Writer, Photographer)

Charles E. Pont (Artist)

Carl Sandburg (Poet)

Alexander Scriabin (Music)

Earl Scruggs (Music)

Elizabeth Strout (Writer)

Baldassare Verazzi (Artist)

Alan Watts (Philosopher)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [4 of 37]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Day (because Christmas decorations come down this day. It's a sad day for all.)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [3 of 57]

Unglückstage (Unlucky Day; Pennsylvania Dutch) [5 of 30]

Premieres

Ace of Spades (Fleischer Tarlkartoons Cartoon; 1931)

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (Animated Disney Film; 1950)

Agent Carter (TV Series; 2015)

The Bastard, by John Jakes (Novel; 1974) [Kent Family Chronicles #1]

The Body Machine (Science Rock Cartoon; 1979)

Casanova Cat (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1951)

Come Fly with Me, by Frank Sinatra (Album; 1958)

The Danny Kaye Show (Radio Series; 1945)

Don Quixote de la Mancha (Novel; 1605)

Frampton Comes Alive!, by Peter Frampton (Live Album; 1976)

Hallmark Hall of Fame (TV Series; 1952)

Hare We Go (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

Hell’s Fire, a.k.a. Vulcan Entertains (Willie Whopper MGM Cartoon; 1934)

High School DXD (Anime TV Series; 2012)

Inspector Morse (UK TV Series; 1987)

County Fair (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

Land of the Lost Jewels Noveltoons Cartoon; 1950)

Little Earthquakes, by Tori Amos (Album; 1992)

Luvcast U.S.A. (Animated TV Film; 1973)

My Hero, Zero (Schoolhouse Rock! Cartoon; 1973)

Mystic Pink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1976)

Pill Peddlers (Heckle & Heckle Cartoon; 1953)

Pinknic (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1967)

Pluto’s Heart Throb (Disney Cartoon; 1950)

Polly Wants a Doctor (Phantasies Cartoon; 1944)

The Revenant (Film; 2015)

Schoolhouse Rock (Animated TV Series; 1973)

Shape of You, by Ed Sheehan (Song; 2017)

SWAT Kats: A Special Report (Hanna-Barbera TV Cartoon Special; 1995)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Film; 2012)

Wheel of Fortune (TV Game Show; 1975)

Today’s Name Days

Erminold (Austria)

Bogdan, Bogdana, Bogomil, Bogomila, Iordan, Iordanka, Teodosii, Yordan, Yordanka (Bulgaria)

Baltazar, Gašpar, Melkior (Croatia)

Tri králové (Czech Republic)

Aabel, Aabi, Aabo, Aap, Aapo (Estonia)

Harri (Finland)

Balthazar, Gaspard, Mélaine, Melchior, Tiffany (France)

Raimund (Germany)

Fani, Fotika, Fotine, Fotini, Fotis, Jordan, Ourania, Peristera, Photini, Photis, Theofania, Theofanis, Theopoula (Greece)

Boldizsár (Hungary)

Baldassarre Gaspare, Melchiorre Raffaello, Rafaelo (Italy)

Arnita, Spulga (Latvia)

Arūnas, Arūnė, Baltazaras, Kasparas, Merkelis (Lithuania)

Åslaug, Aslaug (Norway)

Andrzej, Balcer, Baltazar, Bolemir, Epifania, Kacper, Kasper, Melchior (Poland)

Evgenia, Klavdia (Russia)

Antónia (Slovakia)

Baltasar, Epifanía, Gaspar, Melchor (Spain)

Baltsar, Kasper, Melker (Sweden)

Cheyanne, Cheyenne, Howell, Hoyle, Kahlil, Khalil, Melchior, Rowan, Talullah, Tiffani, Tiffanie, Tiffany (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 6 of 2025; 359 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 1 of Week 2 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Ruis (Elder) [Day 16 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Ding-Chou), Day 7 (Yi-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Coptic: 28 Kiyahk 1741

Hebrew: 6 Teveth 5785

Islamic: 6 Rajab 1446

J Cal: 6 White; Sixthday [6 of 30]

Julian: 24 December 2024

Moon: 50%: 1st Quarter

Positivist: 6 Moses (1st Month) [Romulus]

Runic Half Month: Eihwaz or Eoh (Yew Tree) [Day 15 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 17 of 90)

Week: 1st Full Week of January

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 16 of 30)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 1.6

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (Iraq)

Blessing of the Waters (Greece, Turkey)

Carnaval Blancos Negros, Day 3: The Day of the Whites (Colombia)

Carnival season begins (until Shrove Tuesday)

Children’s Day (Uruguay)

Cuddle Up Day

Daruma Ichi (Takasaki City, Japan)

Dezome-shiki (Tokyo, Japan)

Flying V Day

Four Freedoms Day

Greek Cross Day

Haxey Hood (Traditional Old English race, pushing a leather tub to a local pub)

Hornschlittenrennen (Horn Runners Race; Germany)

I Am A Mentor Day

International Day of Astrology

International Jewish and Proud Day

Insurrection USA Day (a.k.a. Jan. 6 Anniversary Day)

Kolmekuninga Päev (Belgium, Estonia)

Maroon Festival (Jamaica)

Missionary Childhood Day

National Davis Day

National Samantha Day

National Share a DAG Day

National Smith Day

National Standard Poodle Day

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day

National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

National Technology Day

National Weigh-In Day

Nurse Day (Mexico)

Parents and Parents-in-Law Day (India)

Pathet Lao Day (Laos)

Phi Day

Ray Epps Awareness Day

Reionization Era Day (Early stars begin Ionizing Interstellar Gas; Universal Timeline)

Schoolhouse Rock Day

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Day (Abeldane Empire)

Sherlock Holmes Day [also 5.22]

Shorinzan Daruma-Ichi (Shorinzan, Japan)

Surb Tsnund (Armenian Christmas)

Swap Day

Take a Poet to Lunch Day

Wheel of Fortune Day

World Day of War Orphans

Food & Drink Celebrations

Bean Day (New Orleans)

Creole Cuisine Day

Dry Bean Day

King Cake Day

King of the Bean (a.k.a. National Bean Day)

Marzipan Day (Sweden)

National Shortbread Day

Walker’s Shortbread Day

Nature Celebrations

Apple Tree Day

Pepe Le Pew Day

Wassailing the Apple Trees (UK)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

New Mexico Statehood Day (#47; 1912)

New Year’s Days

Kayin New Year (Myanmar)

1st Monday in January

Divorce Monday [1st Monday]

Handsel Day (Scotland) [1st Monday]

Makeover Monday [1st Monday of Each Month]

Meatloaf Monday [1st Monday of Each Month]

Meditation Monday [Every Monday]

Monday Musings [Every Monday]

The Most Depressing Day of the Year (UK) [1st Monday]

Motivation Monday [Every Monday]

National Rondling Day [1st Monday]

National Thank God It’s Monday Day [1st Monday; also 1st Monday in June]

National Weigh-In Day [1st Monday]

Postum Day

Weekly Holidays beginning January 6 (1st Full Week of January)

Braille Literacy Week [1st Week]

Diet Resolution Week [1st Week]

Napa Valley Restaurant Month (Napa Valley, California) [thru 2.2]

National Folic Acid Awareness Week [1st Week]

National Law Enforcement Training Week [1st Week]

Silent Record Week [1st Week]

Festivals Beginning January 6, 2025

Carnival (Cayenne, French Guiana) [thru 3.5]

Carnival (Guadeloupe) [thru 3.5]

Feast Days

André Bessette (Roman Catholic Church)

British Comedy Quotes Day (Pastafarian)

Carnival Season begins (Christian) [thru Tuesday before Ash Wednesday]

Charles of Sezze (Christian; Saint)

Christmas (Original Date) (a.k.a. ...

Christmas (Armenian Apostolic Church, Amish)

Christmas Day (Ethiopia)

Coptic Christmas (Egypt)

Día De Reyes (Kings Day; Mexico)

Heilige Drei Könige (Liechtenstein)

Kolmekuninga Päev (Belgium, Estonia)

Little Christmas (Ireland)

Nalujuit (Inuit Communities in Labrador)

Old Christmas (England before 1752)

Reyes Magos (Spain)

Sure Tsnund (Armenia)

Sveta Tri Kralja (Croatia)

Christmas Eve (Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine)

Circle Sancuary of Mount Horeb Foundation Day (Wisconsin; Everyday Wicca)

Day of Kore Underground (Pagan)

Epiphany (a.k.a. ...

Adoration of the Magi

Baptism of the Lord (Romania)

Día de los Niños (Uruguay)

Dia de los Santo Reyes (Dominican Republic)

Dia de Reyes (Venezuela)

Heilige Drei Könige; Liechtenstein)

La Befana (Italy)

Nollaig na mBan (Ireland)

Þrettándinn (Iceland)

Race of the Three Kings (San Pablo, Peru)

Reyes Magos (Spain)

Theophany (Eastern Christian Church)

Three King's Day (Florida, US Virgin Islands)

Three Wise Men Day

Trettondagen (Sweden)

Uphaliday (a.k.a. Uphalimas; Scotland)

Epiphic (The Season of Bad Noise, Devoted to the Indefinable; Church of the SubGenius)

Erminold (Christian; Saint)

Extra Cuddles Day (Pastafarian)

Faery Lovers Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Guarinus (a.k.a. Guerrin; Christian; Saint)

Haley Hood (England)

Nalujuk Night (Inuit)

Orthodox Christmas Eve (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro)

Pinky (Muppetism)

Romulus (Positivist; Saint)

Taos Pueblo Deer or Buffalo Dance (Native American)

Triple Goddess Day (Paganism)

Tursi (Slavic pagan fertility rite of Jar-tur, the bull) 

Twelfth Day (a.k.a. Twelfthtide)

Twelfth Night Wassail (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Twelve Holy Days #12 (Pisces, the feet; Esoteric Christianity)

William McGonagall Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Wiltrudis (Christian; Saint & Widow)

Orthodox Christian Liturgical Calendar Holidays

Theophany  (a.k.a. ... 

Denho (Syriac Christian; Saint)

Epiphany (Eastern and Oriental Orthodox)

Great Blessing of the Waters (Eastern Orthodox)

Natlisgeba (Georgia)

Sure Tsnund (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Timket (a.k.a. Timkat, Coptic Epiphany; Eritrea, Ethiopia)

Secular Saints Days

Rowan Atkinson (Entertainment)

José Campeche (Artist)

E.L. Doctorow (Writer)

Gustave Doré (Artist)

Aleksandra Ekster (Artist)

Kahlil Gibran (Philosopher)

Jean-Robert Ipoustéguy (Sculptor)

Wright Morris (Writer, Photographer)

Charles E. Pont (Artist)

Carl Sandburg (Poet)

Alexander Scriabin (Music)

Earl Scruggs (Music)

Elizabeth Strout (Writer)

Baldassare Verazzi (Artist)

Alan Watts (Philosopher)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [4 of 37]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Day (because Christmas decorations come down this day. It's a sad day for all.)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [3 of 57]

Unglückstage (Unlucky Day; Pennsylvania Dutch) [5 of 30]

Premieres

Ace of Spades (Fleischer Tarlkartoons Cartoon; 1931)

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (Animated Disney Film; 1950)

Agent Carter (TV Series; 2015)

The Bastard, by John Jakes (Novel; 1974) [Kent Family Chronicles #1]

The Body Machine (Science Rock Cartoon; 1979)

Casanova Cat (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1951)

Come Fly with Me, by Frank Sinatra (Album; 1958)

The Danny Kaye Show (Radio Series; 1945)

Don Quixote de la Mancha (Novel; 1605)

Frampton Comes Alive!, by Peter Frampton (Live Album; 1976)

Hallmark Hall of Fame (TV Series; 1952)

Hare We Go (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

Hell’s Fire, a.k.a. Vulcan Entertains (Willie Whopper MGM Cartoon; 1934)

High School DXD (Anime TV Series; 2012)

Inspector Morse (UK TV Series; 1987)

County Fair (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

Land of the Lost Jewels Noveltoons Cartoon; 1950)

Little Earthquakes, by Tori Amos (Album; 1992)

Luvcast U.S.A. (Animated TV Film; 1973)

My Hero, Zero (Schoolhouse Rock! Cartoon; 1973)

Mystic Pink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1976)

Pill Peddlers (Heckle & Heckle Cartoon; 1953)

Pinknic (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1967)

Pluto’s Heart Throb (Disney Cartoon; 1950)

Polly Wants a Doctor (Phantasies Cartoon; 1944)

The Revenant (Film; 2015)

Schoolhouse Rock (Animated TV Series; 1973)

Shape of You, by Ed Sheehan (Song; 2017)

SWAT Kats: A Special Report (Hanna-Barbera TV Cartoon Special; 1995)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Film; 2012)

Wheel of Fortune (TV Game Show; 1975)

Today’s Name Days

Erminold (Austria)

Bogdan, Bogdana, Bogomil, Bogomila, Iordan, Iordanka, Teodosii, Yordan, Yordanka (Bulgaria)

Baltazar, Gašpar, Melkior (Croatia)

Tri králové (Czech Republic)

Aabel, Aabi, Aabo, Aap, Aapo (Estonia)

Harri (Finland)

Balthazar, Gaspard, Mélaine, Melchior, Tiffany (France)

Raimund (Germany)

Fani, Fotika, Fotine, Fotini, Fotis, Jordan, Ourania, Peristera, Photini, Photis, Theofania, Theofanis, Theopoula (Greece)

Boldizsár (Hungary)

Baldassarre Gaspare, Melchiorre Raffaello, Rafaelo (Italy)

Arnita, Spulga (Latvia)

Arūnas, Arūnė, Baltazaras, Kasparas, Merkelis (Lithuania)

Åslaug, Aslaug (Norway)

Andrzej, Balcer, Baltazar, Bolemir, Epifania, Kacper, Kasper, Melchior (Poland)

Evgenia, Klavdia (Russia)

Antónia (Slovakia)

Baltasar, Epifanía, Gaspar, Melchor (Spain)

Baltsar, Kasper, Melker (Sweden)

Cheyanne, Cheyenne, Howell, Hoyle, Kahlil, Khalil, Melchior, Rowan, Talullah, Tiffani, Tiffanie, Tiffany (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 6 of 2025; 359 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 1 of Week 2 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Ruis (Elder) [Day 16 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Ding-Chou), Day 7 (Yi-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Coptic: 28 Kiyahk 1741

Hebrew: 6 Teveth 5785

Islamic: 6 Rajab 1446

J Cal: 6 White; Sixthday [6 of 30]

Julian: 24 December 2024

Moon: 50%: 1st Quarter

Positivist: 6 Moses (1st Month) [Romulus]

Runic Half Month: Eihwaz or Eoh (Yew Tree) [Day 15 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 17 of 90)

Week: 1st Full Week of January

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 16 of 30)

[cruiseworld]

Introducting San Juan

In 1508 the Spanish expedition leader Juan Ponce de Leon established Caparra, a small settlement close to a protected bay on the north coast of the island of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the town was vacated and resited to the present location of Old San Juan. In the 16th century, San Juan was the origin for Spanish exploratory trips to little known parts of the Caribbean.

Nowadays the old section of San Juan has an authentic Old World feel with over 300 restored Spanish 17th century town houses. The area also contains many shops, restaurants, bars, and casinos for cruise passengers to sample.

Touring San Juan

Characterful Old San Juan sits on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean northwards, and the port southwards. This walled and fortified area, now a major historical landmark, was established in 1510. Old San Juan is compactly sized, easy to get around on foot. If your energy runs out take the free bus that runs around the main attractions. Take time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the brightly colored houses, craft shops, and go to the interesting museums.

El Morro Fort

El Morro, a huge fort dating from 1539, defends San Juan from sea pirates. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the patron saint of King Philip of Spain. You'll find six sets of gun platforms and huge walls that loom over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

La Fortaleza

Don't miss La Fortaleza, San Juan's oldest fort, founded in 1540. Later it was to become the official residence of the governor. Informative tours take you through the sumptuous building, with gilded banqueting hall, tall galleries, and rooms furnished in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan

This impressive cathedral dates back to 1592, on the site of the previous cathedral which was destroyed by a storm. Situated on Calle Cristo, this structure with a unique gothic pavonine facade contains the crypt of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish seaman, and the first ever governor of Puerto Rico.

Shopping

Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is to be found in the many shops along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. As an alternative go to the two markets where you'll find a big choice of jewelry, fashions, art and souvenirs. One is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, in front of pier 1, the other on the Paseo de la Princesa, just along from pier 1.

Bacardi Rum Distillery

Rum drinkers may prefer its nickname the Cathedral of Rum. There's a free guided tour and enjoyable trolley ride. After the boring talk about the distillery's early years enjoy a drink or two.

El Yunque

The only tropical rain forest in the US National Forest system. Very beautiful with a totally sylvan atmosphere. Situated about 45 minutes from San Juan.

Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

A fascinating ecological reserve with 7 different tropical habitats. Be warned though, visitor numbers are limited, so a reservation is essential.

Cruise Ideas

Enthusiastic cruise vacationers pick San Juan as an alternative to a Florida port. Thanks to its central Caribbean location, the island provides quick access to wonderful Southern Caribbean ports, like the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A short flight is a better alternative to the long cruise to these areas from mainland US. The range of cruises on offer from San Juan is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Leeward Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (the ABC islands ie Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). See San Juan cruises for detailed cruise departure information. Several major cruiselines offer cruises from San Juan, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises.

Cruise Ship Terminals

There are three major pier areas in San Juan port. Old San Juan piers 1 through 6, the Pan American pier, and Navy Frontier pier. Most times cruise ships visiting San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships leaving from San Juan will berth at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier, 15 minutes by cab from Old San Juan.

Getting to the Port

From the Airport

San Juan airport is located about nine miles from the Pan American pier and 12 miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes about three quarters of an hour in a cab for the journey. The cost is around twenty dollars. Additional charges apply for luggage, some drivers charging by item.

Resources

San Juan Port https://www.prpa.pr.gov/

[shalini-yadav45]

Discovering the Ideal Time: The Best Season to Visit Guadeloupe Island

Guadeloupe Island, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, beckons travelers with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and captivating history. Whether you're drawn to its pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, or colorful markets, choosing the right time to visit can greatly enhance your experience. In this guide, we'll explore the best season to visit Guadeloupe Island, considering factors such as weather, crowds, and seasonal attractions.

Seasons Overview:

Guadeloupe experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. The island has two primary seasons: the dry season (December to May) and the rainy season (June to November). Understanding the nuances of each season can help you plan a memorable trip.

Dry Season (December to May):

The dry season, spanning from December to May, is considered the peak tourist season in Guadeloupe. During this time, the weather is typically sunny and dry, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). These ideal conditions make it perfect for beach activities, water sports, and exploring outdoor attractions.

Highlights of the Dry Season:

Festivals and Events: The dry season coincides with several cultural festivals and events, including the Guadeloupe Carnival in January and the Terre de Blues Festival in May. These celebrations showcase the island's rich heritage through music, dance, and culinary delights.

Whale Watching: From January to March, humpback whales migrate to the waters surrounding Guadeloupe, offering visitors the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close on organized whale watching tours.

Diving and Snorkeling: The dry season provides excellent underwater visibility, making it an ideal time for diving and snorkeling adventures. Explore vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and a diverse array of marine life in the crystal-clear waters of Guadeloupe.

Rainy Season (June to November):

The rainy season, from June to November, is characterized by higher humidity levels and increased rainfall. While this period may deter some travelers, it also offers unique experiences and opportunities to explore Guadeloupe's natural beauty in a different light.

Highlights of the Rainy Season:

Lush Greenery: The rainy season brings renewed vitality to Guadeloupe's landscapes, with lush green vegetation and blooming flowers adorning the island. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to explore verdant rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and botanical gardens.

Waterfall Adventures: With the increase in rainfall, many of Guadeloupe's picturesque waterfalls reach their peak flow, creating stunning cascades surrounded by lush foliage. Hike through tropical trails to discover hidden gems such as the Carbet Falls or the Cascade aux Ecrevisses.

Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds: As the rainy season is considered the off-peak travel period, you may find lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds at popular attractions. Take advantage of this quieter time to immerse yourself in the local culture, savor authentic cuisine, and explore the island at your own pace.

Conclusion:

Choosing the best season to visit Guadeloupe Island depends on your preferences, interests, and tolerance for weather conditions. Whether you prefer the sunny skies and dry weather of the peak season or the lush landscapes and tranquility of the rainy season, Guadeloupe offers something special year-round. By understanding the unique characteristics of each season, you can plan a memorable and rewarding getaway to this Caribbean paradise.

[alexzachchaligne]

Guadeloupe Carnival 2023 #basseterre #guadeloupe #discoverguadeloupe (at Basse-Terre) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co8RK7rIfxT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mymusicbias]

[alleventsalert]

The Guadeloupe Carnival - Carnavaldeguadeloupe.com

The Guadeloupe Carnival – Carnavaldeguadeloupe.com

Carnavaldeguadeloupe.com – The Guadeloupe Carnival are organized by European settlers. It will be held on January – february 2021 in Capesterre-Belle-Eau. Carnavaldeguadeloupe.com | The Guadeloupe Carnival You just need to follow the steps to participate in European settlers. (The Guadeloupe Carnival). Open your default internet browser.Type www.carnavaldeguadeloupe.com in your address…

[zonjy]

News "Surprised ! Friendly Londoners and Carnival revellers at Notting Hill 2022 Media lies don't believe" on YouTube