Traditional Olive Oil Soap Production in Nablus, West Bank

The Touqan soap factory in Nablus, West Bank, has been producing olive oil soap for over 150 years. The tradition of making soap has been passed down through generations and was recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. However, the factory has faced challenges due to competition from global brands and the Israeli military occupation, which has led to decreased production and difficulties in operations.

Challenges Facing the Fish Sauce Industry in Vietnam

The centuries-old tradition of making fish sauce in Vietnam's Nam O fishing village is under threat due to climate change, overfishing, and geopolitical tensions. The younger generation is working hard to preserve this cultural heritage despite challenges in sourcing anchovies.

Impact of Lithium Mining on Indigenous Communities in Chile

Indigenous Lickanantay people in Chile's Atacama Desert resist lithium mining operations due to the potential destruction of their culture and environment. Companies like SQM, Albemarle Corp., and BYD have set up operations on the Atacama salt flat, leading to mixed opinions among locals about the benefits and harms of the lithium boom. Residents fear the loss of water, work, and culture as the extraction of lithium continues.

Repatriation of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria nearly 130 years after they were looted by British troops and sold to the Dutch, contributing to redressing a historical injustice.

Chinese animated film 'Ne Zha 2' breaks box office records

The Chinese animated film 'Ne Zha 2' has become China's highest-grossing movie of all time, earning almost $1.3 billion in just two weeks. It tells the story of a mythical child with superpowers and a punk attitude who rebels against his destiny. The film has been praised for its Chinese cultural roots and visual experience.

Kyoto struggling with tourist crowds

The iconic city of Kyoto is struggling to cope with the overwhelming number of tourists flooding its streets, leading to concerns about the impact on the city's historic attractions. The Japanese government aims to boost tourism while managing the challenges of record visitor numbers.

Recent News Highlights

President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 men on federal death row, investing in research for long COVID treatments, assessing damage to cultural heritage sites in Lebanon, musician Saint Levant's performances about Gaza, Bolivian skateboarders at Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and Blake Lively's legal complaint against co-star and director Justin Baldoni.

Tourist Behavior in Florence and Barcelona

Tourist caught inappropriately posing with iconic statue in Florence, sparking outrage among locals and cultural heritage organization. Bad tourist behavior abroad becoming a growing concern, with Barcelona locals resorting to water guns to make tourists leave.

Kaw tribe reclaiming sacred boulder

The Kaw tribe has reclaimed a sacred boulder used as a monument to those who pushed them out of Kansas.

Chechnya Bans Music with Tempos Considered Too Fast or Too Slow

Chechnya bans music with tempos considered too fast or too slow, criminalizing many genres. Artists have until June 1 to rewrite music to fit the new rule.

Brussels nightclub Fuse facing tensions with neighbors over noise complaints

The Brussels nightclub Fuse is facing tensions with neighbors due to noise complaints, highlighting the clash between cultural exuberance and city gentrification. Despite celebrating its 30th anniversary with global events and sponsorships, the club's existence is threatened by increasing complaints and regulations.

Michelangelo's 'David' Statue Commercialization

Michelangelo's 'David' statue in Florence is being commercialized through unauthorized souvenirs focusing on its genitalia, leading to legal battles to protect its cultural and artistic significance.

Commercial Exploitation of Michelangelo's 'David'

Michelangelo's 'David' in Florence is facing commercial exploitation through the sale of inappropriate souvenirs, leading to legal battles to protect its cultural significance and integrity.

Language Revitalization in the Lakota Nation

The Lakota Nation is debating the best way to revitalize the Lakota language, with some advocating for standardization and others preferring to maintain the language's diversity in writing and speaking.

Recovery Efforts in Lahaina after Wildfire Destruction

The historic city of Lahaina, once the royal capital of Hawaii, was destroyed by a wildfire in 2022. The recovery effort involves cultural considerations and protection of historical artifacts, with indigenous groups providing support. The cleanup is complex and deliberate, aiming to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the area.

Preservation Efforts for Historically Black Cemeteries

Vandals spray painted 'free Gaza' on cemetery walls, prompting preservation efforts for historically Black cemeteries suffering from neglect and desecration. Community members, state, and local governments work to rebuild ancestral links and raise awareness about threats to cemetery preservation.