Holidays
Celebrating Independence Day in America in 2019
For the Fourth of July, we're highlighting some of our favorite Pacific Standard stories on expressions of patriotism and American identity.
Viewfinder: May Day in Chile
A Chilean demonstrator clashes with riot police during a May Day rally in Santiago, Chile, on May 1st, 2019.
Celebrating Earth Day in 2019
For Earth Day, we selected some of our favorite stories about environmentalism in the 21st century.
Viewfinder: Celebrating Nowruz in Turkey
Nowruz, which starts on the vernal equinox and marks the Iranian New Year, is celebrated by more than 300 million people in diverse communities across the world.
Viewfinder: Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans
A member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club marches down St. Charles Avenue during a Mardi Gras parade on March 5th, 2019, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Viewfinder: Ushering in the Year of the Pig
Miss Chinatown USA Jasmine Lee holds a piglet while ushering in the Chinese New Year on February 5th, 2019, in San Francisco, California.
Viewfinder: Visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
People visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., for Martin Luther King Day on January 21st, 2019.
What Research Says About Sticking to New Year's Resolutions
If nothing else, there's comfort in knowing most people will fall short of their goals.
Viewfinder: Venezuelan Migrants Bring the Holidays With Them
A Venezuelan migrant rests next to a Christmas tree at an improvised camp near a bus terminal in Bogota, Colombia.
Viewfinder: Stocking Up on Sweets for the Holidays
Shoppers purchase sweets from a stall at the Manchester Christmas Market on November 9th, 2018.
The Pacific Standard Guide to Gift Giving
Panicked about some last-minute Christmas shopping? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Viewfinder: Farming Conifers for Christmas Trees in Northern Germany
Two men carry freshly cut conifers to be used as Christmas trees at the Gut Kuehren plantation in Kuehren near Kiel, northern Germany.
Viewfinder: Supporters of Immigrants Hold a Toy Drive Outside an ICE Facility
Envy Silva, whose family is originally from Guatemala, holds a holiday toy she received from immigration activists across the street from the Miramar Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility in South Florida.
Viewfinder: Celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City
A pilgrim arrives on his knees at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City during the annual celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint, on December 12th, 2018.
Viewfinder: Inspecting Santa Candidates in Germany
An employee at the job center in the city of Rostock, Germany, inspects candidates for a position at the center's Santa Claus agency on December 11th, 2018.
Viewfinder: A Hanukkah Reception at the White House
President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Karen Pence attend a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House on December 6th, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
Viewfinder: Coal Miners Gather in Poland
Coal miners from Poland's Pniowek coal mine carry a painting of Saint Barbara on Barbórka, their annual day of tribute to Barbara, from the mine to their local church on December 4th, 2018, in Pawlowice, near Wodzislaw Slaski, Poland.
Viewfinder: Celebrating Hanukkah in Berlin
Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal (right) and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier light Europe's largest menorah during a public ceremony on the first night of Hanukkah, on December 2nd, 2018, in Berlin, Germany.
Viewfinder: A Christmas Tree Shortage Drives Up Prices
Workers help prepare a Christmas tree for sale at a Holiday Sale Christmas Tree lot on November 29th, 2018, in Miami, Florida.
The Case Against Arguing About Politics With Your Family at Thanksgiving
Two years after Election Day, Trump dominates virtually every aspect of public life. How about we take a break for a day?
Viewfinder: Pardoned Turkeys Strut on the White House Lawn
The two pardoned turkeys, Peas and Carrots, will spend the rest of their lives at a farm after the annual Thanksgiving presidential tradition.
Viewfinder: A Diwali Ceremony at the White House
President Donald Trump lights a "diya," or oil lamp, as Indian Ambassador to the United States Navtej Singh Sarna looks on during a Diwali ceremony at the White House on November 13th, 2018.
What American Veterans Face in 2018
Homelessness, a chaotic VA, PTSD, and a shrinking cohort are just some of the challenges for the group—and the country.
Viewfinder: Bonfire Night in England
Revelers parade through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex, southern England, on November 5th, 2018, during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations.