01/25/2025
🇬🇷 Greece is a culinary treasure that will captivate your taste buds with its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes that exemplify the essence of Greek cuisine
🥗 Taramasalata: This creamy and smooth dip, made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon, and bread or potatoes, is a staple in Greek meals. It pairs perfectly with fresh bread or vegetables.
🫒 Olives & Olive Oil: Renowned for its olives and aromatic olive oil, Greece's cuisine revolves around these ingredients. Drizzle it on salads or grilled fish for added magic.
🍃 Dolmades: These vine leaves, stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, offer a burst of flavor in every bite. They are a classic appetizer that is both beautiful and delicious.
🍆 Moussaka: A rich and hearty dish layered with eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, representing comfort food at its finest.
🧀 Courgette Balls: Known as kolokythokeftedes, these crispy zucchini fritters packed with herbs and cheese serve as the perfect snack or side dish.
Greek food transcends mere sustenance; it is an experience that unites people. 🥂🍽️ Learn more about Greek food dishes here:
https://www.tasteatlas.com/greece
🇬🇷 🥗 🥄 🍴 🍽️ 😋
01/23/2025
Were you able to guess the country yesterday with the hints we gave you? If you guessed Greece 🇬🇷, you are correct!
Greece is rich in history, mythology, and ancient landmarks like the Acropolis. Due to the country’s barren landscape, many people migrated. Several million people of Greek descent now live around the world.
Greek wine was originally produced for domestic consumption. By the 1990s, Greece started producing wines of higher quality leading to expansion into the world market. In addition, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and chickens are raised for export and local consumption.
Here are some fun facts about Greece:
🇬🇷 Forests cover approximately one-fifth of the land.
🇬🇷 Greece has intensive fishing activity due to its extensive coastlines and numerous islands.
🇬🇷 Education in Greece is free at all levels and is compulsory for children between 6-15 years old.
🇬🇷 Greek society is noted for its strong family structure and low crime rate.
Want to learn more about Greece? Check out the The Worldview Project’s World of Cultures page: https://www.worldofcultures.org/index.php?id=greece
Have you visited Greece? Let us know in the comments below!
01/21/2025
🌟🌟 The San Diego Participant Observer's 🌍international recipe of the month hails from Greece! 🌟🌟
Salantourmasi is a beloved 💓dish believed to have originated from the island of Kastelorizo in the southern Dodecanese islands🏝.
Salantourmasi, Greek Stuffed Onions🧅🧅, is a delicious concoction made of easy-to-procure ingredients. Many of the ingredients 🍖🍅in Salantourmasi are fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine: onions, beef or lamb, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, oregano, and, of course, olive oil. Preparation is straightforward, but these delights require slow ⏲cooking in your oven. But this recipe is worth the wait as Salantourmasi are flavor bombs! ✨🍽💖
Share this post with the foodies in your life!
Get the recipe 🍴 for Salantoumasi here:https://www.parobs.org/salantourmasi-greek-stuffed-onions
01/21/2025
It's the year of the Snake 🐍 and time for the 15th annual San Diego Lunar New Year Festival.
This free three-day event features a vibrant array of folk and traditional performances, arts and cultural exhibitions, lion dances, firecrackers, and numerous family-friendly activities.🐍🌝
Learn more by visiting the SD Lunar New Year Festival at https://www.sdlunarnewyearfestival.com/
Here is the list of all the contests and schedule at the 2025 San Diego Lunar New Year Festival.
01/19/2025
Enjoy the island’s culinary specialties, such as romazava 🥘, a savory stew; akoho sy voanio 🐓🥥, or chicken in coconut milk; and ravitoto 🌿, a dish made from cassava leaves. Be sure to try the unique zebu meat dishes 🥩🐂 and indulge in fresh tropical fruits! 🍍🥭
🌍✨ Deep Spirituality:
The Malagasy people hold deep reverence for their ancestors and the natural world 🌿🌏. The famadihana (turning of the bones) ceremony 🕊️🤝 is a heartfelt tradition celebrating family and unity.
🏙️🛖 Warm Hospitality:
In both bustling cities 🏢🌆 and remote villages 🏡🌳, the people of Madagascar welcome you with warmth and smiles 😊❤️. Their kindness and generosity leave a lasting impression. 🌟🤗
🍴✨ Ready to Taste Madagascar?
Bring the flavors of Madagascar to San Diego! Try making Akoho Sy Voanio at home using this recipe from the Participant Observer Cookbook:
🔗 https://www.parobs.org/malagasy-akoho-sy-voanio
🇲🇬 🗺️ 💎 🏝️
01/18/2025
Madagascar offers more than breathtaking beaches 🏖️ and distinctive wildlife 🦎🦜; it is a rich tapestry of vibrant culture and traditions that will captivate you! 🇲🇬
🎶💃 Discover the Essence of Madagascar: From the lively salegy 🥁🕺 to the rhythmic hira gasy 🎤🎵, each performance narrates a tale of joy, love, and community.
👗🧵 Weaving and Craftsmanship: The Malagasy people excel in creating beautiful lamba garments . Featuring intricate patterns and vivid colors, these reflect their artistic heritage and creativity. 🎨🪡
🌟A Treasure Worth Exploring: Madagascar is a cultural paradise waiting to be discovered! Who’s ready to pack their bags 🎒✈️ and immerse themselves in this vibrant destination? 🗺️💫
Learn more about the culture of Madagascar: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-culture-of-madagascar.html
🇲🇬 🌍 💎 🏝️
01/17/2025
Madagascar: Where Landscapes and People Create Magic 🌍✨
Madagascar is a land of extraordinary beauty, where the natural world feels like a living masterpiece. Iconic sights like the Avenue of the Baobabs—with its towering ancient trees—and the sharp limestone peaks of Tsingy de Bemaraha showcase the island’s diverse terrain. The serene beaches of Nosy Be and the lush rainforests of the east teem with wildlife found nowhere else, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Just as captivating are the Malagasy people, whose warmth and hospitality reflect their deep-rooted values. With a blend of African and Austronesian heritage, their culture is a vibrant mix of traditions, music, and storytelling. Central to their way of life is "fihavanana", a philosophy of harmony and community that shapes their interactions and traditions.
Madagascar is a destination where breathtaking landscapes meet a rich and welcoming culture, offering an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Here is a video for you to learn more about the landscape and people:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-wee_fcf_0
What would you love to explore the dramatic landscapes or the vibrant culture?
# Madagascar
01/16/2025
Were you able to guess the country yesterday? If you guessed Madagascar 🇲🇬, you are correct!
Madagascar is an island country lying off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo. Due to the island's isolation, many zoologically primitive primates have survived and evolved into unique forms.
A large part of Malagasy culture is intertwined with Indonesian elements. Madagascar’s coastline is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The calm lagoons and beaches overlook offshore coral reefs, home to a rich and diverse array of marine life.
Here are some fun facts about Madagascar:
🇲🇬 Madagascar was one of the last major habitable landmasses on Earth to be settled by humans.
🇲🇬Madagascar's current environmental issues revolve around erosion and soil degradation as a result of deforestation and overgrazing.
🇲🇬 The Malagasy language is rich in proverbs, and there is now extensive written literature including poetry, legend, history, works treating contemporary themes, and scholarly works.
🇲🇬 Madagascar made its Olympic debut in 1964 at the Tokyo Games.
Want to learn more about Madagascar? Check out the The Worldview Project’s World of Cultures page: https://www.worldofcultures.org/index.php?id=madagascar
Have you visited Madagascar? Let us know in the comments below!
01/14/2025
Don't miss the Music and Stories from Ukraine featuring Julian Kytasty hosted by our friends at the Center for World Music!
01/14/2025
Are you looking for new music for the new year? 🪇🎼Check out Alefa Madagascar. 🪇🎼
This groundbreaking CD is the first compilation to document the unique culture of salegy, soukous, and soul on the island of Madagascar during the ‘70s and ‘80s.🥁🎹
Originating as far back as the 15th Century through folkloric ceremonial music and a ca****la chanting style called antsa, salegy emerged as a fast-tempo local dance style. The strong call-and-response dialogues, rich vocal choruses, and rolling triplet feel in the rhythm sections boasted the unique Malagasy sensibility. 💃🕺🪘
Learn more about the CD here at the San Diego Participant Observer website: https://tinyurl.com/yke342va
01/07/2025
Check out this event hosted by our friends at Center for World Music!
Meet Julian Kytasty, a world-renowned master of the bandura, Ukraine’s iconic 50+ string instrument. Hailing from a family of musicians, Julian has spent decades bringing the rich stories and sounds of Ukrainian culture to life on stages around the world. 🎵
Known as a "one-person orchestra," Julian blends history, artistry, and passion in every performance. His music doesn’t just entertain—it takes you on a journey through centuries of tradition and storytelling. 🎤 Stick around after the show to hear Julian’s stories and ask your questions about his music and the bandura! 🎶
✨ Catch Julian Kytasty live in concert and Be part of this unforgettable evening! ✨
📅 Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM PST
📍 Location: La Jolla Community Center
🎟️ Tickets & info: Link in bio
Soul of the Bandura: Music and Stories from Ukraine featuring Julian Kytasty
12/23/2024
Christmas Across Asia: A Festive Blend of Cultures 🌍🎁
While Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in many Asian countries, it has been embraced with unique customs reflecting global and local traditions. In the Philippines, known for the longest Christmas season in the world, celebrations begin as early as September. Homes and streets glow with parols (star lanterns), and families attend Simbang Gabi, a cherished series of dawn masses. Meanwhile, Japan celebrates with a romantic twist, as couples exchange gifts and share special meals, often featuring fried chicken, under the glow of dazzling illuminations. 🎄🎁
In South Korea, Christmas is a public holiday filled with festive markets, church services, and hearty meals like Korean BBQ paired with sweet treats. India’s celebrations in Christian communities center around midnight masses and feasts of biryani and traditional sweets such as kuswar. Vietnam’s streets come alive with colorful decorations and joyful parades, as families and friends gather to exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals.
Across Asia, Christmas showcases the beauty of blending cultures, creating a season that is both uniquely regional and universally joyful. More about how Asian countries celebrate Christmas: https://shorturl.at/w5KA3
If you could spend Christmas in any Asian country, where would you go and why? 🎅♥
12/21/2024
🎄✨ This holiday season, make your celebrations extra special with Santa's List Cakes! 🎅🍰 Whether you're gathering with family, hosting a festive party, or simply indulging in the spirit of Christmas, the cakes are baked with love to bring joy to every bite. ❤️🎂
From rich chocolate delights 🍫 to velvety vanilla creations 🍮, there's something for everyone on Santa's list. Each cake is beautifully crafted to add a magical touch to your holiday table. 🌟🍴
🎁 Spread the joy by gifting a Santa’s List Cake to someone special. After all, the holidays are sweeter when shared. 💝✨
Here is the link to the recipe for Santa's List Cakes:
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a61806381/santas-list-cakes-recipe/
🎅 Are you on the naughty or nice list? Let us know in the comments below! 🎄🍰
🎁✨🎂
12/20/2024
🎄✨ Nothing says the holidays quite like the Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log! 🍰 This traditional French dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful. Crafted to resemble a festive yule log, it is made with a light and airy sponge cake, rolled with rich cream, and topped with decadent chocolate frosting. 🍫 It’s a showstopper for any holiday table. 🌟
Decorated with powdered sugar for snow ❄️, sprigs of holly 🌿, and even edible mushrooms 🍄, the Bûche de Noël is a true culinary masterpiece. Whether you stick to the classic flavors or add your own creative twist, it’s a dessert that brings warmth and cheer to your celebrations. ❤️🎅
Have you ever tried making or tasting a Yule Log Cake? 🤔 Share your favorite recipes or memories in the comments below! 🍴🎁
Here’s the link to the recipe for Yule Log Cake: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a24276998/buche-de-noel-yule-log-cake-recipe/
🎂❄️🎄
12/19/2024
This holiday season, wow your guests with Osso Buco, a traditional Italian dish of braised veal shanks cooked slowly in a savory broth of white wine, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat is infused with rich flavors, while the marrow in the bone adds a luxurious touch to this festive centerpiece. To prepare, sear the veal shanks for a golden crust, then sauté the aromatics to create a flavorful base before letting everything simmer gently until the meat is fork-tender. 🍲
For a Christmas🎄 twist, serve with creamy polenta or saffron risotto for a touch of indulgence, and garnish with a bright gremolata of parsley, lemon zest🍋, and garlic for a pop of freshness. Pair this comforting dish with a full-bodied white or light red wine🍷, and watch it become the star of your holiday table. Like all good braises, Osso Buco can be made ahead, so you can focus on enjoying the day with your loved ones.
Full recipe here for reference, and photo credit: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/osso_buco/
Who would you love to share this elegant Italian classic with? Tag them below! ✨🎁