Author Archives: Lexi

June 20 marked the summer solstice, the longest day of the year for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. While many of us simply enjoy the extra sunlight, cultures around the world have long celebrated this turning point in unique and meaningful ways.

In Sweden, Midsummer is a national favorite. Families gather in flower crowns to dance around maypoles, eat pickled herring, and stay up late under a sky that barely darkens. It’s a celebration of nature, fertility, and light.

Over in the UK, crowds gather at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise in perfect alignment with the ancient stones. Some come for the astronomy, others for the spirituality, but all come to witness a moment humans have marked for thousands of years.

In Japan, the solstice doesn’t come with massive festivals, but it’s a time when foods believed to help endure summer’s heat (like eel) are commonly eaten. It’s also a chance to appreciate the balance between light and dark.

And while we’re soaking up the sun, let’s not forget that in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the winter solstice with short days, long nights, and a completely different seasonal rhythm. The Incan festival of Inti Raymi, celebrated in Peru, honors the sun god and the return of longer days ahead.

No matter where you are in the world, the solstice reminds us of our shared connection to the earth and how our cultures have found beautiful, diverse ways to honor its cycles.

June 19, 1865, marked a turning point in American history. Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed over two years earlier, it wasn’t until Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, that the last enslaved African Americans were finally freed. That day became known as Juneteenth (a blend of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth’) and it remains a powerful symbol of delayed justice, resilience, and freedom.

Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a US federal holiday, but its impact reaches beyond borders. It’s a reminder that progress is often uneven, and that recognizing and reflecting on hard history is part of building a more inclusive future.

As we approach the holiday, we honor the struggles and triumphs it represents, and the voices that made sure the story of Juneteenth would not be forgotten.

Please note: While Juneteenth falls on Wednesday, June 19, our US offices will remain open that day.

Do people lie more in some countries than others? Well… it depends on who and where you’re asking.

In more individualistic cultures like the US or Austria, honesty is often treated as a moral absolute. But in collectivist cultures, where preserving harmony and relationships is a priority, the truth can sometimes take a back seat to kindness.

For example, studies have shown that in Mexico, people may be more willing to bend the truth to protect a friend. In Thailand, there’s a cultural concept called she moon, which is the idea of helping a friend save face, even if that means telling a white lie. In parts of Europe, disabilities are sometimes hidden due to social stigma.

It’s not about who’s “right” or “wrong”, just different ideas about loyalty, shame, and what it means to do the right thing.

At Local Concept, we know that cultural nuance matters. Even in translation, truth isn’t always black and white.

They might not take up much space on the map, but these mini nations pack in plenty of culture, history, and surprises.

Vatican City
The world’s smallest country is less than half a square kilometer, but it’s home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. It even has its own radio station, post office, and guards in Renaissance uniforms.

Nauru
This tiny island in the Pacific has no official capital, no public transportation, and no McDonald’s. But it does have one of the most unusual histories, once briefly becoming the richest country per capita (thanks to phosphate mining).

San Marino
Tucked inside Italy, San Marino claims to be the world’s oldest republic, founded in 301 CE. With medieval towers, winding streets, and its own Olympic team, it’s a time capsule you can visit today.

Liechtenstein
Nestled in the Alps, this little principality has more companies than citizens. Bonus fun fact: It’s so safe, the last recorded murder was over a decade ag

Tuvalu
With just nine islands and fewer than 12,000 people, Tuvalu is small, but its .tv domain has made it big in the world of streaming and tech.

These countries may be small, but they show how identity, influence, and innovation aren’t measured in square miles. In global affairs, it’s not always about size. It’s about voice.

May 1st, or May Day, is a unique holiday with two distinct identities: one that celebrates the changing of the seasons, and another rooted in labor rights and international solidarity. Across the globe, this day is marked by a wide range of traditions. Some are joyful and festive, others solemn and political.

Springtime Celebrations
In many cultures, May Day is a celebration of fertility, flowers, and the return of warm weather. These seasonal customs date back thousands of years and often have pagan or folk origins.

• England is famous for its Maypole dancing, where people weave ribbons around a tall pole, accompanied by music and flower crowns.
• In Germany and parts of Scandinavia, May Day celebrations include bonfires and dancing as part of Walpurgis Night, a festival to ward off evil spirits.
• In Hawaii, Lei Day on May 1 celebrates Hawaiian culture with the giving and wearing of flower leis, along with hula and traditional music.

International Workers’ Day
May 1st also serves as International Workers’ Day, commemorating the labor movement’s fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and an eight-hour workday. This side of May Day traces its roots to the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago.

• In France, it’s customary to give muguet (lily of the valley) flowers as a token of appreciation and solidarity.
• In Cuba, large parades are held in Havana to honor workers.
• In South Korea, May 1 is known as Labor Day and is a national holiday dedicated to recognizing workers’ contributions.

One Day, Many Meanings
Whether you’re dancing around a maypole or marching for workers’ rights, May Day represents renewal of seasons, rights, and community. It’s a powerful reminder that celebration and advocacy can go hand in hand.