22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 18, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates Oman’s National Day and the freedom of the oldest independent state in the Arab world. On this day in 1650, Oman expelled the Portuguese forces from the country and its ports, ending nearly 150 years of colonization. To kick off the holiday, students sing the national anthem of Oman, also called as-Salâm as-Solṭâni or نشيد السلام السلطاني. Pride for the country runs deep as people of all ages dance to the folk music that flows through the streets. Buildings, bridges, and cars are decked out in patriotic symbols and national colors as the Omani flag, like the one waving in today's Doodle, flutters from every streetlight. Family and friends often gather during the holidays, and there are a variety of festivities to suit everyone's interests — from camel races to marine festivals, to equestrian shows. Whether people prefer to celebrate their nation's culture or simply enjoy spending time with loved ones, there’s an engaging activity for everyone. Happy National Day, Oman! Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 17, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates Freedom and Democracy Day in the Czech Republic! On this day in 1939, Czechoslovakian students had thousands of people joining their protest against Nazi occupation. 50 years later, students led a memorial march against communism, giving the Czech people another reason to treasure this day. It spurred a series of protests known as the Velvet Revolution across Czechoslovakia and marked the start of the nation’s transition to a democracy. This date is also International Students Day because they played a pivotal role in achieving freedom. Across the country, people will wave flags like the one in today’s Doodle and wear the nation’s colors of blue, white, and red. Some attend speeches about the meaning of freedom and patriotic concerts, like the Concert for the Future. Memorials that honor those who championed government reform are bustling with people laying wreaths or lighting candles in appreciation of those peaceful protesters. Happy Freedom and National Day, Czech Republic! Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 17, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates Slovakia Freedom and Democracy Day! Each year, Slovakians around the world commemorate the watershed moments that transformed their country into a free nation. One of these turning points occurred in when Czechoslovakian students organized a series of peaceful protests. Thousands joined to demand their freedom from the Nazi occupation. Although the protests initially failed, they inspired the "Gentle Revolution" five decades later. Led by students and artists, the second series of nonviolent demonstrations took place in Prague and Bratislava. On this day in 1989, their acts of civil disobedience forced the authoritarian government to agree to a peaceful transition to democracy. Thousands of people jingled their keys to celebrate this pivotal moment in history, a symbolic act of unlocking democracy that activists still use in demonstrations today. For many, this holiday is a powerful reminder that civil disobedience can lead to remarkable change. Happy Freedom and Democracy Day, Slovakia! Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 12, 2023 Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 11, 2023 Location: , , Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 11, 2023 Today’s annual Doodle celebrates Poland Independence Day, also known as Narodowe Święto Niepodległości! This nationwide holiday reflects the enduring spirit and resilience of the country’s citizens. On this day in 1918, Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partitioned occupancy under foreign rule. After the end of World War I, Polish citizens retook their territories and reclaimed their sovereignty. An interim government was put in place, including the appointment of Józef Pilsudski as commander in chief. He soon introduced several reforms for agriculture, working conditions, and electoral processes. On Independence day, Independence marches commence and many citizens decorate their homes and communities with the white and red Polish flag, which symbolizes purity and sacrifice. Happy Independence Day, Poland! Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 9, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates Cambodia’s Independence Day. On this day in 1953, the Southeast-Asian country signed its Declaration of Independence, officially becoming a free nation after a century of French and Japanese rule. The capital city of Phnom Penh hosts the biggest Independence Day celebrations. Cambodians gather for a formal ceremony at the base of the towering Independence Monument where public officials give speeches. Later, marching bands and festive floats parade through downtown and in front of the Royal Palace. At night, the Royal Palace and other government buildings are illuminated with the national colors of red and blue — just like the flag in today’s Doodle. Families might enjoy national dishes like samlar machu kroeung and beef loc lac before they watch fireworks fill the night sky. Happy Independence Day, Cambodia! Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 3, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates Panama’s National Day! On this day in 1903, the Republic of Panama was established when it broke away from Colombia. Panama had been a part of the Republic of Greater Colombia since 1821 when the nation became independent from Spanish rule. The republic included parts of modern-day Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Guyana, Venezuela, and of course Panama, whose departure led to the construction of the Panama Canal. The canal is a constant reminder of the nation’s motto, Pro Mundi Beneficio , as it benefits many countries in international trade. It is even one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Also known as Separation Day, citizens attend firework shows and musical parades called dianas featuring first responders, military personnel, and school marching bands to celebrate the country’s autonomy. Couples often wear traditional outfits like straw hats and flowing, embroidered skirts to perform the national dance of Panama, El Tamborito. The flag of Panama, like the one waving in today’s Doodle, can be seen throughout the streets, along with its colors of red, blue, and white. Happy National Day, Panama! Location: Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 3, 2023 In honor of Native American Heritage Month, today’s Doodle celebrates renowned Chiricahua Apache sculptor, painter, and book illustrator Allan Haozous . Created by Albuquerque-based , today’s artwork depicts Haozous in his element working on a sculpture of an Apache man and woman. On this day in 2012, his sculpture The Future was unveiled at the Autry Museum of the American West. Haozous was born on June 30, 1914 in Apache, Oklahoma, to two parents who had experienced the trauma of being held as political prisoners for 27 years due to their tribal affiliation. Haozous was born soon after their release and grew up on a farm where he learned about his culture through stories and songs his father shared. When he turned 20, he moved to New Mexico and started painting at the Santa Fe Indian School. Haozous’ skill was quickly recognized and commissions started rolling in. In 1939 he created murals for the New York World’s Fair, the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., and the Golden Gate Exposition. Haozous was commissioned by the Haskell Institute to create a memorial honoring the Native American soldiers who had died in WWI. This piece, Comrade in Mourning , was Haozous' first marble sculpture. The following year, he received the Guggenheim Fellowship for sculpting and painting, which allowed him to dedicate more time to his craft. Haozous taught the next generation of Native American artists from 1951 to 1975, both at the Inter-Mountain Indian School in Utah and the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, where he created the sculpture department. During this time, he showed his artistic range by creating hundreds of paintings, illustrating several children’s books, and making carvings from bronze, stone, and steel. Haozous left teaching in 1975 and produced almost 1,000 sculptures in various mediums during his retirement which garnered international acclaim. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1985 and was the featured artist of the 2002 Winter Olympics hosted in Utah. Over his career he received many awards for his art and was the first Native American to win the National Medal of Arts. Today, many enjoy Haozous’ pieces which are displayed across several cities including, Santa Fe, Vancouver, London, Paris, Tokyo, and a few D.C. museums including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. Guest Artist Q&A with Lynette Haozous Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Albuquerque-based . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A: Dagot’ee! When I was little, I would always see one of Allan Houser Haozous’ bronze sculptures of Apache People in downtown Phoenix, AZ. From my point of view, those Apache figures looked as tall as all those buildings around it. That solidified in my mind an image of proud Apache people, standing tall, still here, resilient and strong. Seeing that representation of myself, that representation of my Apache People and culture represented in art out in the world was so meaningful to me, it empowered me as a Chiricahua Apache woman and artist throughout life. Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: I drew inspiration from Mr. Houser’s bronze Apache sculptures, and the story of seeing these in person when I was young. I also used reference photos of him working on huge sculptures and seeing how he looked at his pieces with such a fierce concentration but a deep reverence for his creations. I imagined him taking care of these creations like Ancestors. Allan’s innovative abstract sculptures have been a signature style of his, and I wanted to create a sculptural form similar to those pieces, so I drew upon some of his Apache, and Pueblo, women and child abstract pieces. I’m Chiricahua Apache and also part Diné and Taos Pueblo, so I could really resonate with how he was inspired by Taos Pueblo People, and I created the abstract form more in the style of his Taos/Pueblo figures. Apache star and mountain designs are incorporated for the background and foreground border. There is a yucca plant to represent the desert and homeland of Apache people, it was also used for medicinal purposes. An Apache wikiup sits on the landscapes horse on line, while the Sun, , encircles the “Three Sisters Mountain”. “Three Sisters Mountain” is one of four mountains sacred to Chiricahua/ Apache People. There are some Apache colors, , designs, Apache shield designs, worked throughout the piece as well. Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A: I hope that people see that Allan Houser Haozous’ life and work told the story of Apache People’s resistance, resilience, history, and beauty. I’d like for people to see Native People, and their history and resilience through this piece. I’d like for people to know how influential Mr. Houser was for not only Native Artists but for Native People and our history, he inspired many to be fearless in their creativity and to push the boundaries of what is considered “Native Art”, and took back our narratives and pushed it into the public consciousness to be respected and recognized. From Mr. Houser’s resiliency in being “the first Apache child born-free from being a prisoner of war”, to creating a life of art and opening doors for Native Artists in the world, his contribution to Native Art and History is everlasting. Location: , , Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 2, 2023 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Barcelona-based guest artist , celebrates Spanish Romani dancer Carmen Amaya. Considered one of the greatest flamenco dancers of all time, Amaya’s boundless energy and personality manifested in her every move. Amaya was born on this day in 1913 in Barcelona. She was born into a long line of flamenco dancers. Amaya’s father was a guitarist, and by age four, she danced in taverns and bars while he played. After touring neighborhood venues for years, Amaya’s expressive dancing style gained the attention of a variety showrunner. He booked her in prestigious places like Barcelona’s Spanish Theatre and Paris’ Palace Theatre — the latter became a staple in her career. By 1929, Amaya started touring through Spain and Portugal with some of the most respected flamenco dancers of the time. Flamenco dancing traditionally focuses on upper body movement, but Amaya used her entire body. Her rapid footwork became iconic, earning her fans across Latin America. She eventually settled in Buenos Aires and founded her own flamenco troupe. They toured everywhere from Cuba to Brazil. After a decade on the road, Amaya moved to Mexico City. In 1941, she performed in New York and made a fan of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt which resulted in an invite to dance at the White House! Amaya spent her late career in Hollywood and acted in films like La Historia de los Tarantos. Amaya has been honored in many ways including Spain’s government awarded her the Medal of the Tourist Merit of Barcelona and Barcelona’s Montuic Park features a monument and a fountain in her honor. Amaya’s legacy lives in the twists and turns of today’s flamenco dancers. Happy birthday, Carmen Amaya! Guest Artist Q&A with Genie Espinosa Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Barcelona-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A: I really admire the power and strength of women like Carmen who broke down walls and showed her talent without hesitation. Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: I watched many old videos and performances to gain an understanding of her vibe. Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A: I hope people get curious about Carmen and are inspired to watch Carmen’s performance again Location: , , , , , , , , Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 1, 2023 Today’s hand-crafted paper automata Doodle celebrates Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, in Mexico. This holiday, celebrated from November 1st through November 2nd and is a time for families to honor loved ones who have passed. On this day each year, it’s said that the border between the spirit world and living world dissolves, allowing the souls of the dead to reunite with their families. Día de los Muertos has indigenous roots dating back more than 3,000 years ago to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztec, Mayan, and Nahua. It was believed that after death, a person had to complete nine challenges to reach the final resting place of Chicunamictlán. Families would place altares of food, water, tools, and other symbolic items to aid their loved ones’ journeys in the afterlife. To celebrate, many Mexicans paint their faces with calaveras . Women wear colorful dresses or blouses and handmade flower crowns, while men dress in suits and hats. Families bring ofrendas such as pictures and personal items of the departed to altars adorned with marigolds. These bright orange flowers line the pathway back to the living and attract souls with their scent and vibrance. Feasts of tamales, pan de muerto, calaveras de azúcar, and other Mexican delicacies are also served throughout the country. Día de los Muertos is a colorful and lively occasion for remembering and celebrating those who have passed on from this world. It’s an intimate dedication to the deceased, and an invaluable time for families to reunite with their loved ones. Check out the behind-the-scenes process for today’s Doodle artwork by Doodler, Hélene Leroux Early Doodle Drafts Location: , , , , , , , , , , Tags:
22.11.2023 08:15 Date: November 1, 2023 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 78th birthday of Farooq Qaiser, famous Pakistani puppeteer, artist, writer, and voice actor. He’s most known for creating Uncle Sargam, a fictional puppet character that stole the hearts of many children and adults alike, and became a household name throughout the country. Uncle Sargam and his companion, Masi Museebtay, are featured in today’s Doodle artwork! Qaiser was born on this day in 1945 in Sialkot, Punjab. He studied Fine Art at the National College of Arts in Lahore, where he was first introduced to the world of puppetry. While there, he was invited to work on a children’s television program called Akka Bakkar as a show writer and puppet maker. Qaiser also attended the University of Bucharest for his bachelor’s in graphic design and the University of Southern California for a master’s in mass communications. In 1976, the puppeteer started creating his own children’s show and eventually landed a broadcasting opportunity on Pakistani Television . It wasn’t long before Kaliyan found its way onto family TV screens across the nation. The show brilliantly balanced humor and satire to teach valuable life lessons to its young audience. Uncle Sargam, the main character, was also charming and relatable enough that parents enjoyed watching alongside their kids. Beyond puppetry, Qaiser had his hand in other pursuits. He worked as a columnist and cartoonist for the Daily Nai Baat, an Urdu newspaper, and taught at the Fatima Jinnah Women’s University in Rawalpindi. He also co-founded the Pakistani branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette and served as its long-time vice president. For his contributions, Qaiser has been awarded the Presidential Pride of Performance in 1993, the title of “Master Puppeteer” from UNICEF in 1997, the PTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, and highest civil award of Pakistan in 2021 for his literary and artistic contributions towards society. He played a vital role in educating and entertaining the people of Pakistan through television, and is remembered for his irreplaceable, unmatchable spirit. Happy birthday, Farooq Qaiser! Pictured: Farooq Qaiser Courtesy Ali Farooq Pictured: Farooq Qaiser with statues of his puppets Courtesy Ali Farooq Location: Tags:
