In this Peruvian tradition, families settle disputes through organized fistfights, a tradition dating back to the 1600s. Learn more: buff.ly/4foR3Ks #christmas #culture #tradition #Peru #Venezuela #Guatemala

In Caracas, Venezuela, the period between December 16 and 24 transforms the streets into a unique spectacle of roller skating. Learn more: buff.ly/4foR3Ks #christmas #culture #tradition #Peru #Venezuela #Guatemala

In Caracas, Venezuela, roads close, allowing people to skate freely to the early morning Christmas mass. Learn more: buff.ly/4foR3Ks #christmas #culture #tradition #Peru #Venezuela #Guatemala

A playful Venezuelan Christmas tradition involves children tie strings to their big toes, dangling them out of windows for skaters to tug on during their journey to church. Learn more: buff.ly/4foR3Ks #christmas #culture #tradition #Peru #Venezuela #Guatemala

Since the 17th century, Guatemalans have burned an effigy of the devil in December to cleanse homes of misfortunes from the past year. Learn more: buff.ly/4foR3Ks #christmas #culture #tradition #Peru #Venezuela #Guatemala

While international city links akin to sister cities do date back to the 9th century, the program really found its legs after the world was almost destroyed. Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange #diplomacy

Modern-day sister cities were the brainchild of Alfred Robert Grindlay, the Mayor of Coventry, a city that was heavily bombed in 1940. Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange #diplomacy

When the Battle of Stalingrad unfolded, the people of Coventry, its sister city, delivered a tablecloth, embroidered with the words, “Little help is better than a lot of pity.” Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange

Today, thousands of cities worldwide are linked in meaningful relationships that promote diplomacy and cooperation. Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange #diplomacy

One brilliant example of how twin cities share in each other’s cultures is the partnership between Bologna, Italy, and Portland, Oregon. Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange #diplomacy

Bologna and Portland collaborate through chef exchanges, food festivals, and workshops that merge Italian pasta traditions with farm-to-table innovations. Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange #diplomacy

The basis of the sister city program lives on, as twins often aid each other in disaster relief and support during crisis. Learn more: buff.ly/4gFehgy #culture #sistercities #twincities #twinning #culturalexchange #diplomacy

Ever driven by a sign that says your city is “sisters” with some far-flung place like Timbuktu and thought to yourself, “Really? How did that happen?” Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Sister Cities International (SCI) is a nonprofit that has since grown to link over 500 US cities with more than 2,100 global counterparts. Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Sister City partnerships aren’t just symbolic – they’re active, and they make a real impact. Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Exchanging cultural treasures is a cornerstone of Sister Cities. Communities share in each other’s traditions, encouraging appreciation of other cultures. Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Economic collaboration between Sister Cities facilitates everything from business exchanges to trade missions. Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Providing the other with expertise, resources, or support, Sister Cities find solutions to each other’s problems – from healthcare to sustainability. Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Youth programs contribute to the energy of Sister City relationships. These initiatives give young people the chance to learn about other cultures and build friendships. Learn more: buff.ly/3CfLxfF #culture #exchange #diplomacy #sistercities #sistercity #crisis

Ricky Gervais, Gad Elmaleh, Dave Chappelle, Ken Shimura. Take a look at your favorite comics, and you’ll often find that humor is rooted in shared experiences. Learn more: successacrosscultures.com/2025/05/12/ins… #humor #language #culture #comedy #puns #sarcasm