Feed MRSS-S Noticias, english.elpais.com, culture en-us https://english.elpais.com Thu, 14 May 2026 19:24:24 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-14/pinkpantheress-gen-zs-most-unmistakably-british-star-between-classic-tartan-and-a-chess-players-mind.html Thu, 14 May 2026 19:24:24 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-14/pinkpantheress-gen-zs-most-unmistakably-british-star-between-classic-tartan-and-a-chess-players-mind.html Lucas Barquero Pierantoni In under five years, the singer has gone from posting TikTok clips to commanding major stages with a balance of determination and agility that made her the first woman — and the youngest artist ever — to win the BRIT Award for Producer of the Year In under five years, the singer has gone from posting TikTok clips to commanding major stages with a balance of determination and agility that made her the first woman — and the youngest artist ever — to win the BRIT Award for Producer of the Year TikTok Rosalía Olivia Rodrigo NBC (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images) PinkPantheress PinkPantheress performing on 'The Tonight Show' on July 30, 2025. PinkPantheress performing on 'The Tonight Show' on July 30, 2025. <p>The people have spoken. The United Kingdom has a new ambassador. Her debut party took place this past April at that great hub of cultural diplomacy known as Coachella. At the most popular festival in the United States, PinkPantheress displayed the improbable mix of quirks that, at just 25, has made her the most unmistakably British star of her generation — from her fixation with <a href="https://english.elpais.com/travel/2025-08-28/braveheart-in-spain-a-visit-to-the-town-that-becomes-scotland-for-a-few-days.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/travel/2025-08-28/braveheart-in-spain-a-visit-to-the-town-that-becomes-scotland-for-a-few-days.html">tartan prints</a> (which she wears even on her lips) to the hyper‑accelerated pulse of viral tracks like <i>Ilegal</i> and, of course, the cool precision of a chess player’s mind inherited from a family full of champions.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-14/pinkpantheress-gen-zs-most-unmistakably-british-star-between-classic-tartan-and-a-chess-players-mind.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-14/iron-maiden-the-heavy-metal-band-that-still-drives-audiences-wild-50-years-later.html Thu, 14 May 2026 15:37:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-14/iron-maiden-the-heavy-metal-band-that-still-drives-audiences-wild-50-years-later.html Carlos Marcos The legendary metal band is celebrating half a century at the height of their popularity, and has also just released the documentary ‘Burning Ambition’ The legendary metal band is celebrating half a century at the height of their popularity, and has also just released the documentary ‘Burning Ambition’ Iron Maiden Rock Heavy metal The Rolling Stones Ac/Dc Metallica Michael Ochs Archives (Getty Images) iron. British singer Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden frontman, and British musician and songwriter Steve Harris (left of frame), playing a Fender Precision Bass, performing live in concert with the British heavy metal band, United States, September 1983. The concert was a date on the North American leg of the band's 'World Piece Tour', in support of their album 'Piece of Mind'. (Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Bruce Dickinson at an Iron Maiden concert in 1983. On the left, guitarist Dave Murray and bassist Steve Harris. Bruce Dickinson at an Iron Maiden concert in 1983. On the left, guitarist Dave Murray and bassist Steve Harris. <p>The true measure of a long-established rock band lies in how they handle their low points. In 1993, Iron Maiden played in Madrid at a venue called Canciller, a small club for their stature: only 1,800 people. Bruce Dickinson, the singer, was leaving the band, and they decided to tour smaller venues. From early afternoon, the line of fans stretched for several blocks. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-14/iron-maiden-the-heavy-metal-band-that-still-drives-audiences-wild-50-years-later.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-13/the-future-of-streaming-after-boardroom-shake-ups.html Wed, 13 May 2026 16:12:26 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-13/the-future-of-streaming-after-boardroom-shake-ups.html Natalia Marcos Recent leadership changes at major entertainment groups point to possible shifts in how their platforms are defined and positioned Recent leadership changes at major entertainment groups point to possible shifts in how their platforms are defined and positioned Netflix Warner Bros Paramount Apple TV Internet Televisión Tim Cook Movistar Bebeto Matthews (AP) Apple New CEO John Ternus, Apple's new CEO, during a presentation in New York. John Ternus, Apple's new CEO, during a presentation in New York. <p>In recent months, a wave of leadership changes has swept through major entertainment companies. The recent leadership shift at Disney adds to the impact of Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. The latest shake-up at the top has come at Apple. Meanwhile, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-06/lessons-from-netflix-co-founder-on-starting-a-business-a-bad-idea-with-an-incredible-leader-can-become-great.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-09-06/lessons-from-netflix-co-founder-on-starting-a-business-a-bad-idea-with-an-incredible-leader-can-become-great.html">Netflix founder and chairman Reed Hastings</a> has announced his definitive departure, although in this case, the transition was already underway. In Spain, Movistar is also undergoing changes in its television division. How will this upheaval affect the future of their respective platforms?</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-13/the-future-of-streaming-after-boardroom-shake-ups.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-13/painting-stolen-by-the-nazis-surfaces-in-the-netherlands-thanks-to-a-man-who-was-unaware-he-was-a-descendant-of-an-ss-general.html Wed, 13 May 2026 12:25:17 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-13/painting-stolen-by-the-nazis-surfaces-in-the-netherlands-thanks-to-a-man-who-was-unaware-he-was-a-descendant-of-an-ss-general.html Ferrer Ferrer The painting was part of the Goudstikker collection, one of the most significant claims involving art stolen from Jews The painting was part of the Goudstikker collection, one of the most significant claims involving art stolen from Jews Waffen SS Hermann Göring Argentina Imagen cedida con Arthur Brand Painting stolen by the Nazis in the Netherlands The stolen painting by Toon Kelder. The stolen painting by Toon Kelder. <p>A painting by the artist Toon Kelder (Rotterdam, 1894-1973), titled <i>Portrait of a Young Woman</i>, stolen by the Nazis from the renowned art dealer <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-27/a-house-sale-and-a-slip-up-how-a-painting-looted-by-the-nazis-was-located-in-argentina.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-27/a-house-sale-and-a-slip-up-how-a-painting-looted-by-the-nazis-was-located-in-argentina.html">Jacques Goudstikker</a>, has surfaced at the home of the granddaughter of Hendrik Alexander Seyffardt, a Dutch general who commanded the Netherlands Volunteer Legion during <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-28/when-did-the-nazis-lose-what-was-the-most-important-battle-the-unanswered-questions-about-world-war-ii.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-28/when-did-the-nazis-lose-what-was-the-most-important-battle-the-unanswered-questions-about-world-war-ii.html">World War II</a>, a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-03-07/the-world-war-ii-battle-where-german-and-us-soldiers-joined-forces-against-the-waffen-ss.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-03-07/the-world-war-ii-battle-where-german-and-us-soldiers-joined-forces-against-the-waffen-ss.html">Waffen-SS unit</a> that fought on the Eastern Front. A descendant of Seyffardt, unaware of the relationship, made the painting’s existence public through Arthur Brand, nicknamed the “art detective.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-13/painting-stolen-by-the-nazis-surfaces-in-the-netherlands-thanks-to-a-man-who-was-unaware-he-was-a-descendant-of-an-ss-general.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/the-women-who-went-where-even-punk-failed-to-go.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:25:30 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/the-women-who-went-where-even-punk-failed-to-go.html Rafa Cervera Torres No Wave was a movement that emerged in New York in the late 1970s and shook up the underground scene. One of its leading figures recalls it in a book No Wave was a movement that emerged in New York in the late 1970s and shook up the underground scene. One of its leading figures recalls it in a book Antonin Artaud The Ramones Talking Heads Brian Eno Patti Smith Nan Goldin Kathryn Bigelow Paul Simon Sinéad O’Connor Mónica Orozco (Beacon Press) Adele Bertei was a leader of the No Wave movement. Adele Bertei was a leader of the No Wave movement. <p>During the financial crisis that rocked New York in 1977, a raw, short-lived artistic movement emerged — one that had no chance of breaking out of the underground — reaching places that even punk failed to go. “No Wave was brutal,” summarizes Adele Bertei, one of the promoters of that chaos orchestrated by musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists. “We had read [Antonin] Artaud’s <i>The Theater and Its Double</i>, a book that already spoke of electronic instruments that would make piercing sounds before electric guitars proliferated. It was also very theatrical.” Newly arrived in the city, Bertei had found her place in a scene that acted as a successor to <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-09-16/you-want-to-play-like-him-youll-break-your-hand-20-years-on-since-the-death-of-johnny-ramone-the-guitarist-who-changed-rock.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-09-16/you-want-to-play-like-him-youll-break-your-hand-20-years-on-since-the-death-of-johnny-ramone-the-guitarist-who-changed-rock.html">the Ramones</a> and Talking Heads. She played keyboards with The Contortions, acted in several underground films, and ended up founding The Bloods, the first all-lesbian band to proclaim their identity at a time when it was common to keep it hidden.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/the-women-who-went-where-even-punk-failed-to-go.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/hollywood-in-the-trump-era-doesnt-go-to-cannes.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:24:51 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/hollywood-in-the-trump-era-doesnt-go-to-cannes.html Gregorio Belinchón Yagüe For the first time in years, the French festival is not screening a single film from a major studio. Fear of political questions, soaring promotional costs, and the risk of harsh reviews looms large For the first time in years, the French festival is not screening a single film from a major studio. Fear of political questions, soaring promotional costs, and the risk of harsh reviews looms large Cannes Hollywood Universal Pictures Marko Djurica (REUTERS) Hollywood Trump Several workers unfurling a banner in Cannes on Sunday featuring the faces of Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis from 'Thelma and Louise.' Several workers unfurling a banner in Cannes on Sunday featuring the faces of Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis from 'Thelma and Louise.' <p>There will be no Tom Cruise reveling in low‑level flyovers along the beach at La Croisette by the French Air Force’s aerobatic team, as happened at the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-05-20/tom-cruise-the-evangelist-of-the-movie-theater-i-will-never-release-films-on-streaming-platforms.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-05-20/tom-cruise-the-evangelist-of-the-movie-theater-i-will-never-release-films-on-streaming-platforms.html">2022 premiere of <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i>.</a> Harrison Ford — or a similar star — will not climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals to the beat of an iconic theme, as he did in 2023 when bidding farewell to the whip‑cracking archaeologist in <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i>. There will be no screenings of major animated films from Pixar, Disney, or Universal. There will be no parade of models and celebrities set to songs by the King of Rock, as in 2022 with <i>Elvis</i>. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-04-16/quentin-tarantino-i-own-a-gun-and-ive-kept-the-swords-from-kill-bill.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-04-16/quentin-tarantino-i-own-a-gun-and-ive-kept-the-swords-from-kill-bill.html">Quentin Tarantino </a>will not arrive to showcase his vast film knowledge, as he did in 2019 with <i>Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood</i>. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/hollywood-in-the-trump-era-doesnt-go-to-cannes.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/meme-solis-the-timeless-pianoman.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:24:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/meme-solis-the-timeless-pianoman.html Carla Gloria Colomé After 67 years in music, the Cuban singer, pianist, and composer still does not plan on ‘resting.’ He is currently promoting two new albums After 67 years in music, the Cuban singer, pianist, and composer still does not plan on ‘resting.’ He is currently promoting two new albums Cuba Olga Guillot Fidel Castro KLAUS GALIANO (EL PAÍS) Meme Solís Meme Solís, in New York, on May 5. Meme Solís, in New York, on May 5. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/7QHVUT6Z5ND7XMLH5YTM3TKOZ4.jpg?auth=e83546d51542b8307f0a32d063ce81081ca4435337aa8460d0c0dab43191952b" width="7843" height="5229" alt="Meme Solís, in New York, on May 5."></img><p>It’s not the Havana of the 1960s but today’s New York, yet the pianist has sometimes felt they are one and the same. He wakes up at noon in his 25th-floor Manhattan apartment, which has a view of buildings arranged like a scale model on the horizon, where everything human seems momentarily wiped out. The pianist had always wanted to live in New York, and here he is. He went to bed late the night before, as he’s used to being a nocturnal creature. “I worked in cabaret all my life,” he says. “The early morning hours have always inspired me.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/meme-solis-the-timeless-pianoman.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/5IQ6JAHQOJG4DMJOTX3TKKL43I.jpg?auth=912473fdb559989b1646a0fb90aa8cb04ca8da12063e7c04f35edbf701d408f9" width="8256" height="5504" alt="Meme Solís, pianist and composer in New York."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/IQTMJZZYGJC7VBPF4ARUOI7CTA.jpg?auth=f1b03f0591b3166a0240c63f314fafef8019f4595f39ebd3cd4d38c02cd1d867" width="8256" height="5504" alt="Part of Meme Solís' discography."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/IZ3MP6PFZFCEFHA6I4DYM6DZ4A.jpg?auth=2e8006bf9d99914f96e9241e22f02d9e376dab8178d9d52d70ab276dcb9167da" width="6844" height="4563" alt="The Cuban singer performing one of his melodies."></img> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/from-the-prince-of-puerto-rican-letters-to-bad-bunny-the-urgency-of-reclaiming-puerto-rico-as-a-linguistic-and-cultural-affirmation.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:01:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/from-the-prince-of-puerto-rican-letters-to-bad-bunny-the-urgency-of-reclaiming-puerto-rico-as-a-linguistic-and-cultural-affirmation.html Eduardo Lago Literature from the US territory is often overlooked despite its power and quality. A literary gathering and various recent publications are working to change this Literature from the US territory is often overlooked despite its power and quality. A literary gathering and various recent publications are working to change this Puerto Rico Bad Bunny San Juan (Puerto Rico) Carlos Fuentes Mario Vargas Llosa Christina House / Edu Bayer (El País/Getty) cultura Puerto Rican writer Luis Rafael Sánchez and musician Bad Bunny. Puerto Rican writer Luis Rafael Sánchez and musician Bad Bunny. <p>It’s common for Puerto Rico to be overlooked when the topic is its literature. Both in Spain and Latin America, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-27/luis-salgado-its-an-honor-to-be-a-hispanic-director-telling-the-story-of-us-independence.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-27/luis-salgado-its-an-honor-to-be-a-hispanic-director-telling-the-story-of-us-independence.html">its literary production</a> remains largely unknown despite its power and quality. With few exceptions, due to editorial policies, what is written in Puerto Rico stays in Puerto Rico. The neglect is widespread. In a book as emblematic as <i>Open Veins of Latin America</i>, Eduardo Galeano doesn’t mention the island even once. Needless to say, there was no intention to offend. It’s simply a matter of invisibility. Often, perhaps too often, Puerto Rico is simply left out.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-12/from-the-prince-of-puerto-rican-letters-to-bad-bunny-the-urgency-of-reclaiming-puerto-rico-as-a-linguistic-and-cultural-affirmation.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-10/amy-odell-anna-wintour-biographer-her-driving-force-is-amassing-power-consolidating-her-power.html Sun, 10 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-10/amy-odell-anna-wintour-biographer-her-driving-force-is-amassing-power-consolidating-her-power.html María Sánchez Díez The journalist zeros in on the career of the world’s most famous fashion editor: “No one would have written ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ about Steve Jobs” The journalist zeros in on the career of the world’s most famous fashion editor: “No one would have written ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ about Steve Jobs” Vogue Anna Wintour Amazon Jeff Bezos Lauren Sánchez Madonna Conde Nast Axelle/Bauer-Griffin (FilmMagic / Getty Images) S MODA 333 Anna Wintour libro Anna Wintour at the 'Vanity Fair' Oscar party, held on March 15 in Los Angeles. Anna Wintour at the 'Vanity Fair' Oscar party, held on March 15 in Los Angeles. <p>The day after Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, legendary and feared editor-in-chief of <i>Vogue </i>Anna Wintour arrived early to work, as always, and called an emergency meeting. While addressing her team, something unprecedented took place: she broke down in tears. The episode opens <i>Anna: The Biography</i>, a new release from journalist Amy Odell that focuses on the powerful editor who for decades has decided what’s hot and what’s not.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-10/amy-odell-anna-wintour-biographer-her-driving-force-is-amassing-power-consolidating-her-power.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-10/jack-antonoff-i-dont-give-a-shit-about-radio-or-sales-or-anything-im-only-trying-do-something-great.html Sun, 10 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-10/jack-antonoff-i-dont-give-a-shit-about-radio-or-sales-or-anything-im-only-trying-do-something-great.html Iñigo López Palacios From Taylor Swift to Kendrick Lamar and Lorde, the sought-after producer has shaped the sound of some of the biggest stars of the last 10 years. Now he’s releasing a new album with his own band, Bleachers From Taylor Swift to Kendrick Lamar and Lorde, the sought-after producer has shaped the sound of some of the biggest stars of the last 10 years. Now he’s releasing a new album with his own band, Bleachers Jack Antonoff Taylor Swift Kendrick Lamar Lorde Rosalía Kuba Ryniewicz (EL PAÍS) Jack Antonoff para ICON Jack Antonoff, in a Prada shirt, shaving his head at Hotel Rosewood in London on March 31, 2026, the day he was turning 42. Jack Antonoff, in a Prada shirt, shaving his head at Hotel Rosewood in London on March 31, 2026, the day he was turning 42. <p>“I don’t give a shit about radio or sales or anything. I’m only trying do something great,” says Jack Antonoff. Despite what it may seem, the tone isn’t aggressive. The New Jersey native is direct and elaborates on his answers, but he’s a nice, polite guy. And the day of the interview, March 31, happened to be his birthday. The busiest man <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-15/sold-out-as-a-fictional-story-how-the-music-industry-learned-to-sell-success-even-when-it-didnt-exist.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-15/sold-out-as-a-fictional-story-how-the-music-industry-learned-to-sell-success-even-when-it-didnt-exist.html">in the music industry</a> was turning 42, and instead of celebrating with his wife, the actress Margaret Qualley, he was at the Rosewood Hotel in London granting this interview to EL PAÍS’ fashion supplement ICON under heart-shaped balloons brought by his team. “Don’t worry, this isn’t a part of the job I dislike,” he replies to apologies for spoiling such a special day.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-10/jack-antonoff-i-dont-give-a-shit-about-radio-or-sales-or-anything-im-only-trying-do-something-great.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/a-pop-and-a-hiss-what-happens-to-a-singer-when-they-lose-their-voice.html Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/a-pop-and-a-hiss-what-happens-to-a-singer-when-they-lose-their-voice.html Jordi Bardají The loss of the most valuable instrument for someone who makes a living from singing has led to artists reinventing themselves – like Joanna Newsom – and others who have faced far more dramatic circumstances, like Julie Andrews The loss of the most valuable instrument for someone who makes a living from singing has led to artists reinventing themselves – like Joanna Newsom – and others who have faced far more dramatic circumstances, like Julie Andrews Julie Andrews Joanna Newsom The Weeknd Bjork Amaia Montero Mariah Carey Getty Images / Pepa Ortiz (Collage) (EL PAÍS) Cantantes voz ICON <p>“A pop and a hiss,” like when you crack open a can of soda. This is the sound a voice can make when it breaks. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/a-pop-and-a-hiss-what-happens-to-a-singer-when-they-lose-their-voice.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/down-the-pipes-with-super-mario-an-interactive-journey.html Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/down-the-pipes-with-super-mario-an-interactive-journey.html Tommaso Koch ,Fernando Anido Méndez,Jorge Morla ,Brenda Valverde Rubio We review the origins, milestones and keys to the triumph of the most famous video game icon, who is celebrating 45 years since his debut, 40 years since his first solo adventure and the box office success of his new movie We review the origins, milestones and keys to the triumph of the most famous video game icon, who is celebrating 45 years since his debut, 40 years since his first solo adventure and the box office success of his new movie Nintendo Super Mario 64 Shigeru Miyamoto <p>Mario never has time. He’s always rushing off towards the next adventure. When he’s not saving worlds, or his beloved Peach, he’s racing cars, playing tennis, healing patients, or dancing. “Mario excels at sports including tennis, golf, baseball, soccer, and even kart racing. He’s good at all of them! He’s a plumber by profession but is really a jack of all trades,” reads his profile on the Nintendo website. “Mario is always bright and cheerful.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/down-the-pipes-with-super-mario-an-interactive-journey.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><h3>Coordination:</h3><p>Brenda Valverde Rubio</p><h3>Design:</h3><p>Ana Fernández and Ruth Benito</p><h3>Art direction:</h3><p>Ruth Benito</p><h3>Development:</h3><p>Fernando Anido and Alejandro Gallardo</p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/philip-sharkey-the-eye-behind-celebrity-passport-photos-they-came-without-assistants-or-makeup-artists-they-were-simply-themselves.html Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/philip-sharkey-the-eye-behind-celebrity-passport-photos-they-came-without-assistants-or-makeup-artists-they-were-simply-themselves.html Ixone Arana The London‑based photographer has published a collection of the hundreds of images of Hollywood stars his family took in their Oxford Street studio, from Christopher Reeve and Kate Winslet to Sean Connery and George Michael The London‑based photographer has published a collection of the hundreds of images of Hollywood stars his family took in their Oxford Street studio, from Christopher Reeve and Kate Winslet to Sean Connery and George Michael George Michael Hollywood Kate Winslet Donald Sutherland Sean Connery Rod Stewart Phaidon Press Philip Sharkey celebrity ID photos Above, a passport photo of Joan Collins taken in 1979 and of Sean Connery in 1982. Below, a photo of Mick Jagger taken in 1976 and one of Kate Winslet in 1997. Above, a passport photo of Joan Collins taken in 1979 and of Sean Connery in 1982. Below, a photo of Mick Jagger taken in 1976 and one of Kate Winslet in 1997. <p>There is a type of photograph that can disarm even the most photogenic subject: the passport photo. That small, no‑frills portrait levels everyone — anonymous and well‑known, rich and poor, beautiful and not so much. Everyone needs one at some point and submits to the same ritual: sitting up straight before the flash with an expression as neutral as the backdrop behind them. Some people come out unscathed; others feel the image doesn’t represent them. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-09/philip-sharkey-the-eye-behind-celebrity-passport-photos-they-came-without-assistants-or-makeup-artists-they-were-simply-themselves.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/eps/2026-05-08/the-organ-is-back-how-a-fiendishly-complex-baroque-instrument-has-become-fashionable-again.html Fri, 08 May 2026 13:45:37 GMT https://english.elpais.com/eps/2026-05-08/the-organ-is-back-how-a-fiendishly-complex-baroque-instrument-has-become-fashionable-again.html Carlos Primo It is the most modern of early instruments. Mastering it requires effort and a great deal of passion. Five organists —ranging in age from 26 to 100 — reveal the secrets of a machine capable of producing both Bach and a film soundtrack It is the most modern of early instruments. Mastering it requires effort and a great deal of passion. Five organists —ranging in age from 26 to 100 — reveal the secrets of a machine capable of producing both Bach and a film soundtrack Barcelona Sagrada Familia Johann Sebastian Bach Benjamin Britten Milán Vicens Gimenez (EL PAÍS) The organ is back Juan de la Rubia, organist of the Sagrada Familia, before the Blancafort organ of the basilica. Juan de la Rubia, organist of the Sagrada Familia, before the Blancafort organ of the basilica. <p>The first organ Montserrat Torrent ever played, at age 18, was in a chapel in Santa Coloma de Farners in the Spanish city of Girona, where her family spent their summers. “It was a simple organ, without pedal stops, but it was good,” she says. “I tried to play absurd things, like Chopin’s nocturnes, but there was no way to make them sound right.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/eps/2026-05-08/the-organ-is-back-how-a-fiendishly-complex-baroque-instrument-has-become-fashionable-again.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/the-black-legacy-that-spain-left-out-of-its-official-history.html Fri, 08 May 2026 12:59:25 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/the-black-legacy-that-spain-left-out-of-its-official-history.html Patricia R. Blanco Valencia joins a growing number of Spanish cities revisiting their slave-trading past with guided tours and activities designed to recover the stories of communities long erased from public memory Valencia joins a growing number of Spanish cities revisiting their slave-trading past with guided tours and activities designed to recover the stories of communities long erased from public memory Planeta Futuro Valencia Madrid Barcelona Cádiz KIKE TABERNER (EL PAÍS) Spain’s slave‑trading past Deborah Ekoka leads a tour in Valencia on April 30. Deborah Ekoka leads a tour in Valencia on April 30. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6AAXF2Y2TBF3TB6P3CBEIHQURE.jpg?auth=3f6cff14ce439e528d27ab636ab31a50540fe21306b56c3e6513cc03d81a3349" width="5244" height="3496" alt="Deborah Ekoka leads a tour in Valencia on April 30."></img><p>The Central Market Square in Valencia, now filled with outdoor cafes and tourists photographing its modernist dome, was for centuries one of the main sites of the slave trade in the Spanish city. This is clearly documented by archival documents: from the late 15th century, this was one of the entry points for enslaved Africans. Just a few meters away, in the now-demolished Posada del Camell, more than a hundred people were sometimes crammed together in chains, waiting to be auctioned off. And yet, there is not a single plaque to commemorate it.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/the-black-legacy-that-spain-left-out-of-its-official-history.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/USYHIPB7MRCQHKANGZUDHRHK7U.jpg?auth=28b2c34a17127a48b10f06740fcc5f810433e70693260d1045ffbf921f602cfa" width="6048" height="4032" alt="Deborah Ekoka, during the tour she organized in Valencia, on April 30."></img> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/jim-sheridan-filmmaker-my-mother-never-celebrated-her-birthday-because-she-believed-herself-guilty-of-my-grandmothers-death.html Fri, 08 May 2026 12:57:46 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/jim-sheridan-filmmaker-my-mother-never-celebrated-her-birthday-because-she-believed-herself-guilty-of-my-grandmothers-death.html Gregorio Belinchón Yagüe The director of ‘In the Name of the Father’ and ‘The Boxer’ depicts a real-life murder in Ireland in ‘Re-creation’s’ fictionalized courtroom trial The director of ‘In the Name of the Father’ and ‘The Boxer’ depicts a real-life murder in Ireland in ‘Re-creation’s’ fictionalized courtroom trial Hollywood Jim Sheridan Daniel Day Lewis Sidney Lumet Trailer of 'Re-creation' Jim Sheridan in a hotel in Madrid Jim Sheridan in a hotel in Madrid <p>It’s time for the interview and Dubliner Jim Sheridan, 77, has not yet appeared. The press pack have been warned. That morning, in the Madrid hotel where he is staying, there was no tortilla. And after asking at reception, he has sought out a <i>pincho</i> with his wife in the neighborhood. “He said that he loves it and wanted to get his hands on a good one,” the press was told. Through the windows of the hotel, you can see the man who made <i>My Left Foot</i>, <i>The Field, In the Name of the Father, The Boxer,</i> and <i>In America</i>, walking at a leisurely pace, which is reflected in his delivery during the interview. He likes to talk but calmly.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/jim-sheridan-filmmaker-my-mother-never-celebrated-her-birthday-because-she-believed-herself-guilty-of-my-grandmothers-death.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/a-pet-food-entrepreneur-and-a-demand-to-promote-american-values-trumps-cultural-offensive-hits-the-venice-biennale.html Fri, 08 May 2026 09:51:39 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/a-pet-food-entrepreneur-and-a-demand-to-promote-american-values-trumps-cultural-offensive-hits-the-venice-biennale.html Álex Vicente The US is being represented at the great art event by Alma Allen, a self-taught sculptor who was chosen after a late call reoriented towards MAGA ideology The US is being represented at the great art event by Alma Allen, a self-taught sculptor who was chosen after a late call reoriented towards MAGA ideology Donald Trump MAGA Israel Bienal Venecia Luca Bruno (AP) Italy Venice Biennale Alma Allen The sculptor Alma Allen, on Tuesday outside the US pavilion at the Venice Biennale. The sculptor Alma Allen, on Tuesday outside the US pavilion at the Venice Biennale. <p>The United States is at the Venice Biennale with yet another example of Donald Trump’s cultural offensive: with an unexpected artist who was chosen after a fraught selection process, and with the pavilion in the hands of an individual with no experience in the art world but well-connected to the president’s inner circle. The major contemporary art event is itself also surrounded by political tensions sparked by the participation of Russia <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-07/hondurasgate-the-alleged-us-and-israeli-interference-plot-to-destabilize-mexico-and-other-progressive-governments.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-07/hondurasgate-the-alleged-us-and-israeli-interference-plot-to-destabilize-mexico-and-other-progressive-governments.html">and Israel</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/a-pet-food-entrepreneur-and-a-demand-to-promote-american-values-trumps-cultural-offensive-hits-the-venice-biennale.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/UY4LI37MGVHS5KMGIPNMXR6YGY.jpg?auth=399e1cfe3a9adb46753fac91ffdef74b4850f44b697549d9da00da5fa44ee609" width="2244" height="1683" alt="Tres obras de Alma Allen, en el interior del pabellón estadounidense en la Bienal de Venecia."></img> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-07/pukkart-the-tech-guardian-against-fraud-in-works-of-art.html Thu, 07 May 2026 10:56:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-07/pukkart-the-tech-guardian-against-fraud-in-works-of-art.html Ginés Donaire The company is developing a platform that certifies traceability and certifies authorship in newly registered works The company is developing a platform that certifies traceability and certifies authorship in newly registered works Diego Velázquez Córdoba Murillo EL PAÍS NEGOCIOS 03/05/2026 PUKKART Pukkart's art identification system. Pukkart's art identification system. <p>The world of art resale has long been associated with <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-10-28/the-unending-fight-against-fake-works-of-art.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-10-28/the-unending-fight-against-fake-works-of-art.html">the shadow of fraud</a>. Against this backdrop, two researchers from the University of Córdoba in Spain decided five years ago to tackle the problem head-on. Building upon the company DigitArt, they created Pukkart, a technology platform specializing in the physical and digital certification of artworks and other goods.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-07/pukkart-the-tech-guardian-against-fraud-in-works-of-art.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-06/the-abidjan-market-for-performing-arts-a-stage-for-african-music-theater-and-dance.html Thu, 07 May 2026 10:05:58 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-06/the-abidjan-market-for-performing-arts-a-stage-for-african-music-theater-and-dance.html Ángeles Lucas The April event in Ivory Coast broke records with the presence of 320 festival programmers from 72 countries, showcasing the vigor of creativity on the continent The April event in Ivory Coast broke records with the presence of 320 festival programmers from 72 countries, showcasing the vigor of creativity on the continent África Aviñón Bolivia India Madrid Malí MASA (EL PAÍS) Abidjan Performing Arts Market A scene from the contemporary dance piece 'How Art Began' by Mounir Saeed, at the 14th edition of the Abidjan Performing Arts Market. A scene from the contemporary dance piece 'How Art Began' by Mounir Saeed, at the 14th edition of the Abidjan Performing Arts Market. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RO3XOIS2EFG47NTQQPDCOLL7VQ.JPG?auth=0dc4e802d2722484c70d4557fcbbc452b61800732abf2d74a068759d4b48e05e" width="5828" height="4371" alt="A scene from the contemporary dance piece 'How Art Began' by Mounir Saeed, at the 14th edition of the Abidjan Performing Arts Market."></img><p>Against the backdrop of Abidjan’s skyscrapers, the magnetic rhythm of <i>zouglou</i> fills the air. Two dancers weave multi-rhythmic choreography on stage, the brilliant voices of three women accompany the singer, and the percussion sets your heartbeat. Spotlights, grilled fish, fried plantains, and the reflections of the lights on the Ébrié Lagoon, which borders Ivory Coast’s economic capital, complete the spectacle at one of the nights of the 14th edition of the <a href="https://www.en.masa.ci/general-information" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="https://www.en.masa.ci/general-information">Abidjan Performing Arts Market</a> (MASA), a biennial event that has attracted more than 570,000 visitors and this year broke records with the presence of 320 programmers from 72 countries; in 2024, there were 115 from 40 countries.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-06/the-abidjan-market-for-performing-arts-a-stage-for-african-music-theater-and-dance.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/KZYZ3767GFD5VGROAEKQUELFJQ.JPG?auth=a184546eb908a9db65eda7b85d0640689bb105b019461c1251cf4312ba729f12" width="6000" height="4000" alt="A dancer from the show “Zo! Mute” by Gregory Maqoma and Vincent Mantsoe at MASA in April."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/V7QS5HZM35HETGJJ2GEC3UEWMY.JPG?auth=14158d34b9406fec10f2db33a3e8062f2bb8a93d060f6d1346a6dbb4f0ebe5cb" width="1993" height="1150" alt="Anuang'a's creation in the 'Heritage Music and Dance' show, at MASA in Abidjan."></img> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-06/pedro-alonso-bids-farewell-to-berlin-the-character-has-made-me-soar-and-the-best-way-to-honor-it-was-to-let-it-go.html Wed, 06 May 2026 15:08:05 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-06/pedro-alonso-bids-farewell-to-berlin-the-character-has-made-me-soar-and-the-best-way-to-honor-it-was-to-let-it-go.html Natalia Marcos Nine years after the premiere of ‘Money Heist’, the actor announces that he will not return to play the thief who brought him worldwide fame Nine years after the premiere of ‘Money Heist’, the actor announces that he will not return to play the thief who brought him worldwide fame Televisión Netflix Pedro Alonso Javier Biosca El actor Pedro Alonso, en una imagen cedida por Netflix. Actor Pedro Alonso, in an image provided by Netflix. Actor Pedro Alonso, in an image provided by Netflix. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/R76TPJBY2JFLDDYHBSRNRXWPBU.jpg?auth=b00d3e1ea78faa9c63193732e8346ce6a4b571eb3d8d00be002c016d1bac1021" width="11648" height="8736" alt="Actor Pedro Alonso, in an image provided by Netflix."></img><p>Pedro Alonso, 54, woke up this Monday with renewed energy. He had slept well. He went out for a coffee in the streets of A Coruña, where he is filming his new movie, and walked through the Old Town. It was then that he began to realize this wouldn’t be just any ordinary week. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-06/pedro-alonso-bids-farewell-to-berlin-the-character-has-made-me-soar-and-the-best-way-to-honor-it-was-to-let-it-go.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/G7EEAF6P5ZEXPI6WOXI5547DRI.jpg?auth=d2e036e264ce1e9735e90d14270774c8b6344e432b3df18ebda48a150f40fc19" width="6240" height="4160" alt="Pedro Alonso in the first episode of 'Berlin and the Lady with the Ermine.'"></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/ZJZBWHK6VRHDZOKVZH2HNYZD4M.jpg?auth=6b9d1d132aae58394dfac9fac942ed3830938873ea9118826cb8213268dce9b3" width="6240" height="4160" alt="The second season of 'Berlin,' starring Pedro Alonso, takes the band of thieves to Seville."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SLNLNRZCQJF2LBRWEGST7N7LRU.jpg?auth=b9953a8748c29fdb6041d59124f17057b7eba039f7156e1eccfca462935ebacd" width="6039" height="4026" alt="The actor Pedro Alonso says goodbye to the character of Berlin, whom he has portrayed in Money Heist and in his own series."></img> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-05/amid-protests-and-corsets-the-bezos-takeover-of-the-met-gala-hints-at-end-of-an-era.html Tue, 05 May 2026 11:41:57 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-05/amid-protests-and-corsets-the-bezos-takeover-of-the-met-gala-hints-at-end-of-an-era.html María Porcel Estepa Anna Wintour legitimizes Lauren Sanchez Bezos as a leading cultural figure at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s pre-exhibition party in New York, alongside celebrities such as Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and the Kardashians Anna Wintour legitimizes Lauren Sanchez Bezos as a leading cultural figure at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s pre-exhibition party in New York, alongside celebrities such as Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and the Kardashians Gala MET Anna Wintour Lauren Sánchez Jeff Bezos Beyoncé Bad Bunny Kim Kardashian Zohran Mamdani Lexie Moreland (WWD via Getty Images) The Bezos’ takeover of the Met Gala Lauren Sanchez Bezos, between Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour at the 2026 Met Gala in New York on May 4, 2026. Lauren Sanchez Bezos, between Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour at the 2026 Met Gala in New York on May 4, 2026. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-05-04/from-lady-di-wandering-in-a-nightie-to-beyonces-family-brawl-the-biggest-met-gala-scandals.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-05-04/from-lady-di-wandering-in-a-nightie-to-beyonces-family-brawl-the-biggest-met-gala-scandals.html">Beyoncé may have brought her family</a> and worn a silver-and-crystal-jewelry dress made to look like a skeleton for her first appearance in 10 years at the Met Gala. Bad Bunny may have looked like a venerable old man dressed in a Zara suit. The Kardashians may have brought out the big guns—and big corsets—to wear on the most famous steps in the world. But this year, beyond the celebrities, the beautiful dresses, the much-needed inclusivity, and the messages about the conversation <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-05-05/the-most-controversial-and-iconic-dresses-in-the-history-of-the-met-gala.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-05-05/the-most-controversial-and-iconic-dresses-in-the-history-of-the-met-gala.html">between art and fashion</a>, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s gala in New York will be remembered for another issue, one that seems even more important than highlighting body diversity, or how fashion itself is also art: how wealth, changing with each generation, can alter the narrative, take over culture, create a rarefied atmosphere and even usher in a new era.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-05/amid-protests-and-corsets-the-bezos-takeover-of-the-met-gala-hints-at-end-of-an-era.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/rosalia-you-need-to-be-able-to-joke-around-and-have-a-sense-of-humor-in-life.html Mon, 04 May 2026 15:54:45 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/rosalia-you-need-to-be-able-to-joke-around-and-have-a-sense-of-humor-in-life.html Beatriz García The singer is at the peak of her career with her ‘Lux’ Tour and her debut as the face of the perfume Euphoria by Calvin Klein The singer is at the peak of her career with her ‘Lux’ Tour and her debut as the face of the perfume Euphoria by Calvin Klein Rosalía Calvin Klein Natalia Vodianova Euphoria Zendaya Carlijn Jacobs / CORTESÍA DE CALVIN KLEIN Rosalía The singer Rosalía. The singer Rosalía. <p>Thirty-three-year-old Rosalía connects and her face appears on the screen. Focused on her <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-17/from-saint-to-raver-rosalia-opens-lux-world-tour-by-exploring-all-her-incarnations.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-03-17/from-saint-to-raver-rosalia-opens-lux-world-tour-by-exploring-all-her-incarnations.html"><i>Lux </i>Tour</a>, she reflects on the “honor” of being the face of Calvin Klein’s new perfume, Euphoria. The brand first launched its iconic fragrance in 2005. Back then, Natalia Vodianova was photographed by Steven Meisel, the great architect of the unmistakable visual stamp ‘Calvin’ and she became the perfume’s ambassador. Now Rosalía is taking over the role and she does it in her own unique way: she dances sensually in the spot, to the rhythm of her song <i>Dios es un stalker</i>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/rosalia-you-need-to-be-able-to-joke-around-and-have-a-sense-of-humor-in-life.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/ai-weiwei-the-venice-biennale-should-not-make-value-judgments-about-political-positions-otherwise-its-censorship.html Mon, 04 May 2026 15:34:12 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/ai-weiwei-the-venice-biennale-should-not-make-value-judgments-about-political-positions-otherwise-its-censorship.html Barbara Celis The Chinese artist and activist, who has just opened the retrospective ‘Aftershock’ at the MAXXI museum in L’Aquila, argues that restrictions on expression are not only a problem of autocracies but also permeate Western democracies The Chinese artist and activist, who has just opened the retrospective ‘Aftershock’ at the MAXXI museum in L’Aquila, argues that restrictions on expression are not only a problem of autocracies but also permeate Western democracies Ai Weiwei China Israel Lucky's Production / Fondazione Maxxi Ai Weiwei Ai Weiwei poses at the MAXXI Museum in L'Aquila. Ai Weiwei poses at the MAXXI Museum in L'Aquila. <p>If there is an artist with the credentials to speak about freedom of expression and censorship, it is <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-02-15/ai-weiwei-in-the-art-world-everyone-talks-about-money-its-poisonous-youre-only-worth-as-much-as-your-work.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-02-15/ai-weiwei-in-the-art-world-everyone-talks-about-money-its-poisonous-youre-only-worth-as-much-as-your-work.html">Ai Weiwei</a>. And his response to any kind of restriction — regardless of who is being targeted by attempts to silence a voice — is a firm no.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/ai-weiwei-the-venice-biennale-should-not-make-value-judgments-about-political-positions-otherwise-its-censorship.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/how-el-pais-reported-on-the-1981-coup-attempt-in-spain.html Mon, 04 May 2026 11:21:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/how-el-pais-reported-on-the-1981-coup-attempt-in-spain.html Javier Cercas In his most recent work, ‘El periódico de la democracia,’ Javier Cercas recounts a personal history of the newspaper. This is the fourth chapter from his new book In his most recent work, ‘El periódico de la democracia,’ Javier Cercas recounts a personal history of the newspaper. This is the fourth chapter from his new book El País Javier Cercas 23-F Juan Carlos I Antonio Tejero Molina Juan Luis Cebrián Ricardo Martín EL PAÍS 1981 coup attempt in Spain Reporters reading EL PAÍS at the Hotel Palace, across from Congress, on the night of 23-F. Reporters reading EL PAÍS at the Hotel Palace, across from Congress, on the night of 23-F. <p>Borges wrote that “any life, however long and complicated it may be, actually consists of a single moment — the moment when a man knows forever more who he is.” Perhaps this statement applies not only to people, but also to newspapers; if so, EL PAÍS knew forever who it was during the afternoon and evening of February 23, 1981.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-04/how-el-pais-reported-on-the-1981-coup-attempt-in-spain.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-03/watersowing-when-science-and-ancestral-knowledge-join-forces-to-fight-drought-in-the-venezuelan-andes.html Sun, 03 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-03/watersowing-when-science-and-ancestral-knowledge-join-forces-to-fight-drought-in-the-venezuelan-andes.html Andrea Hernández Briceño This ancestral practice combines reforestation, soil conservation, and the protection of frailejones — the tall, fuzzy Andean plants that harvest water — to capture fog and rain, recharge aquifers, and ensure the flow of rivers This ancestral practice combines reforestation, soil conservation, and the protection of frailejones — the tall, fuzzy Andean plants that harvest water — to capture fog and rain, recharge aquifers, and ensure the flow of rivers Venezuela América Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Ligia Parra, who leads the “water sowing” efforts, walks toward a new wetland that farmers have discovered in the Andean páramo of Venezuela. These ecosystems absorb rainwater to feed rivers and lagoons, regulate the climate, combat drought, and preserve biodiversity at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Ligia Parra, who leads the “water sowing” efforts, walks toward a new wetland that farmers have discovered in the Andean páramo of Venezuela. These ecosystems absorb rainwater to feed rivers and lagoons, regulate the climate, combat drought, and preserve biodiversity at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Ligia Parra, who leads the “water sowing” efforts, walks toward a new wetland that farmers have discovered in the Andean páramo of Venezuela. These ecosystems absorb rainwater to feed rivers and lagoons, regulate the climate, combat drought, and preserve biodiversity at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Ligia Parra, who leads the “water sowing” efforts, walks toward a new wetland that farmers have discovered in the Andean páramo of Venezuela. These ecosystems absorb rainwater to feed rivers and lagoons, regulate the climate, combat drought, and preserve biodiversity at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA During the ritual on March 28, a group of farmers, parents, and children forms a circle around the spring to begin the “water‑sowing” ceremony. It is an environmental conservation strategy that protects the Andean ecosystem and secures water supply from two fronts: ecological measures and community‑spiritual practices. During the ritual on March 28, a group of farmers, parents, and children forms a circle around the spring to begin the “water‑sowing” ceremony. It is an environmental conservation strategy that protects the Andean ecosystem and secures water supply from two fronts: ecological measures and community‑spiritual practices. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Children, their parents, and several farmers watch as Ligia Parra, the water‑sowing practitioner, sprinkles brown sugar onto the soil during the ceremony, standing beside Caroly Higuera. Children, their parents, and several farmers watch as Ligia Parra, the water‑sowing practitioner, sprinkles brown sugar onto the soil during the ceremony, standing beside Caroly Higuera. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Crops in Venezuela’s páramos, mainly in Mérida and Táchira, are centered on cold‑climate vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, garlic, and strawberries. They are grown at very high altitudes. Crops in Venezuela’s páramos, mainly in Mérida and Táchira, are centered on cold‑climate vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, garlic, and strawberries. They are grown at very high altitudes. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Ligia Parra has spent 24 years protecting, tending, and reforesting the wetlands, while also preserving the ancestral knowledge of Venezuela’s Indigenous communities. Ligia Parra has spent 24 years protecting, tending, and reforesting the wetlands, while also preserving the ancestral knowledge of Venezuela’s Indigenous communities. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA During the ceremony, Parra and the children offer green coconut, sea salt, and flowers to Mother Earth. “Water‑sowing used to be practiced in secret,” she recalls. Andean communities are deeply religious and tend to reject any activity that falls outside Christian norms. “My nonna [grandmother] taught me how to do it. She was of Misintajeo Indigenous origin.” During the ceremony, Parra and the children offer green coconut, sea salt, and flowers to Mother Earth. “Water‑sowing used to be practiced in secret,” she recalls. Andean communities are deeply religious and tend to reject any activity that falls outside Christian norms. “My nonna [grandmother] taught me how to do it. She was of Misintajeo Indigenous origin.” Andrea Hernández Briceño (EL PAÍS) VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Camilo Peña rings the small bell as part of the ceremony. The high‑páramo region of the Venezuelan Andes was once a site for hunting and for the magical‑mystical rituals practiced by pre‑Hispanic Indigenous communities. Camilo Peña rings the small bell as part of the ceremony. The high‑páramo region of the Venezuelan Andes was once a site for hunting and for the magical‑mystical rituals practiced by pre‑Hispanic Indigenous communities. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Biologist Raquel Romero closes her eyes during the “water‑sowing” ritual. She also works to protect the micro‑watersheds that supply local communities. She explains that the cattle grazed in the páramo trample the wetlands, compact the soil, and affect the diversity of the plants that capture mist to retain water. Biologist Raquel Romero closes her eyes during the “water‑sowing” ritual. She also works to protect the micro‑watersheds that supply local communities. She explains that the cattle grazed in the páramo trample the wetlands, compact the soil, and affect the diversity of the plants that capture mist to retain water. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA According to participants, the “water‑sowing” rituals help connect communities with the wetlands and protect the páramo ecosystem from drought. According to participants, the “water‑sowing” rituals help connect communities with the wetlands and protect the páramo ecosystem from drought. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Antonella Ramírez arranges the flowers in the wreaths for the “water‑sowing” offerings in Misintá, Venezuela. Antonella Ramírez arranges the flowers in the wreaths for the “water‑sowing” offerings in Misintá, Venezuela. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA “For us farmers it’s even more important, because if we have soil and seeds but no water, there is no life,” says Néstor Monsalve. In the image, a child carries a basket with the flower wreaths, honey, and sea salt used in the ceremony. “For us farmers it’s even more important, because if we have soil and seeds but no water, there is no life,” says Néstor Monsalve. In the image, a child carries a basket with the flower wreaths, honey, and sea salt used in the ceremony. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Children in the community are included in the ritual so they can learn to care for and respect the environment. Children in the community are included in the ritual so they can learn to care for and respect the environment. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Farmers become “guardians” of the water to foster collective awareness of the value of wetlands. In the image, water‑sowing practitioner Ligia Parra. Farmers become “guardians” of the water to foster collective awareness of the value of wetlands. In the image, water‑sowing practitioner Ligia Parra. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA Farmer Jorge Luis Santiago washes his hands before lunch after taking part in the ceremony. Farmer Jorge Luis Santiago washes his hands before lunch after taking part in the ceremony. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA-AMÉRICA FUTURA-SIEMBRA DE AGUA The water‑sowing ritual is only held during the waxing crescent moon. The water‑sowing ritual is only held during the waxing crescent moon. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/QN6BILTKSBCZXJ7PK2BSM5AY6I.jpg?auth=df60f6bbde0f827839e50e59b0b9cb7cb4e66fdb606f6714389d5c3e2421e51e" width="4000" height="2667" alt="'Water sower' Ligia Parra and farmer Jorge Luis Santiago hold hands during the water sowing ceremony in Venezuela."></img><p></p>