Since the United States has been an independent nation for over 230 years, it's often hard to believe that others are still fighting for their independence or have just achieved it during the past few decades. Take for instance Bangladesh, which will celebrate Independence Day on March 26^th, commemorating 40 years of freedom.  Thousands across the nation are expected to participate in celebrations like military ceremonies and parades that are held in honor of those that lost their lives in the Liberation War that followed Bangladesh's declaration of independence from Islamabad on March 26, 1971.

Overdue Independence

Bangladesh, formerly known as Eastern Pakistan, declared its independence following years of political and economic discrimination by West Pakistan. Their declaration resulted in a nine-month war for liberation that killed over 3 million people and displaced millions more. East Pakistan didn't officially become the nation of Bangladesh until the end of the war on December 16, 1971, but March 26^th is still celebrated as their official day of independence.

A Day of Celebrations and Remembrance

Independence Day is now the country's biggest festival and is typically rung in at midnight as war veterans, victims' families, and supporters across the country switch off their lights for a minute of remembrance for the millions of Bangladeshis killed in the 1971 war and to demand the punishment of war criminals and collaborators. Thousands of people then make their way to the Savar National Memorial or the National Martyrs' Memorial, near the capital city of Dhaka to further show respect to the millions who gave their lives for the dream of a new, free nation. The memorial monument is composed of seven isosceles triangular pyramid-shaped structures, with the middle one being the tallest at 150 feet.

Hope for the Future

Bangladesh President Mohammed Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lay wreaths at the memorial at dawn to show their support and are also expected to address their nation at some point during the day. Thousands are also expected to flock to the Shaheed Minar Memorial in downtown Dhaka to light candles and shout for war criminals to be prosecuted. Those protesting the war crimes were given a showing of justice on the eve of last year's Independence Day celebration, when the government declared a three-member war crime tribunal, seven-member investigation agency, and a 12-member prosecution panel, to bring outstanding war criminals to pay for their crimes. The announcement was welcomed by Bangladeshis everywhere as the single biggest step towards the war crimes of 1971 in almost four decades.

As Bangladesh celebrates their 40 years of freedom with parades, carnivals, and memorial services, what are your favorite ways to celebrate your country's independence?

 by Amanda Miller, Contributing Editor

World festivals mark global events that are a must-see for any dedicated traveler. Although lesser known than major global favorites like Carnival or Burning Man, the White Nights Festival in Russia is a collision of culture, arts and music that provides one of the richest experience around. 

Every May through July, the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, come alive with colorful celebrations and performances by some of the world's most talented artists. The White Nights Festival is an international arts festival that takes place during the season of the midnight sun, when the Northern light shines at both dawn and dusk, allowing the millions of festival goers that visit each year the opportunity to celebrate all day and all night long.

A Cultural Celebration of Music and Arts

The festival celebrates the arts of opera, ballet, and classical music and is kicked off with the "Stars of the White Nights" at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. The program presents the company's most exceptional productions, with performances by leading Russian and international artists, and combines famous historical productions along with new premieres and contemporary pieces. This year's program kicks off on May 27th and has featured nationally renowned productions like Swan Lake in the past. During the festival there are daily evening performances of either ballet or opera at the theatre and classical or opera musical performances at the Mariinsky Concert Hall. The series of performances always features some of the biggest names in the arts world, including famed Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, Russian operatic soprano Anna Netrebko, and Los Angeles Opera conductor James Conlon. Ballet performances have included revivals of Russian choreographer George Balanchine's classics, as well as contemporary dance versions of The Nutcracker and Cinderella. The performances are all widely attended and visitors' best bet would be to purchase tickets online in advance.

Carnivals- Fun for the Whole Family

Carnivals also occur during the White Nights Festival and allow both children and adults to delight in traditional games and fine food. The largest carnival is held in the suburb of Peterhof, where historical figures and events are reinterpreted by costumed actors. Carnivals at the Catherine Palace and in the Pavlovsk suburb of St. Petersburg are also known for their highly artistic reproductions of the historic events that took place at those palaces. For music lovers, St. Petersburg's Palace Square becomes home to some of the international music world's biggest stars during the festival. The large square has been used for official military parades and massive demonstrations, and has also been the site of recent concerts by legendary musicians like Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones.

 Fireworks and Finales

The culminating event of the festival is the Scarlet Sails celebration, which is a massive event to celebrate the end of the school year that is known for its spectacular fireworks display and a water show that features boats full of pirates battling on the Neva River. Musical acts and motorboat and rowing races are also highlights of the celebration. The tradition began in St. Petersburg after the end of WWII, when several schools in Leningrad united to celebrate the ending of a school year in connection with symbolism of the popular children's book "Scarlet Sails" by Alexander Grin. At the first celebration a boat with scarlet sails sailed along the English Embankment and the Admiralty Embankment towards the Winter Palace.

The White Nights Festival is a stunning celebration of culture and life that is a must-see for any travel enthusiast.  As if you needed another reason for a vacation?

by Amanda Miller, Contributing Editor

The iExplore team is looking forward to Travel Blog Exchange '09 which will be taking place in our hometown this weekend.  Travel Bloggers from around the globe will be converging on the Chicago Cultural Center on Sunday for an morning and afternoon of socializing and discussions on blogging about travel and the travel industry.

Some of our favorite bloggers and podcasters will be on hand including:Nomadic Matt, Chris Christensen of Amateur Traveler, Lisa Lubin, Savvy Navigator, Donna Hull, Lanora Mueller, and many, many more.

The event has reached capacity but you will be able to follow the event five livestreaming on the TravelBlogExchange website.

This evening, soccer fans in the United States and Mexico will be focusing their attention on Columbus, OH as the city hosts a World Cup Qualifying match between these two rivals.

Columbus is an ideal setting for this important soccer game.  It was the first city to create a soccer-specific stadium for their Major League Soccer franchise, the Columbus Crew.  It is also one of the few places in which the United States plays Mexico and has a true home field advantage; the US National team is 2-0 when playing Mexico there.  I was in Columbus in 1991 when these two teams first met at Columbus Crew Stadium on a frigid winter evening in which the United States defeated Mexico 2-0 in front of a raucous crowd of U.S. Soccer fans.  I wish I could be there tonight but will have to enjoy the game on TV.

Columbus is a great town that I have enjoyed visiting regularly.  Situated in the center of the state nearly equidistant from Cleveland and Cincinnati, it is the state's capitol.  The folks from Experience Columbus are kind enough to send us treats from the Columbus area from time to time.  We have enjoyed the great ice creams offered by Jeni's Ice Cream including a great Salty Caramel flavor. Most recently, they shared the delightful Buckeye Crunch offered by the Krema Nut Factory.

We highly recommend checking out these brands through the mail or on your next visit to Columbus.  Our dining suggestion for a visit to Columbus is Katzinger's Delicatessen.  They have delicious sandwiches and the best pickles in town.  Unfortunately, I think that might be a hard treat to order by mail, so be sure to enjoy it in person!