Come Together.

In some families, reunions are a regular—perhaps even annual—event designed to help relatives keep in touch. Other families may gather more spontaneously for other purposes. Regardless of the reason, a family reunion differs from a family holiday gathering in that extended family members are present. You can learn a lot about your family at a reunion, and perhaps mend bonds that had been broken. In any case, a family reunion is often a memorable and fun event for all. 
The majority of family reunions are organized as a means for members to keep in touch with one another. This is especially important if your family is spread across the country, or even the globe. In such a case, it is unlikely that all of your family members can attend all holiday gatherings. Though you may keep in touch through email or by phone, nothing beats a personal gathering.

The happiest place on earth.

Enter a magical kingdom where you can sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars—all in the same day! Disneyland Park is a beloved Southern California destination where generations of families have made their Disney dreams come true. Opened in 1955, Walt Disney’s original theme park is divided into 8 extravagantly themed lands—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. From a cheerful cruise around the world to a thrilling bobsled ride down an icy mountain, there’s something for everyone at the happiest place on earth.

Celebrating our independence.

The Fourth of July is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States and our Independence from Great Britain. Families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate with parades, picnics, and barbecues with a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day friendly competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, tug-of-war games, and other contests. Many people display the American flag and show off their best red, white, and blue duds. Communities around the country arrange a huge spectacle of fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans.

The greatest show on earth.

Held every year during the week leading up to Lent, Rio Carnival attracts visitors from all corners the globe. The type of energy that the city of Rio De Janiero emulates during the world famous Carnival is electrifying. Anticipation builds and the excitement grows as the week-long, beloved party of Carnival approaches. Extravagant floats, parades, samba dancers, and pulsating music captivate party-goers and spectators alike. The city glows with the smiles and energy of the locals—or Cariocas. Samba music can be heard coming from neighborhoods throughout the city and crowds gather to dance and play all day, night and straight into the next morning. Rio de Janeiro features more than 100 block parades, many of which are supported by the students and staff of the city's samba schools. Rio's Carnival is heavily influenced by the favelas, the poorest neighborhoods in the city. It is the inherent spirit of the Cariocas and their true joie de vivre that makes Rio Carnival such a glorious success year after year.

Celebrating the popular arts.

Comic-Con began in 1970 as a fan-organized event, and soon became an educational nonprofit dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms. Comic-Con has presented thousands of special guests at its conventions over the years, bringing comic creators, science fiction and fantasy authors, film and television directors, producers, writers, and creators from all aspects of the popular arts together with their fans for a fun, costume play, and often times candid discussion of various art forms. The event has seen an amazing array of comics and book publishers in its Exhibit Hall over the years. Over its four-and-a-half decade-plus history, Comic-Con International has continually presented comic books and comic art to a growing audience. The love of the comics medium continues to be the guiding factor for the event as it moves toward its second half-century as the premier comic book and popular arts style convention in the world.

Citius, Altius, Fortius.

The Ancient Olympic Games originated in Greece, where the first competitive sports were played. The modern Olympics models its ancestry down to the opening and closing ceremonies. The artistic display during the opening, closing, and victory ceremonies must meet the standards set forth by the International Olympic Committee. The Olympic ceremonies evolved over the centuries; however, many elements mirror the ancient way of marking the start and finish of the Games. The IOC has preserved the core of the Ancient Olympics by keeping the basic events of the scheduled event the same. The modern Olympic Games incorporate technological advances to allow the hosting nation to display their own artistic expression. As the years trail along, the ceremonies continue to expand in scope, scale, and expense in an attempt to outdo previous celebrations; however, the majority of nations recognize the backbone of Grecian tradition.

The power of story.

Each January, Sundance Film Festival introduces a global audience to groundbreaking work and emerging talent in independent film. More than 50 other public programs connect artists with audiences to present original voices, inspire new ideas, and create community around independent storytelling. We believe that a story driven by an individual, authentic voice can awaken new ideas that have the power to delight and entertain, push creative boundaries, spark new levels of empathy and understanding, and even lead to social change. We support independent storytellers and advance the impact of their work in the world. Sundance Institute is dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and theatre artists and to introduce audiences to their new work.