costumes
Croatia Bans Winter By Partying Like ‘Where the Wild Things Are’
Let spring's wild rumpus begin.
All Stories
werewolves
The Blood-Sucking Capelobo Haunts Brazil’s Dense Forests
The humanoid anteater slurps its victim’s gray matter as if devouring termites in a mound.
rites of spring
Have You Seen a Dark Watcher?
Cryptic characters lurk in California's mountains. Or maybe it's just the weather.
journalism
Podcast: Checking Into Hotel Imperial With Deborah Cohen
On the eve of World War II, the source for all good stories was an opulent hotel in Vienna.
aboriginal australians
The Child-Eating Bloodsucker of Aboriginal Australian Nightmares
The Yara ma tha who is more terrifying than any vampire.
sea monsters
How the World’s Largest Octopus Went From Cryptid to Protected
Turns out some monsters are real—and pretty cute.
ancient egypt
Rabbits Are Creatures of the Underworld According to Ancient Fears
From Ancient Egypt to 'Donnie Darko', beware the bunny.
rites of spring
Meet the Creatures and Creators Behind Bali’s Parade for Banishing Evil Spirits
On the night before the Balinese New Year, villagers bring monsters to life—and then burn them.
tigers
Podcast: Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Long before Joe Exotic got the country talking about big cats, there was Joe Taft
story
The Best Ways to Explore Peru’s Ancient History and Exciting Present
A local tour guide gives us an insider look at Peru’s hidden wonders.
palaces
Why You Should Visit Turkmenistan, Land of Contrasts
An expert guide to Central Asia’s most fascinating country.
cultures
Six Wondrous Reasons to Explore Oaxaca Right Now
Advice from an expert on what to see, drink, and eat in one of Mexico’s most exciting states.
adventure
Enter For Your Chance to Win a Summer Adventure (Submissions Closed)
We’re teaming up with Cayman Jack for an epic trip giveaway.
worms
Inside the Decades Long Hunt for the Mongolian Death Worm
Some say the true death worm has already been found—slithering beneath the sands of the Gobi.
rites of spring
Spinning Balls of Fire Light Up Spring in This German Town
Plus fireworks, music, and maybe a goddess or two.
greece
Swallow-Songs for Spring Are the Greek ‘Trick or Treat’
It’s a tradition that goes back centuries.
central america
Beware La Siguanaba, Latin America's Murderous, Horse-Headed Beauty
Do not follow the woman in white.
ghost towns
Podcast: Old Cahawba
We unravel the surprising tale of this onetime capital city in Alabama.
