In most places, corn is just food. But in Mexico, especially among its Indigenous communities, corn—or maíz—is life, ancestry, memory, and god. Welcome to the Sacred Corn Festivals, where ancient traditions still sing the praises of the golden grain.

Some places don’t need grand introductions — they just need to be seen. Emerald Lake in British Columbia is one of those places. Nestled deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this glacial lake glows with a turquoise hue so intense, it almost looks photoshopped. But it’s real, oh-so-real — and it’s calling your name.