Vampire Weekend, the indie rock band, released their single 'Cousins' in 2009.

Today is National Cousins Day—a perfect excuse to reconnect with the people who know your family stories best and probably helped create a few of them. Fittingly, Canadians mark the day alongside their neighbour and, you could say, cousin to the south: the United States. Whether you grew up at the cottage, camping, skating or gathering for a long weekend barbecue, cousins often share some of life's best memories.

Take a cue from a flock of flamingos in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. These birds gather in lively groups, feeding, calling and moving in sync. Their bright pink colour comes from a diet rich in algae and tiny crustaceans, showing how even food can shape appearance.

Cousins work much the same way. Family traditions, road trips and holiday get-togethers build connections that last, even when relatives live several provinces apart. Like flamingos standing together in shallow water, cousins remind us that strong family bonds can span both time and distance.