If you’re currently studying Spanish at our Spanish school in Cusco, get ready to celebrate! It’s time for Las Fiestas Patrias, Peru’s biggest national holiday.

In fact, Peru's Fiestas Patrias are two different holidays: July 28 is Independence Day and July 29 is the Day of the Armed Forces and National Police of Peru. With parades, fairs, fireworks, and festivities all over the country, it’s a good time to be in Peru!

Everybody likes a good fiesta, but what is this one all about? Read on in English or click here to switch to Spanish and find out how Peru wrenched free of Spain’s control.

There were many indigenous Peruvian uprisings in the latter half of the 18^th century. The first large-scale rebellion was led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui, also known as Túpac Amaru II. Condorcanqui was the great-grandson of Túpac Amaru, the last indigenous ruler of the Inca Empire, who had been killed by the Spanish in 1572.

From 1780 to 1781, Túpac Amaru II and his allies (including many women, notably his wife Michaela Bastidas, who many consider was more daring leader and a better strategist than her more famous husband) fought against the Spanish to improve the rights of indigenous Peruvians. The thousands of indigenous men and women who participated in the revolt were eventually defeated, and both Michaela Bastidas and Túpac Amaru II were executed. In 1781, Inca cultural traditions were outlawed.

Although his rebellion was unsuccessful, Túpac Amaru II inspired many indigenous and mestizo people across Latin America and beyond, both at the time and in the centuries that followed. One famous example is American rapper Tupac Amaru Sakur (1971-1996), who was named after Túpac Amaru II.

The criollos, Europeans born in Latin America, saw their chance to challenge Spanish rule in 1808, with the French invasion of Spain. With Spain’s government in crisis, and the ideas of enlightenment and the American and French revolutions in the air, El Primer Grito de la Independencia (“the first cry of independence”) was heard in Ecuador in 1809, marking the beginning of criollo revolutionary movements throughout Latin America.

When the War of Independence broke out in Argentina in 1810, the Spanish viceroy of the Viceroyalty of Peru reincorporated several provinces in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador back into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Peru became a center of Spanish military power and royalist attitudes.

Peru’s War of Independence began in 1811 with the Battle of Huaqui, in which the royalist troops of the Viceroyalty of Peru triumphed over the revolutionary troops of La Primera Junta (founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina). In the years that followed, many battles were lost and won around the viceroyalty.

General José de San Martín of Argentina was a decisive figure. He liberated Argentina and then Chile, which he used as a base to attack Peru by sea. San Martín occupied the Peruvian port of Pisco in 1820 and entered Lima in 1821. He declared Peruvian independence on July 28, 1821. Peru’s War of Independence continued until 1826, when the last royalists surrendered.

Now, almost 200 years later, the people of Peru celebrate their independence on the same date every year. When you are enjoying music, food, the joyful spirit that fills the country, remember the history that made this celebration possible.

Beaches Hall of Fame       

The best moments always happen on the beach. Hollywood has made it pretty clear in a ton of films and no one can tell us otherwise. That’s just the way it is.

It’s the place where Danny and Sandy met and spent those unforgettable Summer Nights worthy of a musical, the place that gave us that Daniel Larusso’s unmatched scene doing the “Crane Kick” under the watchful eye of Mr. Miyagi, and the place where Colonel George Taylor, on his so-called simian adventure, realizes that he actually isn’t so far from his home planet after all and can’t help but let out a few hot-headed curses making for another iconic scene.

Well, we have good news because Spain has almost 5,000 miles of coast filled with beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. 4911.939 miles to enjoy their geological and climatic peculiarities and, why not, just imagine running by the seashore at slow motion while you hear in your head the mythical Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire.

I’m sure that you´re already picturing your skin sun-kissed and the sea ​​breeze in your face. If so, then I’d say we’re on track, so don’t stop, keep reading in English, or click here to switch to Spanish and don’t miss this list with the best beaches in Spain.

Granadella Cove, Valencian Community

The first destination to enjoy your holidays in Spain is found along the Mediterranean seashore, in the province of Alicante. Located near the coastal town of Xàbia and crossing the road that meets La Granadella Forest Park, you’ll find a beach that has been elected on several occasions as the best beach in Spain. Its seabed is renowned and admired for is beauty among diving, scuba diving, and snorkel enthusiasts.

Macarella and Macarelleta Cove, Menorca, Balearic Islands

It’s time for the trendiest beach on Instagram. This virgin, isolated, and “u” shaped cove is the most photographed beach in Spain, and for good reason. You can only reach it by sea or on foot and, once you’re there, it’s as if you were in the Caribbean itself. You’ll get to walk through the soft white sand to the seashore and gaze over its turquoise waters framed by pine-covered cliffs.

Benijo Beach, Canary Islands

If you’re a person that is always looking for something different and unconventional, stop by the Canary Islands archipelago, most of its beaches have a volcanic origin. In North Tenerife you will find this incredible wild beach composed of black sand. Remote from urban centers, it is the perfect place to disconnect from all the noise and take in nature’s beauty.

El Bombo Beach, Mijas, Malaga

With 683 miles in length and 65 feet in width, this beach is characterized by its moderate waves, its dark sand, and its crystal waters, perfect for the scuba diving lovers. If this is not enough to awake your interest, imagine yourself arriving to the beach riding on the back of a traditional burrotaxi (donkey-cab).

Valdevaqueros Beach, Cadiz

When the wind blows in this little corner of ours, the Valdevaqueros’s 2.48 miles of beach becomes so much more, it transforms into a multicolor universe painted by the sails of the kitesurf and windsurf enthusiasts. If in addition, you’re looking for good company, this is the place! The beach has, as permanent residents, cows that don’t hesitate to feel at ease by the seashore while you catch up on that tan and enjoy the abundance of restaurants and chill out bars.

While the seventh art has its world-renowned Academy Awards, these Spanish beaches have received awards of their own that guarantee exceptional quality. Among them is the Blue Flag, an international classification that certifies that the beach meets and maintains environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. Spain tops the world list of countries with Blue Flag awarded beaches. An authentic treasure of nature.

Speaking of treasures, we can’t part ways without first referring to the lucky ones that are always surrounded by sand and water, the pirates. If you want to travel the Spanish beaches in Jack Sparrow’s style, take a Spanish course and discover the treasure of learning a new language.

Be quiet for a second. If you listen carefully, you will surely be able to hear what is about to come. If you’re a music lover, we have something important to tell you.

The Spanish summer is much more than just sun and beach (although it does have a lot of both!). With the arrival of this season, Spain becomes a territory where you could hop from north to south traveling from festival to festival.

Keep reading in English or, if you’d like to change your tune, click here to switch to Spanish and discover some of the music festivals that we have ahead this 2019.

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL

On June 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th, Madrid will host one of the most important events for rock and heavy metal lovers, the Download Festival. This festival’s third edition can be enjoyed in La Caja Mágica (a multipurpose stadium) at the rhythm of some of the most legendary bands of the genre: Slipknot, Scorpions, Tool, and Sum 41, among many others.

A special meeting, without any doubt, for Slipknot and Tool fans because it will be the first time that both bands play in the Spanish capital in more than a decade.

CRUÏLLA

If you read the names Black Eyed Peas, Kylie Minogue, and Vetusta Morla and you can’t help but move your feet as you remember one of their songs, pop rock is your thing, and this is your festival. During July 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th, several special guests come together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this festival set in Barcelona.

But Cruïlla is much more than music, it’s also all the art created offstage with different artistic offers that go from dance and theatre to painting.

LOW COST FESTIVAL

Don’t let its name confuse you, this festival has hosted top names like The Chemical Brothers. This year, it does not lag behind as it’s bringing groups as important as New Order, Foals, and Bastille. If you’re looking for a non-overcrowded and more affordable musical event, stop by Benidorm (Alicante) on July 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th.   

STARLITE

A stellar lineup for a luxury location. After seven editions, Starlite has become one of the world’s longest festivals with more than 46 days of concerts. This year, from July 5^th to August 23^rd, music, culture, and gastronomy unite in a single place: Marbella (Malaga). Enjoy a starlit stage: Jason Derulo, Luis Fonsi, and Sting, among many others, will be, for sure, the delight of the audience.

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE BENICÀSSIM (FIB)

We conclude the festival route with the season’s classic, a festival that turns 25 summers old this year. A pop, rock, indie, and electronic music parade located in Benicàsim (Castellón, Comunidad Valenciana) that will allow you to enjoy the good atmosphere, and some paella too, on July 18^th, 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st. Just in case these reasons are not enough to awake your interest, maybe the names Lana del Rey, Fatboy Slim, and Kings of Leon will change your mind.

If this is music to your ears, take a Spanish course in Spain and drop by one of these music festivals. Improve your Spanish skills and stop sounding like a broken record using the same Spanish expressions over and over again.

One of the most magical nights of the year is coming: a night when fire, water, and ancestral traditions join to welcome Midsummer's Eve on the shortest night of the year. La noche de San Juan or St. John’s Night is here.

If you want to be ready for everything this June 23^rd offers to you, keep reading in English or, if you dare to “poner la mano en el fuego” for your Spanish skills, click here to switch to Spanish.

St. John’s Night captivates both youngsters and adults for reasons that go beyond the Christian celebration it’s named after. While it is true that it’s called “St. John’s Night” to commemorate the birth of St. John the Baptist, the origin of this festival goes back to pagan rituals in which people celebrated the arrival of Midsummer's Eve by lighting bonfires to “strengthen” the sun as, from this date, the sun “weakens” as the days get shorter and shorter until the winter solstice.

For one reason or another, in the countries where it’s celebrated, the festivity maintains its most distinguishing characteristic, the lighting of bonfires to purify, to keep away evil spirits, and to move away from negativities. There are different rituals to achieve these ends, such as the burning of old stuff or dummies, but each place has its own traditions.

Alicante, Valencian Community

If we are going to speak about bonfires, we must begin with Las Hogueras de Alicante, also known as “Les Fogueres de Sant Joan". The region of Valencia is famous for its Fallas tradition, a festival full of flames and fireworks. So, it’s not hard to believe that they celebrate St. John’s Night for a full 4 days, from June 20^th to 24^th. This days the city turn into the epicenter of a celebration that has been recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. Besides the burning of huge statues made of papier-mache, cardboard, or wood in the bonfires, the festivity also has an offering of flowers, parades, gastronomy events, and fireworks at Postiquet beach.

Malaga, Andalusia

It’s the night of the moraga beach parties, and the Malagueños know it. Thousands of them go to the beach equipped with wood for the bonfires, food, good music, good company, and the desire to have a good time. At midnight, with the bonfires already burning, the rituals begin: the jumping contests, the burning of the “júas” (rag dolls filled with paper or sawdust and made to look like famous people and characters), the burning of papers where people write down their wishes, and a dip in the sea for anyone who wants to preserve their beauty until the following year. All this is accompanied with a tasty traditional skewer of sardines in Malaga.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

However, if we celebrate St. John’s Night in Buenos Aires, they will have more hours to enjoy it as they will be celebrating the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. Besides that, the traditions brought over to the new world by the Christians retain the essence of the celebrations on the old continent.

In the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, bonfires are lit to burn dolls called “Judas,” to set wishes aflame, and to cook delicious boniatos in the company of friends and family.

What about you? If you are wishing to get caught up in the magic and the mysticism of this celebration, you have two options: you can either burn a paper with your wish written on it and wait to see if it comes true, or you can take a Spanish course and live your dream firsthand.

Thinking about winter, what first comes to mind for many of us are sweaters, snowmen, and quiet talks near the fireplace. In previous posts, we have talked about holiday traditions that celebrate Christmas and top ski resorts in Spain. However, there is one place that can add a twist to the conversation: Argentina.

If you live in North America, Europe, or Asia, this time of the year you are probably already tired of feeling cold. Would you like to escape from low temperatures? In order to enjoy a summer climate where you can also learn Spanish in Argentina, this is your best choice.

In the next lines, we are going to travel to Argentina and leave winter behind. Let us show you where to go to make the most of the Sun of May.

Click here if you want to read this post in Spanish and discover what the land of asados and tango has to offer you in the summertime.

January at the beach

Yes, it might sound weird. But January is the peak of the summer season at Argentinian beaches. With a coastline more than 3,000 miles long, this country offers a variety of beaches from north to south on the Atlantic Ocean.

The shore has locations to suit every taste. Mar del Plata is one of the liveliest spots, with an almost infinite variety of food and festivities. If you prefer bigger waves, Miramar is a preferred surfing destination. To disconnect from urban stress and enjoy quiet green landscapes, we recommend you visit Cariló beaches.

For mountain lovers

When we talk about going on vacation, there are always people who confess they prefer the mountains to the beach. Summer is the best time of the year to enjoy camping in the forest, riding river rapids, or going climbing. In Argentina, you can do all this in January!

Cordoba is one of the best provinces to experience these kinds of adventures. Some cities, like Villa Carlos Paz, double their population during the summertime. Rafting, trekking, and hiking are great options in this amazing destination for adventure tourism.

Cosmopolitan summer

Strangely enough, the warm months are a very good time to do intensive tourism in the capital. We won’t deny that Buenos Aires has pretty high temperatures from December to March. However, this inconvenience has a big plus: its streets are significantly emptier because many inhabitants leave town in search of cooler areas.

This will allow you to visit the city’s monuments and take part in its festivals in a more relaxed way. Outdoor movies, Buenos Aires Playa, and the ecological reserve are just some of the best ways to enjoy being outside. You can also take advantage and visit the most popular museums of the capital without standing in line!

If you are up to trading your scarf for a swimming suit, Argentina is waiting for you! Besides an incredible vacation, you can live a unique linguistic immersion and improve your Spanish level with our programs in Buenos Aires and Cordoba.

We are waiting for you!

Everyone will tell you that one of the bests things to do in Guanajuato is to leave your map at home and let your feet guide you through the maze of streets of the Old Town, where you’ll be amazed at the colorful buildings, leafy plazas, and charming cafes you’ll find around every corner. But all that exploring can be exhausting in the hot summer sun, especially when you know there’s no beach around.

Here are five ways to keep the heat from getting you down as you make the most of your experience in Guanajuato.

Read this guide in Spanish here.

Street Strolling With Serenades

Callejoneadas are a joyful nighttime tradition unique to the state of Guanajuato. A group of musicians in period costumes will accompany you on a nighttime tour of the city’s streets and plazas as they perform typical songs from Guanajuato and other regions of Mexico. They’ll also tell jokes and historical legends about the places you see. Many of Guanajuato’s buildings are brilliantly lit up at night, so this is the perfect way to see the city with cooler temperatures and enjoy live music at the same time. It’s also a good chance to practice your Spanish, as the traditional tours usually aren’t offered in other languages. (Of course, the best way to improve your Spanish during your trip to Guanaujuato is to take a Spanish course at don Quijote!).

There are three different places to find your callejoneada: look for the men and women dressed in costume at Jardín de la Unión, Plaza Central, or the steps of Juárez Theater. It generally lasts about two hours.

Freshly made “Snow”

La Garrafa Nieves makes their own delicious ice cream or nieve (snow), as it’s called in Mexico. Local flavors go far beyond chocolate and vanilla: try queso (cheese), beso de ángel (who knew that angel kisses taste like cherry and nuts?), tequila, or any type of fruit you can think of. Its central location beside beautiful Plaza de la Paz, also known as Plaza Mayor, makes this spot the ideal place to try a wonderfully cold treat and take a break from walking around the city on a hot summer day.

Fiestas on the Water

If you’re in Guanajuato in late June, you’re in luck! Head to the southeast side of the city to Presa de la Olla, a dam built in the 1740s to provide the city with a dependable water supply. Every year around June 24, the reservoir is the place to be to celebrate the Fiestas de San Juan y Presa de la Olla with music, dancing, races, games, and plenty of food and drink. Any other time of the year, the reservoir is a peaceful place to row boats across the water, enjoy the green gardens, and taste the local cuisine at one of the bordering restaurants or food stands. And even if you miss the festival in June, you can experience festive fun every Sunday at the Embajadores market with music, food, and great atmosphere. 

The city at sunset

When the day starts to cool off, walk behind Juárez Theater and take the red funicular (cable car) up the side of a mountain to Guanajuato’s top lookout point, the Pípila Monument. In addition to incredible panoramic views of the city, there’s an enormous statue of El Pípila, a local hero who earned his fame in 1810 around the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence when he torched the grain warehouse (Alhóndiga de Granaditas) after the Spanish had barricaded themselves inside. Come up to the lookout point a bit before sunset to see the city’s bright colors in the daylight before they fade away and are replaced by the magical lights that illuminate the city at night.

Where the sun can’t find you

Imagine leaving the heat behind as you go more than 600 feet underground. To burrow deep into Guanajuato’s mining history, take a trip to Mineral de Pozos, also known as San Pedro de los Pozos, a desolate ghost town that was once a booming population center thanks to its many gold, silver, copper, and zinc mines. Though its beautiful, crumbling stone and adobe buildings in the desert have long made it a desirable backdrop for shooting films, it wasn’t until the 1990s that artists started trickling into town, inspired by the unique landscapes. Then in 2012 Mineral de Pozos was named one of Mexico’s Magical Towns, and a new energy began to flow, with hotels, restaurants, shops, and art galleries popping up to accommodate visitors. You’ll enjoy going deep down into one of the mines, or just walking or biking through the ruins of the city, where time seems to stand still.

Oaxaca is about as far as you can get from the typical Mexican beach destination, but what it lacks in waves and sand it more than makes up for in culture. This culinary dreamscape weaves traditions going back thousands of years into the colorful patchwork of a modern city renowned for its unique blend of contemporary art and ancient craftsmanship.

Read this guide in Spanish here.

Legendary flavors

Known as the land of the seven moles (pronounced MOH-leh), Oaxacan cooking attracts tourists to the city from all over the world. If you’ve tried the dark brown, chocolaty mole sauce outside of Mexico and have concluded that mole is not for you, we encourage you to give it another shot. You have seven delicious types to choose from: negro (the most famous), amarillo, coloradito, verde, chilchilo, rojo (the spiciest), and manchamanteles (the “tablecloth-stainer”). Contrary to popular belief, not all moles contain chocolate, so if you don’t have to mix sweet and savory if you don’t want to!

Speaking of chocolate, Oaxaca is a haven for chocoholics. Although it’s not a major growing region, Oaxaca has a love for cacao that dates back thousands of years. The ubiquitous Oaxacan hot chocolate is a drink for both special occasions and everyday life, and it’s guaranteed to warm your heart. Mayordomo and La Soledad are two chocolate institutions with stores and stands where they will grind the cacao beans for you. 

Try these and other local treats — tamales, tlayudas (sometimes called Oaxacan pizzas), chapulines (spicy grasshoppers!), quesillo string cheese, and so much more at one of the local markets in Oaxaca.

Mexican Markets

If you’ve got food on the mind and want to get a good look at all the options, head to Mercado de Abastos, Mercado de Benito Juarez, or Mercado 20 de Noviembre and prepare to be amazed. Meat lovers won’t want to miss this last market’s pasillo de carnes asadas (grilled meats aisle), where you pick out the raw meat and spices you want and watch as they get cooked over hot coals with vegetables and served in a basket with salsas and fresh corn tortillas. Markets often sell colorful handicrafts, flowers, and other products in addition to food, making them the perfect place to go shopping before and after your meal. You should also check out the busy Central de Abastos, an enormous, bustling open-air market.

Amazing art

Thanks to its large indigenous population, Oaxaca has a vibrant folk art tradition. You’ll find beautiful black pottery, colorful woven rugs and textiles, and cheerful alebrijes (brilliantly painted wood carvings in the shape of fantastical animals) being sold in markets and stands around the city. The Mercado de Artesanías is a good place to start.

As you walk around the city, you’ll find a lot of modern street art, much of which is political. Even if you don’t speak Spanish (which you can remedy by taking classes at don Quijote in Oaxaca!) and can’t fully understand the message, you’ll enjoy the bright colors and passion that comes through visually.

Espacio Zapata, founded by the Assembly of Revolutionary Artists of Oaxaca (Asaro) during major political turmoil in 2006, is a workshop and gallery that hosts exhibitions, events, and workshops, and the murals decorating the outside of the building are in constant flux.

You’ll also find many art galleries with a mixture of traditional and contemporary art, which you can pop in and out of when they cross your path. If you like to have an exact destination, set your sights on one of Oaxaca’s many art museums, with collections that range from the pre-Columbian era to the futuristic.

Dazzling day trips

If you want to take a swim overlooking a luscious green valley, soaking in natural springs and contemplating a petrified waterfall in the distance, you’ll be happy to hear that the infinity pools of Hierve el Agua are only an hour-long bus ride away. This is perfect place to cool off and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

To learn about Pre-Columbian civilizations, Monte Albán is a spectacular must-see. Located less than half an hour from Oaxaca, this city was home to the Olmecs, the Zapotecs, and the Mixtecs over a period of more than one thousand years and had more than 25,000 inhabitants during its peak as the Zapotec capital.

Remember, these suggestions are just the beginning — we haven’t even mentioned Oaxaca’s central plaza, colonial architecture, festivals, or mezcal culture. You’ll have to go to Oaxaca to discover it for yourself!

Museums, parks, restaurants for every taste (and budget), a fun-filled nightlife, different shopping areas, markets and festivals to enjoy… Madrid has it all! Well, almost. In the words of a popular local ska band from the 1980s, 'Aquí no hay playa' (there’s no beach here). So, with summer temperatures approaching 100 degrees, it’s important to always have a plan B to escape the heat.

Read the article in Spanish here.

Here are a few different ideas to keep up your sleeve in Madrid:

Pick a favorite park

El Retiro is hands down the most famous park in the capital of Spain. Aside from the sunny, crowded area around the square lake, its shady paths offer a breath of fresh air, perfect for the hottest part of the day. But Madrid has lots of other parks — this summer, why not try to find your favorite?

Oeste Park is the closest to our don Quijote school in Madrid, and here you can admire an authentic Egyptian temple or take the gondola lift to see Madrid from the skies. The ride will carry you all the way to Casa de Campo, the capital’s largest green space, ideal for exercising, rowing in the lake, or visiting the Amusement Park. Casa de Campo is linked to yet another park, Madrid Río, where you can hop on a bike or strap on your rollerblades and make your way to an exhibition at the Matadero Contemporary Art Center. If you want to keep it laid-back, take metro line 5 to Capricho Park, a romantic garden full of surprises, from a miniature fort (complete with a moat) to a bunker where the Republican government took shelter during the Spanish Civil War.

Make a splash!

Yeah, we know… there’s no beach in Madrid. That means the many pools you’ll find in and around the capital are the place to be when the heat is too overwhelming. If you’re looking for something close by, your best bet is to go to one of the city’s public pools, spread out across the different neighborhoods. If you’re up for a bit of a trek, we recommend you take a trip to the mountains to dip in some natural pools, either in Cercedilla, roughly an hour away by car, or Rascafría, about 15 minutes farther.

If you’re craving something more chic (and also more expensive), several hotels in downtown Madrid will let you spend the day soaking in their pools. Hotel Emperador, right on Gran Vía, features one of the city’s most popular rooftop pools along with spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Cool off with culture

One of Madrid’s many museums could be the ideal plan for a hot summer afternoon, with air conditioning, entertainment, and culture all in one. As you probably already know, the Spanish capital is home to one of the world’s best museums featuring European painters: the Prado. If contemporary art is more your style, the Reina Sofía Museum is just a short walk away, housed in a former hospital with a refreshing patio where you can take a break between rooms.

Why not stray from the beaten path and visit some of Madrid’s lesser-known museums? Try the Cerralbo Museum, located in a charming and luxurious 19th-century palace, or the ABC museum, which organizes interesting illustration exhibitions. Step inside the Sorolla Museum for a look at the painter’s house and studio in Madrid, complete with a beautiful garden and fountains, or stop by the Garment Museum, next to Oeste Park, for a trip through the history of clothes.

Looking for something a little different? Go back in time with the Platform Zero project: you can visit the old Chamberí metro station, restored to look the same as it did the day it was closed to the public in 1966, and the Nave de Motores de Pacífico, an electric power plant dating back to the 1920s.

Join the party

If there’s one thing that stands out about summers in Madrid, it’s the string of typical fiestas celebrated in the different neighborhoods and lasting long into the night. For an authentic Spanish experience, don’t miss La Paloma, a verbena or open-air festival celebrated the week of August 15 in La Latina. You’ll enjoy learning to dance the chotis alongside madrileños in their traditional chulapo dress (it’s the easiest dance in the world, we promise.) The most refreshing fiesta is the almost 40-year-old Batalla Naval de Vallecas — the enormous water fight will leave you as happy as you are soaking wet.

Maybe visiting Madrid in the summer isn’t such a bad idea, right? Trust us, you’ll have a blast. This list is just the beginning: you still have to eat at one of the city’s many restaurants with terraces, enjoy the ambience of the trendy Mercado de Motores, and hear live music at outdoor concerts in the Sabatini Gardens or the Complutense University Botanical Gardens.

All cities have their charm. Granada has its own, and that of all the others. That’s what the poet Antonio Machado said, but, is there any another city in the world in which the same thing happens? We think so: Guanajuato.

Both cities share a spirit, an atmosphere that unites them. In Granada and Guanajuato, you will find narrow cobbled streets, picturesque architecture, lots of history ... and even a university environment! Ideal if you want to learn Spanish.

If in Granada a palace, La Alhambra, dominates the horizon; in Guanajuato it’s the Basilica de Nuestra Señora. A detail that also links this Mexican basilica to the Spanish city is that inside it is a sculpture of the Virgin brought from Granada in 1577!

If we go beyond history and focus on legend, a curious detail stands out. Both cities have a street named after a kiss, the Calle del Beso. While in Guanajuato it pays homage to a tragic love story, in Granada the legend tells us of a young deceased woman who is resurrected by her mother’s kiss. The important thing is that you can walk through a colorful, traditional and romantic street.

And after some walking, one begins to have an appetite. You already know the good dishes of the Spanish city, well the Mexican one does not lag far behind: its gastronomy is one of the most delicious in the country. Typical dishes of tamales, chalupas, enchiladas, empanadas… but made with such care and pampering, like good home cooking, that they are leagues beyond the fast food taco restaurant fare. And best of all, you will find these delicacies at good prices.

Perhaps the reason Guanajuato is one of the cheapest cities to live in is because, like Granada, it’s a university city. Half of the Guanajuato population is under 30 years old, which also means that there are numerous entertainment options. Who knows better that a student how to have fun on a modest budget? A movie ticket costs 60 MXN (not quite 3€), a beer 30 MXN (1.4€), a refreshment 12 MXN (less than € 0.60), a dinner in a restaurant 150 MXN (almost 8€) ... You can enjoy and have fun without scaring your wallet!

And if you want to tour spots full of history in Guanajuato, just like Granada, it’s full of them. If the Spanish city has the Nasrid legacy, medieval Christian, the Renaissance ... in Guanajuato you will see prehispanic constructions like Cañada de la Virgen or Peralta; and inside the city you will be surrounded by monuments and baroque buildings such as the San Diego Temple or the Basilica itself; Colonial style, as in the Plaza del Baratillo; Neoclassical style, like the Juárez theater ... It should not surprise you that this beautiful city has been declared a "World Heritage Site".

If you're interested in studying Spanish in Madrid with don Quijote this winter, you're in for a unique spectacle. With the cool temperatures of autumn, the city enjoys a charming transformation: the air becomes crisp, t-shirts and sandals are put away and give way to sophisticated coats and boots, many dishes, comforting and warm, and the urban vegetation is tinged with vivid reds, oranges and yellows. Apart from the typical seasonal changes, Madrid also offers fun events during this season. So take your Spanish learning experience out of the classroom and pay attention to our guide of the best things to do this November in Madrid.

Let the weather guide your stomach

Let's start with everyone's favorite topic: food! Spanish gastronomy is known for its long tradition of seasonal dishes, tapas and drinks (just try to find a person who drinks gazpacho in winter, we dare you!). The weather, so cool, is perfect for comer con cuchara (eating with a spoon) and, as Spaniards, a good, healthy cocido madrileño. The city's most famous, cocido madrileño, is cooked with garbanzo (chickpeas), vegetables and meat. Other hot and traditional dishes in Madrid are callos (yes, they're beef intestines, but trust us... they're delicious!) and garlic soup.

Another dish you must try is the famouscochinillode Segovia. Just an hour from Madrid, the city of Segovia will surprise you with its medieval beauty and, after a great walk, you can calm your stomach with this local specialty. And if you want your gastronomic route to go one step further, why not make a reservation at Casa Botín? Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, Casa Botín was founded in 1725 and its specialties are typically madrilenians and Castellan dishes.

And, of course, don't forget to try the churros con chocolate, which are considered part of a typical breakfast in Spain... Because there's no better way to start a cold winter day than with churros and a good cup of chocolate.

Enjoy unique gastronomic festivals

November is a month of events and festivals in Madrid, designed to satisfy all palates. If you are a jazz lover, for example, you will love the International Jazz Festival that takes place throughout the month. This festival will not only offer you more than 100 musical performances, but also jazz-related discussions, film screenings and exhibitions. On the other hand, the Madrid en Danza festival starts on November 18 and stands out for its innovative aesthetics and its commitment to international and local dance.

For foodies, there is MadrEAT, an outdoor gastronomic market where you will have at your disposal more than 20 vans specialized in gourmet food and craft beer. MadrEAT takes place in the gardens of AZCA during the third weekend of November. Finally, for those with more diverse interests, Madrid also hosts Science Week (Nov. 7-20) and Madrid Horse Week (Nov. 27-27). Never seen a horse show? Why not do it this month?

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Get out into nature

Just because temperatures have dropped doesn't mean outdoor activities end. With the change in vegetation, areas of Madrid such as Retiro Park are transformed into a spectacular paradise of copper and golden colors. So why not take a bike or the metro and discover all the beauty of the city? In addition to the Retiro Park, you can visit others such as the Parque del Oeste, the Sabatini Gardens or the Dehesa de la Villa (former hunting ground of King Alfonso VII). The Casa de Campo is another gem: because it is the largest park in Madrid and because it houses the Parque de Atracciones and the Madrid Zoo. The park also organizes guided tours and walks.

Here it is! If you are studying Spanish in Madrid this year, don't let it go by without discovering all the beauty, culture and fun that the city has to offer!