Do you know what happens in Spain and Latin America every December 28th? It is a tradition to celebrate el Día de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents), which in other countries is known as April Fool's Day.

This date combines religious traditions and popular customs, making it a perfect opportunity to indulge in humor and pranks in Spain. But where does this holiday come from and what keeps it alive today?

In this article you will discover where this tradition comes from, what happens every December 28 and everything that surrounds this date. Find out with donQuijote!

Religious origins

On December 28, Spain celebrates a very peculiar holiday full of history: el Día de los Santos Inocentes (the Day of the Holy Innocents). A tragic story that has religious origins.

The Day of the Holy Innocents has its origin in a biblical story recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew. According to Christian tradition, King Herod, fearful of losing his throne after hearing that a “king of the Jews” (Jesus) had been born, ordered the slaughter of all children under the age of two in Bethlehem and its surroundings.

These children, known as “the Holy Innocents”, are considered the first Christian martyrs. Thus, the Catholic Church established December 28 as a day of remembrance for these children, originally charged with a solemn and prayerful tone.

However, over the centuries, the celebration took on a more festive character, combining religious elements with pagan traditions that already existed in various cultures.

Its evolution to today's the Day of the Holy Innocents

The transition from a solemn to a humorous tone can be understood within the context of the winter festivals that were celebrated in different cultures before the arrival of Christianity. For example, during the Roman Saturnalia, it was common for hierarchies to be inverted and jokes normally unthinkable were allowed.

Over time, in Spain and Latin America, the Day of the Holy Innocents acquired a particular character: a mixture of religious tradition and popular revelry. Nowadays, the holiday is experienced as a day of mischief and little pranks aimed at “fooling” others.

So, watch out! On December 28 in Spanish-speaking countries everything is justified with a smile and the phrase: “¡Inocente, inocente!” (innocent, innocent). Don't believe everything you read or see that day and be careful because you too can be the protagonist of a prank.

What do people do on the Day of the Holy Innocents?

Today, December 28 is a day for pranks. Common activities include:

• Home pranks. In many places, the day is used to play pranks on family members. For example, changing salt for sugar, changing the time on the clock or wrapping “presents” with unexpected contents.
• Pranks among friends. It is also common for friends and co-workers to play pranks on each other. From stickers on their backs to changing objects around, creativity knows no bounds on this day!
• Fake news. Some media and television programs participate in the tradition by publishing absurd or false news, with the aim of surprising their readers and viewers. These hoaxes are usually obvious, although there is always someone who falls into the trap. Usually, the next day the news is debunked under the phrase: “¡Inocente, inocente!” (innocent, innocent!)
• Innocent loans. A somewhat forgotten but still surviving tradition in some rural areas is to borrow objects that are never returned. For example, someone might borrow a pot or a hammer, and the next day, the return becomes a joke.
• Local events. In some Spanish towns, the day is celebrated with special events. For example, in Ibi (Alicante) the famous “Fiesta de los Enharinados” takes place, where participants “attack” each other with flour and eggs in a fun pitched battle.

Why does this tradition continue?

The Day of the Holy Innocents has endured over time because it combines elements that appeal to humans: humor, creativity and social connection. It is a day to relax, forget the stresses of everyday life and share laughter with those around us.

In addition, this tradition reinforces the link with popular customs and history. Although modern pranks may seem far removed from their religious origin, they keep alive the spirit of surprise and playfulness that has characterized this holiday for centuries.

Its equivalent in other countries

The Day of the Holy Innocents has a similar equivalent in Anglo-Saxon culture: April Fools' Day, which, as its name suggests, is celebrated on April 1. This date, although it has no religious origin, shares the same spirit of playing pranks and mischief.

Possibly, the celebration of April Fools' Day dates to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, when the start of the year changed from April 1 to January 1. Stragglers who continued to celebrate the new year in early April became the subject of ridicule and jokes.

In countries such as France, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, this day is characterized by pranks ranging from the most innocent to the very elaborate, but always with the same goal: to make people laugh.

If this year you want to participate in the Day of the Holy Innocents because you are doing an intensive Spanish course in Spain, you can participate with your classmates or friends. And remember: if you get caught in a joke, you can always get out of it with a smile and the phrase: “¡Inocente, inocente!”.

Christmas celebrations and Christmas dinners in Spain are approaching. If you are thinking of taking one of our Spanish courses in Spain or going to spend these special dates in the country, what better way to mimic the language than to celebrate its Spanish Christmas traditions.

Spain is a very diverse country and has different traditions all over the cities, but what all places do agree on is to celebrate with a Christmas meal.

So, if you are learning Spanish, you are going to spend Christmas in Spain or you just want to know what traditional Spanish food for Christmas are, this is your article!

You can also read this article in Spanish or French.

Spanish food for Christmas

In Spain there are several different celebrations during the Christmas season: Christmas Eve and Christmas; New Year's Eve and New Year. Although, in general, during these meals the dishes are usually repeated, so, in this article we will focus more on Christmas food in Spain.

Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24 and is a dinner with family and friends as the eve of Christmas. Already on December 25, Christmas, a meal is organized in which typical Spanish Christmas dishes are prepared.

Commonly, in many homes the Christmas Eve dinner is more abundant than the Christmas meal, so many dishes that have not been finished in the evening dinner are reused for the next day's meal.

But let's go to the important issue, you can differentiate several Spanish Christmas dishes very typical these dates:

Starters and appetizers

Appetizers are small starters or light dishes served at the beginning of the meal to whet the appetite. Normally Spanish Christmas dinners begin with these appetizers or starters.

They usually include cold meats, seafood or assorted tapas. Below you will find some of the most popular appetizers in Spain:

Tabla de embutidos. It includes Iberian ham, chorizo, lomo, salchichón and a variety of cheeses. In addition, it is sometimes accompanied with dried fruits such as nuts and served with bread sticks or toasted bread.

Ensaladilla rusa. It is not a very typical starter in all Spanish Christmas dinners, but you can find it in many homes. It contains potato, carrot, peas, tuna, boiled egg and mayonnaise, although in every home it is made with some ingredients or others. It is served as a tapa or cold starter.

Huevos rellenos (stuffed eggs). In many homes this starter is very popular, it is served cold, and everyone likes it. Its ingredients are boiled eggs, tuna, mayonnaise and fried tomato, optionally it can have olives and sweet paprika or chopped parsley to decorate.

Canapés. The canapés consist of toasted bread or puff pastry bases with smoked salmon, foie gras, pâté, cream cheese, anchovies... Some are decorated with fresh herbs or fish roe; and are usually accompanied, especially the pâtés, with strawberry jam, onion jam...

Shrimps or prawns. Shrimps can be fresh or grilled and are usually seasoned with coarse salt and lemon; or accompanied with mayonnaise. Also with seafood, another very popular dish is the coctel de gambas (shrimp cocktail) which has shrimp, lettuce and pink sauce, but can also have avocado and tomato, depending on the taste of each person.

Pulpo a la gallega (Galician style octopus). Although you may think it is only eaten in Galicia because of its name, octopus is a very popular dish all over Spain. Originally from Galicia, this starter consists of cooked octopus, potatoes, olive oil and paprika.

Gulas. Another very famous starter in Spanish Christmas dinners. Gulas is pan-fried with a little garlic and chili peppers (if you like it spicy), garnished with parsley and ready!

Main Spanish Christmas dishes

As in any home, these vary according to family tradition and the tastes of the diners. These are the most common:

Sopa de marisco (seafood soup). An intense broth, with sofrito and fresh seafood. It contains shrimps, mussels, clams, hake or monkfish, tomato, onion, garlic and fish fumet.

Cardo con almendras. This recipe is more typical of northern Spain. Its ingredients are fresh or canned thistle, almonds, garlic, flour, milk and poultry stock.

Crema de almendras (almond cream). A soft and comforting option to take between the starters and the first course that triumphs in many Spanish homes. It is a cream of ground almonds, poultry broth, milk, toasted bread and garlic.

Cordero asado (roast lamb). One of the most popular Spanish Christmas dishes in any Spanish home. The lamb is roasted slowly in the oven to make the meat tender. All you need is a leg or shoulder of lamb, garlic, rosemary, white wine, olive oil and salt.

Carrilleras al vino tinto (flesh of the jaw in red wine). This meat is very tender and mellow when cooked over low heat. Although it takes longer to prepare than other meat dishes, they are delicious. Its ingredients are pork or beef flesh of the jaw, red wine, onion, carrot, garlic, meat stock, tomato, flour and olive oil.

Rodaballo al horno (baked turbot). If you are more of a fish lover, this is firm, tasty and perfect for its natural flavor. Elegance and delicacy in a dish with turbot, potatoes, onion, garlic, dry white wine and fish stock.

Rape en salsa verde (monkfish in green sauce). Another white fish with firm, juicy flesh and a mild flavor. Its appearance is very peculiar and combines perfectly with the Christmas holidays. It is simple to cook: you place a bed of potatoes, make a sauce with garlic, parsley, dry white wine and fish stock, and the monkfish on top of the potatoes with this sauce on top. You can also serve it with clams.

Spanish Christmas desserts

Finally, and better known than the main dishes, the Spanish Christmas desserts.

The main one, which is a must in every house, is the turrón (nougat). The most famous nougat is from Jijona, Alicante, and has two varieties: soft and hard. The classic one is usually made of almonds, honey, sugar and egg white. Although some of the most famous and demanded ones also contain chocolate.

Polvorones and mantecados are the next best known for melting in the mouth and having a unique flavor. As well as marzipans, almond figurines that are molded and lightly baked.

And, of course, to close these celebrations, you cannot miss the cava, cider or champagne. Although in some houses you can find homemade Christmas punch, based on egg, milk, sugar, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Are you looking forward to Christmas? Dare to experience a different Christmas and learn Spanish in Spain with donQuijote. You will be able to improve your language skills, experience first-hand the Christmas celebrations and taste the different Spanish Christmas dishes to let your palate fall in love with them.

Are you thinking of traveling to Spain? Surely you have heard more than one stereotype about its people and how they live. So today you will discover the 10 most common Spanish stereotypes and whether they are true or not.

When you think of Spain, picturesque images of flamenco, bullfighting and siestas in the sun come to your mind. However, this diverse and historied country goes beyond its tourist clichés. Explore some Spanish stereotypes and find out the truth behind them.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

1. Siesta

You could not miss the most typical of all: the siesta. Although it is true that in Spain the value of a good siesta is appreciated, not all Spaniards spend the afternoon sleeping. It is a common practice, but not every day there is time for it, although many would like to.

Siesta is more common in the south, where the climate is more scorching. However, in Spanish cities, daily life is as dynamic as anywhere else in the world.

2. Flamenco

Flamenco is the second most widespread Spanish stereotype. Although it is a fundamental part of Spanish culture, not all Spaniards are expert flamenco dancers. It is a dance typical of the south and more widespread in that area.

Cultural diversity in Spain has given rise to a wide range of artistic expressions, from contemporary dance to indie music. Therefore, although flamenco is the most internationally known, not all Spaniards like this genre.

But if you want to enjoy flamenco in all its splendor, Spain is the right place for it, especially thanks to the shows, fairs, and festivals where you can see this art live.

3. Bullfighting

The image of bulls and bullfighters is another of the main stereotypes most associated with Spain. However, this practice generates a lot of controversy in the country and not all Spaniards are in favor of bullfighting.

However, as the practice is becoming less and less popular, many bullrings in the country are often used for concerts or shows.

4. Paella

Although paella has become a typical Spanish dish if you ask anyone, it is a food that originated in the Valencian Community. And each region has its own gastronomy and its own dishes.

While paella is a delicious and emblematic dish and has slipped into the top 5 of Spanish food, we cannot forget typical Spanish food such as tortilla, cocido madrileño, fabada or gazpacho.

5. Nightlife

It is true that Spaniards enjoy the nightlife, but not everyone parties until the wee hours of the morning. In many cities, nightlife is vibrant, especially in places like Madrid and Barcelona, but there are also those who prefer not to stay up late.

In addition, the number of fairs and festivals that take place during the summer in Spain help to enhance this Spanish stereotype.

6. It is always sunny and hot

Spain is not a constantly sunny country. Although the Mediterranean climate predominates in some regions, where sun and heat are present most of the year, there are other places where rain is more frequent, as in the north.

So, in Spain it is not always hot, and Spaniards are not on the beach all day, although more than one would like to be. But Spain has more than 3,000 beaches scattered throughout all the territory.

7. Everyone speaks the same

Spanish in Spain varies significantly by region. From melodic Andalusian to Catalan and Basque with their own peculiarities, each area has its own characteristic accent and dialect.

Therefore, if you want to learn Spanish in Spain you can choose the city you like the most, discover its gastronomy, its way of life and its peculiar accent. At don Quijote we have 13 schools throughout the country, so choose the city you like best and start your journey in Spanish.

8. Punctuality

Although punctuality is valued in many European countries, in Spain this aspect is very flexible. There is a “15 minutes of courtesy” when you meet someone at a certain time, and someone is late.

Even compared to other European countries, in Spain people eat lunch and dinner very late. Also, in Spanish culture there are situations where flexibility in scheduling is more accepted. Don't be surprised if a social date starts a few minutes later.

9. Everyone speaks very loudly

This Spanish stereotype is very common among tourists who come to visit the country: the generalized idea that Spaniards are very loud and speak very loudly, almost shouting.

It is true that there is some truth to this, but it is not because they are rude or impolite, it is simply a cultural difference. Spaniards in general like to talk, to socialize, and when they are in a conversation, especially when it is a topic of real interest, it can turn into a very passionate conversation. Because who hasn't walked into a Spanish bar and thought how noisy this place is?

10. Everyone has the same appearance

Spaniards do not all have dark hair and eyes, nor do they have the physique of Penelope Cruz or Antonio Banderas. Some break out of this stereotype with blue or green eyes and blond or brown hair. Moreover, not all of them have sun-browned skin. The diversity in Spain is quite clear and, if you visit the country, you will realize it.

As you have seen, Spain is a country full of nuances, where diversity and cultural richness far outweigh the stereotypes associated with it. As you explore beyond the preconceived stereotypes, you will find a vibrant country full of life.

Dare to discover the truth behind Spanish stereotypes and visit the country. Also, if you want to improve your Spanish level, do not hesitate to sign up for an intensive Spanish course with don Quijote. We have 11 destinations for you to improve your level and discover the wonders that Spain and its people have to offer.

Gastronomy has a crucial role in fully immersing you in the culture of a country, and if there is one thing Spain stands out for, it is its rich and diverse cuisine. Thus, in this article you will be able to immerse yourself in the world of typical Spanish food, explore its most popular dishes and be fascinated by the very different flavors.

You can read this article in Spanish, just click here.

Paella

Let’s begin with one of the most famous dishes of Spanish gastronomy: paella. This emblematic dish of Spanish cuisine has its origins in the Valencian Community.

It is a dish whose base is rice and exploits flavors that represent the culinary diversity of the country. This delicious mixture of rice, vegetables and seafood or meat is cooked with saffron and other spices. A true delight of Spanish gastronomy.

Tortilla de patata

Another classic at any Spanish table. The potato omelette is a perfect mixture of potatoes and eggs, cooked to perfection until it is creamy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.

It is a simple, delicious, and essential dish in any compilation of typical Spanish food. Although the original recipe is with potatoes and eggs, but you can cook an omelette incorporating different ingredients such as cheese, chorizo, or truffle. In addition, in Spain there is a debate as to whether the tortilla is better with or without onion.

Croquetas

Croquettes are considered an authentic jewel of Spanish gastronomy. They are small balls of bechamel sauce mixed with ingredients such as ham, chicken, cod, cheese, or spinach. Although you can use any ingredient you prefer.

These croquetas are breaded and fried until they get a golden and crunchy layer. The croquettes are delicious, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and are a culinary addiction that will leave you wanting more.

Gazpacho

To refresh the palate, nothing better than gazpacho. This cold soup is made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic, and onion. It is a true explosion of freshness, ideal for hot summer days.

Very similar to this dish, you can find the salmorejo. Salmorejo, unlike gazpacho, has a thicker texture. It is a cold cream based on tomato, bread, olive oil and garlic. It is usually garnished with hard-boiled egg and Serrano ham. A refreshing and nutritious delight.

Pulpo a la gallega

In Galicia you can find an exquisite and very popular dish: pulpo (octopus). Galician style octopus is typically served cooked on a potato base. It is then sliced, sprinkled with paprika and drizzled with olive oil.

It is another typical Spanish dish that mixes flavors and will make you love the tender texture of the octopus.

Calamares a la romana

Continuing with seafood, calamares a la romana is a very popular dish. It consists of slices of squid in batter and fried to obtain a crunchy texture. They are usually accompanied by aioli sauce and are a real delicacy.

In addition, in Madrid is very typical the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich), so you can choose between a portion of squid or a sandwich.

Cocido madrileño

This traditional Madrilenian dish is a comforting stew that combines chickpeas, pork, beef, and chorizo. There are many ways to eat it, since in each house it is made in a different way, but it is composed of a soup dish with noodles, chickpeas, and meat.

Each region has its own version, but the cocido madrileño is a classic that has endured over time. You can also find cocido montañés, cocido andaluz or cocido extremeño.

Fabada asturiana

Originally from Asturias, fabada is a robust and comforting stew. This typical Spanish dish combines fabes (white beans), chorizo, black pudding, bacon and, sometimes, pork.

Asturian fabada is cooked slowly and is a dish for lovers of intense flavors and the creamy texture of legumes.

Pisto

This dish is called pisto and it is like the French’s dish ratatouille. The pisto is a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions and sometimes eggs. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

Eating well is part of the Spanish lifestyle! The wide variety of products makes Spanish cuisine one of the richest and most varied in the world. The diversity of cultures, climates, and landscapes has created a great range of meats, fish, seafood, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to taste in each region.

Below, you will find our compilation of some of the most typical Spanish foods you’ll find in the different areas of the country.

If you’d like to practice your reading comprehension as your mouth waters, read this post in Spanish.

Northern Spanish Cuisine:

1. Have you ever tried octopus? Pulpo a Feira is probably the most popular recipe in Galician cuisine. However, since food is one of the great tourist attractions of Galicia, this is not an easy call to make. Although there is a huge variety of local fish and seafood, you could argue that the gastronomic treasure of this region is Pulpo a Feira con Cachelos (cooked octopus and potato seasoned with olive oil, salt, and paprika).

2. As we move a little eastward, we reach the Principality of Asturias. Asturian cuisine is perhaps one of Spain’s most varied due to the region’s combination of mountains and sea. However, there is one dish you cannot miss if you go to the land of King Pelayo: La Fabada Asturiana. It is a stew made with fabes (Asturian beans) and compango, a trio of smoked meats (chorizo, morcilla, and tocino).

3. Once in the Basque Country and Navarra, you should give the popular pintxos a go. In Gipuzkoa, Donostia, and Pamplona, ​​one of the most beloved customs among food lovers (a group that includes almost all the locals) is to go out for pintxos. Tourists who visit this area of ​​Spain for the first time are surprised by the counters of the different bars and restaurants, which are full of this delicious delicacy. Normally, a pintxo consists of a slice of bread with food on top.

Spanish Mediterranean Cuisine:

4. Arriving at the Spanish Mediterranean coast, we will taste the famous pan tumaca, or bread with tomato. It is considered one of the oldest and simplest examples of Mediterranean cuisine, and although it has spread throughout Spain (especially as a breakfast food), it is a recipe especially typical of ​​Catalonia.

5. If we head south, we will reach the Valencian Community. Along with Spanish tortilla, paella is surely one of the most internationally known dishes of Spanish cuisine. But not everyone knows where this recipe comes from. Although there are many variants nationwide, the most authentic one is paella Valenciana, which only contains rice, saffron, rabbit and/or chicken, green beans, and garrofones (a typical type of bean from the region).

Southern Spanish Cuisine:

6. Gazpacho is possibly the most refreshing dish of all Spanish cuisine. Although it is common in the whole country, it is the star dish of Andalusia. Gazpacho is consumed especially in summer (since it is a cold soup made with tomato, peppers, garlic, hard bread, cucumber, olive oil, and vinegar) and must be served very cold.

7. There is no person in the world (or at least there shouldn't be) who has gone to the Canary Islands and left without tasting their famous papas arrugadas (literally, wrinkled potatoes). They are made with the so-called papas bonitas (“pretty potatoes”), one of the hallmarks of the archipelago. The skin of these very small and soft potatoes is so thin that it’s common to eat the potatoes without peeling them. You just cook the potatoes with salt and make the mojo (a special sauce made with local ingredients). The mojo is usually green (made with coriander) or red (watch out, it’s a bit spicy).

Inland Spanish Cuisine:

Although Spain is a country famous for its wonderful beaches, the interior of the country is also worth visiting, and it’s full of good recipes to discover.

8. One of the most typical dishes in the Spanish heartland is cocido. Due to its great caloric value, this very filling stew is usually eaten in winter. Although there are different variants (the best known are the montañés and the madrileño), the common procedure is to serve it in several separate dishes. The first is usually a soup, and the second consists of chickpeas and potatoes garnished with meat and vegetables. The broth obtained when cooking this garnish is used to make the soup.

9. Blood sausage is a very typical food in Spain too, especially in Castile and Leon. There are different varieties according to the province, but perhaps the most characteristic is the morcilla de Burgos. This sausage is made with pork blood, onion, lard, salt, ground pepper, sweet paprika, and rice, which is the ingredient that distinguishes it from other types of morcilla.

10. And, finally, we have migas del pastor (literally, shepherd’s crumbs). It is said that this recipe is a legacy from the Muslim people in Spain, and it’s typical in regions where there is a strong transhumant tradition. This dish is made mainly with breadcrumbs accompanied by meat and chopped vegetables. Although migas were traditionally consumed in rural settings, today they can also be found in many restaurants located in urban centers.

Which Spanish dish do you want to try first?

When you think about Spain, what are the first things that come to mind? Fiestas and siestas, bullfighting and flamenco, or maybe beaches and tapas? While all these things do exist in Spain, they also contribute to a stereotypical vision of the country.

So how can you scrape below the surface and get a deeper look at modern Spain? That’s a question Spain’s nation branding project has been trying to answer since 2000, when the Marca España (Spain Brand) campaign was launched to promote the country’s strengths and build its image at home and abroad. In November 2018, the project was renamed España Global or Global Spain.

This fresh take on Spain’s strong suits highlights 20 different fortes in 3 categories:

Full Democracy: Democracy, Equality, Justice, Freedom, Security

Modernity: Science, Competitiveness and Innovation, Infrastructures, Globalization, Healthcare, Sustainability, Technology

Citizenship: Culture, Health, Sport, Europeanism, Language, Solidarity, Tolerance, Tourism

That’s a lot of strengths! In today’s post, we’ll take a closer look at a few of them. Click here to read this post in Spanish.

The Healthiest Country in the World

Did you know Bloomberg’s Healthiest Country Index 2019 named Spain the healthiest country in the world? A top-notch universal healthcare system, the traditional Mediterranean diet, and the European Union’s highest life expectancy at birth were among the factors that helped Spain clinch the title.

Historic, Cultural, and Natural Heritage

Spain ranks third worldwide in number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See how many of the 47 you can cross off your bucket list! From the Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain and the Alhambra in Granada to the Old City of Salamanca and the Works of Antoni Gaudí in and near Barcelona, you can explore the many wonders of Spain’s millenary history all around the country.

As for UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Spain comes in fourth with 18, including Valencia’s Fallas festivity and the fiesta of the patios in Cordoba.

Beach lovers take note! In 2019, Spain earned 666 Blue Flag awards for beaches (566), marinas (98), and sustainable boating tourism operators (2) – that’s more than any other country in the world. Spain also has 49 natural spaces that UNESCO recognizes as biosphere reserves.

Star Athletes

Anyone who’s tuned into the world’s most popular sport knows that Spain is home to two of the most valuable soccer teams on the planet: Real Madrid and Barcelona. Soccer is far from the only sport with Spanish superstars: Rafa Nadal (tennis), Mireia Belmonte (swimming), Fernando Alonso (Formula 1), Marc Márquez (MotoGP), Carolina Marín (badminton) and Pau Gasol (basketball) are just a few Spaniards who have earned international recognition for their athletic prowess.

Commitment to Equality

Spain is a leader in building an equal society. In 2018, Spain made history with a new government boasting the highest percentage of female ministers (over 60%) in Europe and North America. Spain also has the parliament with most gender parity in the European Union, with 47% female representation in 2019.

Same-sex marriage and adoption have been legal in Spain since 2005, when Spain became the third country in the world to legalize gay marriage. Every year the country hosts many Pride festivities, with Madrid Pride in the lead as the biggest LGBTQ Pride event in Europe.

The Power of Words

According to a 2018 report by Instituto Cervantes, Spanish is the fastest growing language in the world. It’s an official language in 21 countries and has 577 million speakers. 480 million of those are native speakers, which means that 97 million people learned Spanish as a second language (or third, or fourth…)!! Currently, 7.6% of the world’s population can communicate in Spanish.

Spain also celebrates linguistic diversity. In addition to Spanish, some regions have co-official languages: Basque, Catalan/Valencian/Balearic, Galician, or Aranese.

There are so many other things Spain has to be proud of — we didn’t even mention its innovative chefs, its cutting-edge high-speed train network, or its position as the world leader in organ donation and transplantation. Learn Spanish in Spain and start peeling back the innumerable layers to find all the things that make Spain unique. 

If you’re interested in learning more about international brands, take a look at our video to see how brands change as they move across the world.

If you ever walk through downtown Madrid, you’ll see two neon signs that have come to form part of the city: the Tío Pepe sign and the Schweppes sign. Located in Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Callao, respectively, these two advertisements have become symbols of Madrid, like the screens of Times Square in New York or Piccadilly Circus in London.

The fact is that these advertising platforms have gone far beyond their original commercial motivation. They are now an integral part of the city’s skyline and appear in all the postcards and tourist photos of the city center. Want to discover how these two brands became icons of Madrid? Keep reading in English or click here to switch to Spanish.

Tío Pepe: Just Another Madrileño

In Puerta del Sol, next to the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the Casa de Correos, there’s a monument that’s much less conventional. But that doesn’t mean it inspires any less interest in tourists! The Tío Pepe sign features a bottle of fino wine dressed in a short jacket and matching hat and carrying a Spanish guitar. Its slogan? Sol de Andalucía embotellado (bottled Andalusian sunshine).

The González Byass winery erected the first Tío Pepe sign above the rooftop terrace of Hotel París in 1935 to commemorate the centennial of the winery. At first, the advertisement showed a glass of sherry above the winery sign; it wasn’t until years later that the sign took on its current form.

Speaking of sherry, this English word is actually an anglicization of jerez, which in Spanish is both the name of the wine and the name of the place where it is made. Jerez is one of many Spanish wines with a Protected Designation of Origin.   

The Tío Pepe sign is one of the sights in the capital city that tourists most like to photograph, but it’s also beloved by Madrileños. So much so that in 2011, when the sign disappeared from Puerta de Sol for three years to be restored, lots of people missed it. When the sign returned in 2014, it was pushed out of its original position by the new Apple Store and relocated to the top of a different building in the same plaza.  

Schweppes: Presiding over Callao for 47 Years

This famous brand of tonic water is the star of another one of Madrid’s most emblematic neon signs. Crowning the Carrión building, the Schweppes logo appears in yellow letters over a blinking background of multicolored stripes and has been dominating the panoramic view of Gran Vía since 1972.

Like the Tío Pepe sign, the Schweppes sign marked a turning point in the history of Spanish advertising. As time has passed, it has gone from being just a creative ad to forming part of the city’s collective imagination, an added bonus for the brand.

The Osborne Bulls

Outside the hustle and bustle of the city, beside many a Spanish highway, one of Spain’s iconic advertisements come into view: the Osborne bulls. These black silhouettes of Spanish Fighting Bulls measure more than 45 feet high. Once again, a winery is behind this iconic advertisement; in this case, the Osborne company.

It’s a funny story. In 1987, the Spanish government banned the use of billboards on the highway to increase road safety. As a strategy to keep its signs up, Osborne decided to paint its already famous bull-shaped billboards completely black, leaving no trace of any reference to the brand. In the end, the bull billboards wound up being protected by the Spanish Supreme Court thanks to their “aesthetic and cultural interest.” In 2017, the Osborne bulls turned 60 years old.

We hope you found this post interesting. Now that you know the ins and outs of Spain’s most famous advertising spaces, we encourage you to watch the following video. In it, you’ll learn more about the world of brands in Spanish. Enjoy!

The Sun Also Rises in San Fermin this 2019

Dear reader, surely at some point you have wished to attend to a festivity so thrilling it is worthy of inspiring a novelist to create his greatest work. And speaking of such novelists, if you´re imagining a novelist so accomplished they have even won the Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize in Literature, this festival is indeed a guaranteed success. As many of you might have already guessed, we’re talking about San Fermin.

It is known that Ernest Hemingway felt an attraction so strong for this special celebration that he included it in his novel The Sun Also Rises, but he hasn’t been the only one. Orson Welles, Ava Gardner, Errol Flynn, Deborah Kerr, Charlton Heston, Tyrone Power, Dennis Rodman, Bill Clinton, are few among many other figures in varying fields to form part of this “sanferminera” loyalty.

Keep reading in English, or click here to switch to Spanish, and discover everything you must know about this “bestseller” celebration.

What should I wear?

As any significant event, San Fermin has its own rules of etiquette. To become an authentic “pamplonica” you will have to get some white pants, a white T-shirt, a red handkerchief, and a red waistband.

While the tradition of wearing all white is recent, from the 1970s, the red handkerchief has its history. And it remains a mystery, because there still exists several hypotheses about the origin of its red color. One theory explains that it symbolizes the martyrdom of Saint Fermin, who was beheaded at the young age of 31. Other hypotheses say that it’s red to encourage bulls during “encierros” or because of Navarra’s flag.

Remember! Before the “chupinazo” kicks off the festival, the handkerchief must be tied around the wrist. Afterwards, it’s worn around the neck (or wherever you want).

The takeoff

There’s nothing like a traditional song to obtain valuable information:

Uno de enero, 2 de febrero, 3 de marzo, 4 de abril, 5 de mayo, 6 de junio, 7 de julio San Fermin. A Pamplona hemos de ir.

Ok, after listening the same old song year after year, I think that the most of us have a pretty clear idea about the meeting’s day and location. However! It can lead to error. Yes indeed, San Fermin is July 7^th. But the festivity starts every year on July 6^th at 12:00 noon. At this moment the “chupinazo” takes place, and fireworks are launched from the balcony of Pamplona’s hall balcony to mark the opening of the “sanfermines.”

This is the moment when you will hear: Pamploneses, Pamplonesas, ¡Viva san Fermin! ¡Gora san Fermin!

Here, if you can’t run, you’d better fly            

At 8 a.m, during two to three minutes, the city’s main street fills with adrenaline. It’s the moment of the world-famous running of the bulls or encierros.

Along a 950-yard-long circuit, bulls and humans compete in a vertiginous race that concludes in the bullring.

According to records, just a 14% of the runners in the “encierro” are from Pamplona. To live out this ‘‘once in a lifetime’’ kind of experience, runners come from all around the world, among them, 20% are American, an 8% are Australians, a 3% are from England, and a 1% are French.

If you’re planning on being one of these brave runners that dare to put themselves in front of six bulls, you better entrust yourself to a saint. That’s why this song exists and is dedicated to our beloved Saint Fermin:

A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro patrón, nos guíe en el encierro, dándonos su bendición.

But San Fermin is not only about running of the bulls. Music too has a presence in all the celebrations, from the “dianas” of "La Pamplonesa" to concerts and traditional charangas to the bullfight’s “pasodobles.”

Other predominant activities are the “Riau-Riau,” held on July 6^th, and parades, such as the “Giants, big-heads, kilikis, and zaldikos parade” (Giants, with more than 159 years old of history, are the most emblematic symbols of the festivity. They are figures made of wood, cardboard, and cloth that are accompanied by “kilikis,” big-heads, and “zaldikos.” Together, they make up the “Comparsa”). Behind each giant pair, “comparseros,”,bagpipers, and “txistularis” (musicians) set the tone.

Furthermore, every night at 11 p.m, a firework spectacle lasting 15 to 25 minutes is held at the citadel park.

The festivity finishes on July 14^th at 12 midnight. If you don’t want to miss it, take a Spanish course and intone perfectly the song that says goodbye until the next year:

¡Pobre de mí, pobre de mí, que se han acabado las fiestas de San Fermín!