Summer is here and with it the long-awaited vacations. There are many who choose the beach to spend their long-awaited days of rest, that's why in this article you will find 10 most beautiful beaches in Spain.
Come and learn Spanish in Spain while you enjoy a day at the beach, the sun and a refreshing drink with your friends, partner or family. Because if there is one thing Spain is known for, it is its beautiful beaches and its summer atmosphere.
Stay and read this article in English or switch to the Spanish version here.
 

Playa de las Catedrales  

The beach of Las Catedrales is in Ribadeo, in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. With its impressive cliffs and rock formations, this beach is one of the most photographed in Spain.

It looks like something out of a Hollywood movie, but no, you can find it in Spain and stroll along its shore or contemplate the beauty of its arches up to 30 meters high. Of course, it is only possible to enter the caves that guard the arches at low tide.

Castro de Baroña

This beach is reached by a dirt path in La Coruña, Galicia. And although the beach of Castro de Baroña does not have the basic services of the most crowded beaches, you can enjoy a fine white sand, a somewhat cool water and an incredible calm.

Cala Varques

Now we travel to the Balearic Islands, specifically to Mallorca, to find Cala Varques. A quiet and hidden Mallorcan cove, with crystal clear waters and surrounded by cliffs, ideal for those looking for a more remote place.

Cala Mondragó

Cala Mondragó is part of a protected natural park. In addition, this cove offers calm waters and a stunning natural environment in Mallorca. And, best of all, it is one of the least saturated beaches on the island (for the moment).

Playa de Es Trenc

Known for its extensive white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, Es Trenc beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mallorca.

Cala Agulla

Also in Mallorca, a wide beach with clear waters and white sand you will find Cala Agulla. Located in a protected natural environment, you will enjoy its crystal-clear waters with the feeling of being in the Caribbean.

Playa de Ses Illetes

Also in the Balearic Islands, but changing to the island of Formentera, you will find the beach of Ses Illetes. Famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, it is ideal for swimming and enjoying the sun, but you will always find people there.
Stroll along its shore, discover a unique beauty and a unique natural landscape or practice some water sports.

Cala Saladeta

And on another Spanish island, you will find Cala Saladeta. In Ibiza there are thousands of coves, but this one is small, with turquoise waters and enviable white sand, especially because it is surrounded by pine trees. It is accessible by natural trails that you will love and where you can see boats anchored in the surroundings.

Cala Pola

In the province of Girona, near Tossa de Mar, you will find a cove in the Costa Brava with a natural beauty. With coarse golden sand, crystal clear and calm waters, it is an ideal place to spend the day with family or friends.

Playa de Oyambre

Between San Vicente de la Barquera and Comillas, in Cantabria, you can find the beach of Oyambre. With two kilometers of white sand and a field of dunes, this Cantabrian landscape is unbeatable. It is also one of the ideal beaches for surfing in the Cantabrian Sea.

Have you ever wanted to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain? Don't hesitate any longer and sign up for a Spanish course in Spain with donQuijote to discover these and many more beaches that make up the country.

A place full of traditions, festivals and culture, Spain is famous for all the vibrant festivities celebrated throughout the country. The rich cultural diversity is reflected in all the popular festivals that take place throughout the year in various parts of Spain.

Numerous festivals that attract locals and tourists alike, from religious celebrations to folkloric events, Spain offers a unique experience in every corner. That's why in this article you will find the most popular and emblematic festivals in Spain. Let yourself go and visit these cities during their most famous celebrations to live your Spanish language immersion experience to the fullest.

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

Carnavales de Cadiz (Carnivals of Cadiz)

Starting in the south of the country, Cadiz is home to the famous Carnivals, which have been declared of International Tourist Interest. The carnivals are known for their satire, wit, and critical spirit with many aspects of Spanish society and politics.

The carnivals are celebrated in February and its streets are filled with music, costumes, and guaranteed fun. In addition, the city becomes a giant stage where groups of chirigotas, comparsas and coros participate in contests to present witty and satirical lyrics that address social, political, and cultural issues.

The chirigotas, characterized by their humorous lyrics, the comparsas, with their elaborate choreography and costumes, and the coros, which perform choral songs, are some of the artistic manifestations that make Cadiz the carnival capital. The Cadiz Carnival is a unique experience that combines social criticism with fun and creativity, attracting people of all ages and from all corners of the world.

Las Fallas

Continuing with one of Spain's best-known festivals beyond its borders: Las Fallas in Valencia. Celebrated in the city of Valencia during March, Las Fallas are known for their huge papier-mâché and wooden sculptures called “ninots”.

During the five-day festival, the city of Valencia is filled with colorful parades, music, and fireworks. The culmination of the Fallas is the “cremà”, where the sculptures are burned in a spectacular display of flames. Although only one of all the “ninots” manages to be saved from the flames, by popular vote, and goes on display in the Museo Local de Fallas (local museum) with the “pardoned ninots” from previous years. If you like fireworks and gunpowder, these are your parties.

Semana Santa (Easter)

Throughout Spain, Semana Santa is celebrated with great solemnity and devotion. It is a national holiday that is celebrated throughout the country. Although the cities of Seville, Malaga and Valladolid are best-known for their impressive processions commemorating the Passion of Christ.

The streets are filled with spectators watching the religious processions and participating in the centuries-old traditions. Depending on which city you are in, you can experience Semana Santa in one way or another.

La Feria de Abril (The April Fair)

Another traditional festival that takes place in the south is La Feria de Abril. Seville takes on another meaning during the month of April with this fair. A celebration that combines the traditional and the festive during a week full of lights, color, and good music.

Sevillians, and those who come from abroad, dress in flamenco costumes, dance sevillanas and enjoy booths decorated with colorful lights and music. The fair is a showcase of Andalusian culture, with horses, flamenco music and local gastronomy. An experience not to be missed during your Spanish course in Spain.

Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day)

Sant Jordi is a very special holiday in Catalonia that is celebrated on April 23rd. Especially in this Autonomous Community, it is tradition to give a rose and a book to your loved ones.

The streets are filled with stalls of books and roses, creating a romantic and cultural atmosphere. It is a festive day to celebrate a mix of love and literature for your loved ones. Thus, if you love literature and want to spend a special day surrounded by books, this holiday is for you.

San Isidro

In the capital, May 15 is the feast of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. The city is filled with cultural events, concerts, and donuts. In addition, the Madrilenians dress up in the traditional costumes of "chulapos" and "chulapas" to dance the “chotis”, a traditional dance.

The San Isidro meadow becomes the epicenter of the celebrations with music, dances, and activities for all ages. During several weekends you can enjoy music, celebrations and live the purest party style in Madrid.

La Noche de San Juan

The arrival of the summer solstice is celebrated throughout Spain with the Noche de San Juan on June 23. Especially in areas with a beach, people gather around a bonfire to welcome the summer.

It is tradition to jump over the flames, get your feet wet in the sea and enjoy the company of friends and family. In addition, you can write a wish or resolution on a piece of paper, burn it in the bonfire and jump over it to make it come true. Cultural traditions that have remained for years in the country.

La Batalla del Vino (the Battle of the Wine)

In the wine region of La Rioja, La Batalla del Vino (wine battle) is a unique experience. Held on June 29, participants drench each other with red wine.

This festivity takes place at the top of the mountain of La Rasa, where fun and wine are combined for an unforgettable celebration.

Los Sanfermines

Immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his work "Fiesta", the San Fermin Day attracts brave runners and many spectators. The Sanfermines begin with the “chupinazo” and are always held on July 6, one of the most famous fiestas in Spain and abroad.

During nine days, the streets of Pamplona are filled with running of the bulls through the narrow streets of the city. Enjoy days of music, dances, and activities for all ages.

La Tomatina de Buñol

What happens when you mix a small town with tons of ripe tomatoes? The result is the increasingly known Tomatina in Buñol. This festival takes place in August and the streets of Buñol become a real battle of food, more specifically, of tomatoes.

A big and well-known battle all over the world, where participants throw tomatoes at each other. This friendly 'war' turns the streets into a red and juicy ocean for a whole hour.

These are just the 10 famous festivals in Spain, but there are celebrations all over the country that take place throughout the year. Thus, you can also find La Feria de Málaga, la Fiesta de moros y cristianos (the Moors and Christians Festival), Carnavales de Tenerife (Tenerife Carnivals) or el Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day). The streets are filled with music, dance, and events throughout the year in different cities and towns.

Therefore, the festivities in Spain are an explosion of color, music, tradition, and passion. All celebrations reflect the cultural diversity and joie de vivre that defines Spanish culture. Don't miss any of these celebrations during your stay in the country because learning Spanish in Spain can be a challenge, but if you surround yourself with people, traditions, and cultural events, you will experience a true immersion in the language.

Would you like to release tension and reduce stress in a fun way? Within this post we propose one of the best plans to do so: La Tomatina festival in Buñol, Spain. Get your notepad ready!

1. What is La Tomatina?

The biggest food battle in the world takes place just over 25 miles from Valencia. La Tomatina is an internationally famous festival that turns Buñol into one of the favorite destinations for partygoers all over the world.

Although other activities are arranged throughout the week, the tomato throwing takes always place on the last Wednesday of August. In keeping with tradition, next Wednesday, August 28^th, the streets and people of Buñol will be dyed red as they host one of the most original events of the year. You’ll find some tips to take advantage of this curious holiday below.

You can also read this post in Spanish.

2. How did La Tomatina start?

The custom of throwing ripe tomatoes dates back to 1945. Although it is not known for certain how La Tomatina started, there are many popular explanations. One common interpretation is that it all began during a Gigantes y Cabezudos parade. Spontaneously, some young people began a fight using fruits and vegetables from the closest stand.

Finally, after several unsuccessful attempts to ban the celebration, La Tomatina returned to stay at the end of the 50s.

3. What do I need to participate?

To join in on one of the most unique fiestas in the world, just pick out your least favorite outfit from your wardrobe and get your hands on some eye protection (nobody likes tomato juice in their eyes). It is best to don some goggles so you can immerse yourself in this tomato pulp river with no concerns other than having a good time.

Although tomatoes are very good for the skin and are even used as a face mask, the stains are almost impossible to remove from clothes, so we recommend wearing an old t-shirt and some pants you don't mind ruining.

Do not worry about how to clean yourself up afterwards. At the end of the fight, the sticky streets of Buñol are washed down with a hose, and participants take advantage to remove any pieces of tomato they have stuck to them. You can also use the town's fountains or even take a bath in the river.

4. Rules and recommendations for La Tomatina

• The tomato throwing commences at about 10 a.m. with a contest known as palo jabón or cucaña. It consists of greasing a long pole with soap to make it slippery and putting a cured leg of ham at the top. The moment someone manages to reach the ham by climbing the pole, the starting gun is fired and the battle begins.

• Do not throw bottles or any other object that could be dangerous or cause damage. Only tomatoes are allowed.

• Squash the tomatoes before throwing them to avoid hurting other participants.

• Keep a safe distance from the trucks that carry the ammunition. They are the only vehicles you’ll see in the area.

• Stop throwing tomatoes when you hear the sound of the second gunshot, which signals the end of the fight.

• If you want to take pictures, bring a sturdy, water-resistant camera or protect it with a case.

• Book your accommodation far in advance.

• Arrive early: roads to Buñol are closed to traffic at 7:00 a.m. After that time, you will only be able to get into old town just by foot. It is highly recommended to park outside the city center.

• Follow the instructions of security staff at all times.

• You must buy your ticket in advance. Do so at one of the official points of sale.

5. La Tomatina in other places

Well, fun makes the world go round, doesn't it? Just like food, traditions cross borders: nowadays, we can find replicas of this festival in other countries around the world (Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, China, and South Korea, among others).

By the way, if you are thinking that La Tomatina sounds like a big waste of food, you should know the almost 140 tons of ripe tomatoes used are not suitable for human consumption. As the Spanish slogan says, “¡aquí hay tomate!

Literally, “There is tomato here.” Figuratively, this Spanish saying means there’s a lot of something.

Let’s get the fiesta started!

Each summer, Spain turns into one big party. Cities and towns across the country take advantage of the summer months to hold popular celebrations that fill the streets with music, food, and tradition. From San Fermin in Pamplona, featured in Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises, to the religious pilgrimage of the Virgen del Rocío, the Malaga Fair, and the open-air dance of the Paloma in Madrid, these fiestas are a true reflection of the joyful and festive spirit of the Spanish people.

There are lots of different types of fiestas in Spain. Do you know the difference between a verbena and a romería? Can you distinguish a saint’s feast day from other popular celebrations? With all the festivities, we know it can be easy to feel a bit lost. Stick with English or click here to switch to the Spanish version of this post and read on to become a connoisseur of Spanish fiestas.

A tradition known by many names

Nowadays, there’s barely a distinction between verbenas and romerías. Both words are used to describe fiestas populares, outdoor celebrations where people enjoy music, food, and drinks in a festive atmosphere.   

However, in earlier times these two types of events had clear differences with respect to the time of day and activities included in the celebrations. Let’s learn more about them.

Romerías

Romerías are popular fiestas celebrated close to a shrine or chapel on the day of the saint or virgin to whom the temple is consecrated. On the day of the romería, participants embark on a pilgrimage to the sanctuary, which is usually located in the countryside.

This type of celebration happens during the day. After honoring the saint or virgin, people enjoy a bite to eat in the great outdoors, often with music and popular songs to set the tone.

Within Spain, romerías are especially popular in Andalusia, and the romería of the Virgen del Rocío is the most famous one of all. Each year, around a million people travel on foot, horseback, or in a horse-drawn carriage to the small town of El Rocío to take part in the celebration. Romerías are also celebrated outside of Spain, in countries like Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile.

Verbenas

Verbenas are popular fiestas with open-air dancing. Although the origins of verbenas also tend to be devotional and are dedicated to a saint or virgin, the main thing that differentiates a verbena from a romería is that the former is celebrated at night and has a more relaxed and festive atmosphere.

The name verbena comes from a plant with same name, which has pink flowers. Back in the day, it was customary for people to go to this type of dance with a boutonniere of verbenas on the lapel of their shirt. From there, people started calling the celebration by the name of the flower.

One of Spain’s most popular verbenas is La Paloma, which takes place in Madrid in mid-August. The celebration takes place in the La Latina neighborhood, which comes alive as its balconies and courtyards are decorated with string flags, garlands, lights, and Manila shawls. When night falls, the verbena fills every corner of the neighborhood with music in a lively fiesta that feels like pure summer.

Outside of Spain, verbenas enjoy some popularity in Colombia and Venezuela, although each country has its own style of celebrating.

Fiestas patronales

Here’s another type of fiesta! Fiestas patronales (also known as fiestas mayores) are official celebrations held each year in a specific to a city or town to celebrate the local patron saint. The celebration usually lasts multiple days and includes religious events, outdoor activities, dances, concerts, bullfighting or other bull-related events, and fairs with carnival rides.

In many cases, the same city has two patron saints, a male and a female. For example, Madrid has fiestas dedicated to San Isidro and La Almudena. Both are public holidays in the capital city.

We hope this article has helped you understand what popular fiestas are all about. But when it comes to these traditional events, words don’t say enough. We encourage you to come to Spain in the summertime to learn Spanish and get a real taste of Spanish fiestas. We’ll be waiting for you!

Spain’s flower power packs a punch! With colorful festivals in full bloom across the peninsula, May is a beautiful time to study Spanish in Spain. Skies are sunny, birds are chirping, romance is in the air… or is that pollen? If you tend to suffer from springtime sneezing, pop an allergy pill, grab some Kleenex, and get ready for a quick virtual tour of Spain’s top flower festivals. Click here to read on in Spanish.

Cruces de Mayo

During the first week of May, many cities and towns throughout Andalusia celebrate the May Crosses Festival, including the cities of Cordoba, Granada, Seville, Malaga, and Cadiz. During this competition, large crosses are artfully decorated with flowers and placed in plazas and other spots around the city. The most artistic entries are rewarded with cash prizes from the local government.

Fiesta de los Patios

In early to mid-May, Cordoba celebrates another flower festival. This one revolves around patios, a feature of the local architecture. Since Roman times, homes in hot, dry Cordoba have often been built around central courtyards that provide shelter from the intense summer heat. Today, some patios belong to single-family homes, while others are shared by an entire apartment building. Once a year, everyone can witness the magic of these usually hidden traditional spaces, with flowerpots covering the walls and balconies overflowing with flowers in every color imaginable. This festival has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Temps de Flors

Leaving Andalusia and heading to northeastern Spain, we come to Girona in Catalonia (about 60 miles from Barcelona) for the mid-May Girona Flower Festival. Throughout the city, monuments, sculptures and gardens are covered with flowers, making sightseeing especially enchanting. Flowers are also used in creative street art installations sure to surprise and delight visitors as they happen upon them.

As the saying goes, marzo ventoso y abril lluvioso sacan a mayo florido y hermoso (windy March and rainy April bring out a flowery and beautiful May). Although flowers are the focal point of these events, as with many Spanish fiestas, you can also expect to enjoy food, drinks, live music, and dancing.

Plan your trip to Spain and see it for yourself!

One of the biggest events of the year is on the horizon!

Picture this: You’re in your shared student apartment or homestay in Spain, taking a break from your daily Spanish classes, when the windows start to rattle. Opening your balcony door, a haunting melody drifts through the air with a slow, rhythmic pounding that reminds you of a heartbeat.

Drawn to the mysterious music like a moth to a flame, you step out onto the street, joining the streams of people flowing towards the source. The brass horns blare ever louder and two lines of faceless figures dressed in identical robes and tall, pointed hoods come into view. The music moves to the hypnotic beat of their thudding, synchronized footsteps.

Click here to read this post in Spanish.

You stop to watch the procession. The hooded walkers pass, followed by an elaborately adorned float topped with a towering religious statue. Several of your fellow onlookers are crossing themselves, some with tears in their eyes.

As you look more closely, you can see dozens of people supporting the float, all stepping in time as they carry their heavy load. The somber marching band brings up the rear, and as the trumpets wail, even the least religiously inclined feel a flare of emotion.

Welcome to Semana Santa! From April 14-21, you’ll have a hard time stepping foot on the peninsula without witnessing the thrill and spectacle of this centuries-old tradition.

That said, some cities are especially amazing this time of year. Take advantage of your 4-day weekend (or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who gets the whole week off!) and hop on a train to some of the best places to experience Semana Santa.

The Quintessential Destination

When it comes to the most famous and elaborate celebrations, nothing can top Seville. With tens of thousands of people participating in a staggering 60 processions throughout the week, the city lives and breathes Semana Santa – with an Andalusian twist. As the processions travel through the streets, you may hear someone sing a flamenco-style saeta from one of the lower balconies.

The Religious Experience

While Semana Santa in southern Spain can feel almost like a celebration, the events in Castille and Leon strike a more solemn tone. Make your way to Salamanca’s magnificent Plaza Mayor on the night between Good Friday and Holy Saturday for an eerie, mournful procession in which the hooded nazarenos are dressed all in black, from their (sometimes bare) feet to the tips of their hoods. The lights are all turned off, shrouding the square in complete darkness for the dramatic entrance of the glowing float of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.

The Seaside Escape

Can’t imagine planning a vacation without some beach time? Holy Week in Malaga, on the Costa del Sol, is known for its spectacular golden floats and a curious custom. Since King Charles III began the tradition in 1759, on each Holy Wednesday, a person convicted of a non-violent crime is pardoned and released from prison. Malagüeños take Holy Week very seriously, and it’s a great place to experience the magic of a spectacular Semana Santa.

Wherever you are next week, don’t forget to eat torrijas! This sweet Spanish treat, similar to French toast, is typically eaten around this time of the year. If you’re not currently studying Spanish in Spain, look up the recipe and let Spain come to you.

For Spaniards, as well as for other folks around the globe, the holidays are a time to celebrate with the family. Special dinners with a lot of guests around the table, seasonal songs, and long soirées become the perfect plan for many.

However, Spain has some traditions that make this time of year something special. In this post, we invite you to explore the 10 most typical Spanish holiday habits. Read it in Spanish by clicking here.

1 – Lottery draws

Some of the most eagerly expected events these days are the Christmas Extraordinary Lottery Draw and the Child’s Lottery Draw. The first distributes more than  2 billion euros in prizes. Its TV spot is already a classic and it is a tradition to buy different numbers for the raffle and split them among friends and family.

On December 22nd children from San Ildefonso School sing the numbers that come out of the raffle and their corresponding economic compensation. The second event takes place on January 6th, bringing the thrill back to those who were not lucky enough to get the “fat prize” in the previous lottery draw.

2 – Setting up the Nativity Scene

The nativity scene or Belén is a miniature reproduction of the place where Jesus was born, in Bethlehem. In many houses, it is a tradition to work together as a family in the decoration of this element.

Pouring some wood dust to imitate sand, creating a river with aluminum foil, and placing each figurine are part of this age-old practice.

3 – Family dinners

Another must during the holidays in Spain, as in many other countries, are family gatherings. It’s the perfect moment for travelling, going back home, and having a special dinner with our beloved ones. Some of the plates that are always present contain seafood or suckling pig. Cava and champagne are the most typical beverages. And as a dessert… nougat!

4 – Turrón, turrón

Without any doubt, nougat or turrón is an essential winter sweet. There many kinds of it: with nuts, chocolate, cream, fruit-flavored…

However, the most popular ones are made with almonds. Both the soft version (a sweet dough) and the hard one (with bigger pieces of almond and a white wafer) are always on the Christmas table.

5 – The King’s speech

On Christmas Eve, all the media attention is focused on the King. From the Zarzuela Palace, the monarch reviews the most important happenings of the year and sends his best wishes to all Spanish citizens.

6 – Collecting pocket money

Even though this is becoming an obsolete tradition, some villages still preserve it. During these festivities, children practice Christmas songs and sing door to door, asking for some pocket money at the end.

7 – Gifting a poinsettia

The poinsettia is a sign that winter time is already here. With low temperatures, this plant blossoms and shows all its splendor. With its shiny red leaves, this is the perfect gift to decorate our houses for the holidays.

8 – The 12 bell chimes, better with grapes

This is probably one of the most popular Spanish holiday traditions. Every New Year’s Eve at midnight, families gather around the TV to watch as the clock from La Puerta del Sol, in Madrid, strikes 12 times.

Each time the bell tolls, Spaniards eat one grape, continuing until they finish all 12 of them. Once this ritual is over, they welcome the new year with all kinds of celebrations.

Even though the origin of this tradition is yet unclear, all the existing versions point at it being a gesture to attract good luck for the incoming year.

9 – Having Epiphany cake

One of the top holiday foods is the Epiphany cake. It is a sweet dough shaped like a ring and filled with candied fruit slices in different colors. Traditionally, the inside is stuffed with whipped cream and there are two surprises in the interior: a figurine and a bean. Whoever finds the latter will have to pay the price of the cake.

10 – Santa versus the Three Wise Men

Some of the most popular characters around this time of the year are the Three Wise Men. Riding their camels, Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar come from the Far East to visit all children’s houses each January 6th.
If the kids have behaved well through the year, they will receive presents from the Magi. However, if they haven’t been good children, they will get coal instead.

Every January 5th, big parades take place on the streets. Escorted by their pages and camels, the Three Wise Men give candies to the children that go to see them. Back at home and before going to sleep, it is the right time to leave some water and food out for the Three Wise Men and their animals to restore some energy before continuing with their long trip.

Early morning on t January 6th, all the presents will be under the Christmas tree. Many times, it is helpful to leave a shoe of each member of the family around to help identify for whom is each gift.
Even though Santa is getting more and more popular in Spain, the Three Wise Men are still the most popular gift-givers in the country. However, many households are visited by both of them.

Now that you know how Spaniards celebrate the holidays, come learn Spanish in Spain during our Winter Break program and join the festivities!

Christopher Columbus arrived to the Americas for the first time on October 12, 1492. The historic event marks an important change in the course of the history of the Western world, as it lead to permanent contact between Europe and the Americas. The day is officially observed in a variety of ways and called a variety of names in much of Latin America, the US and Spain. 

Read this article in Spanish

October 12 in Spain

Spanish law establishes it as the Fiesta Nacional de España, or the national day of Spain, although many Spaniards continue referring to it as Día de la Hispanidad, which was the former name of the Spanish holiday. The law goes on to explain that the day is commemorated because it symbolizes the expansion of Spanish language and culture beyond European borders. Spanish is spoken by 414 million native speakers, of which only 46 million live in Spain.

When the day was first celebrated in Spain in 1914, it was originally called “fiesta de la raza” in the hopes of creating a holiday that would celebrate unity between Spain and Ibero-America. Just a few years later, the Spanish priest Zacarías de Vizcarra proposed replacing the term raza with hispanidad, a new term coined for the occasion.

October 12 in Latin America

October 12 is still known as el Día de la Raza in some Latin American countries including Mexico. Other Latin American countries however, that once commemorated the day as el Día de la Raza have in recent years changed the name to honor diversity or to celebrate indigenous heritage. In Costa Rica, the day is known as the Día de las Culturas (Day of the cultures), in Argentina it’s Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of respect of cultural diversity), in Venezuala Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance), and in Bolivia Día de la Descolonización (Day of decolonization). In Cuba it is not observed as a holiday. 

Many US states also observe October 12 as a holiday, where it is usually referred to as Columbus Day, but not always; attitudes about how the day should be defined are changing there also. The state of South Dakota for example now celebrates Native American Day on the second Monday of October, and the city of Los Angeles has replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.

October 12 - Spanish Language Day

In 2010, the United Nations declared October 12 Spanish Language Day to celebrate cultural diversity and to encourage the “equal use” of all 6 of the UN’s official languages throughout the organization.

October 12 is observed in different ways in the US and around the Spanish speaking world, where it has been redefined throughout history. Today, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers and it is spoken as an official or main language in 21 different countries.

WE ARE CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY OF SPANISH. HAPPY "DÍA DE LA HISPANIDAD"!