If you like travelling, autumn is the ideal season for taking a trip. The summer heat has disappeared and winter's chill has not yet arrived. The Mediterranean climate in Spain caters perfectly to travelers interested in discovering the country's most secret spots and getting to know its most vibrant traditions and curious quirks.

Here are ten places we recommend visiting this autumn, which has just begun:

1. Barcelona

Taking an autumn weekend to get away to the ciudad condal area is an excellent idea. In addition to the wide range of activities going on in the capital city, the Fiesta Mayor Santa Majestad and the Fiesta of the Virgin del Remedio are celebrated in the town of Caldes de Montbui in October on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. The town of Sant Feliu de Llobregat also celebrates an Autumn Festival. November brings interesting fiestas such as the Fiesta of the Castellars in Vilafranca del Penedés, a festival that features incredible human towers, and the festival of Sitges. In December we can take part in the procession celebrations of Bisbet at the Monastery of Montserrat, a place that you must visit on December 6th. These excursions to the area surrounding Barcelona offer us the opportunity to use our Spanish. (don Quijote School Barcelona)

2. Granada

Autumn in the city of the Alhambra offers us the unique opportunity to lose ourselves amongst the spectacular ruins of the Nazari monuments and to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest that surrounds the Alhambra and the Generalife. This is also the perfect time of year to stroll about the Albayzín neighborhood, where the area's many town squares feature bars and restaurants that cook up the best in Andalusian cuisine, and offer spectacular views of Spain's most visited monument. In autumn, the city also holds music, opera and theatre festivals which will all delight visitors and give them a great chance to practice Spanish with Granadinos. (don Quijote School Granada)

3. Guanajuato

If you get the chance to travel to the country of the Aztecs, you must visit Guanajuato in autumn, that's when this historic and scenic city located in Mexico's interior celebrates Alhondiga de Granaditas Day. Celebrations include a civic-military parade commemorating the day that revolutionaries, with the help of the popular hero El Pípila, overtook the city's public granary facility, burning down the building's door and consequently defeating the Spanish army. Toward the end of October and the beginning of November, the city celebrates the Alfeñique Fair, where a great variety of sugar figures, the most traditional of which are skulls, are created for the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, November 2nd). That same month, we can see Las Iluminaciones (religious celebrations carried out in different neighborhoods around the city). Finally, on December 12th, celebrations pay homage to Mexico's protector and patron saint: Our Lady of Guadalupe. (don Quijote School Guanajuato)

4. Mexico City

This city is like a small universe in itself, a place where anything can be found and anything can lie hidden. Mexico City offers us the opportunity to enjoy a festival which, although is celebrated all over the country, reaches its climax in the distrito federal, the nation's capital. We're talking about the Día de los Muertos (November 2nd), an event so important that UNESCO placed it on their intangible world heritage list. The people of Mexico, in a synthesis of pre-Columbian traditions and customs brought over from the other side of the ocean, take to the streets to celebrate death in a surprisingly joyful, colorful and vibrant fiesta. Visiting cemeteries, where people have lunch with deceased relatives and getting caught up in the lively partying in the city's streets and plazas is an experience that you won't want to miss. (Nearest don Quijote School: Oaxaca)

5. La Rioja

 When we talk about Spanish wine, the word Rioja immediately comes to the tongue. Autumn is the season of the vendimia, and although related festivals are celebrated throughout Spain, La Rioja is likely where they reach the height of their splendor. Vineyards loaded with juicy ripe grapes, joyful folks pleased with the abundant harvest, dreams of the robust wine it will produce…

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of harvest time in Logroño, Haro or Calahorra, and chat in the shade with the locals over a glass of wine after visiting the Monastery of San Millán, the birthplace of the Spanish language. (Nearest don Quijote School: Madrid)

6. Toledo

The imperial city awaits our autumn visit, a place where "the city of three cultures" joins the traditional presence of Jewish, Muslim and Christian peoples in a unique mix of cultures that reflects the brilliant shine of this gem of a city, circled and linked by the Tajo River. The Christian castles and churches display a slice of history that is magically illuminated by the paintings of El Greco, fountains and the historic mosque, today's Church of the Christ of Light. These also tell the story of the city's Muslim and Jewish district's architecture, with gorgeous synagogues rounding out the unique mosaic of influences that define the city of Toledo. (Nearest don Quijote School: Madrid)

7. Zaragoza

The Aragon capital, with its liquid backbone the Ebro River, gets decked out in its finest splendors for the Fiestas del Pilar. The festival takes place around the 12th of October, when everybody fancies themselves up in their most elegant formal wear and creates incredible wreaths of flowers to pay homage to the city's patron saint the Virgin of Pilar. Zaragoza's attractions, its monuments and friendly and open people always willing to welcome a visitor all become highlighted by the area's natural environment: the setting of the Monastery de Piedra, where forests and cascading waters are particularly stunning in autumn, when leaves turn a rainbow of colors decorating the landscape. (Nearest don Quijote School: Barcelona)

8. Madrid

Each year, with the arrival of autumn, Spain launches a full program of cultural activities: music, theatre, conferences, exhibits… This is the Autumn Festival of Madrid, when stages are set up around the entire city and surrounding municipalities to present dance performances, classical and modern music concerts, and other activities that all make the City of the Bear not only the political heart of Spain, but also its cultural heart; a great reason to experience this city in autumn. (don Quijote School Madrid)

9. Pueblos blancos de Cadiz (the white villages of Cadiz)

The interior of the province of Cadiz is sprinkled with white spots that shine like jewels before the eyes of awestruck visitors: los pueblos blancos. White washed with exceptional care, these villages invite us from afar to visit and enjoy their architecture, landscape and monumental and culinary surprises from the Sierra de Grazalema ( UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Here, you can also experience the magic and vertigo of Arcos de la Frontera, journeying through forests of pines, holm oaks, cork oaks and pinsapos, a tree that is native to the region. (don Quijote School in Cadiz)

10. Puerto de la Cruz. Tenerife

Every year on November 30th, this city located on the north side of the Island of the Teide celebrates a vibrant and colorful fiesta with an extensive tradition: la Cacharrera. Traditionally, wine growers from throughout the Orotava Valley, whose access to the ocean is Puerto de la Cruz, would head down to the beach once they finished transferring new wine from kegs to barrels for consumption. Here, they would clean out the used barrels in the sea water. This tradition, with the loud noises of barrels rolling through the streets on their way to the beach, gave way to today's childrens' competitions in which kids put together a cacharro (pot, pan or piece of junk) using empty tin cans and other metal materials. The kids drag these noise makers through the streets, recalling an unforgotten tradition, as adults hang out on the wharf tasting the first new wines of the year's grape harvest over a plate of sardines and roasted chestnuts. (don Quijote School Tenerife)

 

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To learn Spanish by reading comics and improve yourself in such a short time is not a dream and %100 fun guaranteed. Some students are good at recalling what they hear, some what they write, and some of them what they read. The last group is usually better at learning a language with visual aid, and comics might be the perfect material for them to study Spanish.

Although reading comics was seen as a vain pastime activity mostly by parents, now has gained a great importance in every sense.  Hollywood seems to have discovered this golden mine would serve more than it seems. Aside from the classics like Batman or Spiderman other superheroes from Marvel comics are smashing the box-office lists. The worldwide success of The Avengers is a good example of how these fictional characters drag the attention not only of kids but also the adults. On the other side, there are quite good discussions on the value of comic books in academic platforms. The experts have also pointed out the benefits of comics in language learning.

Watching the movies based on comics is full of fun, what about reading them? A lot more fun! I started reading comic strips of Garfield and Dilbert in Spanish,as they are my favorite. The humor style is witty and I love the way how the protagonists react to other people. If you are keen on these kind of short comic strips, you can get used to their Spanish adaptations easily and moreover you will get an insight of Spanish sense of humor. For the fan of thriller stories, try “The Walking Dead” so that you can find blood and action in Spanish that will always keep you on the edge.

If you are looking for something from Spanish culture you can check Mortadelo y Filemón, who were formerly private detectives, now work as special agents chasing after a different adventure in each episode. Another interesting character is  Superlópez. This superhero coming from the planet Chitón (yes Krypton) is the Spanish parody of Superman. Mafalda, who is a concerned Argentine girl, always has questions and a word to say for world peace and social issues. Chilean comic strip Condorito is one of the famous one in Latin America and is a funny representation of the culture.

The next step could be a bit bigger and start reading long series which is all up to your taste. Bear in mind that reading comics will improve your comprehension in Spanish and not to mention increase your vocabulary as well.

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The school year has already started for most students. It’s not too late however to: drop what you’re doing, sign up for a don Quijote Spanish course in Spain or Latin America, pack your bags and experience the richness of the Spanish language and a vibrant new culture. In fact, it’s never too late to get away from it all and embark on an international adventure that will build your Spanish skills (enhancing your resumé), and give you life-long memories making new friends and discovering new worlds in the Spanish speaking destination(s) of your choice.  

You can sign up for and dive right into your in-country Spanish course any time of the year with don Quijote. Join your new Spanish class on any Monday, start speaking Spanish from your first day of class, get out of class and find yourself immersed in Spanish, forced to use it no matter what your level. Continue living in your new host country for as long as you want. Then, if you want, make your way to a different destination. The flexibility of don Quijote’s programs allows you to put together your own personalized study abroad plan that best suits your interests.

You definitely don’t have to wait until next September to start your Spanish classes, so that excuse is not going to work if you’re thinking of putting off your life-changing Spanish experience in any of don Quijote’s many destinations. For many people, now is the most appealing time of year to slip out of their usual lives and into a wonderful new setting, since in many places October marks the beginning of chilly weather and cloudier skies. Consider escaping the upcoming frosty months of fall and/or winter, when the cold season’s icy grip often just seems to squeeze the joy right out of everything -many of don Quijote’s Spanish destinations offer year round sunny skies, just waiting to brighten the lives of anxious visitors! Some of don Quijote’s schools are also located in charming beach towns, where relaxing on stunning beaches after class, sinking bare feet into warm golden sands and enjoying the sounds of seagulls and gently breaking waves all may make for an interesting alternative to your usual fall or winter routine. If you are a snow lover, don Quijote also has winter wonderland destinations just for you, where ski stations and fun in the snow are located near schools in locations such as Granada and Salamanca.

So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to study Spanish, no matter what your level is, the most effective way possible; immersed in the language and with the best teachers in the field. Come learn, improve and master Spanish, and stay in your host country as long as you like. The experience will change your life, give your resumé a handsome boost and change your outlook on the world.
 

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The recent news and statistics have suggested that Spanish is the second spoken language of communication and intercultural exchange after Mandarin.

Yet not surprisingly at all, being the official language of 21 countries, Spanish has always been popular but lately the power of its domination has become more visible. Let’s see these numerous facts why Spanish is on the way to take the throne.

A newly published article called “The Economic Value of Spanish”, showed the demographics of Spanish speakers that 402 million form the native or domain group and 25 million represent the group of limited usage of Spanish. Roughly the number of Spanish speakers reaches to 439 million throughout the world. Also, according to the magazine “Ethnology, Languages of The World” which was published in 2009, Spanish is ranked second (328,518,810) after Mandarin (1212. 515 844) and before English (328,008,138).

In United States, the number of Spanish speakers was about 35 million a few years ago while it is 48 million now and it is estimated that by 2050 it will be 130 million people. In Europe people have become more enthusiastic to speak Spanish with constant improvement. Cervantes Institute stated that this year there has been a double increase in enrollment (from 104.000 to 210.000), no need to mention other options like online learning. The number of applications for DELE exam showed a remarkable jump in five years from 31.500 to 57.000. Spain is the most welcoming country in Erasmus program for students to study and improve their Spanish. During 2009-2010 semester 35.389 students preferred to study in Spanish cities. The emerging economies like Mexico, Argentina and other major Latin American countries offer a bright future for students and professionals, so speaking the language is substantially important to take part in this intercultural process.

Brazil and Philippines also work on advancement of Spanish education. In Brazil the number of Spanish learners has risen from 1 million to 5 million in five years, since Brazil and Latin American countries are regionally compact, surely there must be an influence on each other. Philippines wants to regain this ancient language; therefore, Spanish will be taught in secondary education starting from 2013.

These facts might give you enough reason why it is beneficial to learn Spanish. So why don't you take a look at these special offers and let your Spanish experience begin!

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Have you ever heard Spain once was the host of dozens of Hollywood movies including Cleopatra and Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns? Or are you a big fan of Spain but don’t know much about its culture? If you are living in USA, you will get what you want related to Spain this autumn.

“SPAIN arts and culture” is a program organized by Spain Ministry of Education and Culture, The Embassy of Spain’s Cultural Office in Washington, D.C. and Cervantes Institutes in United States. In 22 cities such as New York, Los Angeles or Chicago , there is a vast opportunity to see the Spanish movies such as the amazing works of Luis Buñuel, meet authors like Mario Vargas Llosa or eat the most delicious food prepared with the famous Spanish Olive Oil. In San Francisco you can join the excellent challenge of the culinary compadres. Katsuya Fukushima an Iron Chef champion from D.C. and Ian Begg from San Francisco Chronicle Star chef will try to find “50 ways to love Olive Oil from Spain”.

You can be one of the lucky ones to go to Basque country to with the film series “The Spanish Civil War in the Basque Country, which will be a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the bombings in Gernika and Durango. It will be an unforgettable moment to witness the history by several movies how the Civil War affected their cinema and the cultural change on Spanish people. Speaking of “Guernika” it will be unfair and a great pity if you miss “Picasso Black and White” where you can observe the cubist expressions all in black and white.

For the first time, Spain will participate in “Black Box” an audiovisual arts program which is organized by Hirshhorn Museum. The meeting of Enrique Vila- Matas and Paul Auster is a must see event. The Spanish author will come to New York and Washington DC to share conversations and answer questions with the American author. The Big Apple also hosts Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa so that you can listen his literary works and his career in Cervantes Institute.

Spain is such a rich country and these are only a few examples among the many. You can pick any of them that excites you most and enjoy the finest moments with Spanish culture. If this experience is not enough for you, come and live the excitement here in Spain!

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don Quijote’s 2013 price list is hot off the presses, making right now the perfect time to start planning for your unforgettable study abroad experience in Spain or Latin America. And for those that know how to plan ahead, we’ve got a special offer: if you decide to study Spanish in Barcelona or Madrid, and you book it before October 29, 2012, you’ll get 2012 prices on your 2013 course. Make sure you mention the offer when booking.  

If you already have an idea of the course or destination you would like to sign up for, the price list makes it easy to find the information you’re looking for on details such as cost, dates and special services related to each program.

For those that would like to explore their options, the price list offers a wonderful world of possibilities. The destination, course, (or combined program) and accommodations you choose for your Spanish study program will all have an enormous impact on your time abroad and the life-long memories you create. It’s important to first evaluate your interests and study goals and then carefully consider all of your study options. The 2013 price list will help you plan for the program that best suits your interests and needs, as it provides detailed information on all of don Quijote’s courses and where in the Spanish speaking world they’re offered.

The first and perhaps most important decision to make when planning will likely be where you want to learn Spanish. The rich cultural diversity of Spain and Latin America makes each one of don Quijote’s 35 Spanish language study destinations highly unique. Each region’s geography, climate and linguistic differences are also things to consider. Check out all don Quijote program locations in the price guide and then research the ones that appeal to you to make an informed decision. We know that choosing from so many attractive settings is not always easy, that’s why don Quijote encourages you to embrace a variety of Spanish speaking cultures by immersing yourself in combined destinations.

The price list will also help you choose the course or courses you want to include in your study abroad program. You’ll not only find info on all of don Quijote’s engaging classes designed to build general Spanish skills, you can also choose from specialized Spanish courses that offer exciting adventures and specific instruction on fun cultural themes that will bring you closer to your host country: cook up zesty dishes in a delicious cooking class on regional cuisine, move to sensual rhythms in a flamenco, salsa or tango class, etc. A wide variety of volunteer program and internship opportunities are also featured in the list, where you can pick the best way to get hands on professional experience while mastering Spanish and playing an active role in your new community. There’s so much to choose from, and it’s all in the brand new price guide.  

The 2013 price list reflects don Quijote’s continuous efforts to improve the high quality in-country Spanish learning services we offer and our commitment to students. Our extensive experience exclusively providing Spanish learning services helps make don Quijote the best option for anyone wanting an unforgettable experience learning Spanish abroad. So check out the price list, and get ready for a valuable life-changing experience. 

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Mexico is an enormous country, where cultures with thousands of years of history live together with a modernity that keeps an eye to the north while continuing to treasure its traditional values. It's a country to get away to and enjoy: dreamy beaches (on the Caribbean and the Pacific coasts), impressive pre-Columbian era archeological ruins, and unique traditions. Also, Mexican folklore is widely known and appreciated, not to mention its cooking!

Let's take a look at ten recommendable places for relaxing and enjoying weather and the friendliness of the Mexican people, in Spanish of course. Creating a list of recommended places always presents the problem of where to begin. That's why in our attempts to be fair, we're relying on good old fashioned alphabetical order...

1. Acapulco

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Food fads come spinning into our trendy world like a delicious whirlwind and then slowly fade away. Our fickle pallets constantly crave fresh new flavors. In the last few years, Spanish cuisine has caught the attention of the food fashion in-crowd. Starting in the early 2000’s, new Spanish restaurants and tapas bars have seemed to spring up everywhere, perhaps most notably in the United States, where a growing awareness of Spanish culture has had a huge impact on the culinary landscape. Countless food-lovers eager to get in on the action are: tuning in to watch Spanish cooking programs, signing up for Spanish cooking classes and loading up on olive oil, saffron, and their local super market’s finest queso manchego, all hoping to create their own delectable masterpieces.  All the hype leaves us wondering, “how long will it last?” And more importantly, “all this zesty goodness that has arrived from Spain to please our taste buds and fill our hearts with Iberian passion won’t have to fade away will it?” The International Culinary Center in Manhattan doesn’t think it will.

The prestigious Culinary Center has invested heavily in the successful future of Spanish cooking in America. They have recently decided to open a new Spanish studies department, naming world famous Catalan chef Jose Andres its dean. Andres is from Spain, but he has lived in the U.S. for 20 years. When he came here, one of his dreams was to help introduce Americans to the bold flavors of Spanish cooking; he had no idea that Americans would soon embrace it with such enthusiasm. In 2003, Food and Wine magazine recognized Andres’ tireless promotion of his homeland’s cooking traditions, accrediting him with the Spanish food boom in America and going on to call him “the hero of the Spanish revolution”. News that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world, with its diverse vitamin rich ingredients, including sea foods loaded with omega 3s, helped the Spanish food craze spread. Washington D.C. based Jose Andres has opened award winning restaurants from D.C. to Las Vegas to swanky Beverly Hills. Time magazine placed him on their 2012 list of most influential people in the world, reminding readers that the Spanish culinary revolution is indeed booming.  

The Culinary Center’s program hopes to generate educated cooking innovation outside of Spain, based on a deep understanding of authentic dining traditions in Spain. The historical prominence of Italian and Latin American influences in American eating often makes invasive appearances in the more recent Spanish cooking phenomenon, confusing eater’s notion of Spanish style. Andres hopes his program will clear up the confusion. He insists that he loves the food of Mexico and South America, he even has restaurants that serve those foods, but he would like America to enjoy genuine creations that reflect the unique flavor of Spain. The celebrated chef and new institute dean plans to accompany students to Spain, where they will immerse themselves in the succulent tastes and rich language of the country. After intensive study on mouthwatering topics (tomato-nut sauce, allioli, ham, traditional wood fire grilling, etc.) students will return with a strong sense of Spain’s diverse foods.  

Hopefully for us, future program graduates, trained in Spain under the expert tutelage of one of the world’s most critically acclaimed cooking geniuses, will go on to open their own restaurants and keep our demanding cravings satisfied.

 

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The Baja California peninsula in Mexico is a long, narrow arm of land that stretches nearly 800 miles from north to south. As its name indicates, the region lies just below the U.S. state of California, a proximity that facilitates a steady stream of visitors, from anxious sun and beach seekers to nature conscious eco-tourists. Despite its reputation as a desolate desert land, the peninsula offers a spectacular treasure trove of diverse landscapes and wildlife, all sandwiched between two seas and lined with the warm sands and sounds of hypnotic wave breaking that vacationers crave.    

Most tourists remain in the far north around the town of Ensenada or in the far southern resort town Cabo San Lucas. Each of these popular destinations offers unique experiences. The peninsula’s relative isolation from the Mexican mainland gives its culture a distinctive Baja identity. Mexico produces about 90% of its wine in the Ensenada area, where wine tasting tours give thirsty visitors a taste of Baja’s robust flavor. Ensenada area beaches such as San Miguel feature consistently excellent waves ideal for surfers anxious to catch a killer experience. Grey whales, dolphins and playful sea lions make these pacific coast waters their home. Marine life lovers can go on whale watching tours to check out these graceful sea animals in action within their natural habitat. On the bottom tip of the peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places in the world to golf, with world class courses designed by golf greats such as Jack Nicklaus. Needless to say, greens fees run on the pricey side. Many golf fanatics insist that the high quality fairways are well worth the spendy bill. The most popular activity in Los Cabos however is relaxing shore side soaking up golden rays on warm sand. It’s no wonder why a growing U.S. and Canadian expat community has taken shape here. Todo Santos is also a popular tourist destination. This artsy town has attracted writers and painters to its friendly bohemian atmosphere for years, resulting in a vibrant variety of art galleries and attractions.   

The Baja California peninsula also has plenty of less explored areas in incredibly varied environments, particularly in the central and southern lands, where cactus, dormant volcanoes and mountains tower above desolate deserts, rolling dunes and rich wildernesses. Mountainous regions are great for camping, mountain biking, trekking and just breathing in the mountain fresh pine air. Picacho del Diablo (Devil’s Peak) in the national park at San Pedro Martir is a hiker and rock climbers paradise. Those that reach the peak are rewarded with breathtaking views. Wildlife native to Baja is also spectacular and diverse. Wide ranging amounts of rainfall in different parts of the peninsula help produce dramatically different eco-systems. Dry desert regions are home to flora and fauna that have adapted to harsh arid conditions, such as scorpions, geckos and rattlesnakes. Big horn sheep live here in the rocky hills and canyons of the deserts. Prehistoric people left their mark in central Baja caves and rock dwellings. Giant cave paintings dating back to 8000 B.C are still on display, waiting to connect visitors to the lives of Baja California’s prehistoric artists. These painters depicted curious images of human figures, animals, the sun and the moon, leaving modern viewers to wonder what these mysterious painters of old live’s were like.

People planning on exploring Baja by car are recommended to try to keep the fuel tank as full as possible, as many stretches of highway, especially in southern part of the peninsula are very desolate desert areas. Make sure you have a reliable car. Tours down the entire peninsula by bus are also offered, with trips lasting about 12 days in air conditioned buses and with English speaking guides.

Tourists to the Baja California Peninsula find plenty to do and see, even if their activity of choice involves little more than lying on the beach and doing nothing. Its stunning landscape and long list of things to do however doesn’t end at the coast line.

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The 2012 Seville flamenco biennial festival in Seville starts on September 7th. Flamenco lovers won’t want to miss this edition of the spectacular month long festival that celebrates one of Spain’s most beloved artistic traditions. The festival gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover today’s most vibrant flamenco artists and to understand why dramatic flamenco guitar playing, dancing and canto jondo (deep song), have come to symbolize Spain’s rich culture.

Andalusia and Seville in particular, have long been associated with the origins of flamenco. The city has produced some of this Spanish art’s most illustrious figures. The Triana neighborhood is the center of the city’s flamenco tradition. The area is located near the Guadalquiver River, which cuts right through the middle of town. Its cool sparkling waters provide a refreshing backdrop to Seville’s sizzling nightlife. Going out for tapas and listening to music on warm Andalusian nights in the many bars that flank the picturesque river is always a memorable experience.

The theme for this year’s festival is “de cuerpo y alma” (from body and soul), and it will showcase some of flamenco’s latest rising stars such as Jesus Carmona and Sara Catero. The international flamenco community will keep a watchful eye on the latest styles featured in the Seville biennial, as these will have an enormous impact on flamenco trends around the world. The festival sets a tone and standard for flamenco’s evolving traditions.

Performances and activities are scheduled throughout each day until programming closes on October 6. The legendary Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucia closed the last edition of the biennial event with a memorable concert. The festival will offer 70 different shows, many of which will be opening performances. Performances will take place in many of the city’s most emblematic theaters, monuments and streets. The Teatro Maestranza, Teatro Lope de Vega and the Royal Alcazar will all be filled with passionate song, graceful movements and uproarious applause. The beauty of the Alcazar constitutes a spectacle in itself. This Moorish fortress is used today as a royal palace, making it the palace with the longest royal use in Europe. It is still the official residency of the king and queen of Spain when they visit the city. The Hotel Triana will also host several performances. The hotel is located in the Triana neighborhood, famous as a historical center for flamenco arts and culture.

Beginning September 7th, hundreds of anxious performers cordially invite you to feel the hypnotic rhythms of handclapping, foot stomping, cajon drumming and castañuelo clicking that will reverberate through the cobblestone streets and classic stone monuments of this engaging city.

In addition to performances, many other events will take place. Photo exhibits use visual language to expose observers to flamenco’s bold history and award ceremonies will honor the culture’s most deserving artists.

Ticket prices vary depending on event venues. The most expensive tickets range from around 40€ for patio seating at FIBE auditorium events. For those on a budget, street performances are of course, always free. Tickets to watch events in the stunning Alcazar cost 30€.  

Remember, this festival only comes around once every two years. Come soak up the flavor of Spain. You may even feel inspired by the passion and beauty of flamenco dance to stick around and learn the sensual and graceful moves for yourself. Flamenco lessons are available to anyone interested, as are Spanish language classes.
 

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