Spanish is either a fast language or Spanish speakers just talk faster; at least that’s what linguists and researchers are saying. Last year researchers from University of Lyon carried out a study on 59 native speakers from different countries and found out that Spanish was the second fastest language.

As a learner you might notice that Spanish is a strong and passionate language that is rich in expressions. Beginners may find that proper pronunciation can get a little bit difficult. Finding the correct vowel to stress or pronouncing “George” as “Jorge” or the “r” as “rr” will take a little time to get used to.

Based on the study conducted by SpinVox (an American company integrating speech technology into human intelligence), the worst pronounced Spanish word is “viniste” usually mistaken with “veniste”. The second word is “trastorno” pronounced as “transtorno”, as it seems people mistakenly follow pronunciation patterns set by similar words like ‘transporte’ and “transcripción”.

Another fact that this study has revealed is that not being able to pronounce certain words in the right way often makes Spanish speakers laugh or simply amuses the person he or she is talking to. 47% of Spanish learners said they were embarrassed when they couldn’t pronounce a word correctly, and one in five respondents admitted feeling uncomfortable if their conversation partner was having difficulties with pronunciation. In addition, more than half of those questioned said they try to avoid using words that are difficult to pronounce to avoid looking funny while 43% of people admitted that they correct someone who makes pronunciation mistakes. In fact, having someone correct our pronunciation mistakes is the best way to learn Spanish, as many words are hard to say and when we try to pronounce them correctly, we become aware of how we actually talk.

Have you ever had difficulty pronouncing Spanish words or, if you are native Spanish speaker, do you correct the people you talk to? Some of the most poorly pronounced Spanish words are shown below. Maybe you can add more words which you think are not often said correctly.

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Leaving the Atocha Station is the title of American writer Ben Lerner’s first novel, a book set in Madrid that has quickly become an American literary sensation. The novel has earned the 33 year old Lerner excited critical praise from The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker (among many other journals) and from writers including Paul Auster and Jonathan Franzen. Lerner’s decision to set his story in Madrid and the book’s success among American readers reflects a growing American interest in the city and in Spain in general.

Leaving the Atocha Station tells the semi-autobiographical tale of Adam Gordon, a young American writer spending a year in Spain’s capital on an unnamed scholarship to work on a poem about the Spanish Civil War (in 2003, Ben Lerner spent time in Madrid on a Fullbright Scholarship). The narrative is introspective, possibly to the point of self-absorption, an endearing and funny characteristic to many critics, annoying to others. Gordon does however have an ambiguous awareness of his surroundings which he uses to paint abstract portraits of the people of Madrid and of the city itself.

A semi-autobiographical tale

Throughout the book, language and cultural barriers veil Gordon’s surroundings with a confusion that creates surprisingly colorful interpretations - although seemingly detached from reality, these indicate that Gordon is wholly engaged with his surroundings, albeit from the distance of his own creative world. We follow the young American poet as he parties and feels his life is filled with a sense of hopeful failure; a type of failure out of which emerges ambiguity and abstraction that promises creative possibility. Failing to fully understand the Spanish Ianguage during what seems like a meaningful conversation, he writes: “I formed several stories out of her speech, formed them at once, so it was less like I failed to understand them than that I understood in chords." He also experiences failed attempts at romance in Madrid, he often fails to tell the truth, and most importantly he fails to understand if the promising ambiguity of his anxieties, contempt and failures can inspire passion in poetry or if they indicate that he should quit writing and go do something else.

Lerner’s skill as a poet and his decidedly flexible style shine in this first novel. Gordon’s voice comes in a variety of writing formats. He drifts around Madrid and we drift through his thoughts in the form of lyrical poetry, essay, insightful prose and even an instant text messenger conversation, perhaps the most memorable moment of this memorable book.

Americans in Spain

Although Gordon seems to fail at everything, lie to everyone and live in a world of lazy privilege, his brutal honesty with himself, and the reader, is what makes his voice so engaging. He feels annoyed with America, even more annoyed by other Americans in Spain attempting to escape American annoyance by fleeing to Europe and pretending they are not a part of, or have ever contributed to what he considers American annoyance. He’s mostly annoyed by Americans pretending not be American, because he himself is one of these pretenders. As he attempts to determine if he’s also a pretend poet, Americans reading Leaving the Atocha Station will likely feel forced to consider their own opinions of themselves and their country, as they view Madrid through this unique new book.  

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Is being happy directly related to social welfare and a high standard of living strongly associated with developed countries? Considering the results obtained from an international survey conducted by Gallup Inc., this might not always be the case.  

The results suggest that Latin America is the happiest place in the world. 1000 people from 148 countries took the survey and answered questions such as “Do you laugh a lot?” and “Did you feel well-rested yesterday?”

The rankings of nations such as Guatemala have risen in terms of well-being. Regardless of political or economic challenges in certain countries, people report that they smile often and feel positive. Countries like Panama and Paraguay are the most positive in Latin America followed by El Salvador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The study confirms the generalized, positive reputation residents of many Latin American countries have in terms of friendliness, maintaining a positive outlook on life and placing a high value on family, friends and religion.

To enjoy life in Latin America and learn Spanish in a friendly environment, check out our Spanish language schools in the world’s happiest countries.   

Antigua, Guatemala: Literally called Ancient Guatemala, this city was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-protected remains of colonial churches and Spanish Baroque architecture. The city has a relatively small population (nearly 35.000) and you’ll get to learn Spanish just 4 blocks away from the Plaza Central. You’ll also discover Guatamala’s rich culture while exploring this historic city. Antigua is a popular destination for students from Europe and North America that come to learn Spanish through language immersion.  

Quito, Ecuador: Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, was one of the first World Heritage Sites to be acknowledged (1978). Beautiful natural landscapes and colonial architecture help make this an attractive Spanish language study destination. The city sits 9,350 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level, a location that offers amazing views of volcanic formations. Popular activities here include bird watching and visiting lively market places.

Latin America offers not only language immersion but also exciting cultural activities you can participate in while expanding your Spanish skills and enjoying the nice company of the people that ranked number one as the happiest people in the world.

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When we think of Spain, we often think sun, sea, delicious tapas and flamenco. Spain however also offers some of the best theme parks in Europe, where you can discover another side of this wonderful country. Take a look at some of the fun theme parks you can visit here:

Isla Mágica Sevilla (Magic Island):  You’ll go back in time to an age of pirates and travel to a magical universe in the city centre called La Cartuja. The park consists of 8 themed areas, where one minute you’ll be on a rafting adventure in El Dorado and the next minute you’ll find yourself aboard an old fashioned pirate ship.

Parque Warner (Warner Brothers Park): Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and all the other famous Warner Bros characters are waiting in this spectacular park in Madrid, which offers activities both for kids and adults. If you have a fear of heights, it might not be a good idea to go on the Superman La Atracción de Acero rollercoaster, which is unique in that it was the first floorless roller coaster in Europe.

Parque Europa: Travel around Europe without leaving Madrid. The newly transformed theme park Parque Europa de Torrejón de Ardoz not only offers full time fun for kids, adults also have great time here wandering around famous European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or London Bridge.

Parque de Attracciones de Madrid: The capital of Spain is the home of various parks and this one is truly worth seeing. 40 exciting rides and other activities offer visitors the chance to experience wild adrenaline-filled theme park fun. After a long day of adventures, you can chill out at the restaurant area or enjoy a little peace with your kids playing games together.

Terra Mítica: If you happen to go to the Costa Blanca, stop by Benidorm, Alicante for a mythical journey to the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean. The park is divided into 5 different zones: Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Mediterranean Islands and the Iberian Peninsula. Terra Mítica is a park full of excitement, with roller coasters, ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds and other activities.

Universal Port Aventura: This is one of the most entertaining theme parks in Europe and it is just an hour away from Barcelona by car. Situated in the heart of the Costa Dorada in Salou, the park has 6 themed areas: the Mediterranean, Mexico, China, the Wild West, Polynesia and Sesame Street. Each zone offers its own characteristic adventures through rides, attractions and live entertainment shows.

Dinópolis: There’s not much chance you’ll get to see a T-REX outside of the movies, yet in Spain you do get to learn about history and science by stepping into the ancient world of dinosaurs. Dinopolis is a cultural park and museum that was established after the discovery of a collection of fossils in the area. The park features 6 areas spread around the main section of the park: Legendark, Inhóspitak, Mar Nummus, Bosque Pétreo, Región Ambarina and Titania.

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Latin America, full of excitement and passion, is a promising destination for travelers, investors and students. Here is a short summary of five Latin American cities that the world has taken a great interest in.

Cartagena de Indias - Colombia
It has been a well kept secret but now everyone knows: the best place to hold an outdoor private party throughout the Caribbean is Cartagena de Indias. A large portion of the city’s industry is based on organizing all types of private events, meaning this is a perfect place to celebrate a wedding or to hold a meeting. The beautiful old colonial houses here, along with the impressive modern sections of the city, are attractions that appeal to travelers looking for a fun and safe destination. If you're looking for white sand and crystalline waters, check out the Rosario Islands, just less than an hour away by boat.

Santiago de Chile
Surrounded by amazing landscape, the country of Chile seems somewhat hidden from the rest of the world. In the last few years however, its wines have earned high praise on an international level. Santiago de Chile’s old neighborhoods have undergone constant transformation: new stores and businesses have been established and travelers come here for a variety of reasons. The city is a gold mine for investors and a great place for students to study Spanish as a foreign language.

Panama City
This is a favorite destination for those who want an excellent place to retire. A major portion of the city’s income comes from foreigners who buy houses to become permanent residents and from companies that make business investments in the country.
Home buying here can be a profitable investment. Banks finance up to 80% of home purchases over an average period of 20 years. The city has already become known as the Singapore of Latin America, with a growing contrast between modern buildings and the old section of the city. Next year, 2014, when the renovation of the Panama Canal is complete, the city will offer even more opportunities.

Mexico City
Although a bit intimidating at first glance given the traffic and the population, Mexico City dazzles its visitors. Colonial style and new-style architecture, the very modern Soumaya Museum (sponsored by billionaire Carlos Slim), and the Mexican cuisine, are just a few fantastic features that help make this city of the future a must-see destination. 

Lima
Peru’s capital city has long been undergoing constant reformation. This is Latin America’s 5th most populated city, a travel destination that offers visitors the chance to experience its historic culture and rich Mayan heritage. The economy is one of the largest in the region and the city has also been a popular location for foreign investors.

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If you are planning a visit to Spain, it may be worth reading the following 5 pieces of advice.
As a British girl having lived and worked in Spain for almost six months now, I feel that some of the experience I’ve gained may be useful to other Brits embarking on a trip to Spain themselves…

1. Don’t be fooled by the crisis talk – Spanish people are not living on the streets and eating out of rubbish bins. In fact, as you walk down the street, you may start to wonder if all this talk of a crisis has been a bit exaggerated: the people don’t appear at all scruffy; on the contrary, everyone seems to be more smartly dressed than back in the UK! What’s more, bars and restaurants are busy all day long until late at night. What’s more, people seem to go out for breakfast on a daily basis which is a luxury most Brits don’t indulge in.

2. The Spanish aren’t rude just because they don’t say “please” and “thank you” all the time – In Britain, we are accustomed to saying “please” and “thank you” at every given opportunity. In Spain, these words are used much more sparingly. However it is not due to a lack of respect, it is simply a different culture. For example, since being in Spain I have learnt that it is not normal to say “please” and “thank you” when speaking to close members of your family and friends, although it is important to respect your elders. Moreover, when ordering in a restaurant, or receiving your change in a café or bar, it is not customary to use these words. When you think about it, it actually makes more sense – why would you say thank you to a waiter for giving you your money? After a little while in the country, you will find that this “less polite” way of life is actually much more comfortable. One more thing – if you accidentally brush past someone in the supermarket, there is no need to apologise profusely – this will just cause an awkward situation.

3. Eating times – mealtimes in Spain are later than they are in England. For example, lunchtime is usually 2pm and dinnertime can be as late as 10pm. At first this may prove a little difficult for a Brit to get used to. However, what I have come to realize is that by eating breakfast a little later – say 10am rather than 8am when I get up – I can last through till lunchtime without having to snack. A great thing about having a later lunch when you’re at work is that it makes the afternoon go quicker and before you know it, it’s home time!

4. Shop opening times are also a little different in Spain in comparison to the UK: more often than not, there is a siesta between the hours of 2pm and 5pm. For a nine-to-fiver like me, this new schedule is really convenient as it means I still have 4 hours of shopping time left after work as shops generally shut at 9pm.  As a result, grocery shopping can be done during the week, freeing up my weekends to do whatever I like.

5. Prices – one thing that has struck me whilst living in Spain is that the pricing seems a little odd. For example, some things that you might expect to be expensive are surprisingly cheap. Equally, some items seem ridiculously overpriced. However, what I will say is that quality of goods seems to be higher here. Though some things might be more expensive, the materials used here appear to me to be of better quality. Things here seems to be built to last, at least more so than in the UK. In my opinion, I would rather pay more for something that is going to last me than buying something cheap that I am going to have to re-buy in a month or two.

Finally, I have to say that the people here are incredibly helpful, caring and friendly. Coming from a busy town just outside of London, I am used to people going about their daily business without a care for anyone or anything else. In Spain, it’s like a different world: people say hello to you on the streets and generally go out of their way to help you (a lady once let me use her mobile phone to call my landlord when I locked myself out of my flat and waited with me till he arrived to let me in!) In restaurants, total strangers say “Buen provecho” meaning enjoy your meal and bar staff sometimes give freebees to loyal customers. All the types of behavior I have mentioned above are simply unheard of in the UK, at least the part that I am from.

Coming to Spain has been a breath of fresh air, and although I experienced a bit of culture shock at first, I know that I am going to be sad to leave.

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I am currently enjoying my Erasmus year in Salamanca, Spain. The friends I've made are mainly of French, German and Dutch orientation. Luckily for me, English is the common language between all of us, so usually when we are together, that is our language of choice. However, every now and then, those of the same nationality speak together in their mother tongue. On several occasions, I have found myself joining in, granted in English or Spanish, with a conversation that began in French, German or Dutch – three languages that I do not speak a word of.

Each time this has happened, I have watched my friends’ confused faces as they realize I have understood them. And almost every time, I have not even realized what I have done. In other words, I have thought that the language I had been hearing, or at least the portion of the conversation that I latched onto, was my own language. If you think this is bizarre, read on to find out the pretty obvious explanation…

Spanish is a Romance language. It has evolved from Latin just like French, Italian and Portuguese. English is a Germanic language and is closely related to Dutch and German.  Already, you can probably see why a native English speaker like me will understand the odd bit of French, Dutch and German. There are two key events in history which explain why Spain and English are so heavily influenced by other languages. These events are as follows: the Norman Invasion of England and the Arab invasion of Spain.

After conquering Spain, the Arabs stayed in Spain for nearly eight centuries so it’s no surprise that they have left an Arab-shaped mark. Here are some Spanish words of Arabic origin that appear in the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy: “Aceite”, “Almohada”, “Aceituna”, “Alfombra”, “Aduana” and “Arroz”. Every time you encounter a Spanish word beginning with the letters “AL”, you can be pretty sure that it has been borrowed from Arabic.

When William of Normandy won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, he bought a new language to London known as Norman French. As reported by Bill Bryson – best-selling author of books on the English language – forty per cent of the English language has been borrowed from Norman French. As a result, the English we speak today is much richer. There is more than one way of saying almost everything: answer/reply, smell/odor, wish/desire etc.

When speaking in English with my friends who all come from different parts of Europe, I often have to re-word a sentence in order that they can understand me. It is moments like this when I realize just how many similarities there are between French, German, English and Dutch. Often I say one word which they do not understand, then swap it for a different word which means the same and they say, “Oh yes, we have a similar word in “French/German/English/Dutch”. Assumedly, this is why I can sometimes understand them when they are speaking in their native languages. There are so many similarities that sometimes I must pick up on a word and subconsciously translate it into English.

Knowing both Spanish and English undoubtedly helps me to understand other European languages. The English word “orange” for example is the same in French (although different pronunciation) but entirely different in Spanish (naranja). Equally, there are some Spanish words which resemble French words. Therefore, as a speaker of both Spanish and English, I have more words in my vocabulary from which to draw comparisons to foreign sounds. 

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Gardens are places that are full of sentiment, spaces that offer visitors the chance to collect their thoughts and to dream. Many of the amazing gardens in Spain also offer scenic aesthetic expression, where beauty is not only created by planting plants and trees, but also by harmonizing and maintaining a balance of all the elements found in nature such as water and air. Let’s take a tour of some of Spain’s most historical and most impressive gardens. 

The Gardens of Generalife, The Alhambra, Granada:

The magical gardens of the Alhambra, full of legends and mysteries, may take the visitor’s mind to the sublime atmosphere described in the tales of The One Thousand and One Nights. Built on a rocky hill and far-off peak of the Alhambra, the combination of light and green here creates a wealth of decoration that includes the landscape that lies beyond the palace walls, visible from strategic viewpoints. Paco de Lucia has a song called “Generalife bajo la luna” that celebrates the garden’s beauty.     

El Buen Retiro, Madrid

Buen Retiro Park was designed in 1640 and opened to the public during the time of Charles III. Today, El Retiro has become a symbol of Spain's capital city. The land is occupied by 15,000 different types of plants and trees including the French Parterre, Versailles-style, and the Rose Garden; it is also home to numerous varieties of flowers. The monument to King Alfonso XII situated alongside the pond is one of Retiro Park’s must-see attractions.

Real Alcazar, Seville

The delightful Real Alcazar of Seville is one of Spain’s great palace complexes, and perhaps the oldest. It is the original representation of Spanish style and Islamic expression adapted to the Christian world. This once was the official residence of the Kings of Spain during their visits to Seville and the palace is still acknowledged as a royal residence. The palace features extraordinary gardens. The Garden of Mercury, which has a beautiful bronze fountain with a statue of Mercury, the Garden of the Ladies and the Garden of the Prince are the most admired.

Laberinto Horta, Barcelona

This is the oldest garden in Barcelona and a magnificent example of 18^th century neoclassical style. The garden is most known for its exciting maze of hedges, yet it also features other aspects such as intriguing statues, arbors, numerous fountains, and incredible greenness that make these gardens an unforgettable place to visit. An important scene from the movie “The Perfume” takes place here as well.

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Just before Lent arrives, which marks a time of fasting and spiritual introspection, Carnival celebrations offer us the chance to relax and enjoy a few days of partying. Below, you'll find a selection of ten carnival festivals with unique features. Join us and experience these fiestas with joy and tolerance, letting yourself get caught up in the excitement of Spanish traditions.

1. During the final days of January, in the two Navarro towns of Iturren and Zubieta, residents and visitors celebrate a very special Carnival festival. On the 28^th and the 29^th, the joaldunaks parade about town, wearing very intriguing attire: skirts, sandals, sheep fur over the shoulders and around the waist, colorful scarves around the neck, decorated hats with colorful bands, and enormous bells carried on the back, bells whose ancestral chime drives away evil spirits and awakes the land after its winter slumber. On Monday, the joaldunaks of Zubieta visit Iturren and on Tuesday those from Iturren travel to Zubieta, covering the 3 kilometers distance that separates the two towns, sporting the special attire and chiming the bells the entire way.
2. El Puerto de la Cruz, in Tenerife, celebrates one of the oldest carnival festivals on the island. It has some special features that make it unique: The main carnival parade does not take place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; it happens on Saturday to avoid coinciding with the patron saint day of Santa Cruz, the capital of the island. On the Friday before carnival's Coso-Apoteosis, a unique event takes place: the "Mascarita ponte tacón is a race for drag-queens in which hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators gather from all corners of the island. This is a highly entertaining spectacle that's not to be missed.
3. It's no mere coincidence that Santa Cruz de Tenerife celebrates one of the most famous carnival festivals in the world: the striking beauty of the costumes of the Carnival Queen and her court, along with the comparsas and murgas that make their way through town dancing and singing, all make this festival a fantastic spectacle to behold. One of the unique features of the Santa Cruz Carnival Festival is the Carnaval de día (daytime carnival) celebrated days before the Entierro de la Sardina (Funeral of the Sardine), and which brings together visitors from all over the island dressed up in thousands of different costumes, displaying incredible imagination which this year will follow the theme of "Bollywood: India".
4. The Carnival Festival of Cadiz is an explosion of joy, humor and music. The chirigotas, murgas, coros and cuartetos (curiously formed by four people) are musical groups that sing their medleys in the Gran Teatro Falla. The groups compete there for a prize, using lyrics loaded with humor and poignant criticism. Later, the groups will take their acts outside, where the streets of the city become their stage. During Carnival time, the city fills with visitors looking for places to hear the fun medleys and enjoy fish tapas and shrimp omelets.
5. The Tarragona Carnival Festival revolves around the Plaza de la Font, where an enormous wineskin is placed and its contents are offered to Carnival goers. Over the next few days, a Carnival Queen will be elected by representatives of the comparsas that will participate in the parade held on the following Saturday. The morning of "jueves lardero" (the Thursday before Lent), butifarra de huevo (a type of pork sausage with egg) and torta de chicharron (a type of pork flat cake) are shared among Carnival revelers (and there are many) as an appetizer for the election of the queen. The following Tuesday, the city goes into mourning for the entierro de la sardine which finalizes celebrations.
6. Sitges is a well-known beach destination for tourists. During carnival time however, it transforms into a spectacular scene, where the limitless creativity of the city's celebration can be observed in the "Rúas" (parades), in which moving stages capture your attention and admiration. On "Jueves lardo", his majesty Carnestoltas makes his entrance into the city and gives a speech to the people from town hall (the "predicot"). On Sunday, the Rúa de la Disbauxa is celebrated in all the splendor of Carnival. On the Tuesday of the festival, the Rúa Extermini is held which, unbelievably, has even more participants than the Rúa de la Disbauxa. On Ash Wednesday, the entierro de Carnestoltas (funeral of Carnestoltas) is celebrated, drawing a close to festivities.
7. In Villanueva de la Vera, in the province of Cáceres in Extremadura, "el Peropalo" is a central figure of Carnaval celebrations. El Peropalo is a doll that is placed in the town square atop a lance. The doll spins during the days of Carnival until it ends up with its back to town hall. Peropalo is accused and judged for crimes (almost always of a sexual nature) and sentenced. His sentence is displayed on the back of a young person dressed in hideous clothing who rides a donkey about town for the townspeople to inform themselves about the verdict. The festival ends, after several different traditional rituals, on Ash Wednesday, when Peropalo is burnt, as certain mourners lament their loss and miss his favors.
8. In the beautiful Cantabria city of Santoña, the so-called "Carnaval del norte" (Carnival of the north) is celebrated. Declared a Festival of Touristic Interest, this celebration takes the sea as its theme. Neighbors of the city, great crowds of them, dress up as fish to participate in the festivities. The "juicio del fondo del mar" (judgment at the bottom of the sea) event is held, presided over by Neptune. The Besugo, (Sea Bream, a type fish) is accused of kidnapping a mermaid. Although the Besugo is found innocent, he ends up dying for his love of the mermaid who does not reciprocate his feelings. Festivities draw to a close with his funeral and cremation.
9. The Carnival Festival in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has emerged with impressive force over the last fifteen years. Although Carnival traditions have a longer history in the neighboring island of Tenerife, Gran Canary residents have created a fiesta that is now on par with that of their neighbors. They have also given it a unique twist, adding a drag-queen ceremony in which a spectacular parade of participants show creativity, choreography and grace worthy of admiration.
10. Finally, in the Salamanca countryside, Ciudad Rodrigo celebrates one of the oldest Carnival Festivals in Spain, which centers on the bull as the top of the animal pyramid. The country surrounding the town is one of the areas in which the best bulls are bred, which explains the preponderance of the animal in the festival. The bull fights in Ciudad Rodrigo are well known, and some have a unique feature; bull fighters participate in the event on horseback. A "bull rink" is also installed in the town square, however with the special characteristic of being triangular in shape instead of the usual round form.

Photos credits:
Header by Maduroman
Joaldunaks Parade by Ruben LC
Tarragona Carnival Parade by Xeniarm
Carnival Time in Sitges by Thundershead
El Peropalo by M. Martin Vicente
Carnaval in Gran Canaria by El coleccionista de instantes
Carnaval del Toro by Julio Codesal

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The Spanish soccer league took center stage yesterday in Zurich at this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala.

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi won the ballon d’or for an unprecedented four years in a row. The award is given annually to the world’s best soccer player. National team coaches and captains from around the world along with selected media members vote for the winner. Messi beat two other candidates for the award, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta. On accepting the award, Messi recognized his Barcelona teammates and specifically Iniesta. Messi received nearly double the votes that Ronaldo did, polling 41% and 23 % respectively.

Despite Messi’s statement that this has not been the best year of his career, he did score 91 goals (79 with Barcelona and 12 with the Argentine national team) breaking the record set by Gerd Mueller in 1972 for most goals scored in a single calendar year. Messi’s statement likely referred to Barcelona losing Spain’s Primera Division league to long time rivals Real Madrid, the team for which Ronaldo plays. Barcelona did not win the Champion’s league title either. Originally from Argentina, Messi has played with Barcelona since he was a child.

The Salamanca, Spain native Vicente del Bosque beat Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho and Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to win the 2012 FIFA coach of the year. Del Bosque lead the Spanish national team to win three consecutive cups: two European Championships (2008, 2012) and the world cup (2010). On accepting the award, del Bosque stated that this is a great time for Spanish soccer, and that he was proud that two of the three candidates for the award were Spanish (Pep Guardiola is also from Spain).  

This year’s entire FIFA dream team roster is made up of Spanish league players. Over 50,000 soccer pros voted on this year’s FIFPro world 11, selecting the 11 players they believe would make the strongest imaginable soccer team in the world today. The dream line up, which includes Ronaldo, Messi and Iniesta, exclusively features players from Barcelona and Real Madrid football clubs with the exception of Radamel Falcao, who plays for Atletico de Madrid.

The Spanish league’s dominating presence at the FIFA awards ceremony suggests that the level of play in that league is perhaps the highest in the world. The league’s success seems likely to continue, as both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are favorites to win this year’s Champion’s league title. The world will also be keeping an anxious eye on Team Spain in the 2014 FIFA world cup to be held in Brazil. As Coach Vicente del Bosque pointed out at the ceremony, Spanish soccer is certainly experiencing an incredible era.   

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