A trip through Spain that sounds good | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/27/2019 - 02:00
A trip through Spain that sounds good A trip through Spain that sounds good

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

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

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

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL

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

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

CRUÏLLA

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

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

LOW COST FESTIVAL

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

STARLITE

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

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE BENICÀSSIM (FIB)

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

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

Travel Spain Travel to Spain and discover all the music festivals that take place during the summer in the country. Enjoy Spanish music during your trip to Spain. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Javier Serrano

DELE 2019: Next exam dates

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/24/2019 - 02:00
DELE 2019: Next exam dates DELE 2019: Next exam dates

It is well known that there’s a Spanish saying for just about any kind of situation. There’s a phrase that fits today’s topic perfectly (“como anillo al dedo”): “Hombre prevenido vale por dos.” (A well prepared man is worth two — or as we say in English, forewarned is forearmed).

The meaning of this popular saying is that a person who is informed and well organized has an advantage over the others. With this in mind, let’s take good note of the next official DELE exam dates in 2019. You can keep reading this article in English or, if you want to be well prepared and train your Spanish skills for the exam, click here to change to the Spanish version.

While it is true that we have talked before about how to sign up for the DELE exam in 5 easy steps, today we will be focusing strictly on what to do before you sign up. To have things clear as crystal, we will take a look at the exam dates and registration deadlines because, unlike SIELE, DELE is more strict in terms of timing when you want to get a date for the exam. That’s why we have to take a glance at the calendar from time to time.

 

SEPTEMBER

Levels: ADULTS A2.

Registration Deadlines: until July 24th.

Exam Dates: Friday September 13th.

OCTOBER

Levels: ADULTS A2, B1, and B2.

Registration Deadlines: until August 21st.

Exam Dates: Friday October 4th.

NOVEMBER

Levels: YOUNG LEARNERS A1 and A2/B1. ADULTS A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

Registration Deadlines: until October 9.

Exam Dates: Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23.

Now that you have the exam dates saved in your mind, you just need to decide which one suits you best, register, and make sure you’re 100% ready on the day of the exam. At this point it’s clear that you like to be well prepared, and at don Quijote we can help you out with that. Choose one of our DELE exam preparation courses, DELE 20 or DELE 30, and you’ll pass the exam with flying colors. Our students’ success rate is 95%.

And don’t forget to take a look at the video that we've put together about DELE and other official Spanish exams.

Language DELE 2019: Next exam dates Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Javier Serrano

A Midsummer Night’s Fiery Dream | don Quijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 02:00
A Midsummer Night’s Fiery Dream One of the most magical nights of the year is San Juan, a night when fire, water, and ancestral traditions join to welcome Midsummer's Eve. A Midsummer Night’s Fiery Dream

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

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

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

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

Alicante, Valencian Community

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

Malaga, Andalusia

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

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

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

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

Travel One of the most magical nights of the year is San Juan, a night when fire, water, and ancestral traditions join to welcome Midsummer's Eve. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Javier Serrano

How to sign up for the SIELE exam | 5 easy steps

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/17/2019 - 02:00
How to sign up for the SIELE exam in 5 easy steps How to sign up for the SIELE exam in 5 easy steps

If you are reading these words, maybe you find yourself in one of these turning points where you have to make a decision that could change the rest of your life. Perhaps you are about to go to university, or want to undergo a radical change of work, or maybe you just want to embark on a new adventure.

If any of these options have a Spanish-speaking country as destination, and you need to get an official Spanish certificate as soon as possible, the key that will bring your objectives within reach has a name: the SIELE exam. Keep reading this article in English or click here to change to the Spanish version.

The SIELE is recognized and promoted by several international language education organizations: the Instituto Cervantes, the Universidad Autónoma de Mexico, the Universidad de Salamanca, and the Universidad de Buenos Aires.

These organizations guarantee standards for quality and linguistic varieties in the tests.

The exam offers several specific characteristics that make SIELE different from other certificates: it has a validity of 5 years, the exam can be taken the day, time, and place of your choice by electronic means, and something that will make you happy, it’s not possible to fail the test! You will always come away from the exam with a certificate or report for one Spanish level or another.

SIELE offers you up to 4 tests that cover all the areas of knowledge of the Spanish language: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and spoken expression and interaction. There are 2 ways to take the exam:

  • SIELE GLOBAL:  It’s a single multilevel exam that includes 4 tests.  With this exam, you will get the SIELE certificate.
  • INDEPENDENT MODALITIES: Choose from 5 exam modalities based on a combination of the 4 tests. Taking one of these exams will allow you to obtain the SIELE Report.

5 STEPS TO ENROLL

Visit the SIELE page.

STEP 1

Choose the exam mode you’re interested in (SIELE Global or the independent modalities) and the country where you want to take the exam.

STEP 2

Select the date and the accredited center of your choice. Remember that you can take the test at any of our schools in Spain.

STEP 3

Register by creating your user account.

STEP 4

Enter your personal information.

STEP 5

Review that your purchase was successful.

When the day of the exam arrives, be cautious! Go to the center 15 minutes before the time of the test and do not forget the official ID that you used to book the exam and your siele.org user account information (email and password).

In a maximum period of three weeks you will receive an email notifying you that you are able to download your SIELE certificate or report from “My page.”

And yes, it’s true that this is an exam you cannot fail, but if you’re getting this certificate in order to reach your goals, that means you are a person that refuses to tolerate mediocrity. At don Quijote we offer  a SIELE preparation course so you can get the highest mark.

Make the beginning of this new adventure official!

If you'd like to learn more about SIELE and other official Spanish exams, take a look at this video we've put together.

Practical Spanish Do you know how to sign up for the SIELE exam? Don Quijote gives you the answers in only 5 easy steps. Discover them in this article. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Javier Serrano

A tapa to whet the appetite | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/13/2019 - 02:00
A tapa to whet the appetite When you travel to Spain, the first thing you discover is that the Spanish climate invites you to spend a large part of the time outdoors, and most Spaniards maximize the good weather by enjoying one of their most typical customs: the tapeo. A tapa to whet the appetite

When you travel to Spain, the first thing you discover is that the Spanish climate invites you to spend a large part of the time outdoors, and most Spaniards maximize the good weather by enjoying one of their most typical customs: the tapeo.

If you visit a Spanish tapas bar and want to feel like an authentic expert in the field, keep reading in English or click here to switch to Spanish, and discover everything about the wonderful world of tapas.

To become familiar with the topic, we must begin by knowing what a tapa is. According to the Royal Spanish Academy, it is a small portion of food that goes with a beverage.

Origins

This symbol of Spanish gastronomy is surrounded by an aura of mystery as there exist diverse theories about its origin.

Some stories trace it back to the era of King Alfonso X “The Wise,” who decreed that in Castile, wine could not be served without something to eat. The food was usually a slice of ham or a wedge of cheese, and it was placed over the wine glass, covering (tapando) the vessel and keeping flies from touching the liquid inside.

Another possible origin is attributed to another monarch who was also named Alfonso, but lived several centuries later. It is said that on an official trip, King Alfonso XIII stopped to rest in the Ventorrillo del Chato inn, a place that still exists nowadays and that you can visit in Cádiz. The King asked for a glass of wine and, as it was a windy day, the waiter decided to put a slice of ham over the glass to keep the sand from blasting in from the beach. The King liked the idea so much that he ordered another round for himself and all the Court members.

Nowadays

Today, the tapa has grown into something more than just some food that goes with a beverage. It has become a tourist attraction that has crossed borders and that has its own celebration day: World Tapas Day.

During several days, from June 20th to 30th, the tapa becomes the star of simultaneous events in cities across Spain where you will be able to enjoy the local tapas, from the patatas bravas of Madrid, passing through the squid - Orly shrimp duo in Zaragoza to Almeria's octopus.

If your mouth is watering just by reading this, do not hesitate! Take a Spanish course in Spain and taste all the tapa possibilities while you get the skills you need to order them by their real name.

What is clear is that, knowing the origin of the tapa, it’s not surprising that it’s considered a food worthy of a king.

¡Que aproveche!

Spain Spaniards maximize the good weather by enjoying one of their most typical customs: the tapeo. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Javier Serrano

Sign up for the DELE exam in 5 easy steps | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 02:00
How to sign up for the DELE exam in 5 easy steps How to sign up for the DELE exam in 5 easy steps

Learning a new language requires much time and effort. It can seem unfair that students who have worked so hard over time to develop these language skills must gamble it all on an exam that declares the validity of their skillset. Regardless, this is an unavoidable process. Whomever needs to obtain official certification to apply to a university, attain Spanish citizenship or simply fulfill other legal obligations, has only one choice: to take the DELE.

Luckily, don Quijote is here to make this whole process easier for you. In this article, we would like to guide you through steps necessary for enrolling in the world's most popular Spanish exam. Keep reading this article or click here to change to the Spanish version.

5 Steps to Enroll

The DELE is a Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport of Spain exam. The Cervantes Institute holds authority over the exam since 2002, which is why you'll have to go through their site to enroll and receive your diploma. Though unfortunately, if you have yet to master your Spanish, navigating through their page may be a bit difficult as it is only available in Spanish.

 

But don't fret! Below, you’ll find the 5 very simple steps that'll guide you through the enrollment process. Now, first things first, let's remind you that you'll have to sign up at 8 weeks before the official date of the exam.

Step 1

Visit the exam page on the Cervantes Institute site and create a profile there. They will ask you to provide your first name, last name, passport number and a few other personal details.

Step 2

Once you've created your profile, you'll receive a welcome email asking you to log in. Click the link found in the email and create a password for your new account.

Step 3

As you log in, click on Mis Inscripciones and after that on Nueva Inscripción.

Then, a new window will appear where you will be able to enter you residency info. and choose a date for the exam. But warning! Not all dates offer the same levels for the exams.

Step 4

Drag the mouse down until you find one of our don Quijote accredited centers and select the date that you prefer and then go ahead and click Inscribirse.

 

Step 5

Confirm that all the information provided is correct and explain the reason why you would like to take the exam. After that, you may go ahead and complete the required payment

You're finally done! Now, all that's left is to await the day of the exam. In don Quijote, we offer plenty of DELE preparation courses so that you can feel totally prepared. Our rate of success is 95%. Sign up for either of our courses, DELE 20 or DELE 30 to get rid of the stress and be fully equipped to take that exam!

If you'd like to learn more about DELE and other official Spanish exams, take a look at this video we've put together. Good luck!

Practical Spanish Discover how to sign up for the DELE exam in 5 easy steps with this article. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Patricia Mendez

DELE vs. SIELE: Which Spanish exam should I choose? | DQ

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/03/2019 - 02:00
DELE vs. SIELE: Which Spanish exam should I choose? DELE vs. SIELE: Which Spanish exam should I choose?

Are you a Spanish student wanting to certify your level? Do you wish to attend a university in Spain or Latin America? Do you have to present a certain level of Spanish to study abroad or participate in Erasmus? Are you doing paperwork to get your Spanish citizenship?

There are plenty of reasons for why you might want to take an official Spanish exam. There’s a sea of possibilities when it comes to types of tests you can take, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But thanks to us, you’ll no longer have to worry about that! We´ll help you find the Spanish exam that best fits your needs. Read this post in Spanish or keep reading in English so you don’t miss any of the important details to come. Let’s get started!

Do I need an official exam?

It depends on why you want to certify your Spanish level. If all you’re simply looking to substantiate your Spanish skills without any legal claim, then the certificates attained upon finalizing a don Quijote Spanish course are more than enough. These certificates reflect the number of class hours you’ve attended and the level of Spanish you’ve reached, amongst other things.

All our schools have the Cervantes Institute accreditation and form part of the FEDELE association. Therefore, if you’re looking to give yourself a boost in your academic or professional career by adding a new language to your college application or résumé, this can be done through the don Quijote certification. For students under 18 who are moving to Spain, a don Quijote certificate will be useful in getting into primary or secondary schools in the national school system. Get informed on the requirements in your specific case. If you can use the don Quijote certificate, you’ll be able to save on costs by not taking an official exam.

Differences between DELE and SIELE

Now if what you need is an official certification, you’ll need to look into DELE or SIELE. Both exams have been designed by the Cervantes Institute and they have international recognition. Below, we will touch on their biggest differences, so you can choose the program that may be in your best interest.

Levels

DELE is a diploma that certifies Spanish proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Before taking the exam, you’ll have to choose which level you’d like to test for: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2. In each part of the exam you’ll be asked to demonstrate that you are in fact at that level in all the language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. And just like that, you either pass or fail.

On the other hand, SIELE is a certificate indicating one’s Spanish skillset based on a point system. The number of points you are awarded depends on how many questions you get right. You also don’t have to demonstrate all of your language competencies. Instead, you have the choice of selecting which part of the exam you would like present. For example, if you’d like to only do the writing portion of the exam, that’s fine. Through this system, it’s impossible to fail the exam: everyone who takes the exam will earn a certificate stating the Spanish level demonstrated. If you get all the questions wrong, you will receive an A1 certificate. If you get all the questions right, you will receive a C2 certificate.

Dates

If you’d like to do the DELE, you must strive to stay on top of your calendar. This exam can only be taken on official exam dates, and each exam date only has certain level exams available.

When it comes to timing, SIELE is the more flexible option. You can get an appointment to take the exam, wait for it.. anytime. Just choose the date and time that works best for you.

Place

In order to take the DELE, you’ll have to go an accredited center, where you’ll be given a paper exam. If you are a don Quijote student, you’re in luck! You can take the DELE at any of our schools in Spain and save yourself the trouble of looking for a center.

If you end up deciding to go for the SIELE, you’ll also need an accredited center to take the exam. Again, you’ll be able to choose from any our schools in Spain. There is just one slight difference with this exam: instead of being on paper, it is done on a software application.

Validity

This is one of the most important aspects when it comes down to choosing which of the two exams you would like to take. While the DELE diploma never expires, the SIELE certificate is only valid for two years. So, we think it’s safe to say that if you know you’ll be needing to use your certification for a long period of time, it should be obvious which option you should go with, don’t you think?

 

Prepare for the exam

With a pass rate at about 95%, don Quijote students have a fairly easy time. We offer courses that are specifically designed to for students preparing for the DELE and SIELE, with options of 20, 25, or 30 hours of weekly classes in small groups. Our teachers share all their expert tips and advice about the exam, and you’ll even be able to take the exam itself in your classroom.

In this video you’ll find a summary of the most important differences between the DELE and SIELE. If you still aren´t sure which you should take, visit our website and contact us. We will help you choose which exam is your best fit and meets all your needs!
 

Language DELE vs. SIELE. Which Spanish exam should I choose? Find the answers in this article. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Ari Coltrin

Walk This Way: El Camino de Santiago

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 02:00
Walk This Way: El Camino de Santiago Walk This Way: El Camino de Santiago

Last year, over 300,000 people followed the Way of Saint James to the northwest corner of Spain, keeping alive a tradition that dates back over a thousand years.

How would you like to spend a few weeks walking through Spanish towns and countryside? Keep reading in English or click here to switch to Spanish and learn what the Camino de Santiago is all about.

History

As the story goes, in the early 800s, a hermit living in the forest noticed a strange star in the sky. He decided to inform the local bishop, who followed the light of the star and found that it illuminated an ancient stone tomb containing three bodies. The bishop believed one of them to be the remains of Santiago el Mayor (James the Greater), and he quickly alerted the king.

That’s how it happened that the first person to walk El Camino de Santiago was King Alfonso II of Asturias, who traveled on foot from Oviedo to see the recently discovered tomb in Campostela (campo de estrellas — field of stars). The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela would later be built on the spot where the tomb was found.

Following in the king’s footsteps, in the Middle Ages it became common for Christians from Spain, France, and other parts of Europe to make the pilgrimage across northern Spain to visit the saint’s tomb. It’s worth noting that at this time, much of the Iberian Peninsula was under Moorish rule in Al-Andalus, and religion formed an important part of people’s identity. The golden age of the Camino lasted from the 11th to the 13th century, when common people and monarchs alike walked mile after mile toward Santiago.

Today

Although the Camino de Santiago was born from the Christian religion, today people from around the world find themselves drawn to the idea of walking through beautiful scenery for days on end for a variety of different reasons. Whether you’re looking for spiritual clarity, an outdoor adventure, or just want to see what it’s like to be completely disconnected from the modern world, you can find what you’re seeking on the Camino.

There are several different routes to Santiago de Compostela. The most heavily transited is the French Way, followed by the Portuguese Way, and the most popular time to do the Camino is in the summer. Therefore, those who’d like to skip the crowds and the heat may want to consider walking an alternative route in the spring or fall.

When you begin your journey, make sure to get a Pilgrim Passport and have it stamped at hostels, restaurants, and churches along with way, proving how far you’ve come. You’ve got to walk at least 100 km (62 miles) or bike at least 200 km (124 miles) if you want to earn the official Compostela (if you’ve done the Camino for religious reasons) or Certificate of Welcome (for everyone else) when you reach Santiago de Compostela.

 

Symbols

Along the trail, you’ll find lots of scallop shells and yellow arrows to help you find your way. The scallop shell, commonly found on the beaches of Galicia, has been a symbol of the Camino de Santiago for centuries. You will find it not just marking the path but also hanging from the backpacks, walking sticks, and necks of your fellow travelers, making them easy to identify.

Preparation

When you do the Camino de Santiago, you’ll enjoy instant camaraderie with people from Spain and all around the world. Take a Spanish course before you start your journey — that way, you’ll be able to connect more deeply with more people.

¡Buen camino!

Spain Walk This Way: El Camino de Santiago Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Vanessa Johnson

Shoulders: Physical and Verbal Expressions

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/27/2019 - 02:00
Shoulders: Physical and Verbal Expressions Shoulders: Physical and Verbal Expressions

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been learning lots of common Spanish expressions with parts of the body. To close out this topic, today we’re going to cover expressions about shoulders. Continue reading in English, or if you want us to echarte una mano (give you a hand) with your Spanish reading skills, click here for the Spanish version of this post.

Physical expressions with shoulders

Along with faces and hands, shoulders are one of the most expressive parts of the body. If we pay attention to the positions and movements of someone’s shoulders, we can tell if they are tired, unsure or apathetic about something, or feeling shy.

Perhaps the expressiveness of our shoulders is responsible for the existence of so many popular Spanish expressions featuring shoulders. Below, we’ll show you three of the most common expressions with hombros and how to use them.

Verbal expressions with shoulders

Arrimar el hombro

This set phrase encapsulates a warm message. Arrimar el hombro (to bring the shoulder closer) means to help a person or group achieve something positive. A similar expression that uses another body part is trabajar codo con codo (to work elbow with elbow). Let’s take a look at some examples with English adaptations.

Si todos arrimamos el hombro, saldremos antes de trabajar

(If we all lend a hand, we’ll leave work earlier)

Si trabajamos codo con codo, saldremos antes de trabajar

(If we work side by side, we’ll leave work earlier)

The idea of lending a shoulder, like many popular expressions, has its origins in rural life. Day laborers who worked in the fields used to bend over side by side to sow seeds in furrows. In this position, the workers often bumped shoulders.

 

Estar manga por hombro

Literally, this expression means that the sleeve (manga) is where the shoulder should be. In other words, something is disorganized or not where it should be. Estar patas arriba (to be legs up) has the same meaning but uses yet another body part.

The best way to illustrate the meaning of this expression is to repeat something every Spanish-speaking mother has said at one time or another:

¡Recoge tu habitación, que está todo manga por hombro!

¡Recoge tu habitación, que está todo patas arriba!

(Pick up your room, it’s a mess!)

Encogerse de hombros

Whatever country you’re from, if you’re familiar with western culture you’ll probably understand someone means if they shrug their shoulders (encogerse de hombros). This gesture may not be used in the same way in Asia, but most people from western countries shrug to express doubt or disinterest

A la pregunta de qué tarta prefería para merendar, Martina se encogió de hombros

(When asked what type of cake she’d like for a snack, Martina shrugged)

We hope you’ve learned lots of useful expressions with body parts over these past few weeks. At don Quijote we’re happy to have the chance to accompany you on your journey to Spanish and make learning a little bit easier with videos like the one you’ll find below. Enjoy!

 

Practical Spanish Shoulders: Physical and Verbal Expressions Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Vanessa Johnson

Spanish Flower Festivals in May | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/23/2019 - 02:00
Spanish Flower Festivals in May Spanish Flower Festivals in May

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!

Spain Spanish flower festivals in May: where and how this festival is? Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Vanessa Johnson
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