Archive for 'Spanish Culture'
Spanish proverbs: Los refranes Posted by Paula on May 25, 2016
Popular wisdom usually takes the form of a proverb. All languages have them, and sometimes proverbs combine knowledge on a topic, with puns and rhythm. In Spain, there is a tradition of proverbs that go back to the epic poem Mio Cid. Let’s start with a proverb we use in English, “Spain is different“, coined by Franco’s…
Three Latino Crooners You Should Know (II) Posted by Paula on Mar 17, 2016
Today we continue making suggestions of Latin American and Spanish crooners you should know about. We insist: listening to a good bolero is a great way to practice your Spanish and enjoy doing so. In this series we try to come closer to present days and discover some hidden gems. ARMANDO MANZANERO AND LUIS MIGUEL…
Three Latino Crooners You Should Know (I) Posted by Paula on Mar 14, 2016
Do you like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra? Then perhaps you will enjoy the music of these three Spanish and Latin American singers. Latino crooners, who are sometimes called cantantes de boleros, are very famous across the Spanish-speaking world, and their lyrics are often a very good resource to practice your Spanish and learn new vocabulary (particularly about love, ¡oh…
Spanish traditions: Fiestas de la Magdalena Posted by Paula on Feb 26, 2016
¡Buenos días! Entre Carnaval y Semana Santa, la tradición católica (muy arraigada en España y muchos países latinoamericanos) celebra la Cuaresma. Durante la Cuaresma, las actividades en la iglesia se relacionan con el arrepentimiento, el recogimiento, la reflexión y el sacrificio. Sin embargo, el calendario de la Cuaresma también sirve para establecer muchas fiestas locales…
Carnival in Latin America Posted by Paula on Feb 4, 2016
These days we are enjoying the Carnival (Carnaval, en español) season all over the world, mainly in countries that follow the Christian tradition. Carnival comes 40 days before Easter (Pascua)and takes place during the three days before Ash Wednesday (Miércoles de ceniza). More or less all countries respect the calendar, but traditions and celebrations are…
English Spanish Vocabulary – Space – El espacio Posted by Laura & Adam on Jan 18, 2016
Today we are going to practice useful Spanish vocabulary related to Space. Hoy vamos a practicar vocabulario español útil relacionado con El espacio. Use the player below to listen to and repeat the pronunciation of the words in Spanish: Space – El espacio asteroid — el asteroide black hole — el agujero negro /el…
Spanish video: La cabalgata de Reyes Posted by Paula on Jan 8, 2016
¡Feliz 2016 para todos los lectores de Transparent Spanish Language Blog! La primera fiesta del año en España es la del día de Reyes, muy arraigada en la tradición y muy celebrada en todos los rincones del país. Cada año, cada ciudad del país (y en algunas ciudades, cada barrio) organiza una Cabalgata de Reyes…