Visual Link Spanish Newsletter (V:1; I:16)

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Spanish Culture ----- It's time to Party!

As you learn Spanish, you will certainly hear about fiestas. Fiestas - [fee-es-taws] in Latin America are very different from parties in English speaking countries. To give you a brief example, a friend from Latin America came to stay with my wife and me and I told him that we were going to a family party. When we got there, we ate, talked, and played games. My friend looked very confused and said, "Where's the dancing?" I said, "What you mean 'Where's the dancing?'" He said, "This is a party isn't it? -- So, where's the dancing?" To Latin Americans, the word "fiesta" (party) means that there will be dancing. He just couldn't understand how there could be a party without dancing.

The Spanish culture is rich with music and dancing. They have salsa music, merengue [meh-rang-gay], tango and many other types of music and dancing. It is a wonderful cultural experience to watch these types of dancing and hear their music.

If you ever have the chance to walk down the streets of a Latin American pueblo (village) in the evening, especially on a weekend, the air will most likely be filled with Latin music. You will see many houses with the windows and doors open so you can hear the music from the street and see a true "fiesta" in progress -- with dancing of course.

Any party in Latin America, whether with friends, relatives, or school groups will have music and dancing. If not, it's just not a "fiesta".

Remember, if you invite a native Spanish speaker to a "Fiesta" (party), you better either make sure there is dancing or be prepared to explain why our culture doesn't have dancing at "parties".

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¡Hasta luego! (Until Later!)


David S. Clark -- President
U.S. Institute of Languages
dave@spanishprograms.com
http://www.spanishprograms.com