This Winter's Spanish Series To Binge
As the weather cools, the temptation to grab a blanket, chocolate caliente, and remote is undeniable...
THIS WINTER’S SPANISH SERIES TO BINGE
As the weather cools, the temptation to grab a blanket, chocolate caliente, and remote is undeniable. Luckily, there is a Spanish series to binge that you will absolutely love.
Netflix’s first original Spanish drama Cable Girls (Las Chicas Del Cable) will be premiering the 2nd season on December 25th for your binging pleasure, so get that GrubHub order out of queue, and check out why 97% of Google users love this show.
Las Chicas Del Cable stars Lidia - Blanca Suárez, Marga - Nadia de Santiago, Carlota -Ana Fernández, and Ángeles - Maggie Civantos as telephone operators in 1920s Madrid and follows their fight for the right to work.
Comparably, one could classify this Spanish series as a cross between the reboot of The Great Gatsby and Mad Men from a stylistic standpoint. If you’re more familiar with Spanish media, however, it is worth noting that Cable Girls is produced by Bambú Producciones, the creative team behind Velvet and Gran Hotel, if that gives you a better idea of the aesthetic.
Since Netflix's expanse to Spain in 2015, Cable Girls has been in production since 2016 so if you haven’t checked it out yet, be prepared to spend your day in enjoying what has been years in the making of a fantastic new Spanish series to binge.
Want to nix those pesky subtitles and enjoy all of your favorite Spanish shows in their most authentic form? Check out our highly-rated immersive group classes and private lessons at JP Linguistics today!
The ABCs of Traditional Latin Dance
With the growing trend of dance-based workout programs in NYC, including the phenomenon of Zumba, it is impossible to ignore the impact of traditional Latin dance in our current culture.
The ABCs of Traditional Latin Dance
With the growing trend of dance based workout programs in NYC, including the phenomenon of Zumba, it is impossible to ignore the impact of traditional Latin dance in our current culture.
Many are familiar with terms such as:
Cha - Cha - Cha
Flamenco
Salsa
and the not-so-traditional
Macarena
Below are a few lesser known dances that any traditional Latin dance enthusiast should know.
Aragonaise
Aragonaise which literally means a person or thing from the Spanish region, Aragon, is a "dance of Aragon". Traditionally the musical accompaniment includes guitars, castanets, and hand clapping. The two most famous compositions bearing the name are found in the operas Le Cid and Carmen by Jules Massenet and Georges Bizet respectively.
Bolero
Bolero takes a slower tempo than the Aragonaise with roots stemming both from Spain and Cuba and spreading eventually throughout Latin America all the way to Vietnam.
The original Spanish Bolero is danced in a 3/4 time. (1-2-3 / 1-2-3) that was created in Spain in the late 18th century. Elements of both contradanza and sevillana were borrowed in it's creation before it's swift export to Cuba. In the Cuban iteration, the time signature was changed to 2/4 (think Mirliton) and became "the most popular lyric tradition in Latin America."
Corrido
Corrido finds it's roots in the music of Spain, and became immensely popular in Castilla and León in 19th and early 20th century.
This form has an irregular rhythm and consists of two parts, the first being of oscillatory and lateral movement in fast pace, and the second is similar to the jota (which time wise is very similar to Aragonaise). Below is a short tutorial outlining the steps involved.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the ever evolving, yet timelessly classic, ABCs of Traditional Latin Dance.
For more Spanish language and culture, join JP Linguistics to be ready to take the "next step" as a fluent Spanish speaker.
HALLOWEEN + DAY OF THE DEAD, 3 DAYS OF TRADITION
Together, these holidays create a 3-day festival of traditions that honors and celebrates deceased loved ones. Read more...if you dare!
HALLOWEEN + DAY OF THE DEAD, 3 DAYS OF TRADITION
Boo! While Americans prepare fancy costumes to spook their neighbors through the traditions of Halloween on October 31st, natives of many Latin American countries simultaneously prepare to celebrate their Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) on November 1st & 2nd. Together, both holidays create a 3-day festival of traditions that honors and celebrates deceased loved ones in multiple countries across the world. Whether you celebrate these holidays or not, we hope to shed some light on the eerie traditions behind Halloween + Day of the Dead, 3 Days of Tradition. Enjoy the read...if you dare!
HALLOWEEN
The start of these celebrations begins with Halloween (also known as All Saint's Eve or All Hallow's Eve) on October 31st. Traditions behind this holiday include praying for and honoring recently deceased saints (hallows), martyrs and faithfully departed loved ones. The tradition is to pray for the souls of the deceased who may be living in purgatory so that they might be considered for acceptance into heaven. The more prayers and offerings the living provides for the departed, the more chances of them getting in to heaven.
It is thought that Halloween stems from pagan roots from Ireland which were converted into Christian traditions after being brought to the colonization of North America. On October 31st (the end of harvest and the start of winter), it is said that the boundary between the living world and the 'otherworld' thinned. Meaning, the souls of the departed could more easily enter the living world. Thus, traditions were born such as wearing costumes and going door-to-door to collect candies from neighbors. Originally, this was done as a way for people to dress up on behalf of the departed to receive an offering. If an evil spirit had entered the living world, it was thought that dressing up protected oneself from their harm. In more modern times, we've adopted the idea of wearing scary costumes as a way to frighten evil spirits who were able to cross over on October 31st. This curious evening is followed by All Saint's Day (or All Hallow's Day) on November 1st which is dedicated to honoring all saints and martyrs, followed by All Soul's Day on November 2nd which is dedicated to celebrating the lives of faithfully departed loved ones and relatives.
DAY OF THE DEAD (DIA DE LOS MUERTOS)
Originating in Mexico but observed across most of Latin America, the two-day Dia de los Muertos celebration commences on November 1st and concludes on November 2nd each year. Typically, November 1st is reserved as the day to honor deceased babies and youth, which is why it is commonly known as Día de los Inocentes (or Day of the Innocents) or Día de los Angelitos (or Day of the Little Angels). November 2nd is then reserved as the day to celebrate deceased adults and it is called Día de los Muertos or Día de los Difuntos (or Day of the Dead). Latin Americans traditionally gather together with friends and family, share a lavish meal and decorate burial plots or in-home shrines of loved ones using items such as marigolds (flower of the dead), sugar skulls, food and various decorations. Those who celebrate this holiday believe that the deceased are awakened in spirit form from their eternal sleep during Dia de los Muertos to spend time with family and friends. Often, these celebrations are viewed in a positive light as to 'party' with the dead, versus grimly mourning the loss.
Image Credit: Luisroj96 (wikimedia.org)
DAY OF THE DEAD RECIPES
Food is a very big part of most Latin celebrations and Dia de los Muertos is no exception. Check out these delicious dishes (and drink) below - the perfect items to bring to that costume party you were invited to this year. Fair warning, you might be hungry after reading these recipes. Enjoy!
Pan De Muerto
Image Credit: Muy Bueno
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup water
- 5 to 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 packages active-dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon whole anise seed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange extract
- Zest of one orange
- 4 eggs
- Orange glaze (see below) (optional)
(Recipe by Muy Bueno)
Marigold Muerte Drink
Image Credit: tikkido.com
- 1 oz marigold-infused simple syrup
- 1 oz Limoncello
- 6 oz Vinho Verde sparkling white wine
- ice
(Recipe by Tikkido.com)
Passinas
Image Credit: tryanythingonceculinary.com
- ½ cup milk
- one ¼ oz. packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cups Zulka granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 tbsp. orange zest
- 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tsp. anise seeds
- ¾ cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ tsp. baking powder
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
(Recipe by tryanythingculinary.com)
HORROR MOVIES (EN ESPAÑOL OF COURSE!)
Very common during Halloween, horror movies are a great way to get that adrenaline pumping while snacking on the couch. You may have seen a few horror movies in your lifetime, but have you seen them en Español? These teeth-clenching, edge-of-your-seat films are popular among Latin thrill-watchers and we hope you like them...if you can handle the suspense. Click each image to watch the corresponding trailer for each horror flick.
HABLO ESPAÑOL
Think you know your Day of the Dead vocabulary? Test your skills with these Spanish words and phrases below. If you don't know them yet, they are bound to impress your friends and family on Dia de los Muertos. Have a few favorites you don't see on the list? Don't forget to add them in the comment's section below and we'll continue building this list for future readers.
Elaltar de muertos - an offering prepared for a deceased person
La calavera de azúcar - a sugar skull
Las caretas - a mask worn to scare off the spirits at the end of the Dia de los Muertos celebration
Las catrinas - skeletons dressed like wealthy women, which represent death
El cempasúchil - a Mexican marigold
Los gollettes - doughnut-shaped bread typically topped with pink sugar, that are placed on a shrine of a deceased person
La iluminación - a ceremony that takes place in a cemetery, during which hundreds of lit candles are believed to guide spirits to their shrines
Loved reading Halloween + Day of the Dead, 3 Days of Tradition? Invite your family and friends to join in on the fun by subscribing HERE. Don't forget to post your questions and comments in the section below and visit our website HERE to learn more about our Private Lessons or Group Classes! Gracias e buenas dia!
5 Places You Must Visit in Cuba
Fresh and new destination to check off your bucket list! Cuba is open for business and for $99 one way, why wouldn't you go?!
5 Place You Must Visit in Cuba
Want to escape the Big Apple for a few days without breaking the bank? Go to CUBA! Starting Fall 2016, JetBlue will be the first airline to offer non-stop flights between JFK and La Havana. So get excited to start preparing for the road to Cuba by discovering a 5 destinations you must visit while you are there. Sit back, relax and enjoy the read!
As an America citizen traveling to Cuba you will need:
1. An authorization form OFAC to travel to Cuba OR a Specific or General License to travel.
2. A U.S. Passport that is valid at least six months from the return date and at least 2 blank pages in the passport when boarding.
3. Health Insurance that covers you in Cuba (Jetblue includes this $25 surcharge in their fare)
4. A Visa (can be purchased at a U.S. airport for $50)
5. There are 2 Currencies in Cuba but they are in the process of unifying them. $1 = 1CUC
After you have these items, get ready for adventure with these 5 things you absolutely must do while you are in town.
1. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana
The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana in Cuba is a museum of Fine Arts that exhibits Cuban Art collections from the colonial times up to the modern and contemporary generations. This museum has 3 floors full or international Art from 500 BC to the modern days with an extensive Spanish collection including a work from El Greco! They also have 2000-year-old Roman mosaics and Greek pots from the 5th century BC. Definitely a must see for the History Lovers! Start Planning here!
Image Credit: Clara Luz Domínguez Amorín
2. Old Havana and its Fortification System
Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Havana quickly became the centro for ship-building in the Caribbeans. It has the biggest density in the area with around 2 millions inhabitants. The most incredible thing is that Havana has preserved the pattern of the early urban setting with its 5 plazas, each with a specific architecture. Walking around Old Havana, you will step back in time, witnessing a mix of baroque and neoclassical style monuments along private and gated houses. Learn more here!
Image Credit: Gareth Williams
3. "Che" Guevara Mausoleum
A huge part of the Cuban History, this museum ought to be visited to get a full understanding of the culture in Cuba. Experience this small museum located, actually, next to Che Guevara's mausoleum. Many of his artifacts are located inside and the museum embodies his teaching. This memorial is located in Santa Clara and it houses the remains of executed Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara along 29 of his fellow combatants killed in 1967. Start the visit here!
Image Credit: Alex Schwab
4. Parque de Baconao
Located about 20km away from Santiago de Cuba, Baconao Park is what might be the strangest Park! It is supposed to reflect the history and culture of Cuba but you will strangely find 200 roaming dinosaurs. Strangely enough, these dinosaurs were built by inmates from a local prison! The park also holds around 2,500 miniature car models and a lake to refresh yourself, it is not dry! Start the Jurassic experience here!
Image Credit: Escla
5. La Guarida
Mix your food and your history by eating at La Guarida. The restaurant is rated one of the best restaurants in La Havana. The restored old building entertains guests into this fancy restaurant. The world "fancy" should not turn you down as entrées vary from $15 to $25. The hours of this restaurant are a little odd (8am to 6pm) and you will need reservations (did you review your Spanish for that?) but it is worth every challenge. You should try some "Arroz Con Pollo," "Boliche," or even some "Moros y Cristianos" Make your reservation here.
Image Credit: The Daily Meal
We hope you enjoyed these 5 Places You Must Visit in Cuba! While Cuba is still slowly becoming more available to the U.S. we are so excited to count on another country where New Yorkers can easily discover culture, great food and language without breaking the bank! We'd love to hear about your travels (especially your experiences in Cuba), so please leave a comment below. Looking to learn how to speak Spanish? Don't forget to check out our Spanish Group Classes & Private Lessons at JP Linguistics. Gracias!