Crypto Cash Dash
The growing cryptocurrency Dash has signed a partnership with Spanish startup Bitnovo to bring the cryptocurrency to 10,000 retailers throughout Spain...
The cryptocurrency market in Spain has been growing exponentially over the past year. Due to the uprisings in Catalonia, some citizens are working with experts in Estonia to create a new digital currency for the region. Bareclona crytographers are reportedly taking advice from cryptocurrency expert Vitalik Buterin, founder of the platform, Etherium. However, one cryptocurrency in particular has struck a massive deal with a Spanish startup to make the it accessible as an investment for Spanish citizens.
The growing cryptocurrency, Dash, has signed a partnership with Spanish startup, Bitnovo, to bring the cryptocurrency to 10,000 retailers throughout Spain and will allow consumers to purchase Dash in stores through coupons. The company released a blog post stating: “Dash is really fast and it has instant send which provides 10 confirmations under 1 minute. Dash also has low fees which actually allow to be used as digital cash.”
Bitnovo is a Spanish cryptocurrency startup that was founded in 2015 and operates an online platform for the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies in over 130 countries, allowing users to buy and sell cryptocurrency using gift cards, prepaid cards, and more.
Fernando Gutierrez, Head of Legal at Dash stated:
“This exciting partnership not only showcases our eagerness to bring Dash to consumers throughout Spain, but our pledge to eliminate the barriers to entering the crypto community."
Luis Vaello, CEO of Bitnovo stated “Partnering with Dash brings us one step closer to bringing cryptocurrencies to the masses, and having such a reputable name behind our brand further adds to our promise to push boundaries and drive the crypto-community forward...we strongly believe in the power of innovation and the possibilities new technologies have to transform the world we live in.”
Users can already convert Dash into euros and vice versa on Bitnovo which supports payment via debit and credit card, as well as via bank transfer (think of it as a European Coinbase if you happen to be familiar with the American crypto-trading app), however this partnership will allow those without expertise on crypto-technology to not only take advantage of Dash as an investment opportunity, but also of the benefits of the technology behind the coin.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about Spain's Crypto Cash Dash! Are you excited about the advances and partnerships being made in the crypto market in Spain? Leave a comment below!
Go The Distance With Gracián
Ready to continue tackling your new years resolutions? Explore these motivational quotes by Baltasar Gracián, Spanish Jesuit and philosopher.
Go The Distance With Gracián
Gracián was a Jesuit and baroque prose writer and philosopher. whos writings were lauded Nietzsche.
He assumed the vows of the Jesuits in 1633 and dedicated himself to teaching in various Jesuit schools. He acquired fame as a preacher by using somewhat unorthodox techniques such as reading a letter sent from Hell from the pulpit. He was named Rector of the Jesuit College of Tarragona and wrote works proposing models for courtly conduct including El héroe (The Hero), El político (The Politician), and El discreto (The Discreet One).
In 1651, he published the first part of the Criticón (Faultfinder) without the permission of his superiors.
As you can tell, he was not the most behaved Jesuit to walk the earth.
Ignoring the reprimands, he published the second part of Criticón in 1657 and was sanctioned and exiled to. Gracián is the most representative writer of the Spanish Baroque literary style known as Agudeza y arte de ingenio (Wit and the Art of Inventiveness) which can be evidenced by some of his most famous quotes below:
"Be content to act, and leave the talking to others.”
"Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment.”
"Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.”
"Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit."
"Respect yourself if you would have others respect you."
We hope you've found some extra motivation to go the distance with Gracián!
If learning a new language is on your list of resolutions this year, our team of enthusiastic native instructors want to help you achieve your language goals and advance your fluency!
Forward Thinking Spanish Jewelry: CHUS X CHUS
Spanish Designer, Chus Burés recently released his new brand, CHUS X CHUS, a forward-thinking jewelry line with a history of high design that is financially accessible.
Forward Thinking Spanish Jewelry:
CHUS X CHUS
Spanish Designer, Chus Burés recently released his new brand, CHUS X CHUS, a forward-thinking jewelry line with a history of high design that is financially accessible.
For more than 30 years as a professional jeweler, Chus Burés has made a name for himself as a trendsetter and pioneering collaborator in the design world. Having worked with notable contemporary artists like Louise Bourgeois, Carmen Herrera, Miquel Barceló, and Santiago Sierra, and partnering with high fashion houses including Loewe, Agnés b., Maurizio Galante, and Akris.
He began his journey in jewelry as a teen in Barcelona by creating his initial pieces from scrap material eventually working his way to a commission from director Pedro Almodovar in 1985 to design a hairpin which was used as a lethal weapon in the film Matador. This launched Chus Burés onto the international market.
Over the course of the next three decades, Burés built his brand not only as a designer, but adamant collaborator throughout Europe. His jewelry has been commended and worn by eminent members of the arts world across the globe including Paul Bowles, Zaha Hadid, Pierre Restany and Geraldine Chaplin and currently holds offices in Spain, the United States, and France.
With his new brand, CHUS X CHUS, Burés is welcoming millennials to a realm that may have been inaccessible in the past by crafting forward-thinking jewelry with a history of high design that is affordable.
At a recent exclusive event in NYC, Burés said that the primary objective of his new project is to "transcend style through generations, and breaking design barriers to provide high- quality artist designs that are anything but basic at affordable prices to the millennial and Gen Z.”
We hope you have enjoyed learning about internationally acclaimed designer, Chus Burés and his newest forward thinking Spanish jewelry line, CHUS X CHUS. Excited to see what the future has to bring for affordable fashion? Leave a comment below!
Chocolate Caliente Mexicano
When it starts getting cold, there is no better drink than traditional Mexican hot chocolate frothed by hand with a wooden Molonillo...
Chocolate Caliente Mexicano
When it starts getting cold, there is no better drink than traditional Mexican hot chocolate frothed by hand with a wooden Molonillo.
The best chocolate comes from the state of Oaxaca and is sold in bars called tablillas (tablets) that are sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon with a slightly grainy texture.
The easiest brand to find is ”Abuelita” by Nestlé. If you’re feeling extremely traditional, it’s worth it to invest in a Molinillo (mo-lee-nee-yo) to froth your hot chocolate. Otherwise, a wire whisk will work just fine.
Ingredients
2 bars of Mexican drinking chocolate
4 1/4 cups of milk or water (trust us, milk is the better option)
4 cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
Pour your milk or water into a tall narrow pot over very low heat.
Add 2 bars of chocolate
As the chocolate starts to dissolve, gently move it with the molinillo until it fully dissolves for approx. 20 minutes
Once all of the chocolate has fully dissolved, vigorously froth the drink with the molinillo for 10 minutes to develop a frothy creamy texture.
Serve in a warmed mug with cinnamon, and enjoy!
We hope you have enjoyed learning how to craft your very own Chocolate Caliente Mexicano! The only thing that pairs better with this delicious winter treat than churros is the ability to serve it in Spanish! Be sure to check out our group and private Spanish classes for more Spanish language and culture.
A Rose For Love And A Book Forever
Valentine's Day in Spain, or "El día del amor y la amistad" - the day of love and friendship - is celebrated much like in many other countries around the world. Restaurants are often booked up weeks in advance, cards and flowers are exchanged, and many a marriage proposal is made.
A Rose For Love And A Book Forever
Valentine's Day in Spain, or "El día del amor y la amistad" - the day of love and friendship - is celebrated much like in many other countries around the world. Restaurants are often booked up weeks in advance, cards and flowers are exchanged, and many a marriage proposal is made.
In Barcelona, citizens have two days when lovers can exchange gifts. La Dia de Sant Jordi (St George's Day) is Catalonia's national day and is celebrated on April 23rd. Spanish men honor St. George's romantic gesture of saving a princess from the clutches of an evil dragon by heroically buying their loved ones a book. It is also said that this tradition more than likely is derived from the fact that William Shakespeare died on this day in 1616. The holiday is also known as El Dia de la Rosa (The Day of the Rose) or El Dia del Libre (The Day of the Book), inspired by the Catalan saying “A rose for love and a book forever.”
Valencia has a day dedicated to celebrating romance as well called The Day of San Dionisio on October 9th where the traditional gift is fruit-shaped marzipan wrapped in a handkerchief, usually bought by men for their wives and mothers. The day is also marked by many festivities including costumed parades held in the main plaza of every town and village.
While much of the country is entranced by the copious amount of love in the air, there are those immune to the season’s charm and believe that the holiday was invented to boost consumerism. Some Spaniards refer to Valentine’s Day as the Día de El Corte Inglés (Day of Corte Inglés), their main department store. So romantic.
How might you celebrate El Dia del Libre if you were in Spain? Perhaps with A Rose for Love and a Book Forever? While we can't transport you to Spain, we'd love to celebrate with you in NYC with a FREE event! Click below to gain access.
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:
and the not-so-traditional
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.
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
- 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
- 1 oz marigold-infused simple syrup
- 1 oz Limoncello
- 6 oz Vinho Verde sparkling white wine
- ice
(Recipe by Tikkido.com)
Passinas
- 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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
5 Spanish Drinks You Must Try
Discover these popular drinks from Spain, the perfect recipes for hosting friends and family!
5 Spanish Drinks You Must Try
The Spaniards are to thank for their delicious Sangria which people across the world can appreciate on a hot day, but did you know that they also have a large repertoire of great receipes for other cocktails? In the land of the "siesta", there is nothing better than a comfy hammock, a fresh (Spanish) drink, and a room full of friends and family. Glasses up amigos. Let's dive into a world of wonderful thirst quenching drinks. Salud!
1. Clara De Limón
Spaniards will associate this drink with girls. Whether you care about these stereotypes or not, Clara de Limón is the most refreshing alternative to a simple pint of beer. And, lets face it, if it tastes good who cares! Super easy to make at home:
Mix: Beer and Lemon Soda (to taste)
2. Kalimotxo
Very unique to Spain, look no further than Kalimotxo. Originally made popular in the Basque country, It is a mix of red wine and Coca-Cola. The drink is common among young Spaniards for its sweet but tart flavors. It is also extremely easy to make at home, and very budget friendly,
Mix: (cheap) Wine and Coke
3. Cava
Cava is a refreshing, bubbly beverage that can be served in white or rosé. The drink is served cold and is commonly mixed with a variety of fruits. It is pretty much like a Sangria Royale...
Mix: Champagne, white or rosé wine, fruits
4. Rebujito
In Andalucía during the festival season you should drink Rebujito. Rebujito is a mixed drink made of white sherry and lemon soda or Sprite. It is a perfect drink to resist the heat and sun of the Andalusian life...
Mix: White sherry & Lemon Soda / Sprite
5. Agua de Valencia
This is not your traditional mimosa. You will need cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin. Perfect for your next brunch or midday party; mix together all the ingredients in a large jug or pitcher and share with all your friends!
Mix: Add 250ml cup orange juice, 2 shots of gin, 2 shots of vodka, and one 700ml bottle of cava into a large pitcher. Add in sugar and lemon slices until you reach your desired sweetness!
We hope you enjoyed these 5 Spanish Drinks You Must Try! While these cocktails are easy to make at home, we must admit that they are best accompanied by the gorgeous landscape of the streets in Spain, Mexico or South America. We'd love to hear about your travels and good times while drinking these tasty cocktails, 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!