Hispanic Day & Valencian Day: Monday 7th – 13th Sunday October 2024
Immerse Yourself In The Hispanic Day & The Day of the Valencian Community
Two festivals in the same week: Día de la Hispanidad Only in VALENCIA
Are you ready to dive into the heart of Spanish culture? Join us for an immersive linguistic and cultural adventure during our themed week dedicated to HISPANIC DAY & VALENCIAN DAY. This unique opportunity allows you to experience not just one but two of Spain’s most significant celebrations in the vibrant city of Valencia. October 12th, Día de la Hispanidad, marks Columbus’ 1492 landing, symbolizing the union of cultures that shaped the modern world. Meanwhile, on October 9th, Día de la Comunidad Valenciana commemorates Jaime I’s 1238 entry into Valencia, a pivotal moment in Spanish history. These two significant festivals embody Spain’s spirit and rich heritage. Hispanic Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Spain, reflecting the country’s historical and cultural significance.
Embark on a Spanish Adventure Unlike Any Other!
This themed week is not just about celebrating these crucial dates; it’s about complete Spanish immersion. You’ll have the chance to fully engage with Spanish traditions, enhancing your language skills while experiencing the culture firsthand. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore Hispanic Heritage, delving into the Latino community’s rich history and cultural contributions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a language learner, this program is designed to deepen your understanding of Spanish and Valencian traditions while helping you gain confidence in speaking Spanish in authentic contexts.
Complete Spanish Language Immersion
Our program offers a 7-day, 6-night stay where you will live and breathe Spanish culture. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment, staying in the home of a certified native-speaking teacher. This complete immersion accelerates your language learning, providing daily integrated Spanish classes tailored to your level and needs. You will better understand the Spanish nation, its traditions, and its cultural heritage. You’ll receive personal attention from your host teacher, who will guide you through the language and the rich traditions and customs that make these festivals so unique.
Dive Deep Into Spanish Traditions and Hispanic Heritage
Valencia is a city where history comes alive, especially during these two significant festivals. As you dive deep into Spanish traditions, you’ll participate in various cultural activities that bring Spain’s history and heritage to life. From witnessing the spectacular fireworks display (mascletà) in Town Hall Square to exploring the historical narratives of the Moors and Christians parade, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped Valencia and Spain. These traditions highlight the cultural ties and shared heritage among Spanish-speaking nations.
Enhance Your Communication Skills With Guidance From A Native-Speaking Teacher
One of the highlights of this program is the opportunity to enhance your communication skills with the guidance of a native-speaking teacher. You will have daily Spanish lessons integrated with your cultural activities throughout your stay. This means that what you learn in the classroom will immediately apply as you navigate real-life situations. Whether you’re ordering paella at a local market or engaging in conversations about the history of the Valencian Community, you’ll build confidence and fluency in Spanish. Engaging with the local culture will also give insights into the broader Latino community and its contributions.
Gain Confidence in Speaking Spanish in Authentic Contexts
This program is about more than just learning Spanish in a classroom; it’s about gaining confidence by using the language in authentic contexts. Every day presents a new opportunity to practice your Spanish skills, whether touring Valencia’s iconic monuments, participating in local festivities, or simply enjoying a meal with your host family. By the end of the week, you’ll find that your ability to communicate in Spanish has significantly improved, thanks to the immersive environment and constant practice. This immersive experience will also deepen your understanding of the cultural and ancestral ties with Latin America.
Discover the Essence of “La Paella” in Valencia
No trip to Valencia would be complete without experiencing the city’s most famous dish—la paella. As part of our program, you’ll discover this iconic Spanish dish’s origin, history, and development. You’ll have the chance to taste authentic Valencian paella, learn about its unique ingredients, and even try cooking it. This culinary experience enhances your understanding of Spanish gastronomy. You will also learn how countries like Costa Rica celebrate their unique culinary traditions during Hispanic Heritage Month. It provides another avenue for improving your Spanish language skills as you converse about food, cooking techniques, and local traditions.
Inclusions
Our immersive program includes everything you need for an unforgettable experience:
- A 7-Day, 6-Night Program: You will stay in the home of a certified Spanish teacher, ensuring complete immersion in the language and culture.
- Daily Integrated Spanish Classes: Tailored to your level, these classes will help you improve your Spanish skills while exploring cultural themes.
- Accommodation in the Teacher’s Home: Experience Spanish hospitality firsthand while living in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
- Meals Provided or Outings to Local Spots: Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine prepared by your host or at local eateries.
- Daily Themed Activities: Participate in cultural events and guided tours that enhance your understanding of Spanish history and traditions.
- Witness a Display by the Spanish Armed Forces: Experience the grandeur of the Spanish armed forces during the Hispanic Day parade.
- Airport Transfers Included: We’ll take care of your transportation needs from when you arrive until your departure.
Your host Teachers in Valencia
As your certified Spanish teacher and hospitable host, I’m delighted to lead you on this language adventure. Let’s immerse ourselves in the vibrant spirit of Valencia’s upcoming Hispanic Day festival. Spain National Day, also known as Día de la Hispanidad, is a time to celebrate the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Join me as we delve into the heart of this fiery celebration, where a warm and genuine welcome awaits. Together, let’s ignite our passion for language and culture!
I firmly believe that staying in your teacher’s home and immersing yourself in Spanish culture is ideal for anyone serious about improving their language skills. As a host family teacher with Spanish Express, I guide my students on excursions and accompany them steadily on their language journey, seizing every opportunity to teach. This holistic approach ensures that your learning is continuous and deeply rooted in real-world experiences.
– Pilar
Activities
Our themed week is packed with activities designed to immerse you fully in the culture and history of Valencia:
Join us for the fireworks display (Mascletà) at Town Hall Square. Celebrate James I’s conquest of Valencia with a breathtaking display of pyrotechnics.
Discover Our History with the Moors and Christians Parade: Honor the conqueror James I and learn about the historical significance of this event.
Visit the Palau de la Generalitat de València: Explore this Gothic architectural gem, the regional government seat, which is open to the public once a year.
Stroll Through the Central Market: Experience traditional Valencian cuisine firsthand, with a particular focus on la paella.
Tour Valencia’s Iconic Monuments: Discover the city’s rich history and architectural beauty with a knowledgeable guide.
Celebrate Hispanic Day with a Military Parade featuring the Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Guard, National Police, and Local Police: Witness a grand display showcasing the nation’s military and security forces.
Discover “The Autumn Festival of Valencia Marina”: Enjoy the Love to Rock Festival, a unique blend of music and cuisine.
End with a Tasting of Valencia’s Famous Tapas: Savor the region’s flavors with a selection of traditional tapas.
Requirements to Join this Adventure in Valencia on Spanish National Day
This is a conversational oriented experience, therefore it is recommended for Spanish learners with at least a B1 proficiency level.
Furthermore, for this experience you must:
- Participate in a Zoom meeting to assess your conversational skills
- Be open-minded to share the adventure with students from different countries
- Commit to using only the Spanish language during your stay in Valencia
- Be eager to embrace this unforgettable experience!
Valencia awaits you!
This immersive week in Valencia is more than just a language course—it’s a cultural journey that will leave you with a deeper understanding of Spanish traditions, enhanced language skills, and unforgettable memories. By participating in the Hispanic Day and Valencian Day celebrations, you’ll experience Spanish history and cultural richness in a way that textbooks can’t offer. Whether you’re a seasoned Spanish speaker or looking to build your confidence, this program provides a unique opportunity to live and learn like a local, surrounded by the vibrant energy of Valencia during one of its most festive times of the year. The United Nations recognizes the significance of Hispanic culture, further highlighting the importance of this immersive experience.
FAQs
Why is Hispanic Day celebrated?
Hispanics Day originated on December 11, 1492, when Cristobal Columbus arrived in America. From that point, the date became part of Spanish imaginings and represents societal unity.
Is Hispanic Day a national holiday in Spain?
Madrid celebrates a Hispanic holiday in November. Life is quiet, and most companies have closed. Almost all stores closed, but there are still some bakery shops.