¡Feliz Día del Idioma Español! Celebrating Spanish Language Day
21st April 2024
Every year on April 23rd, the world comes together to celebrate Spanish Language Day, a day dedicated to honouring the rich history, cultural influence and global reach of the Spanish language. But how did this day come to be, and why is Spanish one of the UN’s official languages? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Spanish and explore ways to join the festivities!
A history steeped in language and literature
Spanish Language Day wasn’t always on April 23rd. Originally, it coincided with “Día de la Hispanidad” on October 12th, a national holiday in Spain commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. However, in 2010, the United Nations established a new date to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity within the organisation. The chosen date, April 23rd, held a special significance. It marked the anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s death, the revered Spanish author who penned the literary masterpiece “Don Quixote.” Interestingly, this date also coincides with the death of William Shakespeare, a symbolic union of two literary giants who shaped their respective languages.
Spanish: a language for a globalised world
Spanish is the world’s second most spoken native language, boasting over 559 million speakers across 44 countries. This widespread use made Spanish a natural choice as one of the six official languages of the United Nations. These languages serve as vital tools for communication and diplomacy, ensuring all member states have equal access to information and participation within the organisation. Spanish plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and understanding on a global scale.
Celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of Spanish
How can you celebrate Spanish Language Day?
Here are a few ideas:
- Immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Watch a Spanish film, listen to music from different Spanish-speaking countries, or explore Spanish literature beyond Cervantes.
- Take a language class. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, learning even a few basic phrases can open doors to new experiences and connections.
- Test your Spanish knowledge. There are many online quizzes and games that can make learning Spanish fun and engaging.
- Connect with Spanish speakers by joining online communities or conversation groups to practice your Spanish and learn about different cultures.
- Organise a “Fiesta del Idioma” and gather your friends to celebrate Spanish with food, music and conversation.
Spanish Language Day is a reminder of the power of language to connect people across borders and cultures. Let’s embrace the beauty and vibrancy of Spanish and keep the spirit of this day alive throughout the year!
