She stood on Passeig de Gràcia with her mouth half-open, a copy of García Márquez tucked under one arm, and said the thing I hear from almost every student who walks into Sant Jordi for the first time. “Wait, this is all for a saint?” I laughed. Because yes, technically, Sant Jordi is the patron…
There is something about Easter in Valencia that feels different from the rest of Spain. Perhaps it is the presence of the sea, always nearby. Perhaps it is the way the streets fill not only with people, but with memory, devotion, and life. Or maybe it is the way every procession feels deeply personal, as…
Every year, when Semana Santa arrives, I feel that something changes, not just in the calendar, but in the rhythm of life itself. As the founder of Spanish Express and host teacher in Barcelona (Dosrius), I don’t just observe these traditions, I live them, and more importantly, I share them. This April, during Easter week,…
Every year, when Easter time arrives in Barcelona, I feel that same quiet excitement building again. As Mónica, host teacher in Barcelona and Menorca and founder of Spanish Express, I have shared this season with so many students who come to stay with me during their Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP). Barcelona Easter is a…
When people think of Semana Santa in Spain, they often imagine the huge and dramatic processions of Andalusia, with great crowds, heavy floats, and intense music filling the streets deep into the nights. But Semana Santa processions in Menorca offer something different, and in my opinion, something just as moving. Here on our island, Holy…
Imagine walking through ancient streets in Spain with candlelight and slow drums echoing around you. I am Monica, founder of Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) and a host teacher in Menorca and Barcelona, and I have guided many students through Semana Santa in Spain. What makes this guide different is that it comes from real…
Experience the Festes de Sant Joan in Ciutadella, Menorca. A vibrant June celebration of horses, traditions, gastronomy, and island spirit. Introduction: The Spirit of Menorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands in June Every summer solstice, the island of Menorca transforms into the stage for one of Spain’s most iconic celebrations: the Festes de Sant Joan in…
On April 22nd, 2026, as the world observes Earth Day, the stark reality of the ongoing battle between our planet and plastics comes sharply into focus. Plastic pollution, like an invasive species, threatens the very fabric of our ecosystems and the health of our global community. Amidst this crisis, EARTHDAY.ORG stands firm in its resolve…
What is Festes de Gràcia? Every August, the Gràcia district of Barcelona bursts into color during one of the city’s most celebrated street festivals: the Festes de Gràcia, a vibrant expression of popular culture, particularly around the plaça de la virreina99. What began in the 19th century as a religious feast honoring the Assumption of…
The Festes de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia in Mahón, capital of Menorca, are the island’s most vibrant September celebrations. The Festes de Gràcia are celebrated annually and are one of the most anticipated summer events in Mahón. It is important to note that the Festes de Gràcia in Mahón are distinct from the…
