Learning anything new can be discouraging and frustrating -- or sometimes downright intimidating.
Especially if there's a chance your peers' eyes and ears will all bear direct witness to your gaffe.
Carissa Blough, a 20-year Spanish teacher at Batavia High School, is acutely aware of this and shows her students a poster above her desk that reads: "un LUGAR SEGURO para hacer errores."
Translated from Spanish, it means "A safe place to make mistakes," and it is Blough's way of helping muffle some of the anxiety students may feel when pronouncing a new word or forming a sentence and setting the tone for learning a new language, while incorporating cultural elements as well.
"It's totally natural in life to make mistakes. It's what you do with it. That's how you're going to learn," said Blough, 45, who lives with her husband, Ed, and four daughters in the South suburb of Beverly.
"I have such wonderful kids here. I don't think I'd be coming here if I didn't love my job, or Batavia in general," she added.
Blough's mom and aunt were both teachers, and she knew in elementary school that would be her career path.
As a student at Downers Grove South High School, learning language came easy to her and her interest was piqued in a high school Spanish class.
"I didn't know what I wanted to teach until I took Spanish in high school. They made learning really fun," Blough recalled.
Part of the fun is inspiring students to get out of their comfort zones and be free from judgment. After all, an expert in one field began as a novice.
"The challenge is getting them to be willing to speak out loud in class," Blough said, noting she wants pupils to get over that fear of making a mistake in pronouncing a word or a grammatical mistake in a sentence.
"Everyone's in the same boat. Everyone is trying it for the first time.
Blough's energy, approach and dedication have earned her the respect and praise of her peers.
"Carissa is a committed teacher that truly embodies our district mission of 'Always Learning. Always Growing,'" said Batavia High School Principal Dr. JoAnne Smith.
"She is always trying to become the best teacher and teacher leader through professional development and learning from her peers. Our students and staff are so lucky to have her at BHS."
Memorizing verbs and learning to roll one's tongue -- a necessary skill to pronounce some words -- are just part of Blough's curriculum.
She tries to introduce students to cultural aspects of Spain, Mexico and other areas of Central and South America.
For example, students on Nov. 2 decorated small skulls made of sugar as part of the Mexican celebration of Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, which honors the memory of deceased loved ones.
"We do try to teach a lot of culture too, to widen their perspective," said Blough, who has plastic molds she uses to make the skulls herself. "I try to make it fun."
Most students have smartphones, and every pupil at Batavia High School is issued a Chromebook laptop computer. Blough has students use the free language learning app called Duolingo to supplement their lessons, often listening to audio of another speaker rather than just Blough.
"We use technology to enhance what we're learning," Blough said.
Blough and her colleagues are in the midst of revisiting the Spanish curriculum and deciding what to update.
In early November, it was a trip to Bolingbrook High School to observe classes there and discuss afterward.
"We have a very collaborative department. I think that helps because we're relatively small compared to an English department, where you could have 20 teachers," Blough said.
Nov 9, 2018
Basque in the culture of this Spanish region
Three weeks in the Basque Country, an autonomous region in northern Spain, where the icy waves of the Bay of Biscay meet misty green valleys, may be longer than most tourists are willing to spend, but I, being there to work and explore, want to do it at my leisure.
The region is famous for its fine-dining restaurants and pintxo-decked eateries, where you select a toothpick-skewered snack from a dizzying array on bar counters and move on to the next until your appetite is stimulated sufficiently for a late dinner. I want to enjoy it all: the famous fried Guernica green chilli peppers at low-key neighbourhood bars, Michelin-starred cuisine at Mugaritz, Etxebarri, Arzak and Azurmendi, and the best of Basque design and striking architecture.
To this end, I base myself in Bilbao and, later, San Sebastian, or Donostia, as it's known locally. Before architect Frank Gehry's spectacular Guggenheim Museum was constructed in 1997, Bilbao was still a dozy shipping and industrial hub known for its iron mines, slinking beneath the frequent fog and drizzle that sheaths the city.
The museum's shimmer of metallic ribbons are as dramatic as a Balenciaga haute couture frock, and curves that shimmy as you circumnavigate the building give way to what ultimately resembles a ship – a fitting symbol for the port city.
Incidentally, the city's concert and conference hall, Euskalduna Palacio, which hosted more than 1,000 guests for the World's 50 Best Restaurant awards in June and was built by Madrid-Basque duo Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, resembles a ship under construction, an ode to the space's former purpose.
The Guggenheim, when seen from near the rouge arch of the Puente de la Salve on a sunny afternoon, or early evening in summer when the skies are cloudless and that rare deep blue, makes me feel as if I am standing on a platform, waving goodbye to a fantasy ship with titanium fish scales.
A glass-and-steel tower behind the bridge resembles a sail. When viewed from Mount Artxanda, reached by a funicular first built at the turn of the 19th century, the Guggenheim contrasts, but only just, against the sedate buildings that dot the city's landscape, with verdant hills enclosing it.
The Iberdrola Tower also defies the uniformity, rising above traditional terracotta roofs. To get to the funicular, you can walk up the pedestrian footbridge, Zubizuri, created by architect Santiago Calatrava, which resembles a brilliant white sail that fans over the Nervion River.
The region is famous for its fine-dining restaurants and pintxo-decked eateries, where you select a toothpick-skewered snack from a dizzying array on bar counters and move on to the next until your appetite is stimulated sufficiently for a late dinner. I want to enjoy it all: the famous fried Guernica green chilli peppers at low-key neighbourhood bars, Michelin-starred cuisine at Mugaritz, Etxebarri, Arzak and Azurmendi, and the best of Basque design and striking architecture.
To this end, I base myself in Bilbao and, later, San Sebastian, or Donostia, as it's known locally. Before architect Frank Gehry's spectacular Guggenheim Museum was constructed in 1997, Bilbao was still a dozy shipping and industrial hub known for its iron mines, slinking beneath the frequent fog and drizzle that sheaths the city.
The museum's shimmer of metallic ribbons are as dramatic as a Balenciaga haute couture frock, and curves that shimmy as you circumnavigate the building give way to what ultimately resembles a ship – a fitting symbol for the port city.
Incidentally, the city's concert and conference hall, Euskalduna Palacio, which hosted more than 1,000 guests for the World's 50 Best Restaurant awards in June and was built by Madrid-Basque duo Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, resembles a ship under construction, an ode to the space's former purpose.
The Guggenheim, when seen from near the rouge arch of the Puente de la Salve on a sunny afternoon, or early evening in summer when the skies are cloudless and that rare deep blue, makes me feel as if I am standing on a platform, waving goodbye to a fantasy ship with titanium fish scales.
A glass-and-steel tower behind the bridge resembles a sail. When viewed from Mount Artxanda, reached by a funicular first built at the turn of the 19th century, the Guggenheim contrasts, but only just, against the sedate buildings that dot the city's landscape, with verdant hills enclosing it.
The Iberdrola Tower also defies the uniformity, rising above traditional terracotta roofs. To get to the funicular, you can walk up the pedestrian footbridge, Zubizuri, created by architect Santiago Calatrava, which resembles a brilliant white sail that fans over the Nervion River.
Oct 22, 2018
Teacher immerses students in Spanish culture
Maria Delgado knew that teaching her native language and culture was what she truly wanted to do with her life. But, she had to take the necessary steps to reach her goal.
Delgado began her career with Copperas Cove ISD during the 2017-2018 school year as a long-term substitute teacher at S. C. Lee Junior High. She completed alternative teaching certification but did not take her Spanish exam. So, CCISD could not offer her a teaching contract. Although she had no permanent job with the school district, Delgado attended all of the professional development classes she could because she wanted to be successful, said former principal, Kayleen Love.
"Compensation did not matter, she wanted to be everything for the students. She did not receive any compensation for the time she spent outside of the official school year or the school day," Love said. "Once school began, she stayed late and came in early for duty and tutorials. Mrs. Delgado is an extemporary teacher that plans engaging lessons and is excited about the content she teaches."
Delgado successful passed her Spanish teaching exam and is back at S. C. Lee this year. Nearly all of Delgado’s classes had 30+ students last year and this school year is no exception.
"Mrs. Delgado does everything possible to allow every student the opportunity to take Spanish. She never says no," Love said. "She is excited to be at Lee and excited to be teaching. She is kind to everyone she meets, and she always has a smile on her face. The students love her personally and as their teacher. They know without a doubt that Mrs. Delgado cares about each of them and will help them when they struggle."
Delgado’s Spanish classroom is very interactive. There are posters and informational material covering the walls to help students master the language. From Day of the Dead celebratory traditions to a Spanish Christmas, Delgado teaches students lessons they can apply to real-world events.
"When you walk in to this classroom, you see student lead learning. The students are excited and participating in whatever lesson is happening that day. The tone in the room is exciting from teacher and students," Love said. "They begin by walking in the door with a greeting and leave with a smile. Mrs. Delgado assigns projects that mean something to the students; they take ownership of their learning and have been very successful."
Delgado began her career with Copperas Cove ISD during the 2017-2018 school year as a long-term substitute teacher at S. C. Lee Junior High. She completed alternative teaching certification but did not take her Spanish exam. So, CCISD could not offer her a teaching contract. Although she had no permanent job with the school district, Delgado attended all of the professional development classes she could because she wanted to be successful, said former principal, Kayleen Love.
"Compensation did not matter, she wanted to be everything for the students. She did not receive any compensation for the time she spent outside of the official school year or the school day," Love said. "Once school began, she stayed late and came in early for duty and tutorials. Mrs. Delgado is an extemporary teacher that plans engaging lessons and is excited about the content she teaches."
Delgado successful passed her Spanish teaching exam and is back at S. C. Lee this year. Nearly all of Delgado’s classes had 30+ students last year and this school year is no exception.
"Mrs. Delgado does everything possible to allow every student the opportunity to take Spanish. She never says no," Love said. "She is excited to be at Lee and excited to be teaching. She is kind to everyone she meets, and she always has a smile on her face. The students love her personally and as their teacher. They know without a doubt that Mrs. Delgado cares about each of them and will help them when they struggle."
Delgado’s Spanish classroom is very interactive. There are posters and informational material covering the walls to help students master the language. From Day of the Dead celebratory traditions to a Spanish Christmas, Delgado teaches students lessons they can apply to real-world events.
"When you walk in to this classroom, you see student lead learning. The students are excited and participating in whatever lesson is happening that day. The tone in the room is exciting from teacher and students," Love said. "They begin by walking in the door with a greeting and leave with a smile. Mrs. Delgado assigns projects that mean something to the students; they take ownership of their learning and have been very successful."
Sep 27, 2018
Storytelling dance event celebrates Hispanic cultures
Brownstown senior and President of Sigma Delta Pi Austin Garner said, "We do a lot of dance events because we feel like dance is one of the most important things about Hispanic culture and because it's an easy way to spread knowledge and information."
During this demonstration, which was part of Hispanic Heritage Month, members of this chapter did traditional dances that belonged to different countries. Dancing is an artfrom that "speaks many words" without using actual words, Garner said.
Just like every Hispanic culture is unique, every dance has its own story, said Ann Arbor senior Hannah Mauch, vice president of the chapter.
"I'm doing a piece from Mexico called la bruja it's supposed to be the origin story of witches and white magic," Mauch said.
la bruja, meaning "the witch" in English, originated in Veracruz, Mexico and is commonly known as the witch story of Mexico.
Other dances that were performed included la cumbia from Colombia and the merengue and barchata from the Dominican Republic.
"La cumbia is supposed to represent a slave dance because when slaves were chained up at night they could only move one of their feet so around the fire they would move in these big lines," Mauch said. For some, la cumbia is considered the national anthem of the country.
Originating from the 1940s to 1990s, the merengue and barchata were suppressed as a result of a really nasty dictatorship in the country, Mauch said. The dances are symbols of freedom for people, celebrating being Dominican.
"We're really trying to bring it back to life and celebrating it now. It's getting big again and it's really exciting," she said.
Being the only national Spanish honors society and the first foreign language honors society in the country, Sigma Delta Pi focuses on celebrating each other's differences and educating people about problems that occur in Hispanic communities in the United States, Mauch said.
"We are incredibly passionate about these cultures and we love Spanish. There is no one Hispanic culture and every country has its own dialect of Spanish, their own dances, food, and traditional dress form," Mauch said. "It's different everywhere and we are in a time in life where we are really trying to embrace people's identities and trying to stop stereotyping. We feel like we can start to make an impact in our own campus."
Saline freshmen Courtney Rosolowski, "I feel like I grew up in a family not full of a lot of culture. So, seeing other people celebrate their culture and seeing them so passionate about it is super cool."
"Without (dance) I don't think our Spanish cultures would be the same," Mauch said.
People may not realize that CMU is a culturally diverse university, Garner said. It's important for students to attend events like this one to learn about other cultures and expand their minds.
"In this day and age, a lot of people are close minded to especially to the Hispanic culture and we're trying to change that," he said.
During this demonstration, which was part of Hispanic Heritage Month, members of this chapter did traditional dances that belonged to different countries. Dancing is an artfrom that "speaks many words" without using actual words, Garner said.
Just like every Hispanic culture is unique, every dance has its own story, said Ann Arbor senior Hannah Mauch, vice president of the chapter.
"I'm doing a piece from Mexico called la bruja it's supposed to be the origin story of witches and white magic," Mauch said.
la bruja, meaning "the witch" in English, originated in Veracruz, Mexico and is commonly known as the witch story of Mexico.
Other dances that were performed included la cumbia from Colombia and the merengue and barchata from the Dominican Republic.
"La cumbia is supposed to represent a slave dance because when slaves were chained up at night they could only move one of their feet so around the fire they would move in these big lines," Mauch said. For some, la cumbia is considered the national anthem of the country.
Originating from the 1940s to 1990s, the merengue and barchata were suppressed as a result of a really nasty dictatorship in the country, Mauch said. The dances are symbols of freedom for people, celebrating being Dominican.
"We're really trying to bring it back to life and celebrating it now. It's getting big again and it's really exciting," she said.
Being the only national Spanish honors society and the first foreign language honors society in the country, Sigma Delta Pi focuses on celebrating each other's differences and educating people about problems that occur in Hispanic communities in the United States, Mauch said.
"We are incredibly passionate about these cultures and we love Spanish. There is no one Hispanic culture and every country has its own dialect of Spanish, their own dances, food, and traditional dress form," Mauch said. "It's different everywhere and we are in a time in life where we are really trying to embrace people's identities and trying to stop stereotyping. We feel like we can start to make an impact in our own campus."
Saline freshmen Courtney Rosolowski, "I feel like I grew up in a family not full of a lot of culture. So, seeing other people celebrate their culture and seeing them so passionate about it is super cool."
"Without (dance) I don't think our Spanish cultures would be the same," Mauch said.
People may not realize that CMU is a culturally diverse university, Garner said. It's important for students to attend events like this one to learn about other cultures and expand their minds.
"In this day and age, a lot of people are close minded to especially to the Hispanic culture and we're trying to change that," he said.
Aug 13, 2018
Spanish Royalty relishes tour of San Antonio culture
A buzz through the city as royalty took a tour around San Antonio creating some major memorable moments.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. Crowds gathered from far and wide to get a glimpse of the King and Queen of Spain as they visited their way through San Antonio, starting with gifts at the Spanish Governor's Palace.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg recognized the importance of the visit.
"Your visit to our cities your majesties is an opportunity that further highlights our roots our friendship and our family bonds." Nirenberg said.
The royal couple greeted by cheers from a crowd, who recognized the work the country put in to help create the only UNESCO world heritage site in Texas.
"The Spanish Government Provided pivotal support and advocacy when we pursued the designation." Nirenberg said.
After having words of wisdom with our youth to the background of church bells, crowds gathered from far and wide outside the Bexar County Courthouse to greet the couple once again.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. Crowds gathered from far and wide to get a glimpse of the King and Queen of Spain as they visited their way through San Antonio, starting with gifts at the Spanish Governor's Palace.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg recognized the importance of the visit.
"Your visit to our cities your majesties is an opportunity that further highlights our roots our friendship and our family bonds." Nirenberg said.
The royal couple greeted by cheers from a crowd, who recognized the work the country put in to help create the only UNESCO world heritage site in Texas.
"The Spanish Government Provided pivotal support and advocacy when we pursued the designation." Nirenberg said.
After having words of wisdom with our youth to the background of church bells, crowds gathered from far and wide outside the Bexar County Courthouse to greet the couple once again.
Jul 18, 2018
Spanish culture minister resigns over tax fine
Maxim Huerta, who was named to the cabinet of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez last week, said he had paid a fine related to his declared income in 2006 and 2008, and was "absolutely innocent".
"I have paid the fine twice, at the time and now, here," he told a news conference in Madrid, saying the penalty had resulted from a change in the tax authority's criteria.
Huerta added that he was fully up to date with his tax payments.
Sanchez toppled his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a confidence vote over a long-running corruption scandal.
El Confidencial newspaper had reported that Huerta had been found to have avoided paying tax amounting to more than 200,000 euros ($235,700).
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Spaniards have been enthusiastic so far in their reception of Sanchez's Socialist government, which broke with six years of right-wing domination and contains more women than men in ministerial posts for the first time in the country's history.
His party rebounded in opinion polls after taking power, overtaking rivals which had poached its voters in recent years, including market-friendly Ciudadanos and anti-austerity Podemos.
Despite these encouraging signs, Sanchez will have his work cut out to make any major policy changes, as he controls less than a quarter of the seats in parliament.
Jun 25, 2018
Spartans study Spanish language, culture in Madrid
But the best way to learn a new language and culture is to step outside of the classroom and live it.
For the 29 Spartans who traveled to Madrid, Spain, this summer, learning Spanish often involved eating tapas, navigating the metro, dancing flamenco and yelling "GOOOOOL!" at a soccer match.
The UNC Greensboro Summer in Spain program – led this year by Dr. Ignacio Lopez and Dr. Alejandro Hortal – is a five-week, faculty-led study abroad program that dates back to the late 1970s, making it one of the university's longest-running programs. Undergraduate students take six credit hours in Spanish language and culture from UNCG faculty, in addition to participating in planned weekend excursions to cities such as Toledo, Segovia and Seville.
The program has found the right balance of structured programming and free time, allowing students to engage with locals in an authentic way and put to practice what they've learned in the classroom.
Ultimately, students return home not only with increased cultural competence and linguistic ability, but with a new sense of self.
"I'm open to more experiences and getting out of my comfort zone because of this program," said junior Marykent Wolff, an English major with minors in Spanish and women's and gender studies.
Wolff, who has her eyes set on graduate school, is also starting to think differently about her professional goals.
"Before, I didn't think about Spanish as something I could use in a career. But now, I see that regardless of the field, Spanish will be beneficial," she said. "Even as an English major, Spanish has helped me improve my understanding of English grammar. Learning one language expands your capacities in other languages."
According to Heidi Bretz, assistant director of study abroad and exchanges for UNCG's International Programs Center (IPC), it's this kind of global experience that is making a tangible difference for Spartans when they graduate and begin their careers.
"It may sound cliché, but there are hardly any jobs or industries today that do not interact with other cultures or nations on some level," she said. "Studying abroad gives students a competitive edge in an increasingly global workforce."
IPC offers students a variety of faculty-led programs, as well as exchange opportunities through its partner institutions. Whether it's a 5-week or 5-month program, students of all majors have the opportunity to study abroad.
"Our university is committed to getting students abroad, and it shows," Bretz said. "Students can study abroad for a semester or year for the same tuition they are already paying. Plus, students on semester programs, as well as shorter-term opportunities like Summer in Spain, can use their financial aid if they're eligible. I can't tell you how many students say they chose to come to UNCG specifically for the study abroad opportunities."
Mar 21, 2018
How we enjoyed Spanish spectacle
ON Sunday, March 4, our Parish of Our Lady Help Of Christians Heathcote was graced with the presence of about 50 people, including the Spanish Ambassador, celebrating the annual El Rocio festival.
El Rocio is a part of Spain that resembles the Heathcote area in appearance and, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, Jesus has worked miracles of healing there, which is why the Spanish people have come to Heathcote in the last six years.
They brought with them a beautiful float carrying the image of Our Lady of El Rocio, and after Mass they were led by a flag-carrying horseman as they walked a small Camino on the outskirts of the town.
Mass was accompanied by Spanish hymns and a beautifully sung Our Father.
After Mass there was a traditional and graceful Spanish dance performed by the ladies and a gentleman.
The parishioners remarked how much they enjoyed the presence of the Spanish people who had come up from Melbourne and who not only shared in the Mass, but also delighted us with an insight into Spanish culture.
We look forward to their visit to us next year when we also hope to involve the children of Holy Rosary School. We wish our Spanish brothers and sisters every blessing as they share with us their faith and their culture.
They brought with them a beautiful float carrying the image of Our Lady of El Rocio, and after Mass they were led by a flag-carrying horseman as they walked a small Camino on the outskirts of the town.
Mass was accompanied by Spanish hymns and a beautifully sung Our Father.
After Mass there was a traditional and graceful Spanish dance performed by the ladies and a gentleman.
The parishioners remarked how much they enjoyed the presence of the Spanish people who had come up from Melbourne and who not only shared in the Mass, but also delighted us with an insight into Spanish culture.
We look forward to their visit to us next year when we also hope to involve the children of Holy Rosary School. We wish our Spanish brothers and sisters every blessing as they share with us their faith and their culture.
Feb 23, 2018
Spanish culture night at Cairo Opera House
CAIRO – 6 February 2018: The Cairo Opera House released a press statement discussing their upcoming event as part of the international cultural arts program, announcing a Spanish flamenco performance to be held at the Small Hall on Thursday.
The performance will be led by Spanish dancer Alvaro Guarnido and pianist Yekaterina Lebedeva. The program for the evening includes a live performance as well as a screening of various scenes of flamenco performance in Spain, showcasing the variety and intensity of the cultural art. Scenes included are stated to be street shots, games, girls in a garden, oriental dance, Andalusian dance, impressions, pantomime and fantasia.
The art of flamenco originated in southern Spain and was developed by the Romani people who came from northern India in the fifth century. Modern flamenco, on the other hand, began in the eighteenth century, and was influenced by Romani, Muslim and Jewish music, whose songs were characterized by expressions of sadness and improvisational techniques that were meant to display feelings of great difficulty.
These emotional performances developed as a result of ethnic oppression at the hands of the Spanish monarchy. When some ethnic groups were granted rights in the eighth century by King Carlos, flamenco music grew popular in Spain and eventually became widespread across the world.
The art of flamenco originated in southern Spain and was developed by the Romani people who came from northern India in the fifth century. Modern flamenco, on the other hand, began in the eighteenth century, and was influenced by Romani, Muslim and Jewish music, whose songs were characterized by expressions of sadness and improvisational techniques that were meant to display feelings of great difficulty.
These emotional performances developed as a result of ethnic oppression at the hands of the Spanish monarchy. When some ethnic groups were granted rights in the eighth century by King Carlos, flamenco music grew popular in Spain and eventually became widespread across the world.
Jan 18, 2018
Spain names Madrid street after Dr. Jose Rizal
A street in Madrid, Spain has been renamed after Dr. Jose Rizal following a city hall resolution that approved changing the name of certain streets, squares and crossings, and replacing them with names suggested by the Commission on Historical Memory.
What was formerly Calle de Algabeño in Barrio de Hortaleza will now be officially known as Calle de Jose Rizal, joining the well-known Rizal monument as tourist destinations that pay homage to the Philippine national hero, who once lived in the Spanish capital.
Consequently, 52 plazas and streets in Madrid were renamed. Rizal´s name was in the list of illustrious Spanish and foreign historical figures and events that conformed with the criteria set by the Commission.
While the actual street signs have yet to be changed, the new street names are now being used by the local government and in many business addresses.
“The renaming of a street in Madrid to ‘Calle Jose Rizal’ is not only an honor but also a show of respect and great admiration of the City of Madrid to our national hero. We Filipinos here in Spain would like to express our gratitude to the Spanish people for this great honor. This strengthens once again the ties that bind Spain and the Philippines,” said Florencio Aliganga, Vice Commander of the Knights of Rizal - La Solidaridad Chapter in Madrid.
Although the Philippines and Spain commemorate 70 years of formal diplomatic relations this year, Rizal and the interest in him from Spaniards and Filipinos alike, are proof that the relationship between the two countries and its peoples has been longer, deeper and more dynamic than what is formally acknowledged.
Indeed, Rizal did not just leave his footprints in Madrid. He also galvanized his place in Spain´s history as an inspiring figure whose ideals continue to resonate up to this time.
Consequently, 52 plazas and streets in Madrid were renamed. Rizal´s name was in the list of illustrious Spanish and foreign historical figures and events that conformed with the criteria set by the Commission.
While the actual street signs have yet to be changed, the new street names are now being used by the local government and in many business addresses.
“The renaming of a street in Madrid to ‘Calle Jose Rizal’ is not only an honor but also a show of respect and great admiration of the City of Madrid to our national hero. We Filipinos here in Spain would like to express our gratitude to the Spanish people for this great honor. This strengthens once again the ties that bind Spain and the Philippines,” said Florencio Aliganga, Vice Commander of the Knights of Rizal - La Solidaridad Chapter in Madrid.
Although the Philippines and Spain commemorate 70 years of formal diplomatic relations this year, Rizal and the interest in him from Spaniards and Filipinos alike, are proof that the relationship between the two countries and its peoples has been longer, deeper and more dynamic than what is formally acknowledged.
Indeed, Rizal did not just leave his footprints in Madrid. He also galvanized his place in Spain´s history as an inspiring figure whose ideals continue to resonate up to this time.
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