School Blog

The Día de la Cruz (day of the crosses) or cruces de mayo (festival of the May crosses) is celebrated in Granada on May 3rd and is one of the most popular festivals in Andalusia.

On this joyous day it is common to find all over Granada women and children wearing the typical Andalusian dresses.

Also beautiful Andalusian horses will parade in the streets. Every year the city council runs a competition to promote this tradition, in which there are four categories: patios (courtyards), streets and squares, shop windows and schools. Thousands of carnations will decorate the dozens of crosses that compete for the prize every year. The aroma of so many flowers perfumes Granada and invites people to enjoy such a special day.

This year and due to the pandemic situation, many crosses will be installed on the balconies to avoid crowds. The Albaicin and Realejo are good areas to see the crosses, as well as the historic city centre.

The Granada International Music and Dance Festival is held in different venues and stages, at iconic locations in and around the city. The festival originated in the symphony concerts staged in Charles V's Palace from 1883, and the Cante Jondo competition held in Plaza de los Aljibes in the Alhambra in 1922, attended by leading artistic and intellectual figures of the time, including Federico García Lorca, Manuel de Falla, Ramón Gómez de la Serna, and Santiago Rusiñol.

The programme includes several different musical genres, each on a different stage: concerts by large symphony orchestras in the Palace of Charles V; dance and ballet in the outdoor theatre in the Generalife gardens; recitals, in the Patio de los Arrayanes, in the Alhambra; morning concerts in Granada's churches and historic buildings, and flamenco and world music in the traditional neighbourhoods of Albaicín and Sacromonte, attracting over 30,000 people every year.

Then check the tours with Sierra y Sol! One or half day hiking trips around Granada in Andalusia, for those who want to get off the beaten path and like the real natural experience.

Whether you have a day in the south of Spain, do not miss this opportunity to follow your inner adventurer and explore the Natural Parks in Granada.

With our partner company Sierra y Sol you still can enjoy springtime in Andalusia, even with the COVID-19 restrictions.

Check the next tours on the Sierra y Sol Website!

Experience for the senses at Jardines de Zoraya!

The best artists in today's scene will make you discover el duende and passion of the incredible world of flamenco.

Goosebumps, tears of emotion and all kinds of feelings are the example of a true spectacle that you will not forget. You can't expect less than professionals with years of experience, art in the blood and a lot of passion.

At the Jardines de Zoraya restaurant you will find a personalized attention, so that you feel the comfort of your home. You will have a unique experience through tasty dishes made with the best Andalusian products.

Enjoy lunch on a beautiful terrace while watching Flamenco!

Reserve your ticket on: www.jardinesdezoraya.com

So, what is the alternative? Well, we organize the activities inside of our school building.

This week our students from Morocco have prepareed a fantastic breakfast/lunch (= brunch) with typicall dishes from their home country for teachers and students.

We all enjoyed very much tea, cakes and all the other delicious little things :)

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The new Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 will create opportunities for 10 million people of all ages and backgrounds. It will also support the green and digital transitions, accelerating Europe's recovery. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. This is nearly double the funding compared to its predecessor programme (2014-2020).

The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people's participation in democratic life.

It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda. The programme also

• Supports the European Pillar of Social Rights
• Implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027
• Develops the European dimension in sport
  
  

Erasmus+ offers mobility and cooperation opportunities in:

• Higher education
• Vocational education and training
• School education (including early childhood education and care)
• Adult education
• Youth
• Sport

Detailed information on these opportunities, including eligibility criteria, is available in the the new Erasmus+ Guide (2021-2027)

The city of Granada; hosts a new edition of the International Tango Festival, dedicated to this style of dance which is widely practised all over the world.

There has been an explosion of tango enthusiasts and professional dancers in recent years, going to show that Tango is, essentially, a manifestation of contemporary urban culture. This event aims to fill the whole city with rhythm and passion, with over fifty artists and some fifteen shows, as well as parallel activities that go from dance classes and night time parties, through to street performances and meetings between artists and enthusiasts.

For further information visit: www.tangogranada.com

ONE OF THE BEST HIKING TOURS CLOSE TO GRANADA CITY
The Cumbres Verdes (Green Peaks) are well known to the locals as they are very close to Granada city center, so access is easy. In spite of this the walking is quiet and unspoilt and has a certain attraction missing in the higher and wilder Sierra Nevada.

Lush green valleys fight with arid badlands for possession of the land and this gives varied and interesting scenery and views.

Today our teacher Paco has organized a tour to Las Arenales and Dilar Valley.
A circular walk of contrast and delights is one of the 'not to be missed' walks in the Cumbres Verdes area. The arid dryness of the rocky peak of Trevenque and Las Arenales contrast greatly with the green lushness of the upper Dilar valley and gorge.

All our programms are developed in accordance with the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and in accordance with the Instituto Cervantes Curriculum Plan.

Why should you choose a Spanish language school accredited by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes?

A Spanish language school which is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes guarantees, that:

• the school fulfills the quality requirements for the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language.
• the school fulfills legal requirements to carry out the Spanish language programmes.
• the school has adequate resources for teaching.
• the school employs teachers with appropriate qualifications and training.
• the school has a teaching plan that guarantees an adequate progress.
• the school guarantees a maximum number of students per class.
• the school has truthful advertisement in relation to the offer.
• the school has detailed prices of the courses and complementary services.

The Instituto Cervantes conducts periodic inspections and renews accreditations every three years.

This morning our students tgether with our teacher Marisa have visited the churreria "Que Porras". It is runned by Marisa's husband. The place is located very near to our school in the picturesque Realejo quarter.

So lets take a look at churros in more detail! Where does the tradition come from and how are they really eaten in Spain?

On Molly's BLOG you will find interesting information about our typically Spanish breakfast chocolate & churros!