Fun Things to Do for Young Spanish Learners
We are often asked about “things to do” or “places to go” where campers can continue practicing their Spanish or French after they have left camp. This is a great way to continue learning through language immersion and a fun way for parents to get involved as well. Spain and France top the list, however that is not always the easiest thing to do. There are plenty of markets and restaurants to visit, but in order to keep the kids engaged it needs to be something they really enjoy.
Local events are great options as they not only provide an opportunity for your kids to practice their speaking skills, but they can actually experience the food, music, dancing, and atmosphere of different Spanish speaking countries. Here are a few coming up in the next few months.
6th Latin American Festival in Carrboro-Chapel Hill
When: Sunday August 25 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Where: West Weaver St in Carrboro, between N. Grensboro St and Lindsay St.
This is a free family-friendly festival that attracts a multicultural audience from Carrboro-Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas and creates a cultural space where residents can discover, learn and experience traditional and contemporary Latin American culture.
You and your kids will enjoy dancing, music, authentic Latino food, kids’ activities and much more. Encourage your child to engage with vendors and entertainers so they can get the most out of this immersive opportunity.
The Caribmask Raleigh Carnival and Parade 2019
When: Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 12 PM – 8 PM on 400
Where: Fayetteville St in Raleigh, NC.
Dubbed, “A Celebration of Culture”, this Caribbean festival will be loud, exciting and super fun. There will be a parade at 12:00 PM followed by Festival Village where you can enjoy traditional Caribbean cuisine, arts & craft vendors, live entertainment , CaribMask Kids's Corner and more.
THis is a great place to practice both Spanish and French but you really have to get your kids dancing to truly experience any Caribbean or Jamaican festival. How you feeling? Hot! Hot! Hot!
The NC Jerk Food Festival
When: Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Where: West Point on the Eno (5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, North Carolina 27704).
“Yeah Mon!” Jamaican Jerk is legendary and if you haven’t tried it, this would be a great place to start. Now most of the people speak Jamaican Creole, an English-based creole language with West African influences, but it’s still a great cultural experience. This is a family-friendly event with amazing food, music and dancing. You may want to teach your kids some additional Jamiacan slang so they can impress the vendors.
Brazilian Day NC Festival
When: Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 2 PM – 9 PM
Where: Durham Central Park-501 Foster St, Durham, North Carolina 27701
Durham’s first Brazilian Day Festival celebrating Brazilian arts, music, and culture. There will be musical performances, dance workshops and performances, capoeira workshops and roda, drinks and foods from local donors, games and prizes aligned with authentic and Brazilian live music.
La Fiesta del Pueblo
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 12 PM – 6 PM
Where: Raleigh City Plaza (400 block Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC).
The Triangle's largest and longest-running Latinx festival, this family-friendly event celebrates Latinx art and culture, informs participants about services and issues, and encourages people to take action in their communities. The event showcases popular and folk music and art, dance performances, educational booths, children's activities, and food from different regions of Latin America.
While you’re attending any of these events, have your kids practice speaking Spanish and other languages with vendors, entertainers and people you meet while you’re there. They will enjoy showing off their skills and you can shine with pride as your child continues to impress.
Have Fun!