1. Coexist! Did you know that Jews, Christians and Muslims once lived in harmony on Spanish soil? When was this? Who was Alfonso X and what type of school did he establish in Toledo in which all three faiths worked together? What were the circumstances that ended this peaceful coexistence? What happened to the Jews and Muslims of Spain?
2. A converso was a person of the Jewish faith who converted to Christianity. For what reasons did a Jew convert? What was the Spanish Inquisition? When did it take place? Who was Tomás de Torquemada?
3. Did you know that Ernest Hemingway and George Orwell participated in and wrote about the Spanish Civil War? When did it occur? How long did the subsequent dictatorship under Francisco Franco last? Who were the opponents in the war and what were they fighting for? Why were foreigners like Hemingway and Orwell involved?
4. Find a photograph of Pablo Picasso´s painting Guernica on the internet. What event inspired Picasso to paint it? What does this painting symbolize? Describe the people depicted in the painting.
5. After Franco died, the dictatorship ended and was replaced by a democracy. In addition, the Bourbon monarchy was restored. How did these changes come about? Who is the King of Spain today? Who is the Prime Minister?
6. What British overseas territory also known as “The Rock” is located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula? When did Great Britain gain control of the area and under what circumstances? What animals dominate “The Rock”?
Art and culture
7. Who is Pedro Almodóvar? Have you seen the films Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios or Volver? Find information about these movies on the internet. Do you recognize the names of any of the actors? Find the trailer for Volver on the internet. Do you think you would like to see this film?
8. Find a photograph of Francisco de Goya´s paintings El 2 de mayo and El 3 de mayo on the internet. On what historical event are the paintings based? What is happening in the painting? In Spanish, describe the people depicted in the painting.
9. Find a photograph of the painting Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez on the internet. Identify the people depicted in the painting and, in Spanish, describe them. Where is the painting today? What is unique and innovative about this painting?
10. Have you ever seen a building with no straight lines? What about a park filled with giant colorful reptiles? Why did Antoni Gaudí avoid straight lines? What inspired his designs? Find photographs of his work and choose your favorite. Describe it.
11. Look up the word “quixotic” in a dictionary. What does it mean? What famous work of Spanish literature does it come from? When was it written? In Spanish, describe the main character. Now do you know why “quixotic” means what it does?
12. Hey, Macarena!!! Find a photo of La Virgen de la Macarena from Sevilla on the internet. Describe her. What happens to her during Sevilla´s Semana Santa (Holy Week)?
13. Does dancing until 5:00 or 6:00 am every night for an entire week sound appealing? If so, head to Sevilla in April for La Feria. Find out what this festival is about. What is a traje de gitana and why is it called that? What is flamenco and where did it come from? Find photos or footage of this celebration on the internet and describe what you see.
14. Food fight!!! Where in Spain would you go to participate in an official food fight? Can you throw just any type of food at La Tomatina? How did this crazy festival come about and when does it take place? Find a photo or film footage of this festival and describe it.
15. Who let the bulls out? You have probably heard of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Does this happen every day? Why are the bulls running in the street? Where are they going? Care to join them? If so, you need to wear the appropriate attire. What would that be? What is the official name of the festival, what is it celebrating, and how long does it last? What is calimocho?
16. ¡OLÉ! Have you ever seen a bullfight? Bullfighting has a long history in Spain. What are its origins? Are all Spaniards fans of the corrida de toros? Why or why not? Who is Cristina Sanchez?
17. If you think you know what a tortilla is, think again. In Spain, it´s an example of a tapa and its not made out of corn or flour. What are the main ingredients of a tortilla española? Where did the term tapa come from? Find two other tapas that you would like to taste.
