Lake George High School Spanish classes recently spent a week exploring the vibrant cultures of Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Each student focused on a different festival or tradition, such as the energetic Carnival in Brazil, the thrilling “Tomatina” tomato fight in Spain, the vibrant Flower Festival in Colombia, the unique Fireball Festival in El Salvador, the traditional horse parade in Costa Rica, and the intricate “Las Fallas” festival in Spain.
Students then led their classmates in engaging activities related to their chosen celebration. These activities included lively samba dances inspired by Brazilian Carnival, a “faux” tomato fight using red paper balls to commemorate the “Tomatina” festival, and the design and decoration of colorful clothing and accessories inspired by Colombia’s Flower Festival. Students also made imaginative masks depicting mythical creatures for the Fireball Festival, the design of miniature floats was inspired by the “Las Fallas” festival.
This immersive experience allowed students to not only learn about the rich cultural tapestry of Spanish-speaking countries but also develop skills such as research, creativity, teamwork, and presentation. By actively participating in activities led by their peers, these students gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse traditions and customs of the Spanish-speaking world.