Spanish Culture and Personal Interview Study Set

Vocabulary terms covering personal background, Spanish geography, political structure, and cultural traditions based on the interview transcript.

Pamela Melissa Álvarez (Rodríguez)

A 46-year-old fourth-grade teacher born in the Bronx, NY, who lived in Spain from infancy until age 6 and currently resides in Mamaroneck, NY.

Lucas

The 10-year-old son of Pamela Melissa Álvarez who is currently learning Spanish.

O Grove

The coastal town in Galicia, Spain, where Pamela was raised and where she still has family, including a cousin who is a teacher.

Fiesta del Carmen

A Spanish festival celebrated on July 16 in Pamela's hometown.

Day of Saint James the Apostle

The feast day of the patron saint of Galicia, celebrated on July 25.

Tapeo

A social way of eating and drinking in Spain that is common throughout the country.

Co-official languages of Spain

Besides Castilian (Spanish), these include Catalan (Catalonia, Baleares, Valencia), Galician (Galicia), Basque/Euskera (Basque Country, Navarra), and Aranese (Aran Valley).

Gaita

The traditional bagpipe instrument reflecting the strong Celtic influence in the music of Galicia.

Carlos Núñez

An internationally known bagpiper (gaiteiro) who performs Celtic music.

Felipe VI

The current King and Head of State of Spain.

Pedro Sánchez

The current President of the Government of Spain and leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).

PP (Partido Popular)

The right-wing political party that serves as the current opposition in Spain, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo.

Seventeen

The number of autonomous communities in Spain, in addition to two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla).

Salamanca

A major Spanish city known for being home to one of the first universities in Europe.

Spanish Constitution of 1978

The supreme law and fundamental text of Spain that organized the State after the dictatorship and defined citizens' rights.

October 12

The date of Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad) and the feast of the Virgin of Pilar, the patron saint of the Civil Guard.

Declaration of Retention

The express declaration of will required at the Consular Civil Registry within three years to avoid losing Spanish nationality when living abroad and acquiring another nationality.

European Health Insurance Card

A benefit for Spanish citizens as members of the European Union that provides access to healthcare.

Euro

The single currency used by Spain as a member of the European Union.

Javier Veiga

An actor from O Grove mentioned in the transcript whose brother was married to one of Pamela's cousins.

Galician regional costume

A traditional outfit that combines the color red with black velvet and jet (azabache) decorations.