Artists Behind the Aulas - Celia Cruz
At El Patio Northcote, each of our classrooms (aulas) are named after an artist from the Spanish-speaking world. The classroom right down the back in our Northcote Centre is named after Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as "La Reina de la Salsa" (The Queen of Salsa). Here we wanted to tell you a little bit about who she was and why we love her!
Tapas and Pintxos - what's it all about?
Despite all the delicious food on offer in the regions of Spain, one style of dish has become synonymous with the country: tapas. Their fame is perhaps only matched by pintxos, its Basque cousin. Read on for a history of these iconic delicacies, and some of the best recipes you can try at home - or in one of our upcoming Tapas and Pintxos Workshops!
I Speak Spanish ... Carmel!
Get to know our lovely, bubbly Carmel, one of El Patio's warm and friendly student support team!
Carmel's Spanish learning journey began with an incredible 6-month volunteering trip through Latin America in 2019. She's just returned from another whirlwind adventure, exploring Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and beyond. Suffice to say, her Spanish is top-notch!
Benefit from Carmel's hard earned wisdom and discover her insightful advice for those on their own language learning quest.
Get acquainted with Carmel and her intrepid adventures!
Ser or Estar … Dying to Know the Answer? (A1-C1)
When students first learn that there are two very different forms of 'to be' in Spanish they are often confused and perhaps even a little annoyed! "But why!?" is a very common reaction! Yet grasping the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' is often a watershed moment in the Spanish acquisition journey!
Best Tacos in Melbourne?
Once upon a time in Melbourne, Mexican food was solely hard shell tacos and nachos with sour cream. Thankfully our ever evolving, beautiful Melbourne has exploded with authentic, fresh, bursting with flavour REAL MEXICAN FOOD. We've made a list of our favorite taco spots - we don't want to fight about it but LET'S TACO 'BOUT IT.
Do you have a favorite? Did we miss something? Tell us on our Instagram! @elpatiospanish
Christmas traditions in the Spanish speaking world!
It's beginning to look a lot like Navidad! But what exactly does that look like in Spanish-speaking countries?
Get your Hispanic Christmas cheer on!
'Trick or Trial?' The Witch Hunt for Meigas and Sorginak
With the spooky season upon us, here are two bewitching tales from Northern Spain to get you in the Halloween spirit. Witches have always been a popular element of northern Spanish folklore, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country, a land where the mountains are high, the mist is thick, and there are plenty of caves for covens - the perfect recipe for witchcraft to thrive!
Crash course in Día de Muertos!
One of Mexico's most famous celebrations, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is coming around once again on November 2. But, while many of us have seen the pictures of elaborate dresses, ceremonies, and celebrations, there's a lot more to this Mexican tradition than meets the eye. Read on for a crash course on Día de los Muertos!
Tacos de Cochinita Pibil - Receta
This dish is one of the more iconic Mexican dishes. Straight from the Yucatán peninsula, its origin goes back to the pre-colonisation era, to the Mayan culture.
10 things you might not know about Mexico!
Mexico is known for many things - Ancient civilisations, picture-perfect scenery, and tequila, just to name a few! But the country is also home to some fascinating figures, facts, and events that fly under the radar. So, read on for ten things you might not know about Mexico!
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El Patio Tote Bag
What's cooler than a tote bag? A tote bag filled with your Spanish books - duh! But seriously, these bags are strong, made from natural canvas and built to last. Perfect size for your textbooks…
