UN Holidays - UN Spanish Language Day

Spanish is the official language of communication for several international communities: - United Nations (UN); - European Union (EU); - Organization of American States (OAS); - African Union (AU). In 2010, at the initiative of the UN, days of languages ​​were established (separately for each of the 6 official languages ​​of this organization). This was done with the aim of supporting initiatives that promote the development of multiculturalism and multilingualism. At the same time, the task was set to increase the awareness of the world community in matters of history, culture, use, and development of each of them. The language of Cervantes and Picasso, Dali and Cortez received its own holiday, which is celebrated throughout the world on April 23 of each year. In fact, this day is a day to celebrate the entire Hispanic culture. One interpretation of the word "Hispanidad" refers to a concept that has its roots in the times of Spanish colonial rule over much of the world. It unites not only residents of Spain itself, but also all Spanish-speaking peoples. Originating in the kingdom of Castile, the Spanish (Castilian) language has changed little since the time of Christopher Columbus. Following the rule “as it is written, so is it pronounced” (but not vice versa), it is one of the fastest-learning European languages. The language is most widespread today in the countries of Latin America, which were former Spanish colonies in the past. In 21 countries of the world it is officially state-owned. It is owned by: - ​​30 million people. in Europe (not counting Spain); - 40 million people. in the USA; - 5.5 million people. on both American continents (not including Spanish-speaking countries). The number of people studying Spanish in China and the countries of Southeast Asia and the African continent is growing. The most Spanish-speaking country is Mexico, and about 500 million people in the world speak it. The Spanish language ranks in the world: - 2nd place in terms of the number of native speakers (329 million people), second only to Chinese in this indicator; - 3rd place in popularity in communication; - 4th place among countries of residence of native speakers (44 states with at least 3 million carriers). Therefore, Spanish Language Day is celebrated by all people who teach, study, communicate and simply love Spanish-speaking culture. On this day, many countries hold language lessons and express courses, popular science and art exhibitions, games and competitions, dance marathons and concerts of national performers. One of the highlights is the online voting for the most interesting word in the Spanish language. World celebrities also take an active part in them - Alicia Alonso, Shakira, Isabel Allende, Vicente del Bosque, Rafael and others. In 2009-2010, an interesting event was held, called “rain of words.” Using a special cannon, small leaflets with the words that received the highest points from the voting participants were shot into the air. In subsequent years, the leaflets were replaced by balloons. To popularize the holiday, spread the Spanish language and teach it, both enthusiasts and organizations specially created for these purposes are actively involved. One of them is the Cervantes Institute, which has over 75 centers around the world.