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One of the best things about learning Spanish is the chance to explore a completely different culture. As Charlemagne once said, "To have another language is to possess a second soul." The Hispanic culture is a rich, vibrant culture that is thriving in Gainesville, Florida. With over 6% of Gainesville residents speaking Spanish as their first language and thousands more that speak it as a second language, you'll never run out of inspiration to study and put what you're learning in your Spanish lessons in Gainesville to use. Here are a few fun ways to practice your Spanish and explore the Hispanic culture in Gainesville.

Special Speakers and Presentations

Many different speakers visit the University of Florida throughout the year to discuss topics related to the Spanish language, culture, and Spanish-speaking countries. While some of these presentations are limited to faculty, students, and alumni of the University of the Florida, many of them are open to the public. These events are usually free or have only a small fee to attend. If you are interested in attending one of these events, you should look at the event calendars for the college's Spanish and Portuguese Studies Department, the Center for Latin American Studies, and the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

Each year in the US, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. Although it may seem odd that it starts in the middle of a month, this date is significant because this time of the year is when many Latin American countries celebrate their national independence days.

This special month is celebrated annually in Gainesville with the Downtown Latino Festival. Arranged by The Chamber of Hispanic Affairs, this family-friendly event features food, live music, cultural performances, informational booths, and more. The Gainesville Latino Film Festival also takes place during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Honoring the works of Latino and Latin American filmmakers and entertainers, this festival aims to create cross-cultural experiences between Latinos and non-Latinos. Every show is free and open to the public.

Enjoy Spanish Cuisine

Most people would agree that eating is one of the best ways to enjoy another culture! Gainesville is home to lots of Spanish restaurants - many of which receive high marks on sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. Explore the world of Latin flavors at Emiliano's Cafe, try authentic Cuban cuisine at Mi Apá Latin Café, or feast on chile rellenos and tacos at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant. Practice using what you’ve learned in your Spanish lessons in Gainesville by ordering your food and chatting with your server in Spanish. Want to try your hand at cooking your own Spanish food at home? You can find all of the spice and ingredients at La Aurora Latin Market. While you're shopping there, don't forget to check out the different "dulces" (candy) and "cervezas" (beer) from Spanish brands.

Meet Up with Other Spanish Speakers

As a home to many people that speak Spanish, there are many local groups in Gainesville that meet regularly to speak in Spanish. While some of these groups are aimed at Spanish language learners or language exchanges between Spanish and English speakers, others are focused on a particular topic or shared interest, such as business professionals, women's groups, and more.

If you're a bit overwhelmed the first time you try to interact with others in Spanish, don't worry! This is completely normal for Spanish students. But the more you immerse yourself in the local Spanish-speaking culture and practice what you're learning in your Spanish lessons in Gainesville, the easier it will become.