The Greeks and the Romans may have taught us the rudiments of civilization, but it was the Spaniards who cultivated our culture through centuries of domination, conquests, colonization and fine tastes, whether on food, clothes and even behavior. Proofs of these influences are glaringly visible in the whole of Latin America, the Caribbean, some parts of Southeast Asia and even the United States. In our case, such is more pronounced in Florida, California, some parts of Texas and New Mexico being an across the border neighbor of Mexico.
The Spanish settlements that we have, had thrived through centuries of Americanization, and is in fact getting a fair share of our cultural development. These concentration of Spanish settlements continues to be unique, in a sense because they still prefer to converse in their native tongue although the majority are already proficient in English. They may have embraced the American culture but they still practice their Spanish traditions brought about by culture handed to them through the years.
Take the case of Spanish owned shops and dining facilities that uses
Spanish flags not only to adorn the establishment but also to inform guests that you are now entering a different cultural setting. As you enter, the flag with the word "bienvenidos" or welcome greets visitors, and if you're a migrant you would like to see the flag that says "se habla espanol" or we speak Spanish in English. Though only a flag, such words mean a lot because it just imply you are among brothers and it connotes a time to reminisce of drinking coffee during siestas, of fiestas and senoritas back home.
So, should you be in Spanish settlements, try to remember words like "abierto" or open, "gran apertura" or grand opening and maybe if you enjoy shopping try "venta" or sale.
by:
The Flagman
