Last week, throughout all of the city of Malaga, there was a fresh atmosphere of parties, fun, and freedom. For several weeks now, we´ve seen various billboards and social media announcements alerting us that the neighbourhood of Torremolinos would host the LGBTIQ+ Pride for one week.

Local TV stations have also discussed the large importance of this festival as it gives new hope for prosperity to local hotels and hospitality. With all the visitors, hotels may see business as busy as any day in August pre-pandemic.

OrgulloAside from the music, parade floats, and bright colours (which are all key visible parts of this celebration), there is a larger significance for Pride. The rhinestones, striking makeup, and fabulous costumes display a freedom of expression, sexual independence, and above all: respect.

As a Spanish school, we know that learning Spanish important, but we also take great pride in our values of diversity and acceptance. We want to teach all of our students that no one should be excluded for being different, and that everyone should have the freedom to be who they are.

With the idea of the Pride Festival of Torremolinos, which without a doubt, sounds much better than simply “LGTBIQ+ Pride”, we´ve prepared a vocabulary activity for our students. This activity aims to help them learn more about diversity while still going home with a higher level of Spanish, tolerance, and respect.

If, just like our students, you´re a motivated person who wants to improve your Spanish vocabulary, we´re going to teach you a few keywords and phrases that are common in the LGBTIQ+ space:

Salir del armario: This literally translates to “leaving the closet”, and in Spanish is used to describe someone who has accepted their sexual orientation and decided to share this with their community.

Bollera: No, we don´t mean the bread rolls you know as “bollos”. This is a colloquial adjective used to refer to someone who is Lesbian. Careful! Don´t use this word with someone you aren´t very familiar with- it can otherwise be taken as an insult.

Drag: Yes, just like your favourite show Drag Race! Drag Queens are men who dress up as women for entertainment, freedom of expression, and fun.

AIL MalagaMaricón, marica o maricona: While this initially started as an insult, the community has taken back the word as a colloquial naming amongst one another. Just like with the word “bolllera”, it´s important to only use this word with people you are friends with or know well- otherwise it is still an insult!

Triángulo rosa: Literally translating to “the pink triangle”, this comes from the Nazi concentration camps where gay people were marked with the same symbol. Just like with the word “maricón”, it´s been adapted as a symbol of identity today.

Did you know these words? If you liked this blog, don´t hesitate to start planning your trip to Malaga for next year. You can take advantage of your trip while learning Spanish and getting to know our school: we´d be delighted to have you!

Until next time!

Maria