Stories about Spanish from February, 2010
Italy: “Tangerines and olives don't fall from the sky”
The first strike of immigrant workers in Italy's history will happen on March 1st, thanks to a broad European initiative to oppose racism and discrimination, and reaffirm the positive role of migrants.
Chile: Tsunami Scare on Easter Island
The Chilean territory of Easter Island is located 3500 km from the continental mainland. After the February 27 earthquake struck, the island was under a tsunami warning and where local residents and tourists used Twitter to inform about the situation.
Video: Chile Earthquake through Citizen's Eyes
As the day comes to a close, more videos crop up of the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile at 3:30 am. The earthquake, which not only affected the mainland through the ground movements, also generated tsunami waves that set out an alarm throughout the Pacific as different nations prepared for the waves to hit their shores.
Chile: The Legacy of the 1960 Earthquake in Valdivia
Fifty years ago, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in history rocked the city of Valdivia, Chile. The legacy that the earthquake has had on Chile's history was on the minds of many around the country, including many Twitter users in that city.
Chile: Powerful 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Country
At 3:34 a.m. local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the coast of the Maule region in Chile. Extensive damage has been reported throughout the country, and the number of casualties continues to go up.
Dominican Republic: Colorful Characters of Carnival
Carnival celebrations in the Dominican Republic begin in February and are characterized by colorful characters that are the main attraction in festivities across the island.
Global: Concerns About Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)
The last meeting of negotiations for the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) has provoked the protest of online communities against both its content and the circumstances of their negotiations
Cuba: Hunger Striker Dies in Havana Prison
The death of the first Cuban political prisoner to die on hunger strike since 1972 is eliciting a combination of speechlessness and outrage on the web.
Americas: International Mother Language Day
February 21 marked International Mother Language Day promoted by UNESCO. It was a time in the Americas to reflect on the use of Spanish, as well as the importance of preserving indigenous languages.
365: A video a day from Cartagena, Colombia
Today from Cartagena in Colombia: UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top travel destination we bring you a selection of videos from the 365 video project participants, who are uploading one video a day during 2010.
Chile: Annual Viña del Mar Festival is Underway
The annual Viña del Mar Festival is underway in Chile. However, part of the tradition is the annual debate about the musical artists chosen to perform. Even though many Chileans love the festival, and others are indifferent, it still remains a widely watched event.
Peru: New High School for the Country's Top Students
In early 2009, Peruvian President Alan García announced the creation of a new public high school in Lima that would attract and admit the top students from across the country.
Colombia: President Calls on Citizens to be Crime Informants
In light of rising crime in many Colombian cities, President Uribe called upon university students in Medellín and taxi drivers in Cali to act as informants and provide tips on possilbe crimes.
Coup in Niger: Bloggers sigh in relief at the ousting of President Tandja
On Thursday, February 18th a coup d'état took place in Niger, in which President Mamadou Tandja was captured after a gun battle in the capital. A few months ago Tandja illegally changed the constitution to allow him a third term in what was generally considered a mass fraud referendum. Bloggers react to these latest developments.
Colombia: The Closure of Cambio Magazine
The Colombian magazine Cambio, known for its investigative reporting, was recently closed by its owners, who say it was an economic decision. However, journalists say that it was a politically motivated decision.
Honduras: Supporting Local Tourism
Honduran blogger Guillermo Anderson is a big believer in how local tourism can help his country. He has friends who have made great sacrifices to build their small businesses and hopes that Hondurans can support this industry.
Ecuador: Saraguro Culture Blog
Ecuadorian blogger Angel Gualán recently unveiled his new blog called Mashi Angel [es] where he will continue to write about the Saraguro culture.
Colombia: Slogans During Election Season
With the upcoming legislative elections in Colombia set for March 14, 2010, campaign signs and other ads are showing up across Colombia. Juan David Escobar of the blog Reticente [es] took out his camera to capture some of the slogans that are being used in the ads.
Peru: Police Officer Protest for Higher Salaries
De la Selva su Web On [es] admires the protest of Peruvian police officer Edward Casas, who protested in front of the Ministry of Economy, demanding higher wages for all police officers.
Bolivia: Carnaval Celebrations Suspended Due to Bad Weather
In the city of Trinidad, Bolivia, Carnaval celebrations were postponed due to heavy rains [es] in the regions reports the blog from Radio Patujú.
Ecuador: Governmental Help for Haiti
In Ecuador, the local press has focused on the efforts of the Ecuadorian government and its President, Rafael Correa and their role in bringing aid and support to Haiti.