¡Hola! Celebrating Spanish at Massey on International Spanish Language Day

23 April marks International Spanish Language Day, a global celebration of one of the world’s most widely spoken languages and the rich, diverse cultures it represents. Established by UNESCO in 2010, the day recognises the influence of Spanish on literature, art, music, cuisine and global communication, while promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity.

In 2026, the celebration carries added significance at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, as it marks 30 years of Spanish language teaching.

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers, with more than 20 countries across five continents recognising it as an official language. Interest in Spanish has grown steadily in New Zealand over the past two decades with Spanish now being the fastest‑growing international language in New Zealand secondary schools, reflecting the country’s increasing cultural, diplomatic and economic ties with the Spanish‑speaking world.

For 30 years, Massey’s Spanish programme has played an important role in nurturing language skills, cross‑cultural understanding and global citizenship. Spanish lecturer Professor Leonel Alvarado says the programme goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, immersing students in the cultural, historical and social contexts of the Spanish‑speaking world.

“With increasing trading, diplomatic and cultural ties across the Pacific, it makes perfect sense to learn Spanish in Aotearoa. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Massey contributing to strengthening those ties, and it is wonderful to see how our students have embraced this life‑changing experience over the years.”

To commemorate the milestone year, Massey has a series of academic and cultural initiatives planned that reflect the breadth and impact of Spanish studies at the university. In November, Massey will host the Third Symposium of Hispanic Studies in Aotearoa New Zealand at the Pukeahu campus, co‑organised with the Embassy of Spain. The symposium will bring together experts from Spanish programmes across the country to share research, teaching practice and perspectives on Hispanic studies in New Zealand.

This year also marks the ninth anniversary of Massey’s Spanish literary competition for high school and university students, making it the longest‑running Spanish language contest in the country. The competition which kicks-off later in the year invites students to submit poems and short stories in Spanish, encouraging creative expression and language excellence.

In addition, Massey celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Argentinean Embassy Prize, awarded annually to the university’s top first‑, second‑ and third‑year Spanish students.

These initiatives sit alongside Massey’s ongoing partnerships with the embassies of Spain and Latin American countries, including the annual Spain and Latin America Film Festival, held each year in both Wellington and Palmerston North.

The university also continues to support Letras Latinas, the largest Spanish‑language library in Oceania. Based at Massey’s Pukeahu campus, Letras Latinas hosts regular meetings and cultural events, with Massey staff frequently invited to speak on Latin American literature and culture. Earlier this year, Professor Alvarado and Senior Tutor Francisco González represented Massey at the organisation’s annual gathering in New Plymouth.

Dr Celina Bortolotto, Spanish Programme Coordinator explains that over three decades, Massey’s Spanish graduates have carried their learning into a wide range of careers.

“We see with so much joy and pride our students going into different careers and endeavours, from teaching Spanish in schools to working for government, industry or community organisations,” Dr Bortolotto says.