The UCF Spanish Graduate Association (SaGA) hosts regular events for the UCF community to celebrate Spanish literature, language and culture. Students of all levels can practice their Spanish skills monthly during Café Español in a relaxed and friendly environment. Tertulias, cultural evenings of music, poetry, books and stories, are held several times throughout the semester. The Annual Colloquium, or Coloquio Anual de Literatura, Lingüistica y Cultura Hispanoamericanas y Peninsulares, is an all-day celebration of Spanish literature, language and culture.
Typically held in person, the organization is hosting the twenty-first annual Colloquium virtually on Friday, February 26, This event brings students, faculty and the community together over a shared interest in Spanish language and culture. This year’s theme is “Masks and Masquerades.” Attendees can expect a full day of Spanish-language presentations, cultural activities and a keynote address by Señor José María Merino of the Real Academia Española titled “¿Para qué sirve la ficción literaria?” Please note the primary language spoken during this event will be Spanish.
“It’s an opportunity to engage in academic and cultural conversations,” says Patricia Camacho, graduate teaching associate of Spanish and President of SaGA. “Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend to enjoy and enrich their minds with academic and creative presentations, discussions and cultural expressions”.
While the Colloquium runs throughout the day, attendees may opt to attend all or some presentations. To register for this event, email saga@ucf.edu.
For those hoping to polish their Spanish skills, the next Café Español will take place on Thursday, March 11. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., participants can join the Zoom event to participate in conversations, make new friends and be exposed to different varieties of Spanish. For registration, send an email to saga@ucf.edu.
Tertulias, or “cultural gatherings,” offer the opportunity for participants to engage in informal yet scholarly conversation on Hispanic literature, culture and identity. Offered regularly throughout the semester, the next Tertulia will take place on February 26 to close the colloquium.
These events are part of SaGA’s mission to foster the growth of Spanish graduate students and any student who may be interested in Spanish linguistics, literature and culture through an academic and professional environment. For over 20 years, SaGA has collaborated with students, faculty and the community to build dialogue surrounding Spanish culture and education.
To get involved with the Spanish Graduate Association, visit www.facebook.com/ucfsaga or start the conversation with the team by sending an email to saga@ucf.edu.