La Rama is a traditional celebration that takes place throughout Mexico during the Christmas season. It is a festive event that usually occurs during the nine-day Posada processions, when villagers parade through their town singing villancicos and carrying a decorated branch. La Rama has been an important part of Mexican culture for centuries, representing joy and togetherness within communities. Learn how this unique tradition is celebrated in this episode.

Links:

• 036 - Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties
• 037 - Diferencias Navideñas entre México y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico and the US
• 141 - Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 142 - La Rama: El Árbol Navideño Mexicano | The Branch: The Mexican Christmas Tree.

In this episode of the podcast, we take a look at the importance of Spanish Christmas carols and some notable examples of these songs. By listening to popular carols such as "Campana sobre Campana" or "Los Peces en el Rio" you’ll not only pick up useful vocabulary but also gain insight into the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

Links:

• 036 - Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties
• 037 - Diferencias Navideñas entre México y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico and the US
• Check out our Villancico Playlist on Spotify
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 141 - Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols.

Jo Franco is an entrepreneur, traveler, and polyglot. She's a first-generation immigrant from Brazil who has carved out a name for herself on social media in the travel, self-care, and language spaces. 

In this episode, Jo shares her story of how she has used language to create cultural bridges and navigate the world as someone who grow up surrounded by multiple cultures. She talks about how she has dealt with the conflicting emotions that come with being an immigrant, such as feeling disconnected from both her old and new cultures. Jo also shares how learning new languages gives her a sense of purpose and community while allowing her to express herself in meaningful ways. 

Finally, she shares how she motivates her community to use journaling as a tool for language learning and as a form of self-care and connection. Through this episode, you'll gain insight into the individual experiences of first-generation immigrants, as well as tips for using language learning for personal growth.

Links:

• Watch “The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals” hosted by Jo on Netflix
• Check out Jo's course on The Art of Mindful Journaling
• Visit Jo’s website
• Follow Jo on Instagram
• Subscribe to Jo’s Youtube channel
• Listen to Jo’s “Not Your Average Jo" Podcast
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 140 - Lenguas e Identidad con Jo Franco | Languages and Identity with Jo Franco.

Making mistakes is part of learning a new language. Often these errors include using the wrong verb tense, forgetting to use gender agreement, or translating a phrase literally. While these mistakes can be frustrating, they are also opportunities to learn and improve your language skills. With a little practice and patience, you can avoid making these common errors and become a more confident Spanish speaker. In this episode, we take another look at some of the most common errors Spanish students make.

Links:

• 050 - Errores Communes del Español | Common Spanish Mistakes
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 139 - Errores Comunes del Español Parte 2 | Common Mistakes in Spanish Part 2.

If you want to fit in at a Mexican birthday party, there are a few things you need to know. One is the “mordida,” another is the piñata chant, and perhaps the most important is the traditional Mexican birthday song! In this episode, we share the lyrics and the meaning behind this unique song so that you can be prepared the next time you’re at a Mexican birthday party.

Links:

• 018 - Tradiciones de los Cumpleaños en México | Birthday Traditions in Mexico
• 089 - El Curioso Origen de las Piñatas - The Curious Origins of Piñatas
• 123 - Las Quinceañeras | Fifteenth Birthday Celebrations
• Las Mañanitas - Vicente Fernandez
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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Subscriber-only episode

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 138 - Las Mañanitas | The Little Mornings.