¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

On the 24^th of July, I will be another year older and hopefully wiser. Birthdays are definitely celebrated with cake and candles to blow out. However there are some slight differences from region to region. Let’s take a look at a couple.

When a girl turns 15, there is usually a special celebration which varies from place to place. This special time marks when a girl officially becomes a woman. Large parties, bands, lots of food and drink, dancing and special dresses (like prom dresses, but closer looking to a wedding dress) are worn by the birthday girl. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay never refer to this celebration as a quinceañera, but rather as a fiesta de quince. There is usually a special mass at the Catholic Church and a large reception with family and friends. Special specific dances are done, reliving past birthdays, socializing and lots of fun are big parts of these celebrations. This is more elaborate than our American “Sweet Sixteen” depending on the family of course.

Children usually commemorate their birthdays with piñatas, balloons, and games. The traditional “Happy Birthday” song has at least 3 variations. I’m sure you already know the melody. So here they are for you to familiarize yourself with…

Version #1

¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí!
¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí!
¡Feliz cumpleaños a [name of birthday person here]!
¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí!

Version #2

¡Que los cumplan feliz!
¡Que los cumplan feliz!
¡Que los cumplan [name of birthday person here]!
¡Que los cumplan feliz!

Version #3

¡Cumpleaños feliz!
¡Cumpleaños feliz!
¡Cumpleaños feliz!
¡Cumpleaños feliz!

Birthday uses the Spanish verb cumplir which means to turn or to reach a certain age. It can also mean to accomplish or to fulfill. The word birthday is a combination of this verb and the word for years (años).

If you have any questions or comments, please add yours below. You may also email me directly at SpanishMyWay@hotmail.com. See you next week! ¡Hasta luego!