The 4^th International Arts Festival of Castilla y León is coming to Salamanca May 30-June 14. This 15-day event will distinguish Salamanca as one of the top hotspots this summer for musical & arts entertainment.

The Cuban group, Orishas, will kick off the festival in the Plaza Mayor and internationally renowned artists such as British jazzman James Taylor and Brazilian bossa nova guitarist/singer Gilberto Gil will perform at venues throughout the city.

Canadian-American pianist Rufus Wainwright will melt you right onto the ground with his ironic and theatrical concert, but you will tremble right back up when you experience techno/dance music from Germany's Apparat Band. In short, get blown away by the creative mix of electronic music and visual light shows performed by many other groups from around the world.

Get knocked out when you listen to the First National Beatbox Championship ever to be held in Spain. Leisurely stroll through open-air urban art galleries or visit the contemporary art space ‘El Gallo’. Watch the play that is set to be one of the central themes of this festival: 'Don Quijote contra el Angel Azul', where the famous crazy knight-errant meets the modern day world.

The fair will also invite you to actively participate in events promoting environmental awareness through storytelling and theater for kids, in more than 34 neighborhood events, and in creative literary and dance workshops open to the public.

Hope to see you there!

Dreaming of a trip to Spain? Then this opportunity is for you: Learn Spanish in Spain and explore the country on the weekends with a free hotel voucher.

This is a special offer for Spanish courses at don Quijote schools in Spain: The first 50 students to book their course with don Quijote will receive a voucher for up to 3 nights free accommodation in over 350 hotels in Spain, Portugal and Andorra. The voucher is valid for one year when you spend the required minimum in the hotel, usually breakfast and dinner for 2 people.

This offer is valid for bookings of Spanish courses of 4 weeks or more at don Quijote schools in Spain: Salamanca, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Tenerife.

UPDATE - There are only 48 vouchers left, so act fast to get yours now!

  Get more details about this offer and a free course brochure

This week is dedicated to honoring the people that help contribute in making a difference in the world by molding, guiding, enlightening and inspiring the minds of the future. And because teachers are special, it is officially Teacher Appreciation Week in the United States... all week from May 6 - May 10. So if you're a teacher and you love teaching then this week is the week don Quijote wishes you a very big 'THANK YOU' for the hard work you do.

A teacher is defined as someone that is able to demonstrate an ability to teach. This occasion is aimed to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the teachers who became licensed professional instructors in the teaching field. It may also apply to those individuals that are not licensed to teach in a school setting but in one small way, do teach. A family member that has taken the time to show you how something is done- whether it’s how to cook, ride a bike, how to use a computer to that friend or co-worker who speaks another language and practices with you can be referred to as a teacher as well. So this week, teachers should be celebrated and admired, since we all learned something from a one at one point in our lives.

It is not required or demanded, but some ways students have thanked teachers by sending them a card or an email, giving them a personalized item like a coffee mug, an aromatized candle or an inspirational book. Even a simple phrase such as 'thank you' or 'good job' can be a rewarding, satisfactory compliment for a teacher. don Quijote also wishes to thank our own teachers and to every teacher out there who is not reading or is aware of this article. Thanks for your patience, guidance, and understanding!

You can read more about some of don Quijote teachers or about Teacher Appreciation.