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Spanish Word of the Day: Belén

The Local Spain
The Local Spain - [email protected]
Spanish Word of the Day: Belén
Photo: Deposit Photos

With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it’d be great fun to broaden your Spanish Christmas vocabulary.

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Let's begin where the whole Christmas story started... Belén.

So, what does it mean?

Belén is the Spanish word for Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.

- Vi un reportaje sobre la ciudad de Belén.

I saw a documentary about Bethlehem.

This Christmas, you will hear all about the Belen as it also refers to the crib or manger of Jesus,
and is the word that is used for nativity scenes. During the festive period they erect huge nativity scenes all over Spain, most are located in town and city centres.

- En navidad ponen un gran belén en el centro del pueblo.

During Christmas they put a big nativity scene in the centre of the town.

With Spain being a traditionally Catholic country, Belén has also become a common female Spanish name.

- Fui de compras con mi amiga Belén.

I went shopping with my friend Belén.

Pronunciation: beh-lehn

LAE Madrid is the leading Spanish academy in Madrid and is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. It offers Spanish courses for all levels and also has Spanish classes for kids and families. For more information on our Spanish courses contact [email protected].

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