The university as a crossroads of different cultures: Ibero-American festival-expo held at YSU

Since 1991, the Spanish language has been taught at Yerevan State University. Over the years, a wealth of traditions for teaching the language has developed. The Chair of Romance Philology at the YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication has become a significant center for Hispanic studies, successfully implementing various educational programs.  

At the cultural event, Rafayel Barkhudaryan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at YSU, delivered a welcome speech. He highlighted YSU's extensive experience in studying Spanish and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. "It is noteworthy that YSU is the venue for this cultural event. Here, we not only study and teach Spanish but also strengthen cultural and academic ties with the Spanish-speaking world. Such events are exceptionally important, as they allow us to transcend space and borders and connect with culture. Culture, being one of the greatest expressions of human imagination, unites us regardless of our differences. Ibero-American culture is the most important component of world culture, rich in traditions and creative achievements, spanning from literature to music, dance, and architecture." 

Professor Hasmik Baghdasaryan, Head of the YSU Romance Philology Chair, noted that this initiative is being implemented for the first time in Armenia. The idea for such an event emerged during discussion meetings with representatives from Spanish-speaking countries in Armenia, particularly Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain Cristina Conesa Sancho, and Chargé d'affaires of the Representative Office of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Armenia Sandra Santana. 

"The purpose of the Ibero-American festival is to foster the spread of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, showcasing the unity, solidarity, and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Such events provide an opportunity to learn more about these countries and to highlight their unique characteristics," said Hasmik Baghdasaryan.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to the Republic of Armenia Rafael González Alemán, commended the organization of the event, noting that October is a symbolic month for them. 

"It is a great honor for me to be at Yerevan State University and to participate in this important event. I am glad that such an event has been organized, which will now become an annual tradition. As a citizen of Argentina, I am very proud to see so many young people learning Spanish and choosing it as their field of study and profession. I would also like to note that there could not be a better month than October for the Ibero-American festival; it holds great significance for us, as it was in October that the Spanish kings first arrived on the South American continent. I hope the next Ibero-American festivals will also take place in October," emphasized the ambassador. 

Cristina Conesa Sancho, Sandra Santana, along with Gevorg Barseghyan, Dean of the European Languages and Communication Faculty, and Tatevik Gasparyan, Head of the Armenia-Spain Friendship Group in the RA National Assembly, also delivered speeches, emphasizing the significance of this initiative resulting from their collaboration. 

Karine Davtyan, Director of the YSU Charles Aznavour Cultural Center, who made significant contributions to the organization of the event, emphasized that it provides an opportunity to present the cultures of different countries through songs, dances, stories, and information.

In the first part of the festival, students from the YSU Romance Philology Chair presented the civilization, culture, stories, and intriguing information about the three countries represented at the Ibero-American festival: Spain, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic.

Meline Khumalyan, a student representing the Dominican Republic, shared insights about the country's national values, saying, "We are presenting important cultural features and symbols, such as the Larimar stone, which is found in the southeastern region of the Dominican Republic. It is regarded as a unique and little-known treasure of the world. Additionally, faceless dolls that symbolize national identity and represent the Dominican carnival are presented at the festival." 

Shushan Aleksanyan, one of the third-year students from the European Languages and Communication Faculty representing Argentina as a tourist destination at the Ibero-American festival, mentioned that they are talking about the Work and Travel program, emphasizing that it allows participants to work and travel at the same time in the country. 

Students representing Spain supported Cristina Conesa, who had prepared gifts for participants who answered various questions about Spain correctly.

The informational part of the festival was followed by the cultural one, during which the groups of the YSU Charles Aznavour Cultural Center—the choir, YSU Band, and girls' dance ensemble—performed a concert featuring national songs and dances from the represented countries. 

Students from the Romance Philology Chair presented videos about the represented countries, sharing interesting facts. The beautiful Spanish poems were followed by performances of sevillanas, Dominican bachata, and Argentine tango, along with national songs, which captivated the participants and guests interested in the cultures of these countries. 

Performers from the YSU Charles Aznavour Cultural Center, having undergone training, presented Spanish songs and dances with exceptional artistry. Additionally, they had a special surprise for the attendees: during the event, the center’s choir (Conductor: Ruben Karaseferyan, Artistic Director: Honored Artist of Armenia Karen Sargsyan), performed Charles Aznavour’s song "For You, Armenia". 

Notably, the event was attended by embassy staff, faculty members, students and other guests.