Click on the albums below:

• End of year celebration 2007
• Opening academic year 2006-2007
• Opening academic year 2007 – 2008
• Seminario Cervantes
• Students Xmas Drinks 2006
• Students Xmas Drinks 2007
• Summer Tour 2006
• Summer Tour 2007
• Velada De Navadid 2006
• Velada De Navidad 2007

Spanish, or rather the Castilian language, is one of the most spoken languages in the world.

Just five months after the first General meeting, on Wednesday 14th November 1984, the Círculo started the first lessons in Spanish which were held at the Emigrants’ Commission in Valletta. Two first year classes were organised with 65 students eager to learn more about Spain and its language. At that time, in Malta, no Spanish classes were available. The first Committee member in charge of the organisation of these classes was Mr. Antonio Grech ( Teaching co-ordinator ) who, together with Miss Mary Rose Mifsud, taught the first students of the Círculo.

Word spread quickly around, and more students came over to the Círculo to learn the Spanish language, creating a problem of space. This necessitated a move to find bigger premises. In the meantime we had to move and find other premises. We started holding lessons in St. Albert College in Valletta, St. Joseph High School in Blata l-Bajda and at 54, 4th Floor, St. Zachary Street. At present these lessons are being held at our new premises in Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street Valletta.

Mr. Antonio Espinosa Rodriguez Mrs. Chiara Felice, Miss Juanita Ellul Mr.George Camilleri and once again Mrs. Chiara Felice, gave all their energy as Teaching co-ordinators not only to promote the Spanish Language, but also to keep the high standard achieved by our students who won several scholarships in Spain.

From 65 students in 1984, we now have to cater for over 200 students annually spread over 7 classes, including advanced level and conversation.

Club De Viernes 2007-2008

Spanish Culture

Check out the links in the menu above to learn various aspects of spanish culture.

Tour 2004

Tour 2006

The upcoming Tour 2008

Tour 2008 Poster

Tour 2007 image gallery

Centro Cultural Hispano MaltésLearning Spanish……..the door to the wonderful world ofSpanish Language, Literature and Culture.Winter Courses in Spanish for beginners· Lessons are available everyday from Monday to Friday, the student howeverattends only once a week, on the day of his choice.

Time of lessons is 5.45 to 7.45 pm.· Price is LM80 [ €186.35] for a full scholastic year, inclusive of tuition,membership and a set of books.

· If you are interested in attending , please call on 21416669 or e.mailchiarafelice@onvol.net, or send a cheque for LM 80 addressed to : SpanishMaltese Cultural Circle – Including a note statingyour name , address, telephone and the day you have chosen, ORfill in the applicationand send it to the following address –18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta.

· If you wish to come over and register, in person, bookings will be taken on the10th 11th 12th, 13th, 14th, September 5.00 to 7.30,Or Saturday 15th, 10.00 am to 12.30 pmat 18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta.( near Osborne Hotel ) tel 21230815.

· You are obviously most welcome to contact me personally, and I will be morethan willing to answer any queries and explain any information, to you on thephone or if you come to the school.You can also visit our website on : www.spanishmaltesecentre.org

· We offer Courses for Beginners ( 1st year ) , O Level class ( 2nd year ), andIntermediate / pre A Level Class ( 3rd year ), as well as our popular AdvancedLevel Class ( A Level ) , and Classes in Spanish Conversation, Culture andLiterature, post advanced courses and courses for tourist guides.

· Our Teachers are all fully qualified graduates with lots of experience in this field.

· We boast of very comfortable, state of the art premises centrally situated in theheart of our capital.

· Students are encouraged to make use of our Library.

· During the coming scholastic year we will be making use of Spanish LanguageLearning Scheme called ES ESPAÑOL, designed by the Instituto Cervantes, TheOfficial Institution behind Spanish Language Learning worldwide. You maycatch a glimpse at this series at http://www.esespasa.com/esespasa/home.html

· Our Friday Night Club – El Club del viernes ….offers activities such as SpanishCinema, Documentaries, Lectures and Discussions, all this on the theme of ‘Cultura Española’, every Friday evening [ free of charge].

· Included in our courses is also a programme of ‘ Cultura Española’, consisting of8 sessions of very interesting information on the theme. This sessions are run byme every month and include lots of visual resources.

Here’s a brief message to those of you who may wish to enrol for a course in theSpanish Language at our school.

I will start by outlining the importance of the Spanish Language in the world. Spanishis spoken by more than 400 million people, as a first language, all over the world.Another 100 million have Spanish as their second language. Spanish is the officiallanguage in 21 countries. The demand for Spanish courses has doubled world wide inten years. It is the third language in the international world of politics, economics andculture.We Maltese have always had a knack with languages, and for us Spanish presents nodifficulty. People learn Spanish for a variety of reasons. Apart from the job market inSouth America, Spain is a very popular tourist destination ranking from 11 to 3 in tenyears. Last but not least by learning Spanish, one will be able to read Cervantes ,Lorca, García Márquez and a host of other greats in Hispanic Literature. One can alsounderstand better the culture of Velázquez, Goya, Gaudí, Picasso and Dalí. With allthis in mind, one can hardly resist the invitation to savour this great language , andnow it’s right at your finger tips ,call us and I will personally answer any querieswhich you might have regarding courses, times etc.Go on, grab this opportunity to do something fun but useful and rewarding after work,this winter, or better still come along with a friend or partner. At our SpanishLanguage school for adults, you will meet new people, make new friends and aboveall discover that LEARNING SPANISH IS TRULY…GREAT !

Chiara FeliceDirector of Studies.

Spanish for Children and Adolescents

• Introductory course for children (8-11 years)
• Introductory course for adolescents (12-15 years)
• Revision course Forms 1 & 2

This is the class which prepares the student for Matsec ‘A’ Level and takes place twice a week.

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to 18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

Centro Cultural Hispano Maltés

Instituto Cervantes

The Centro Cultural Hispano Maltés has been named

DELE Examination Centre in Malta

by Instituto Cervantes

The first session of Diploma Español Lengua Extranjera [ DELE]

Examinations in the 3 levels : Inicial, Intermedio and Superior,

Will be held on Saturday 24^th May 2008, at the

Centro Cultural Hispano Maltés’ premises.

Bookings for these exams will be taken from 3/3/08 to 11/4/08.

The (DELE) Diplomas are issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry for Education and Science, are the only officially accredited qualifications in Spanish as a Foreign Language and Second Language at the corresponding levels and are recognized internationally.

Please contact Ms Chiara Felice, Head of Examination Centre

Director of Studies, Centro Cultural Hispano Maltés

For booking on 21230815; 21416669 or

Email chiarafelice@onvol.net

info : http://diplomas.cervantes.es/index.jsp

“Gabriel García Márquez’ Lectures ” LECTURES

CENTRO CULTURAL HISPANO – MALTÉS

Centru Kulturali Spanjol-Malti

18/4, M.A. Vassalli street, Valletta

2008

Jan 4 Il-Vespri Siciliani u wara … (M) Vince Zammit

Feb 1 Goya (E) Chiara Felice

Feb 9 Felah Mangu- Flamenco part I (E) Rosana Maya

N.B. This lecture will be held on Saturday morning at 10.am

Mar 7 Semana Santa (E) Chiara Felice

April 17 Rabtiet Artistici bejn Malta u Valencia Fis-seklu Tmintax (M) Sandro Debono

N.B. This lecture will be held on Thursday evening at 6.30 pm

April 4 Artisti Spanjoli li xogholhom hu esibit Fil-Muzew Nazzjonali (M) Antonio Espinosa Rodríguez

May 2 Felah Mangu – Flamenco part II (E) Rosana Maya

• A box advert will be published on the Wednesday preceding each lecture.

• Lectures start at 6.30pm, and admission is free. (M) in Maltese, (E) in English.

  All lectures will be held at our premises in 18A/5, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

  For info. Tel 21338997; 21416669; sorrento@maltanet.net; chiarafelice@onvol.net

Articles appearing in ‘El Eslabon’

CALENDAR FOR FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

El Club del Viernes 2007 – 2008.

7/3 : Illustrated Lecture – Semana Santa in Sevilla

This is a tentative programme for Friday activities.
Kindly confirm activity during the preceding week on tel 21416669 or
chiarafelice@onvol.net

Welcome to the Spanish-Maltese Centre website.  Please follow the links to the right to access the various different sections within the page.

The first session of Diploma Español Lengua Extranjera [ DELE]

Examinations in the 3 levels : Inicial, Intermedio and Superior,

Will be held on Saturday 22nd November 2008, at the

Centro Cultural Hispano Maltés’ premises.
Bookings for these exams will be taken from 1st September to the 10th October.
Please check the noticeboard

Please check the noticeboard for details of the upcoming tour:

Andalucía ….. Calor y Pasión  [ JULY 2008]

Coming soon! Crash Summer Courses for Beginners

Revision/Conversation courses

Should you require any assistance, please contact us at info@spanishmaltesecentre.org

• Our teaching method byINSTITUTO CERVANTES
• Teatru Manoel
• German Maltese Circle
• Istituto Italiano di Cultura
• Alliance Francaise de Malte

All activities are open to members and non-members and are free of charge.
For info call 21416669, 21230815 or chiarafelice@onvol.net

This is an award in memory of the late Chev. Vicente Azzopardi , co-founder of the CírculoCultural Hispano-Maltés – Ghaqda Kulturali Spanjola-Maltija.

In 1990 it was awarded to the most promising student attending a Spanish Language Course organised by the CírculoCultural Hispano-Maltes. This was awarded to Dr. Gianfranco Gauci.

In 1991 a Commission was formed to study in detail this award. It was then decided that the Premio Vicente Azzopardi from that year onwards should be awarded to the person who distinguishes himself in promoting the Maltese-Spanish Culture.

1991 – Mr. John Micallef

1992 – Chev. J.P.Vassallo

1993 – Mr. Antonio Grech

1994 – Mr. Antonio Farrugia

1995 – Mr. Alfred Cauchi

1996 – Mrs. Maria Azzopardi

1997 – Mr. George Camilleri

1998 – Mr. Peter Paul Mifsud

1999 – Mrs. Chiara Felice

2000 – Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici

2001 – Mr. Antonio Espinosa Rodriguez

2002 – Mr Mikiel (Kilin) Spiteri

2003 – Mgr. Lawrence Gatt

2004 – Mr. Joseph Cachia

2005 – Mr. Pawlu Montebello

2006 – Prof. Peter Vassallo

2007 – Fundación Jaume II El Just

Interesting sports websites
http://futbol.sportec.com

http://www.elpais.com/comunes/2007/eurobasket/index.html

The Maltese-Spanish Philatelic and Numismatic Club is a section of the Círculo Cultural Hispano-Maltés – Ghaqda Kulturali Spanjola-Maltija. This Club was formed on April 10th 1989 with the aims of promoting Maltese-Spanish culture through Philately and Numismatics. The commemoration of Maltese-Spanish events is one of the main activities of the Club. This Club is the fruit of an exhibition of Maltese and Spanish stamps together with a wide variety of Maltese and Spanish coins, held at the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta between the 20th and 22nd October, 1988.

The Maltese Postal authorities in collaboration with the Maltese-Spanish Philatelic and Numismatic Club, periodically issues Special Handstamp Cancellations to commemorate Maltese-Spanish events. The Club prints special covers to complement such cancellations.

The gentlemen who founded this Club were Mr. Bernard Agius, Mr. Joseph Cachia, Mr. Antonio Farrugia, Mr. Antonio Fenech, Mr. Robert Gatt and Mr. John Micallef.

Mr. John Micallef is the present Chairman, while Mr. Robert Gatt is the Secretary.

All members of the Círculo Cultural Hispano-Maltés, are automatically members of the Club.

Commemorative Covers printed by the Club:

1. The Philatelic Exhibition organised by the Círculo Cultural Hispano-Maltés. (20-22/10/88). A maximum card was also issued.
2. First Air Malta Direct Flight Malta-Madrid-Malta (22/06/90).
3. Two hundred years from the birth of Don Angel de Saavedra, a Spanish poet who only had words of praise for Malta (03/12/91).
4. Five hundred years from the arrival of Christopher Columbus in South America (20/02/92).
5. Expo in Seville/Malta International Fair in Naxxar (28/06/92).
6. The XXV Olympic Games in Barcelona; the tenth participation of the Maltese Olympic team (24/06/92).
7. First Air Malta Direct Flight Malta-Barcelona-Malta (24/06/93).
8. The tenth anniversary from the foundation of the Círculo Cultural Hispano-Maltés (12/03/94).
9. Four hundred years from the election of Fra. Martin Garzes as the 53rd Grandmaster of the Order of St. John in Malta (06/05/95).
10. Three hundred and fifty years from the arrival in Malta of the miraculous painting of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (30/11/96)
11. Three hundred years from the election of Fra. Ramon Perellos as the 63rd Grandmaster of the Order of St. John in Malta (07/02/97)
12. One hundred and fifty years from the death of Don Juan Bautista Azopardo (232/10/98)
13. Ten years from the foundation of the Maltese-Spanish Philatelic and Numismatics Club (10/04/99).
14. Five hundred years from the birth of Emperor Charles the fifth, Emperor of Spain (12/10/00).
15. Beatification of Don Vicente Sicluna Hernandez (12/03/01).
16. First scheduled direct flight Malta-Spain Madrid (03/07/03).
17. 20th Anniversary from the foundation of the Circulo Cultural Hispano-Maltes (11/03/04).
18. First flight Gozo-Malta-Gozo by Helicopteros del Sureste (21/03/05).
19. Exhibition “Carolus Vs Rex Imperator” at the National Library (27/05/06)

Special Hand Cancellations

1. The Philatelic Exhibition organised by the Círculo Cultural Hispano-Maltés. (20-22/10/88).
2. The 200th anniversary from the birth of Don Angel de Saavedra, Duque de Rivas (03/12/91).
3. The 10th anniversary from the foundation of the Círculo Cultural Hispano-Maltés (12/03/94).
4. The 400th anniversary from the election of Fra. Martin Garzes as the 53rd Grandmaster of the Order of St. John in Malta (06/05/95)
5. The 350th anniversary from the arrival of the painting of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (30/11/96). First ever wording in the Spanish Language in a postal cancellation issued by the Maltese Postal Authorities.
6. The 300th anniversary from the election of Fra. Ramon Perellos as the 63rd Grandmaster of the Order of St. John in Malta (07/02/97).
7. The 150th anniversary from the death of Don Juan Bautista Azopardo (23/10/98).
8. Ten years from the foundation of the Maltese-Spanish Philatelic and Numismatic Club. (10/04/99).
9. The 500th anniversary from the birth of Charles the fifth, Emperor of Spain (12/10/00)
10. Beatification of Don Vicente Sicluna Hernandez (12/03/01).
11. 20th Anniversary from the foundation of the Circulo Cultural Hispano-Maltes (11/03/05).
12. First flight Gozo-Malta-Gozo by Helicopteros del Sureste (21/03/05).
13. Exhibition ” Carolus Vs Rex Imperator ” at the National Library Valletta ( 27/05/06)

Cultural Tour 2007 – Valencia, Aragón, Pais Vasco and Cataluña

Contact Chiara Felice on 21230815 or 21416669 or email chiarafelice@onvol.net for more information

Post advanced spanish conversation course.

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to

18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

Tourist Guides Course

This is a course designed for tourist guides who already know Spanish.

4 units:
Unit 1 : Improve your Spanish
Unit 2 : Dealing with emergency situations
Unit 3 : Spanish – Maltese Links in your guiding – Eg. The Spanish Grandmasters, Charles V, etc.
Unit 4 : On site experience in Spanish

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to

18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

This course is intended for students with an A level standard of Spanish. It is a course for those who in future would like to sit for the DELE ( Diploma Español Lengua Extranjera ) exam.

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to

18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

This class is run entirely in Spanish. The student will have ample opportunity to practice her/his Spanish. Students applying for this class must have very good command of Spanish.

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to

18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

Conversation:

This class is run entirely in Spanish. The student will have ample opportunity to practice her/his Spanish.

Students applying for this class must have an ‘O’ Level standard of Spanish.

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to :

18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta

This is the ‘O’ Level Class. One lesson per week with a choice of 2 days.

Download the Winter Course Application Form and send together with payment to:

18A/5, Level 2, Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta.

This is the beginners’ Class. One lesson per week with a choice of 5 days as it usually takes place every day Monday to Friday. All you have to do is choose one day you prefer and book for it.

Download the Winter Course Application Form

Information about the beginner’s courses

The current Teaching co-ordinator is Mrs. Chiara Felice, who can be contacted either by e-mail – chiarafelice@onvol.netor phone on 21230815 or 21416669

Following is a list of courses offered:

• A Level Spanish
• Children’s Courses(new!)
• LEARNING SPANISH – WINTER COURSES IN SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS
• O Level Spanish
• Post Advanced Spanish
• Spanish Conversation Lvl 1
• Spanish Conversation Lvl 2
• Spanish Conversation Lvl 3
• Spanish for beginners

The dream of four gentlemen, that of forming an association of friends who have the Maltese-Spanish Culture at heart, started to take form when Mr. John Micallef shared these views with Chev. Vincent Azzopardi, Mr. Antonio Grech and Mr. Antonio Farrugia. They were all very enthusiastic about the idea and they immediately decided upon a date to start working on it.

The much important date was the 12th March, 1984 and the venue was Mr. Micallef’s residence at Sta. Rita, Three Churches Street, Balzan.

On that day it was decided to form the Association which had to be apolitical and non-profit making.

From then onwards it was all hard work to prepare the statutes to be discussed and finally approved at the first general meeting. Three other gentlemen joined forces, Mr. Michael Spiteri, Mr. Saviour Micallef and Mr. George W. Schembri. Out of their own pockets these pioneers financed the stationery and all that was necessary to make the first General Meeting a success.

This meeting, which was given a wide coverage by the local media, was held at the Catholic Institute, Floriana on Sunday 24th June, 1984.

On that same day 70 persons were enrolled as members, who later on elected the first Junta Directiva and approved the statutes of the Círculo.

At the first meeting of the newly elected Committee, the following responsibilities were given:

• President Antonio Farrugia
• Vice-President Saviour Micallef
• Secretary John Micallef
• Treasurer Vincent Azzopardi
• Teaching Co-ordinator Antonio Grech
• Members George W. Schembri & Mikiel Spiteri

Hon. President was Chev. J.P. Vassallo while as Spiritual Director Mgr. Lawrence Gatt was chosen.

The first three meetings were held at the Secretary’s residence. Later on meetings were held at 87, Archbishop’s Street,Valletta, kindly lent by the Vice-President Mr. Saviour Micallef. Meetings were also held at the Emigrants’ Commission at Castille Place, Valletta.

After several petitions from the Junta Directiva to the Spanish Embassy in Malta, on the 31st May 1988 H.E. Don Vicente Girbau León, Ambassador for Spain to Malta, offered the use of the premises at 45/4, St. Zachary Street, Valletta to the Círculo.

As years passed by and the activities of the Círculo became more frequent and the number of members increased, there was no other way but to look for other premises, which took years. Finally, on Friday, 28th April, 2000, the Junta Directiva rented new premises. – 18A/5, Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli, Valletta.

After long discussions, the Embassy of Spain in Rome generously accepted to pay the lease, and H.E. Don José de Carvajal,, Ambassador for Spain to Malta, inaugurated the premises on the 11th January, 2001.

On Sunday 3rd December 2006, the members during the Annual General Meeting held at 87 a/5, Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli approved the new statutes. Consequently the words Circulo/Ghaqda were replaced by Centro/Centru. As from this date, our Association officially is to be known as Centro Cultural Hispano – Maltes – Centru Kulturali Spanjoli-Malti.

The aims of the organization are:

• Enlarging the already existing friendship between the people of Malta and Spain.
• To enhance the Cultural and Educational exchanges between the two countries.
• To promote the teaching of the Spanish language.

JUNTA DIRECTIVA

2005 – 2008

Hon President: Prof. Peter Vassallo

Hon. President: Mr. Antonio Farrugia

Hon. President: Ricardo Jesus Scicluna Llietget

President: John Micallef

Vice President & Cultural Activities Promoter: George Camilleri
Secretary: Maxine Massa

PRO & Social Activities Coordinator: Karen Zammit

Treasurer, Premises Custodian & Librarian: Mario Felice

Director of Studies (Head of School): Chiara Felice

Assistant Teaching Co-ordinator, Librarian & Editor of El Eslabon: Lorna Debattista

Legal Counselors: Dr. Tatiana Bonnici LLD
Dr.Frans Micallef LL.D

Website Administrator: Gerard Said

Spiritual Director: Mgr. Lawrence Gatt

Auditors:Peter Calleya
Albert Galea
Philip Micallef
Gozo Represe