Barbieheimer: the dangers of not considering the culture of the target market

The Barbieheimer phenomenon has taken over social media since the announcement of the release of both films on the same day. Users on social media took this opportunity to post messages and memes that ensured visibility to both feature films. However, this phenomenon has not been well received in all markets.

Read more “Barbieheimer: the dangers of not considering the culture of the target market”

LOCALISATION: you have probably heard of it but… do you know what it means?

Localisation in translation, or l10n, as it is known in the sector, is the process of translation, adaptation and adjustment of the texts we find in videogames, websites, blogs and many other products.

Read more “LOCALISATION: you have probably heard of it but… do you know what it means?”

Los Indianos – how the carnival is celebrated on the island of La Palma

One of Spain’s best-loved fiestas, the carnival, is about to take place! Just like every year, it’s a time for colour, music, festivities and above all, having a great time.

They know a lot about this in the Canary Islands, where the carnival has a very important place in their hearts and their traditions.

Today we will be taking a look at a celebration that is perhaps not so well known to the rest of the world: Los Indianos of Santa Cruz, La Palma.

This famous tradition is celebrated on the island of La Palma coinciding with the Carnival Monday, every year since the 19th century. This celebration commemorates the time when many islanders emigrated to the Americas, then known as Las Indias, specifically to Cuba, in search of a new life and wealth for their families, who eagerly awaited their return home.

On Carnival Monday, the streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma become the alleys of Havana and everyone dresses in white with the traditional clothes from that time, to remember all their ancestors who returned to the island with bags full of riches, ostentatious clothes and of course, tobacco and rum. One of the most striking aspects of the festival is when the locals throw talcum powder at each other to the rhythm of punto cubano, a combination of Cuban and Canary Islands music resulting from the encounter between emigrants and locals back in the 16th century.

Photo: Ayuntamiento de Santa Cruz de La Palma

And, we can’t talk about Los Indianos without mentioning their most important character, La Negra Tomasa. This character starts off the party in the morning, simulating the arrival of the boat that transported people who had emigrated to The West Indies to the capital of La Palma, then touring Calle Real and Avenida Los Indianos.

Although the starting time for Los Indianos is officially 12 pm, many people can be seen early in the morning dressed in old-fashioned white clothing, taking a walk around the city or starting the day in a bar with friends and family. After disembarking, the Los Indianos parade moves through the city from Avenida de Los Indianos to the town hall. Once they arrive, after a brief announcement by the local authorities, dances and music begin all over the capital, which won’t stop until dawn.

Los Indianos is probably one of the most unique carnivals in all of Spain, with more than 80,000 people taking part, including locals, neighbours from other islands and cruises that pass by La Palma, intended to coincide with this day.

This year (2020) the big day will take place 24th February. So, if you want to take part in a truly unique celebration, we encourage you to take the opportunity to visit the island for Los Indianos.

 

 

Since you can’t buy love, sell romance

February is the month of love, tokens of affection and romantic getaways.

This month, thousands of couples will visit romantic destinations such as Paris, Rome, New York and Florence to leave padlocks secured on their bridges and affirm their eternal love. This gesture is an emotional commitment to their partner, but also to the experience they share.

Read more “Since you can’t buy love, sell romance”

Translation for tourism: The definitive guide

In the tourism sector, translation is a basic need, and the companies that operate in this area know that only too well. Whether they’re hotels, travel agencies or any other kind of business related to tourism, these companies want to reach the highest possible number of people, in as many countries as they can. And how can you reach them, unless you speak their language?

Read more “Translation for tourism: The definitive guide”

Translation for media and blogs: all you need to know

The arrival of the Internet has marked a turning point for the media, and they have had to adapt to a completely new reality.

It is true to say that this change has brought with it some disadvantages, but it has also brought good things. In contrast to the times of printed news, today the media can reach people anywhere in the world and, if their content is translated into various languages, then so much the better. Read more “Translation for media and blogs: all you need to know”