‘Welcome to our city’ to the students from Malaga, Spain

Meeting the exchange students from IES Capellania in Alhaurin de la Torre, Malaga, Andalucia, Spain, on the street, Teche Area residents wouldn’t think anything about it. They are normally a friendly bunch, but the fact is, they look like so many others that live here, who would know they’ve come half way around the world to see what life in America is like.

As the twin city to their home town in Malaga, New Iberia, has been hosting the exchange program for five years. Coordinator Ebrar Reaux said they established the fall of the year so the students could experience local festivals, including the annual La Asociacion Española de Nueva Iberia Spanish Heritage Festival. However, recently the committee determined a better time for the annual fall festival would be spring.

Keeping Up Traditions

Discovery of the connection between the two cities began in 2009 when a researcher found the link between the Viator and Gary Spanish lines that settled in New Iberia around 1769. The historian brought a deligation over and met with then-mayor Hilda Curry and others to form an official Twin City complete with a signed pact. Two years later, 18 interested residents of New Iberia reciprocated with a trip to Alhaurin de la Torre, Malaga.

Upon returning, they knew the strong link between the two countries must be maintained to help one another understand the culture that has emerged in the “new country” as well as the ones that survived in the “old country.”

In 2012 the La Asociacion Española de Nueva Iberia and the Spanish Festival kicked off. With that in place and interest growing in the Spanish heritage, the student exchange started in 2013.

Culture Shock

A visit with a contingent of exchange students, and their chaperoning teacher Maria del Mar, brought a new understanding of the program — and to the students, an understanding of the differences in the lifestyle of New Iberians compared to what they left at home.

Raúl Calvo Sánchez learned that not all hot sauces are the same. The Tabasco product he’s tried at home was nothing like the hottest one tried during the tour of Avery Island general store. To remember the horrifying experience, he bought a souvenir with the name of the variety that set his throat on fire. Guillermo Ramirez caught the moment on his camera phone, so it’s easy to say, it was a memorable moment.

For Ramirez that moment was watching his first American football game live at the Superdome last weekend as the Saints won — you know that was a rousing experience — one he could not compare to in Spain. LATE BREAKING NEWS: after publication, Reaux reported Ramirez went hunting with his host family and killed his first deer. Congrats “G.”

A bonfire at Andy Reaux’s on Spanish Lake was an enjoyable group gathering allowing all of the students and host families to take in the beauty of south Louisiana.

Mayor Freddie DeCourt invited the students into the council chambers to see how the government works. They learned about the power of the press that has painting a very negative picture of President Trump while most in the room actually voted him into office. That must have been an interesting discussion for these students to take back to their native land.

Jerre Borland explained the experience wasn’t just for the students. As a second year sponsor, she said hosting does not require knowing Spanish.

“We’ve enjoyed it so much to be able to share their culture and to understand the history of New Iberia and how they ended up being enmeshed in our town. We love our town and love sharing it,” Borland said. “It takes a lot for their parents to entrust these students to us. It’s been a lot of fun. Opening your home to someone is a blessing on both ends. You get to learn about them and they get to learn about you.”

Borland said neither she or her husband, Thomas, have any knowledge of Spanish ancestors in their family. The first year as hosts, there was a need. This year they did it because it was a good experience the first time. Their unique experience for the boarders was a trip across three states for Thanksgiving with family.

What’s Next?

With a desire to keep the momentum gained promoting the Spanish festival, this year the association will sponsor a one night event full of pageantry, color, food and culture. There is even assistance with genealogy research.

“La Asociacion Española de Nueva Iberia is hosting ‘Spain Alive,’ a Spanish costume party Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in City Park,” Reaux said. “ It is a Spanish event to help keep the interest alive in our Spanish culture. We hope to have many people come in their favorite Spanish costume, although a costume is not necessary for attendance. Dressy Casual will be the dress attire for the evening.”

Tickets are $35 per person and are available by calling 349-7343 for Reaux, or Catherine Segura at 339-7923.