Intersecting Spanish and Mexican Culture while Studying Abroad in Seville, Spain   

In my first month of studying abroad in Sevilla, I had to adapt to a whole new country and to Spanish culture. Even though I’m Mexican and I do know about my Latino culture, I had to learn this new way of living. It’s an amazing opportunity to live and learn abroad and I’m extremely grateful for my study abroad experience.

Cherishing the vibrant symphony of existence, porque ¡Viva la Vida!

I wasn’t homesick, but I did miss my food, family, friends, my dog Chulo, and my bed, just to name a few. In Spain, the hardest thing was adapting to the time of when to eat and how the host family prepares the food. 

Spice up your life with a fiesta of flavors! 

Mexican Food in Spain

The first two weeks of settling into this new environment, I missed my home cooking and the seasoning I typically use, especially my Mexican food. I looked for a Mexican restaurant, and I found this place called Ta’Kool.

"Cielito Lindo" on the wall of the restaurant. Every moment here feels like a melody.

If anyone is planning on studying abroad or even visiting Sevilla, please check out this restaurant. The food gave me a nostalgic feeling of home; even though I was away from home it felt nice to find my Latino community, especially people who are Mexican, that are also navigating Spain.

In the garden of creativity, I bloom like Frida's flowers. 

I met the owner of Ta’Kool and it felt like I was with my family. I cannot even count the number of times I went to this place during my study abroad program and the decor is very aesthetically pleasing and welcoming.

Dressed in defiance, this Mexican skull is a baddie with attitude. 

The people that work at this restaurant are extremely attentive and caring for their guests and wanted to see how the guests felt when they ate the food and when they were in this space. 

Every beat of the music echoes the rhythm of Mexican heart and soul. 

Celebrating Día de Los Muertos Abroad

Around October and November, Ta’Kool decided to do an altar for our loved ones and invited me to take pictures, for free tacos. Who doesn’t love free food? It was an amazing experience because I also got to meet another photographer and another Mexican lady. They were so welcoming to me and were so excited to see me attentive to my craft.

Combining the lively spirit of fiesta time with the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. A celebration of life and remembrance in full color! 

In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is an important holiday that’s celebrated on November 1st and 2nd to honor our loved ones who have passed.

An altar of love and remembrance, adorned with marigolds, candles, and cherished mementos, honoring the spirits on Día de los Muertos.

The way Mexicans celebrate is creating home altars to remember them and put out their favorite dishes, food, and pictures.

Honoring ancestors with vibrant altars, marigolds, and the sweet scent of memories.

This is definitely something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life of my time studying abroad because I also got to celebrate my Mexican culture. It felt like a home away from home.