Discovering Britain: Culture, Festivals, and Traditions
What Makes British Libraries Special?
Libraries in Britain are wonderful places where you can find not only books, but also records, cassettes, and videos. Many libraries also offer Internet access these days.
Why Visit Edinburgh?
Apart from being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Edinburgh is an interesting place for tourists to visit because it’s dominated by a medieval castle on a volcanic rock, has a fascinating history, and offers a lot to see. It’s also home to one of the best summer festivals in the world.
How Antonio and Martin Met
Antonio and Martin met at school in Spain when they were 14 years old. Antonio was on an exchange program from Edinburgh for three weeks and was very popular. They soon discovered that they had a lot in common and became good friends.
Edinburgh Festival Performances
What type of performances can you see at the Edinburgh Festival?
- There is an official program of classical music, opera, theatre, and comedy.
- The Festival Fringe is another unofficial festival with lots of free performances every night and hundreds more that you pay to see. Prices start from one pound.
- In the street, you can see clowns, mime artists in costume, and musicians playing alone and in groups.
Advertising at the Edinburgh Festival
How do the actors at the Edinburgh Festival advertise their shows? They give leaflets to people.
The First King of England and Scotland
Who was the first king of both England and Scotland? It was King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England. He was born in Edinburgh Castle and became king in 1603.
What are the Highland Games?
The Highland Games are a competition featuring traditional Scottish sports. One of the competitions is called “Tossing the Caber”.
What is Tartan?
Tartan is the special pattern in the material that kilts are made from, featuring different colored squares. Nowadays, there are more than 2000 different patterns. Some are officially recognized, and some aren’t. Historically, every “clan” or family has its own pattern.
What is Nessie?
Nessie is the Loch Ness monster.
Hogmanay Traditions
According to tradition, what three presents must be brought to someone’s house at Hogmanay, and why?
A man with black hair must bring:
- A piece of coal, so that the house will always be warm.
- A bag of salt, so that the family will always have something to eat.
- A bottle of whisky, so that the family will always have something to drink.
Vocabulary
Ambiente: atmosphere.
Acostado, intimidado: bullied.
Atestado de gente: crowded.
Animaba: encouraged.
Antiguos: former.
Al margen: on the fringe.
Argot: slang.
Aproveché: took advantage of.
A pesar de: despite.
Aislado: isolated.
Chiles: chillies.
Coro: choir.
Cuenta atrás: countdown.
Cuernos: horns.
Capas: layers.
Críticas: reviews.
Costeras: seaside.
Confía en: trust.
De echo: actually.
Decepcionados: disappointed.
Dudó: hesitate.
Descubiertos: uncovered.
Enterradas: buried.
Embarazoso: embarrassing.
Estoy deseándolo: I’m looking forward to it.
Embarrado: muddy.
Estanque: pond.
Embravecido: rough.
Fondo: bottom.
Faldas escocesas: kilts.
Gafas: goggles.
Gastar bromas a: play jokes on.
Hacían juegos malavares: juggled. Hizo el saque: kicked off.
Hombre, tío: mate.
Habitantes de la cuidad: townspeople.
Interminables: endless.
Murallas de la ciudad: city walls.
Malvadas, malignas: evil.
Motores: engines.
Mostaza: mustard.
Marcaba un gol: scored.
Medias: stockings.
Moreno: tanned.
No se han llevado bien: haven’t got on well with each other.
No tardé mucho: it didn’t take long.
No se les permitía: weren’t allowed.
Orilla: bank.
Orgullo: pride.
Público: audience.
Piel, cuero: leather.
Piacdo, con grumos: lumpy.
Pastelitos dulces: mince pies.
Pieles de animales: skins and furs.
Quiero mucho a: I’m very fond of.
Refinado: civilized.
Reno: reindeer.
Recordaba: reminded.
Sótano: cellar.
Se ahogó: drowned. Se parece: haunts.
Se derritió: melted.
Solo: on my own.
Saluda: wave.
Se llenaron: were filled.
Se representaron: were performed.
Se celebrarían: would be held.
Tranvía: tram.
Vidrieras: stained glass.