24th April 2025
Zuzana Sajdlová:
This week was more about resting because Semana Santa was celebrated in Spain, so we had holidays for the whole week. But we really weren’t just sitting at home. On Saturday in the morning, I went with Sara to her scout group meeting. They were talking mostly in Spanish but after we played a game and there was a lot of food, so it was very pleasant. Sara’s boyfriend and best friend also joined us there and they went with us home, where we spent the whole afternoon mostly playing board games, where we laughed a lot, because nobody really cared about the rules. The next day we went to see processions, which are so typical for Semana Santa. They were very remarkable but not so interesting to watch them all afternoon, so we decided to go to the near park with beautiful waterfalls and a secret tunnel behind them. After that we headed to the Castle of San Sebastián – an island connected with Cádiz by a bridge - where we watched a pretty sunset.
The following days, I was just enjoying Cádiz and Spain. We went to the beach although whether still wasn’t hot enough to take a bath. One day we went to a shopping centre in San Fernando, a village next to Cádiz, to play bowling with Táňa, Irene, Majda and Vicky. We had also a good time when we went to look inside some shops in there. Other days I went with Sara for lunch to her grandma’s house and to her boyfriend’s summer house in a lovely countryside, where we also went to for a walk to a beach nearby. I really enjoyed those free days and they also helped me to catch up on school.
Magdaléna Trejtnarová:
During my second week in Cádiz, I experienced something truly special – Semana Santa, which is the Spanish version of Easter. It’s a very important holiday in Spain, and the atmosphere in the city was unforgettable.
I went to see several processions, which are a big part of the Semana Santa tradition. The streets were filled with music and people walking together in silence or singing. It was really beautiful and emotional to watch.
Aside from the processions, I also went bowling, which was a lot of fun and a nice change of pace. The rest of the time, we spent walking around the city and enjoying the beach. The weather was great, and it felt amazing to just relax by the sea.
It was a week full of contrasts—deep spiritual traditions alongside everyday joys, quiet reflection and shared laughter. Experiencing Semana Santa in Cádiz gave me a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and made me feel more connected to the people and the place. It’s a week I’ll always remember.
Tatiana Vošvrdová:
During my second week in Cádiz, I experienced Semana Santa. I went to see the beautiful processions on Sunday and later on Thursday. Spending time with my host family and Irene´s friends in the city centre near (or inside) the cathedral was amazing as I got to explore this typical Spanish tradition from the best point of view.
Before that, on Saturday, I went to the football match between Cádiz CF and Elche, and even though it didn´t end like I imagined, I enjoyed it. I tried some Spanish snacks and finally had a piece of clothing in my wardrobe that showed my support for the team.
Monday was all about spending time with my beloved family, because they accompanied me on my trip there and were set to leave the next day. On Tuesday evening, Irene, Zuzka, Sara, Majda, Vicky and I went to the shopping centre in San Fernando, played bowling and ate a lot of sweet popcorn. Wednesday was filled with the flavour of a cake and laughter while playing board games in Spanish on a birthday party for a cousin of Irene´s.
On Friday, my host family took me to a park not so far from Cádiz. We played volleyball, board games, cards, went on a walk in the park, even spent a minute at the playground there.
It was a wonderful week, and I am really glad to be here. I also appreciate the time I spent with my family; it means a lot to me. The majority of my stay is still awaiting me, but I can already say that I have the best host family.
„Financováno Evropskou unií. Vyjádřené názory a stanoviska představují názory a stanoviska autorů a nemusí nutně odrážet názory a stanoviska Evropské unie nebo Domu zahraniční spolupráce. Evropská unie ani poskytovatel grantu za ně nenesou odpovědnost.”
