by Esperanza, age 8 from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, asks Santa how to say Christmas in Spanish, Bioko Island, and the country’s Spanish colonial history.
Dear Santa, my name is Esperanza, and I am eight years old. I live in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where my abuela says our country is the only place in all of Africa where everyone speaks Spanish.
Dear Esperanza, a Spanish-speaking corner of Africa always makes for one of the most interesting stops on my entire route, your abuela picked a truly unique hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
How do you say Christmas in Spanish? My abuela taught me the word but I want to make sure I remember it right.
It is Navidad, Esperanza, and you can wish someone Feliz Navidad for Merry Christmas. I make sure to practice that greeting carefully before every single visit to your country.
My teacher says most of our country sits on an island called Bioko, not on the mainland. Is that true?
It is true, Esperanza, Malabo itself sits on Bioko Island, just off the coast of Cameroon, with the rest of the country spread across the mainland. I always enjoy that island approach flying in over the water.
My abuela says Equatorial Guinea used to be a Spanish colony a long time ago, which is why everyone still speaks Spanish today. Is that true?
It is true, Esperanza, Equatorial Guinea was a Spanish colony for many years before gaining independence, and the Spanish language stayed on as an important part of daily life. History leaves its mark in surprising ways, and a shared language across an ocean is one of the more remarkable ones.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Esperanza Mba
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
P.S. Will you say Feliz Navidad when you visit our house this year?
Every single time, Esperanza, I have been practicing all month.
