In Spain and Latin America, January 6’s Fiesta de Tres Reyes is as big a deal as Christmas Day – and Glasgow’s newly-relaunched Hispanophile café-bistro Ziques is not letting it go uncelebrated.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 6 January, the Hyndland venue will celebrate all things Spanish, inviting the city’s ex-pat community to a special evening party which will also serve as the launch of the venue’s regular Spanish language meet-ups.
The Fiesta de Tres Reyes – translated to Three King’s Day – is a major Latin Christian holiday celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
It is a date often considered bigger for Spanish-speaking youngsters than Christmas itself, as it is marked by gift-giving and feasting.
Its new Glasgow expression is being organised by Ziques’ owner, Fergus McCoss and his team, and will be compered by broadcaster/podcaster, Sean McDonald, a fluent Spanish speaker who spent much of his life in Barcelona before returning to his native Glasgow.
McCoss said: “We are inviting all Spanish people, back at work in Glasgow and missing the home cooking of their Abuela, or Granny, to celebrate the fiesta with us by enjoying a special menu of Pintxos – specially prepared Spanish small plate dishes – washed down with Estrella Galicia beer.
“By joining us at Ziques you will also be helping launch our informal Spanish language meet-ups – no classrooms, no pressure, just lots of chat, good people y muy buena comida.
“We’re kicking things off on Three Kings Day, Tuesday 6 January, with an evening full of Spanish chat, laughs, and unlimited pintxos. So whether you’re a total beginner, a bit rusty, or a native speaker, you’ll be chatting away sin darte cuenta.”
McDonald added: “It’s going to be a special night for all hispanophiles, and we’re hoping also to attract everyone who wants to come along and learn more about Spain as well as Spanish language and culture.
“When we announced the Fiesta night on social media we received a huge response, so much so that we are ticketing the event at £20 for entry, the opportunity to chat with mixed levels of Spanish speakers and unlimited pintxos!”
After this launch, Ziques Spanish meetups will be free every Wednesday from 6pm,in January, where guests can drop in, drop out, grab some pintxos, have a drink, and chat as much (or as little) Spanish as you like.
