Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Basic congratulations
• Method 2 of 2: Celebrating Birthday in Spain and Latin America

If you have a Spanish speaking friend, you probably want to wish him a happy birthday in his native language. The most common way to express congratulations in Spanish is to say “Feliz cumpleaños” (fe-LIZ KUM-ple-an-os). However, there are other options that you can use to make your wishes more special or personalized. You may also want to share the cultural traditions associated with celebrating your friend's birthday in your friend's home country.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Basic congratulations

1. 1 Tell:"¡Feliz cumpleaños!" This phrase means "happy birthday" and is used as a greeting. It can be said to any person and in any situation. Pronounced: "fe-LIZ KUM-ple-an-os".
   • Optionally, you can add the person's name or their relationship to you. For example, if you were wishing your mom a happy birthday, you could say "¡Feliz cumpleaños, mi madre!"
   • If you want to wish your friend a happy birthday in a more informal manner, you can say “Feliz cumple” (fe-LIZ KUM-ple).
2. 2 Use the word "felicidades" to express general congratulations. "Felicidades" (fe-li-si-DA-des) means "congratulations." We speak the same way in Russian. This word is especially appropriate if you've already congratulated the person once.
   • For example, when you arrive at a friend's birthday party, you might say “Feliz cumpleaños” and say “felicidades” goodbye.
   • Another option: "Felicidades en tu día" - "Congratulations on your day."
3. 3 Tell the birthday boy that you hope he has many more birthdays. On this holiday, it is customary to wish long life or express the hope that a person will celebrate many more birthdays. If you want to express it in Spanish, say: "¡Que cumplas muchos más!"
   • The literal translation of this phrase is: "So that you celebrate many more times." It is pronounced: “ke KUM-pla MU-chos mas”.
4. 4 Sing the Spanish version of the Happy Birthday song. The main Spanish birthday song is sung to a well-known tune. However, the translation is not always literal.
   • The lyrics of the main congratulatory song in Latin America are: “¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! Feliz cumpleaños querido / a (name), feliz cumpleaños a ti. Ya queremos pastel, Ya queremos pastel, aunque sea un pedacito, pero queremos pastel "
   • On the other hand, in Spain it is sung: "Cumpleaños feliz, cumpleaños feliz, te deseamos todos, cumpleaños feliz."

   Advice: in Spanish culture, birthday songs can be quite intricate. Many Latin American countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and Chile have their own versions of the traditional Happy birthday song, some of which have multiple verses and are quite lengthy.

   
   

Method 2 of 2: Celebrating Birthday in Spain and Latin America

1. 1 Get ready to celebrate with the whole family. In Hispanic culture, birthday is considered a family holiday. Despite the fact that friends can also be invited to a party, traditionally the event is organized by the birthday boy's family. As a rule, all relatives are present, even distant ones.
   • If you are invited as a friend to one of these events, expect a warm and welcoming welcome.Especially in Spain, you will have to cuddle with many strangers.
2. 2 Find out why a quinceañera is important to a 15-year-old girl. In Latin American countries, especially Mexico, a girl's 15th birthday means coming of age. The event traditionally begins with a church service, and should be dressed there as if it were a gala reception.
   • Part of the church service is the "misa de acción de gracias" - a ceremony in which a girl expresses gratitude to her passing childhood.
   • Traditionally, the birthday girl (festejada) receives gifts from the family, including tiaras and jewelry.
   • As a rule, a rich banquet is part of the event, followed by dances that can last until dawn.
3. 3 In Mexico, you will be treated to a Tres leches cake for your birthday party. Tres leches is a giant multi-colored cake that serves as the centerpiece for Mexican birthday parties. These cakes are often decorated in a theme that reflects the interests of the birthday person.
   • For example, if the person celebrating their birthday is a football fan (fútbol), then the Tres leches cake can be iced to give it the look of a football field and accommodate tiny players and fans in the stands cheering for their teams.
4. 4 Smash the piñata while blindfolded. This is one of the most famous Spanish traditions. Piñata are painted papier-mâché figures of various shapes and sizes filled with small toys and sweets. The party members take turns striking the piñata with a stick until it bursts and treats are scattered all over the place.
   • The donkey-shaped pinata, commonly sold in the United States and Europe, is rare in Latin American countries. The piñata can be decorated in the same theme as the "Tres leches" cake.
   • While the party members try to break the piñata, the others sing a traditional song that begins with the words “Dale, dale, dale”. The song encourages the person to aim well and hit the piñata so that it bursts for the sake of everyone's pleasure, raining down the sweets they crave.
5. 5 See how the birthday boy is dipped face into the cake. This custom is especially popular in Mexico. The birthday boy's hands are tied behind his back, and his face is dipped into a birthday cake so that he can bite off the first bite. At this time, everyone around him chants: "¡Mordida!".
   • The word "mordida" means "bite." In this context, guests encourage the birthday boy to bite off the first bite of their birthday cake.

   Advice: music plays a huge role in Spanish and Latin American culture. As with the piñata, there is a song traditionally associated with “la mordida”. If you are going to a Spanish or Latino birthday, be prepared to listen to music and singing until nightfall.

   
   
6. 6 Give a symbolic gift if desired. Generally, birthday gifts are not particularly thoughtful or expensive, especially in Spain. Children always receive small gifts - usually books, toys and candy. Adults may not receive any gifts at all.
   • If you find it uncomfortable to go to your birthday party without a present, you can choose something as simple as a day planner, a mug, or a nice fountain pen.