The competition was announced specifically for high school students by the Department of Spanish Studies at the Faculty of Humanities. Nearly one hundred applications were submitted from six cities, reflecting the growing interest in Spanish language and culture among Hungarian secondary school students. The organizers aimed to provide participants with an opportunity not only to demonstrate their language skills but also to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for Spanish-speaking cultures.
The event was opened by Péter Csatár, Vice Dean of the Faculty, while Dóra Bakucz, Head of the Department, emphasized that the idea for the competition stemmed from the conviction that learning Spanish becomes a true experience when students can discover the language through their own creativity. The lively atmosphere was evident from the very beginning and remained a defining feature throughout the day.
In an effort to move beyond the notion of a traditional “competition”, the organizers explained that the Department welcomed students in five categories: Spanish Culture Instastyle (most entries remain available on the Department’s Instagram: de.spanyol.tanszék), creative writing, singing (solo or group), and a group cultural quiz titled Federico García Lorca and Granada. The diverse tasks offered opportunities for both artistic expression and the demonstration of cultural knowledge.
In addition to the Faculty of Humanities, several distinguished partners supported the organization of the event. The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain, Aquaticum Debrecen, and the Sonora publishing house all contributed to ensuring that the winners could return home with valuable and memorable prizes. The organizers stressed that the primary goals were community building, encouraging personal connections, and introducing the newly established Department of Spanish Studies at the University of Debrecen.
Based on the feedback, DEsafío Creativo provided not only exciting moments but also an inspiring community experience for the participating students. The Department is already considering ways to continue the initiative in the future.
