FHUHS Spanish

Ladino Hanukkah

Jews, Moors and Christians co-occupied the Iberian peninsula for centuries before the Moors and Jews were expelled in 1492 by Los reyes católicos. The Moors, of course, spoke primarily Arabic even while living on the Iberian peninsula, but the Jewish population largely spoke Castillian (as the term “Spanish” didn’t then exist.). When they were expelled, they carried 15th century Castillian Spanish with them to what is now Eastern Europe and North Africa, and they continue to speak what is now known as Ladino. Listening and reading Ladino is a fun exercise.

This song, Ocho Kandelas is a traditional children’s song singing about the 8 candles lighted during the Hanukkah season. See how much Spanish you recognize as you read along.

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Ocho Kandelas

Hanukah linda sta aki,
ocho kandelas para mi, 

Hanukah linda sta aki,
ocho kandelas para mi. O…

Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, tres kandelikas, 

kuatro kandelikas, sintyu kandelikas, sej kandelikas,

siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi.

Los pastelikos vo kumer,
con almendrikas i la myel.
Los pastelikos vo kumer,
con almendrikas i la myel. O…

Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, tres kandelikas, 

kuatro kandelikas, sintyu kandelikas, sej kandelikas,

siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi.

Muchas fiestas vo fazer,
con alegrias i plazer. 

Muchas fiestas vo fazer,
con alegrias i plazer. O…

Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, tres kandelikas, 

kuatro kandelikas, sintyu kandelikas, sej kandelikas,

siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi.