The Foreign Language Department and the International Club hosted National Foreign Language Week activities at Abington High School during the week of March 6 – 10. The school was decorated in the bright colors of the many countries of the world, classes included activities designed to expand our cultural horizons and each day the morning announcements included a trivia question with prizes awarded to winning contestants from each class year.

Under the guidance of Senoras Grabowski, Fry, Meehan and Ward, and with the help of the Abington Education Foundation, the week culminated with a lively performance by the very talented Mariachi Estampa de America, a Massachusetts based mariachi band that had students on their feet and dancing around the Richard Morey Gym to traditional Mexican favorites like “La Bamba,” “Guantanamera“ and “Cuando, Cuando.” The band was introduced by International Club Members Frazer Toomey ’19 and Lisa Pinto ’18.

Mariachi is a traditional Mexican form of folk music featuring a variety of guitars, violins and trumpets. The guitars include a guitarron or bass guitar and a vihuela, a high pitched, round backed guitar. Mariachi bands may have a lead singer, but often, the players take turns singing lead or background vocals, and they often take turns taking instrument solos during any particular song, allowing their audience to enjoy the many talents within their band.  Johnny Cash famously used a mariachi arrangement for his hit song “Ring of Fire.” Mariachi Estampa de America showed off their skills on guitar, trumpet and violin on every song they played.

Below are the Trivia Questions, their answers and the winner from each class:

Monday, March 7 There have been many popular movies based on characters and settings from this country. Some of these films are “Lion,” “Life of Pi” and “Slum Dog Millionaire.” This country is found on the continent of Asia. What is the name of this country? Answer – India Winners – Daisy Littlefield ’20, Nathan Joyce ’19, Laurel Blanchard ’18, Abdul Naidjate ’17

Tuesday, March 8 Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in South America. It is also the home of 60 percent of a well known rainforest. What is the name of the second longest running river in the world that runs through this rainforest?  Answer – Amazon River Winners – Livie Litzenberger ’20, Jake Wilkinson ’19, Katarina Callanan ’18, Sarah Cochrane ’17

Wednesday, March 9 This Spanish speaking country of Central America is smaller in territory than Massachusetts. It is known as the “Land of Volcanoes.” What is this country?  Answer – El Salvador Winners –  Abbie Lyons ’20, Daisy DosSantos ’19, Jake Hamilton ’18, Cole McMahon ’17

Thursday, March 10 To locate this Arabic speaking country, one must look toward the northwestern coast of Africa. It is also the largest African country in territory, and the Sahara desert comprises about 80 percent of its territory. What is the name of the country? Answer – Algeria Winners – Maggie Mayer ’20, Christina Varney ’19, Brian Cashman ’18, Ricky Minchello ’17

Friday, March 11 This southeastern Asian country is the second largest exporter of rice in the world. It is home to the Red River and Ho Chi Minh city. The country’s flag is red with one yellow star. What is the country’s name? Answer – Vietnam Winners – Izzy Miele ’20, Jenny O’Neil ’19, Max Osmanski ’17