Guantanamera

Spanish online reading and listening practice - level B1

Guantanamera is probably the most famous Cuban song in the world. Its name means "woman from Guantánamo". There's a lot of folklore around who originally wrote not only the music but also the lyrics as one of the most popular versions is based on a poem written by José Martí that was published at the end of the 19th century.

The version in this video was recorded by Playing for Change, an organisation created to inspire and connect the world through music. It took them three years to film 75 different Cuban musicians singing this beloved Cuban song.

This reading and listening exercise can help you practise the difference between cómo and como in Spanish (with and without an accent) and that between dónde and donde (with and without a written accent).

Exercise: Guantanamera

Watch the video, then read the transcript. Click any phrase for the translation and links to related grammar lessons which you can add to your KwizIQ notebook to practise later.

How this exercise works

  1. Choose your setup
    Use the tick box above the text to turn translations and grammar tips on or off. When they're on, click on any phrase to see them.
  2. Read the text
    Work through the Interactive Reader at your own pace
  3. Answer the questions
    When you're ready, start the comprehension exercise

Answer in English: we're testing your understanding of the text, not your grammar or expression, so nothing you write here will be marked for accuracy. To get feedback on how you write, try one of our writing exercises.

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