Ser vs Estar in Spanish: Using ser in Spanish (not estar) to say when / where something takes place

Ser vs Estar in Spanish: when and where something takes place

When something takes place

To say when something takes place we use the verb ser this way:

La reunión es a las siete y media.The meeting is at seven thirty.

La fiesta de Javier es esta noche.Javier's party is tonight.

Los fuegos artificiales son a las doce en punto.The fireworks are at twelve o'clock precisely.

La celebración es el 8 de mayo a las 10.The celebration is on May 8th at 10.


Where something takes place

In a similar way we use the verb ser to say where something takes place:

El concierto de Ariana Grande es en el auditorio.The Ariana Grande concert is in the auditorium.

La exposición de arte moderno es en el Museo Nacional.The modern art exhibition is in the National Museum.

El entierro es en el cementerio de su pueblo.The burial is at his village cemetery.


You will often find a preposition after ser in these cases to introduce the part of the phrase that indicates time or location. 

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Examples and resources

La reunión es a las siete y media.The meeting is at seven thirty.
Los fuegos artificiales son a las doce en punto.The fireworks are at twelve o'clock precisely.
El concierto de Ariana Grande es en el auditorio.The Ariana Grande concert is in the auditorium.
El entierro es en el cementerio de su pueblo.The burial is at his village cemetery.
La fiesta de Javier es esta noche.Javier's party is tonight.
La exposición de arte moderno es en el Museo Nacional.The modern art exhibition is in the National Museum.
La celebración es el 8 de mayo a las 10.The celebration is on May 8th at 10.
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