CIS Bangalore in Murcia - Spain - Instituto Hispánico de Murcia

Murcia Rocks! Students from Canadian International School of India live an unforgettable adventure

From April 12 to 23, the streets of Murcia were buzzing with energy, curiosity, and lots of English with an Indian twist. Why? A group of students from the Canadian International School of Bangalore came for a cultural exchange program with the Instituto Hispánico de Murcia. It was ten action-packed days full of Spanish classes, culture, food, history, dancing, beach time, mud baths… and churros!

Who are these awesome students?

The Canadian International School (CIS) is one of India’s top international schools. Founded in 1996, it combines a Canadian curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. These students don’t just speak multiple languages—they think globally too. And it showed in Murcia: open-minded, curious, and eager to take in every little detail.

First steps: Warm welcomes & a mindset shift

The adventure kicked off on Saturday the 12th, when the students landed in Murcia and met their host families. After hours of flying, nothing beats a homemade dinner and a bunch of friendly smiles. A beach trip was planned for Sunday but got postponed… and no one really minded. The group took the day to relax, settle in, and start soaking up the Murcia vibe.

City Hall, Salsa & Artsy Museums

Monday marked the official start. The students were welcomed at City Hall by Education Councilor Ms Belén López and then taken on a guided tour of downtown Murcia with our awesome guide Inma. Then came a surprise challenge: a salsa class with teacher Paloma! Forward steps, back steps, the occasional accidental toe-step… but everyone ended up dancing and laughing. In the afternoon, Spanish classes began at the Instituto Hispánico (olé!) followed by a visit to the Salzillo Museum.

👉 Check out the full welcome video here!

Churros, Towers, Casinos & Meat Pie Madness

Tuesday was non-stop: breakfast with chocolate and churros, a climb up the cathedral tower, and a visit to the Royal Casino (spoiler: no gambling, but seriously impressive). Later, more Spanish classes and a workshop on how to make Murcia’s famous pastel de carne (meat pie). There was flour flying, plenty of laughs, and even some spicy “Bangalore-style” twists. Masterchef Javi might have taken notes for a fusion version!

Huerta Traditions & Murcia-Style Speed

On Wednesday, the students visited the local folk group Peña Huertana “El Azahar” to dive into traditional Murcian culture. To balance all that tradition? A shot of adrenaline: go-karting by the river! Some took those curves like they were driving in Mumbai traffic at rush hour.

Parades, Beaches, Mud Baths & Slam Dunk Moments

Thursday and Friday were all about Murcia’s breathtaking Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions—a deeply spiritual and visual experience.

Saturday was packed: a day trip to La Manga, muddy fun at San Pedro del Pinatar’s salt flats, and an epic basketball game between UCAM Murcia and Joventut de Badalona. The match was intense and unforgettable—and UCAM pulled off a big win!

To top it all off, Canadian powerhouse Dylan Ennis came out after the game to greet the students and snap some pics. With a background that spans U.S. college basketball, the Turkish league, Zaragoza, and now UCAM Murcia, Ennis is known for his strength, scoring skills, and super friendly vibes. He totally charmed everyone. A memory for life!

History, Sun & Sailing in Cartagena

Sunday took the group to Cartagena: they explored Civil War shelters, rode the panoramic elevator, marveled at the Roman Theatre… and chilled on a catamaran cruise under the sun. Picnic included. Some were out for the perfect Instagram shot, others just went with the breeze and the history.

Farewell, Fireworks & Full-On Fiesta

Monday the 21st was the last official activity day. After classes, the group attended the children’s version of El Bando de la Huerta, with floral offerings and fireworks.

But what everyone was really buzzing about? Tuesday the 22nd: the full-on Bando de la Huerta celebration. And yes, they stayed to live it up! The colors, the music, the tradition—they were hooked. They asked about the origins, the traditional outfits, the local dishes… and best of all, they became part of the party. Many joined their host families in the streets, took photos, tasted regional treats, and said goodbye to Murcia in style.

A Big, Heartfelt Thank You

From all of us at the Instituto Hispánico and the host families, a huge THANK YOU to the Canadian International School for choosing Murcia as your destination. Your students didn’t just learn Spanish—they left a mark on everyone who met them.

Special shoutout to Virginia, Jocelyn, and Bipin—the coordinators and chaperones who brought positive energy, humor, and endless patience. Come back anytime!

And thank you for celebrating something so special to us like El Bando de la Huerta. You’re now officially honorary Murcians!

Indian accents, the smell of churros, and Murcian joy—all part of the same awesome story now.

See you next time, zagales!