Enjoy an evening of free food, music, and poetry that reflects the many historical and cultural connections between the Arabic and Hispanic cultures on April 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.

MIT’s Global Languages and Music & Theater Arts invites students and the MIT community to Melodious Ties: The Legacy of Al-Andalus – A Cross-Cultural Celebration of Music and Language.

Al-Andalus (الاندلس), known in Spanish as Al-Andalucia, encompassed the regions of modern Spain and Portugal under Arab/Muslim governance from 711 C.E. until the fall of Granada in 1492 C.E. This remarkable period witnessed the coexistence of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities, creating a cultural melting pot that produced extraordinary innovations in art, architecture, music, and literature.

The event will feature performances by MIT musicians showcasing the musical traditions that emerged from this cross-cultural exchange, including early influences on what would later become flamenco. Attendees will also experience bilingual poetry readings of jarchas and moaxajas—unique literary forms that blended Arabic and early Spanish.

Complementing the performances, guests will enjoy a small selection of Mediterranean cuisine that highlights the culinary connections between these cultures, with many Spanish dishes still bearing the Arabic names of their origins.

This interdisciplinary celebration represents a collaboration between MIT’s Arabic and Spanish language programs and Music & Theater Arts, reflecting our students’ interest in exploring the rich cultural heritage that continues to resonate in contemporary Arabic and Hispanic cultures, music, and languages.

Join us for this unique opportunity to experience the enduring legacy of Al-Andalus through an engaging evening of cultural exploration and artistic appreciation!

Small refreshments and snacks will be offered.