Let’s Talk About Platicámos

Article Written By Ana Mendoza

Attendees chat and eat at a recent Platicámos meet-up

If you’ve ever tried learning a new language, you know the golden rule: if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it! Platicámos organizer Mia, founder of local organization Brave Irene’s, knows this all too well. After living in Mexico with her family for six months, she saw a need for a space in Colorado Springs where people could practice Spanish and connect with others, so she created Platicámos, which translates to “we chat.”

During the summer months, Platicámos meets every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Boulder Park. Mia and her family are usually there, along with a mix of regulars and newcomers. Some attendees are native Spanish speakers, some have adopted Spanish as a second language, and others are just getting started. As a native Spanish speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to practice Spanish with such a great group of folks. 

Everyone brings a plate of their choice to share, resulting in a buffet of random perfection. Past dishes I’ve loved include pasta salad, homemade flatbread, and arepas. I’ve taken conchas (sweet Mexican bread) and plátanos maduros (fried sweet plantains), and both were a hit! 

I don’t make it as often as I’d like, but when I do, the vibes are immaculate. The people are wonderful, the food is always delicious, and I love hearing everyone’s stories and learning about their backgrounds. It’s always a lovely experience!

Platicámos is a great example of what can happen when someone sees a need for a space in their community and decides to create it rather than wait for someone else to do it. And in my opinion, there’s something even better about creating a space where people can connect face-to-face. 

Now that summer is over, Platicámos will move indoors and meet less frequently. If you don’t want to wait until next summer to join in (and trust me, you don’t), follow the Brave Irene’s Instagram page for the meet-up details. ¡No esperes, ven a platicar!