La fiesta está en la calle.

The party is on the street.

Breakdown of La fiesta está en la calle.

• estar: to be
• la calle: the street
• en: on
• la fiesta: the party

Questions & Answers about La fiesta está en la calle.

Why is the verb está (from estar) used instead of es (from ser)?

In Spanish, estar is typically used to describe temporary states or locations. Since we are talking about the location of the party (where it is taking place), estar is the correct choice. If we said es, it would imply a more permanent or inherent characteristic, which doesn’t apply here.

Why do we use the definite article la in la fiesta and la calle?

In Spanish, nouns almost always require an article, especially when referring to something specific. La fiesta means “the party,” referring to a particular event. La calle means “the street,” referring to a specific street. Both are feminine nouns, hence they take the feminine article la.

What does en mean in this sentence, and could I use another preposition?

En generally translates to in, on, or at in English, conveying the idea of being inside or at a certain location. In this context, it means in or on the street. Another preposition wouldn’t fit the same meaning here. For example, a would often imply direction (going “to the street”), not location.

Is it common to say that a party is “in the street” in Spanish?

Yes, it’s quite common to describe an outdoor celebration with en la calle, especially for street parties, public festivals, or block parties. Spanish speakers often emphasize the location this way to convey that the event is taking place outside, open to everyone in that area.

Could I use en la carretera or en la avenida instead of en la calle?

It depends on the context. Carretera usually refers to a highway or main road, generally not where a party would be held. Avenida is an avenue, which could work if the celebration is literally taking place on an avenue. However, calle is the most neutral and common term for a typical street setting.