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"Conmemorar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to commemorate", and "festejar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to celebrate". Learn more about the difference between "conmemorar" and "festejar" below.
conmemorar(
kohn
-
meh
-
moh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (general)
a. to commemorate
Hoy la ciudad se prepara para conmemorar su centenario.Today the city is preparing to commemorate its one hundredth anniversary.
Nos encontramos reunidos para conmemorar el sacrificio de estos héroes.We are gathered here today to commemorate the sacrifice of these heroes.
festejar(
fehs
-
teh
-
hahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to party)
a. to celebrate
Mañana festejamos el cumpleaños de mi hermana.We're celebrating my sister's birthday tomorrow.
2. (to honor)
a. to entertain
La universidad festejó a sus exalumnos por el décimo aniversario de su graduación.The university entertained its alumni for the tenth anniversary of their graduation.
b. to wine and dine
Festejaron al invitado con un banquete.They wined and dined their guest with a banquet.
3. (to flatter)
4. (old-fashioned) (to woo)
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
a. to court
A mi abuelo le encanta contar cómo festejaba a mi abuela.My grandfather loves to tell the way he courted my grandmother.
festejarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
