fiesta
UK[fiˈestə]US[fiˈestə]
n
a public celebration or festival, especially in spain or latin america, often involving parades, music, and dancing.
n
a lively party or celebration.
Etymology
the english word 'fiesta' is a direct borrowing from spanish, where it means "feast" or "holiday." the spanish term originates from the latin word 'festa,' the plural of 'festum,' meaning "festival" or "joyous celebration." this latin root is itself related to 'feriae,' meaning "holidays," and ultimately derives from the proto-indo-european root 'dʰēs-', associated with religious concepts and divine power. the semantic journey thus moves from ancient sacred observances to the modern secular sense of a vibrant, communal celebration, retaining its core association with joyous public festivity.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from spanish and is not productively segmented using english morphemes.
Examples
the town's annual fiesta features colorful parades and traditional flamenco music.
we're planning a big fiesta for her birthday, with a mariachi band and lots of food.
the book vividly describes the sights and sounds of a mexican fiesta.