Hello to all our fellow expats in Spain!
I recently attended a friend’s graduation ceremony at the Complutense University of Madrid, and the place was absolutely packed. Besides the traditional black academic gowns, I noticed that nearly every graduate was wearing a colorful sash or cord around their neck—yellow, red, blue—they really stood out. I was curious right away: what were they for? Were the colors just a personal choice?
After doing some research, I found out that this item is called a Beca in Spanish, and the ceremony where it’s awarded is known as the Imposición de Becas. This isn’t just a random accessory; it’s a long-standing tradition in Spanish universities. Each Beca is a symbol of academic identity and honor, representing the graduate’s field of study. In essence, by looking at the color of a Spanish university honor sash, you can usually tell which faculty a student belongs to.
This tradition dates back to medieval universities, where students from different faculties were distinguished by the color of their clothing. Today, although specific daily attire is no longer required, the Beca color tradition has been preserved, becoming a vibrant highlight of graduation ceremonies. While the specific color rules might vary slightly between institutions, it’s true that Spanish universities have honor sashes, and the system is largely standardized.
Beca Colors and Their Corresponding Fields of Study
| Color | Represents Field / Faculty |
|---|
| Golden Yellow | Medicine |
| Red | Law |
| Light Blue | Arts & Philosophy / Humanities |
| Dark Blue | Sciences |
| Brown | Architecture / Engineering |
| Green | Economics & Business |
| Orange | Veterinary Medicine |
The ‘Imposición de Becas’ ceremony is typically a very formal and solemn event. Graduates line up to go on stage, where the Dean of the faculty, a professor, or a ‘godfather’ or ‘godmother’ (padrino/madrina) chosen by the graduating class places the Beca around their neck. This act symbolizes the passing on of knowledge and the faculty’s official recognition of the student. Many Becas are also embroidered with the university crest and faculty emblem, making them a very meaningful keepsake. My friend said he’ll treasure it forever and definitely won’t be selling it on Vinted.
It’s more than just a colorful sash; it represents years of hard work, aspirations for the future, and is a part of Spanish university culture that is truly worth respecting and experiencing. Have any of you participated in or witnessed this ceremony? What color is the Beca for your major? Feel free to share in the comments below!
