The Secret Facts about Dora the Explorer

VIVA – Who remembers one of these adorable cartoons? The cartoon Dora the Explorer was once a spectacle for millennials or Gen Z. It turns out, that Dora the Explorer is more than two decades old.

This cartoon series produced by Nickelodeon first aired on August 14, 2000. In addition to the series, Dora also inspired a spin-off series and a live-action film titled Dora and The Lost City of Gold in 2019.

The characters of Dora, Boots the monkey, Backpack, Maps, Swiper the thief, and others have become icons among children. This cartoon series was the first to show a Latino in an animated role to inspire a generation to learn Spanish.

Everything about Dora from the bob haircut, the pink t-shirt, the theme song, to the characters makes this series loved by many people, especially children.

Although the Dora the Explorer cartoon officially stopped production in 2019, the character is still a favorite for some people. Here are secret facts about the cartoon Dora the Explorer. 

1. Debut Online Before Airing on Television

Before Dora aired on Nick Jr., the production house promoted Dora virtually allowing fans to get excited about the series and find out more before it started. The first character to air online was different from the one in the TV series.

2. The Name Dora is Inspired by the Spanish Word 'Explorer'

The name Dora is taken from the Spanish explorer (explorer), namely Exploradora. Executives at Nickelodeon want Dora to be a Latin character who encourages Latino kids to see who they are. Dora's last name, Marquez, is taken from the name of the famous Latin writer Gabriel García Márquez.

3. Dora Teaches English in Other Countries

Dora the Explorer is broadcast and translated into more than 31 languages. She’s well known for teaching Spanish in English-speaking countries (USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland). In some non-English speaking countries, Dora teaches English.