Spain's culture

 

Culture in Spain 

-----------------------------------General facts----------------------------------

Spain is a country located in southern Western Europe and North Africa. It borders Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, and Morocco to the south. Spain is a democratic country with a parliamentary monarchy. With an area of ​​505,990 km², it is the fourth largest country in Europe. In Africa, Spanish territory extends to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Canary Islands, Chafarinas, Al Hoceima, Alboran Island, and the Rock of Vélez de la Gomera. The capital of the country is Madrid, and it has 47,600,000 inhabitants, with a population density of 94 inhabitants per square kilometer. The country's main religion is Catholicism. The climate is highly varied due to its geographical location; however, it is generally classified as temperate oceanic, temperate Mediterranean, cold mountain, and warm subtropical.

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The official language of the country is Spanish, spoken by 98% of the population. Spain is the fourth country with the most Spanish speakers after México, United States and Colombia. 

Despite the fact that Spanish is the most spoken language, there are also people who speak other languages, such as Catalan that is  talked by 23,3% of population and Aranese in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Euskera in the Basque Country and Navarre. In this country there also are immigrants lenguages, the most commons are Arabian, Romanian, English, Chinesse, German, Ukranian, French, Russian, Polish, and Nearlandish. 

------------------------------------Infrastructure---------------------------------

Spain has one of the best infrastructures in Europe. From its buildings to its trains and airports, it is designed to make life easier for its citizens and the transportation of goods. The Spanish railway system is one of the best in Western Europe and connects the country's major cities. Furthermore, Spain has a well-developed port system that contributes to maritime trade. Likewise, the Spanish telecommunications system is modern and well-developed, ensuring connectivity for people.

Each autonomous community in Spain has its own representative building. Let's look at some of them

Andalucía 

The Alhambra

A complex of palaces and gardens from the Nasrid period. A World Heritage Site.

Aragón 

Basilica of the Pillar

Located in Zaragoza, it is one of the largest and most important Baroque temples in Spain and a center of maritime pilgrimage. It stands beside the Ebro River and is a symbol of Aragonese devotion.

Austrias

The Holy Mary of Naranco

It is a IX century pre-Romanesque church located in Oviedo. A World Heritage Site.

Canary Islands

Tenerife Auditorium

Known for its curved, futuristic design, this is a state-of-the-art auditorium located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Cantabria

The Magdalena Palace

Former summer palace of the kings, in Santander. An example of early 20th-century architecture.

Cataluña

Sagrada Família

Basilica designed by Antoní Gaudi, emblematic of Catalan modernism. It is the most visited monument in Spain.

Castilla y león 

Salamanca Plaza Mayor 

An XVIII century monument, the city's nerve center, declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

Extremadura

Roman Bridge

Roman bridge over the Guadiana River in Mérida. Declared a World Heritage Site.

Galicia

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Majestic Romanesque and Baroque cathedral, a pilgrimage destination on the Camino de Santiago.

Balearic Islands

The Seu

Gothic-style cathedral in Palma de Mallorca. The islands' most iconic monument.

Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

The official residence of the kings of Spain since the 17th century. One of the largest palaces in Europe.

Murcia

Murcia Cathedral

Built between the 14th and 18th centuries, it features an imposing Baroque façade, representative of the city.

Navarra 

Royal Palace of Olite

Medieval castle located in Olite. In its time, it was one of Europe's most luxurious palaces.

Basque Country

Guggenheim Bilbao

 Frank Gehry's work, a symbol of contemporary art. An iconic building in Bilbao.

Comunitat Valenciana 

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciéncies

Avant-garde architectural and cultural complex in the city of Valencia.

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In this country, the gastronomy is a reflection of his diversity and cultural richness. This grastronomy is one of the most varied and appreciated in the world. Due to its diversity, each region has its own dishes that also correspond to the location and climate, but all of them share fresh ingredients. This are one of the most representatives dishes of the country:

Paella: 

Originally from Valencia, it is a dry rice dish cooked in a paella pan and contains ingredients such as chicken, seafood, vegetables, rabbit, and spices like saffron. Valencian paella is the most traditional, but there are others, such as seafood paella or mixed paella.

Iberian ham:

This one of the most representative products of Spanish cuisine. It is made from the hind leg of the Iberian pig. This pig originates from a region of the Iberian Peninsula. Its production takes years and is usually accompanied with bread and tomato.

The potato omelet: 

It is another iconic dish of Spanish cuisine. It is made with eggs, potatoes, onion, and olive oil, and cooked in a pan until golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. It is served hot or cold, as a main course or as a tapa in bars and restaurants.

Galician-style octopus:

This one is a typical Galician dish made with cooked octopus, boiled potatoes, sweet paprika, and olive oil. The octopus is sliced ​​and served on a bed of boiled potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika. It is a simple yet delicious dish that epitomizes Galician cuisine.

Beverages

Now, What do people in Spain usually drink? Let's see

Wine: 

Each region of Spain produces wine with special characteristics. This country has the largest vineyard area in the world, producing some of the finest wines. Wine is a part of Spanish culture; it is often enjoyed at dinners, gatherings, events, or even at home. In some parts of the country, wineries are even offered with expert guides, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Cider:

This is a low-alcohol drink made from fermented apple juice. It is so popular that it's a staple at festivals like the Natural Cider Festival, held in July. Interestingly, it is served at a certain height so it can oxygenate as it falls. This process is called "escanciar."

Cava:

"Spanish champagne" is a dry, sparkling wine. It is traditionally produced and comes primarily from the Cava region of Catalonia, especially San Sadurní de Noya (Vilafranca del Penedès). Cava comes in different varieties, such as Brut, Dry, and Sweet, which depend on the amount of sugar it contains.

Summer red wine:

This is a blend of red wine and lemonade (or lemon soda) served in a tall glass with ice. It is believed to have been created in Córdoba in the early 20th century and is a popular choice on terraces, beach bars, and bars during the Spanish summer.

--------------------------------------Music-----------------------------------------

Traditional Spanish music is one of the oldest and richest in the world. Music is a fundamental part of the country's traditions, customs, and culture. There are many different types of music in this country, ranging from traditional music like flamenco to modern music like pop. These are some of the most representative:

Flamenco 

  Seville is the Spanish capital of flamenco. It       originated in the region of Andalusia (southern   Spain) and has become famous worldwide. It is an   exotic blend of Moorish, Gypsy, and native   sounds. This is probably the most representative   genre of the country, and handclapping is also   common, and castanets are sometimes used.   Dancing is important in this genre, and women     use  passionate movements and colorful dresses.

 

Zarzuela

 

Zarzuela is a combination of music and theater, blending dramatic performances with sung and spoken scenes. Initially, it was a form of entertainment for the royal court. Later, the genre gained popularity among the common people. Zarzuelas remain popular today, both locally and among immigrant communities outside of Spain.

 Boleros

This genre, originating in Andalusia, is a dance known for its elegance, grace, and passion. It is generally danced as a couple with smooth, sensual movements. Bolero music is an integral part of this Spanish dance, characterized by its slow, melodic rhythm that evokes melancholy and romance, and is performed on the guitar. For women, the traditional costume includes a long dress, often with ruffles or lace, which enhances the elegance and fluidity of the movements. For men, the traditional bolero includes tight-fitting trousers, a white shirt, and a vest.

Sardana 

This is a dance from Catalonia. It is a circular dance in which people hold hands and spin around a central point to slow music. It symbolizes community unity and solidarity and is very popular at festivals and celebrations throughout Catalonia.

Jota

This genre is characterized by classical guitar and other string instruments. It is usually danced to the sound of the jota in performances that consist of several group jumps. Tambourines, castanets, and accordions are also commonly used.

Although these are the typical dances and music, people in this country also tend to listen to other genres such as reggaeton, pop, rock and commercial music that can be heard depending on the time of year and their hobbies.

--------------Tradictional activities and Carnivals-------------------------

Bullfights

Bullfighting is one of the most representative aspects of Spanish culture. Throughout history, this practice has been a Spanish symbol, gaining recognition around the world. Year after year, this activity has attracted millions of tourists worldwide.

This practice has also evolved to adapt to modern society. In this tradition, the bullfighter demonstrates his skill and courage in front of the bull. Each part of the performance is imbued with symbolism and tradition. The show is divided into three sections. There are many bullrings in Spain where this event is held. However, the most famous is the Las Ventas bullring, built in 1931 and called the cathedral of bullfighting.

The Tomatina

The Tomatina is a festival held annually in Buñol, Spain, and consists of a huge tomato fight. Its origins date back to the mid od XX century, likely as a spontaneous fight between young people during a local festival. Despite initial attempts to ban it, the celebration gained popularity and eventually became an international event. Today, it is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August and includes activities such as "palo jabón" (soap stick) and the famous tomato fight, attracting thousands of people from around the world. The Tomatina is a symbol of fun, community, and tradition.

Three wise men

Celebrated on February 6th, it is one of the most important celebrations in Spanish culture. This celebration marks the end of Christmas and has its origins in the Bible, with the visit of the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus, who gave him gifts upon his arrival. This commemoration begins with a parade of floats through the streets, and the Three Wise Men distribute sweets and gifts to children watching from the street.

There are some traditions that people follow to celebrate this. One of them is that the family shares the Rosco de Reyes, a traditional sweet containing surprises and hidden figurines. Children also write letters to the Three Wise Men asking for gifts. On the morning of February 6th, children wake up and open the gifts the Three Wise Men have brought for them.

San Fermín 

Held in Pamplona, ​​this festival is a symbol of the country and takes place from July 6th to 14th. It brings together people from all over the world with dancing, music, a lively atmosphere, and, of course, a bullfight. This celebration consists of a race in which runners run ahead of the bulls along an 825-meter course through the streets of Pamplona. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. The costumes are white suits and a red scarf. This celebration is also an opportunity to taste the country's traditional cuisine and learn about its music and dances.

Wine Battle

The Wine Battle is a popular festival held every morning on June 29th in Haro, La Rioja, as part of the festivities in honor of San Felices de Bilibio, the city's patron saint. Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2011, the celebration combines religious and festive elements.

Its origins date back to an ancient pilgrimage to the Riscos de Bilibio, linked to a territorial dispute with Miranda de Ebro. To maintain possession of the land, Haro had to visit the site annually. Over time, this religious pilgrimage evolved into a peculiar celebration: in the 19th century, during lunch after mass, one attendee jokingly threw wine at another, giving rise to the tradition.

Currently, the festival begins early in the morning with a pilgrimage, followed by mass at 8:45 a.m., and then the peaceful wine battle begins, where attendees drench each other until they are completely dyed purple. The day culminates with lunch and a party at the Haro Bullring.

San Isidro Festival 

Every May 15th, the feast of San Isidro is celebrated in Madrid, Spain. This celebration symbolizes gratitude and devotion to agricultural work. During this celebration, the city is filled with religious devotion and cultural commemorations. Each church offers a special mass, and processions parade through the streets. During this celebration, the streets are filled with dancing, music, and joy.

Party culture

Nightlife in Spain is anything but quiet. Going out is very common in Spanish culture, so there are tons of options. In large cities like Madrid, Salamanca, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Bilbao, Ibiza, etc., people often go out at night with friends. There are many restaurants, pubs, and clubs that open at night to welcome people. Due to the climate, in spring or summer it is very common to see people drinking until late at night or early in the morning, and bars open their terraces for this purpose. There is also the custom of "ir de tapas," which involves going from bar to bar throughout the night, trying beers, other alcoholic beverages, and even dancing. The most common days to do this are Fridays and Saturdays, but in university cities like Salamanca or Granada, it is more common to do so on Thursdays. There are also large clubs in this country with good sound quality and some of the best DJs in the world. Food is also very common during the nights, which positively boosts the economy.

---------------------------------Clothes and trends-------------------------------

In Spain, people tend to dress in comfortable or casual clothing, especially young people. At university and in everyday life, it's common to see people wearing T-shirts, jeans, sneakers, checkered shirts, etc. There are no strict dress codes, unless the outfit is excessively provocative or inappropriate. It's worth noting that people also tend to dress according to the season and the climate they are exposed to.At work, clothing also varies by sector: in creative environments, casual dress is allowed, while informal companies such as banks or multinationals, more elegant attire is expected.At night, the style varies depending on the location: some bars allow casual clothing, while more demanding clubs require more formal attire. The rules may vary depending on the venue and the occasion. With this in mind, people dress differently if they are attending a carnival or specific festival. However, in everyday life, they tend to dress casually and relaxed. The best-selling brands in Spain are Zara, Primark, H&M, Bershka, Mango, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, El Corte Inglés, Uniqlo, and Springfield. This gives us an idea of ​​what people usually wear.

            --------------------------------Hobbies-----------------------------------

People in Spain have different ways to spend their time. The most common hobbies are the following:

Online games or casinos: People tend to spend a lot of time and money on this activity. In every city, there are casinos that offer different games, from traditional to modern.

Sports: In Spain, people have a great sportsmanship, and that's why they spend time doing it or watching it. People often run, play basketball, soccer, or ride bicycles. Main parks are usually full of people doing these activities with friends or alone.

Reading: In Spain, it is common to see people reading on trains, beaches, or parks; this is a common activity.

Social gatherings: In Spain, there are many clubs where people often meet at different times and engage in different activities, whether going to parties or watching games. Gatherings can be with family or friends, and they often involve drinking and sharing food.

           -----------------------Do and do not in Spain-------------------------

Do not:

1. Do not consume alcoholic beverages in public. In Spain, drinking alcohol in parks, squares, or on the street is prohibited. There is even a law known as the "Ley antibotellón" to combat the noise, litter, and disturbance caused by public drinking. Drinking alcohol in public is seen as disrespectful to the locals and their culture.

2. If you go to a market, do not touch the food or fruits and vegetables with your hands; it is frowned upon and considered unhygienic. Instead, wait to be served and shown around.

3. In some places in Spain, people take siestas between 2 pm and 5 pm. It is a cultural practice and you should keep this in mind because during those hours, shops, restaurants, etc., are closed.

4. You should dress appropriately for the place you are in. If you are going to a monastery, very short skirts or low-cut blouses are not allowed. Also, be careful with the soccer jersey you wear; not all cities allow the same jersey, as Spaniards take their support for soccer teams very seriously.

5. In Spain, dinner time is from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It is important to keep this in mind, as eating before then is not allowed. Going to a restaurant and asking to be served earlier is considered disrespectful, and the kitchens are likely to close before 9:00 PM.

Do:

1. Although it is not mandatory, leaving a tip is accepted as an act of gratitude toward the service and the people who work there. Therefore, it is appropriate to do so as an act of politeness.

2. "Ir de tapas" is a must. Spain is a country with great places to party. If you are someone who likes to do so, then you can not miss this experience.

3. Visit iconic places and attend festivals. Spain is a country with festivities every month of the year, and some of its festivals are world-famous. Just remember to plan your visit ahead of time.

4.You can not leave the country without trying the food. Spanish cuisine has a huge variety of unmissable flavors, so the gastronomic experience is a must. And remember, it is even better if you support local markets and restaurants.