Throughout its history Spain has been ruled and influenced
by several different cultures and each has left its mark on
the architecture, art, food, language, and customs.
Cultures such as the Romans, Jews, and Muslims have been
very influential in Spanish culture. The Romans left
aqueducts, bridges and even some amphitheaters. Americans
recognize the year 1492 as the date Colombus
“discovered” America. However, it is also
significant in that it was the year that the last of the
Muslim rulers were expelled from Granada, as well as the
Jews were either forced to recant their beliefs or be
expelled from Spain. In many Spanish towns you can still
visit the “Jewish Quarter” and some synagogues.
The Muslims, people from North Africa, had a very strong
impact, especially in southern Spain. There are beautiful
palaces, mezquitas (mosques) and fortified towers that are
evidences to the might and beauty of the once powerful
Muslim kingdom.
Spanish cuisine
is delicious. Many people assume it to be comparable to
Mexican food, however, it is very different. There is very
little spicy hot taste in the spanish diet. It has been
said that Spain eats what is called the Mediterranean diet.
Simply put, they eat a pretty good amount of seafood, olive
products, cheeses and wines. One of the most typical dishes
is paella, which is a seafood rice dish. Another typical
summer treat is gazpacho (a cold tomato based soup). The
spanish “tortilla” is nothing like a flour
tortilla. It may be better understood as a spanish
omelette, consisting of potatoes, onion and egg. It can be
eaten warm or cold. Each region of Spain has its own
typical dishes. One of the specialty dishes of Madrid, is
“cocido madrileno,” which is a stew prepared
from garbanzos, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, beef, chicken
and chorizo (a red sausage). Click here for Spanish
recipes.
The traditional
daily schedule is unique from other parts of the world.
Breakfast is usually light - coffee and a pastry. Most
workplaces don't open until 10:00 am. Of course, many also
close shop for the lunch “hour” - 2:00 to 4:00
pm. Then it's back to work until about 8:00 pm. Supper is
generally eaten around 10:00 pm, although in the summer, it
is usually later.
Spaniards are a very sociable
people. Often you will find the plazas, parks and coffee
shops bustling with people. Many people take an evening
stroll through town, giving them another opportunity to
chat with their “neighbors.” Bullfights, and
the “running of the bulls,” draw crowds and are
usually a part of all the holiday festivities. Another part
of holiday festivities are the regional dances. Flamenco is
probably the most well known. Many of the
“fiestas” have a Roman Catholic background and
religious processions are very commonly seen marching
through the streets. Soccer is also a popular social event.
Every weekend people pack the stadiums of their favorite
soccer teams. It is by far the most popular sport.
Basketball comes in at a distant second.
The official
language is “Castillian Spanish.” The
pronunciation and some vocabulary are unique compared to
the “Spanish” spoken in Central and South
America. In Spain, however, there are other languages
spoken as well. “Euskera” is spoken by the
Basques who live in northern Spain and southern France.
“Gallego” is the language the people from the
autonomous community of Galicia prefer.
“Catalan” is yet another language spoken in the
northeastern autonomous community, Catalunya and in
Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
Catholic Church and
Castle in Segovia
Learn more about
Spain right here.
For information about a
visit to Spain, click here.
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questions? Ask us!