Spanish culture is renowned for its rich history and diverse regional traditions. The country’s artistic heritage, from the works of El Greco and Goya to Picasso and Dalí, has profoundly influenced Western art. Spanish cuisine varies greatly by region, with dishes like paella, tapas, and gazpacho gaining international fame. Flamenco dance and music, particularly associated…
Spanish Christmas cuisine varies by region but often includes seafood like prawns or baked sea bream. Roast lamb or suckling pig is popular in some areas. Turrón, a nougat confection, is a must-have sweet. Polvorones, crumbly shortbread cookies, are also popular. The meal often concludes with cava, Spanish sparkling wine.
Spain’s festivals are as diverse as its regions. Pamplona’s San Fermín is famous for the heart-pounding Running of the Bulls. Valencia’s Las Fallas features massive papier-mâché sculptures and nightly fireworks. La Tomatina in Buñol turns the town into the world’s largest tomato fight, drawing participants from across the globe.
Spanish Christmas is a weeks-long celebration rich in unique traditions. It begins on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Families set up belenes (nativity scenes) and sing villancicos (carols). The Christmas lottery draw on December 22nd is a national event. Nochebuena features a family dinner and Misa del Gallo. December 28th, Día…
Spain’s national dish is often considered to be paella, a saffron-infused rice dish that originated in the Valencia region. Traditional Valencian paella includes rice, green vegetables, meat (rabbit and chicken), land snails, and beans. However, seafood paella has become widely popular and is often what comes to mind for many when thinking of the dish.…
Spanish surnames have influenced naming patterns across the Hispanic world. Common names include García, Rodríguez, and González. More uniquely Spanish are names like Alonso or Muñoz. Regional names are distinctive: Basque names like Echeverría or Catalan names like Puig. The surname Borbón, while rare, is associated with Spanish royalty. Unusual names include Zapatero, meaning “shoemaker,”…
In Spain, “tío” or “tía” (for females) is commonly used among friends, similar to “dude” or “girl” in English. “Colega” is another popular term for friend. “Macho” or “macha” (for females) is used casually among friends in some regions. In Catalonia, you might hear “company” (from Catalan) used. Young people often use “pavo” or “pava”…
Spanish cuisine is a celebration of regional flavors and fresh ingredients. Savor iconic paella, a saffron-infused rice dish with seafood or meat. Enjoy tapas culture with patatas bravas, tortilla española, and jamón ibérico. Try gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup perfect for summer. Don’t miss pulpo a la gallega, Galician-style octopus, or indulge in sweet churros…
Spanish superstitions are deeply ingrained in the culture. Many believe that Tuesday the 13th is unlucky, more so than Friday the 13th. Putting a hat on the bed is thought to bring bad luck. The “mal de ojo” (evil eye) concept is prevalent, with various amulets used for protection. Spilling wine is considered good luck…
Spanish breakfast often features tostada con tomate, toast rubbed with garlic and topped with grated tomato and olive oil. Churros con chocolate, fried dough pastries served with thick hot chocolate, are a sweet morning treat. For a quick breakfast, try a pincho de tortilla, a slice of Spanish omelet often enjoyed with coffee.