The Culture of Spain

December 14, 2007

Filed under: General — ChemMaster @ 11:54 pm

bullfight

Spain is a unique European country in its own way. Spain is widely known for its bullfights, geography, and traditions. However, Spain is much more than what we imagine. Today, Spain consists of countless diversities among religions and the habitant people The history of the country helped it to be shaped into what it is today, including it’s beautiful culture.

Most modern citizens of today can speak Spanish, the official language of Spain. It appears in newspapers, books, and other everyday objects we see today. However, the Spanish firmly believe that their regional language is the most important, so Spanish is a secondary language.

Since the 20th century, Spain has been a country filled with gypsies, bullfighters, and religiosity. Spain is probably the only country today in Europe that still has its original traditions and ideas. Other countries in Europe are much more modernized, unlike Spain, which is modernized and still has its own traditions.

dancing-picture2

Taking a one hour break after a long day at work, known as a siesta, is a common Spanish custom (As shown above) It is not only common in Spain, but common in the rest of Europe.

The siesta was originally made for the people to relax and have fun with their family. It dates all the way back before the Spanish Civil War, when poverty hit the Spaniards. Spaniards had to work harder than usual, and they had no time for entertainment or their family. The term siesta refers to a mini-nap, which is about 10-15 minutes long.

How do you enjoy a siesta? An actual siesta takes place in a bed and pajamas, which is always the most comfortable way to sleep. Spaniards taking a siesta are sure to turn off anything that may disturb them, such as the radio, television, or cell phones. They always remember that a siesta is only 10-15 minutes long. The best way for the Spaniards to wake up was to have someone softly tell them. If no one was near, they would use the alarm clock.

siesta-pic1

What do the people of Spain eat? It is heavily based on the area of Spain that they live in, and what is available. Seafood comes from the oceans that surround the country. A common dessert that the Spaniards eat is made with rice and milk, called arroz con leche.

The Spaniards eat a country ham calledjamón serrano as a general food that should be provided at all times. You will find Spaniards eating it all the time. Another important part of Spanish food is to eat tapa. Tapas can be found at bars and restaurants. They contain dairy products, fish, eggs, and vegetables that are all combined together to make an excellent meal.

While Spain has a variety of languages and foods, the people also have a variety of music. Spaniards have long loved Western and Classical music. Today, there are Spanish performers that show off their wonderful rock, hip-hop, and heavy metal music talents. The most popular and historic style that dates a long way back is flamenco, a Spanish genre of music that has a strong rhythm and is often performed with dancing and gestures. (The picture above is a flamenco dancer.)

Spain has a unique culture that differs from the cultures of rest of Europe, but you’ll never truly know it until you experience it.

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