Why is it important know more about the Spanish culture? Spain is a country with a vibrant and varied culture, full of influences from around the world. Whether you’re heading to Spain for a vacation, or just want to learn more about its people and way of life, understanding Spanish culture is essential.
From its surprising regional diversity to the ever-present influence of its past, here’s your introduction to Spain’s culture – from arts and film to language and cuisine.
Read on to discover what each corner of this unique country has to offer!
A Brief History of Spain
Spain has a long and rich history dating back to the early Middle Ages. The country was first unified under the rule of the Visigothic Kingdom in the 6th century. Over the next few centuries, Spain would see a number of different rulers including the Moorish Al-Andalus caliphate and, later, the Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.
In 1492, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile married, uniting their two realms and paving the way for the creation of a united Spanish state. That same year, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain on his famous voyage to America, opening up a whole new continent for Spanish colonization.
The 16th century was a golden age for Spain, marked by economic prosperity and great achievements in art and literature. But by the end of the century, things began to sour as Spain became embroiled in costly wars with England and France. This decline continued into the 17th century as Spain lost its grip on its vast empire. In 1898, after a long period of decline, Spain finally lost its last major colony – Cuba – to the United States.
The 20th century was a turbulent one for Spain. The country was plunged into a brutal civil war from 1936-1939 which left half a million dead. After World War II ended, Spain remained neutral but gradually developed closer ties with the West. In 1975, General Francisco Franco died and democracy was restored to Spain. Since then,
The Spanish Language
Spanish is the official language of Spain and 21 Latin American countries. It is estimated that there are around 470 million Spanish speakers worldwide.
The Spanish language has a rich history, having been influenced by the Arabic language during the Moorish occupation of Spain from 711-1492. The Moors brought with them many words relating to culture and daily life, which were eventually absorbed into Spanish. Many of these words can still be found in modern Spanish, particularly in regional dialects.
The Spaniards also had a significant influence on the development of the English language. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many French words were introduced into English. However, after the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), English once again became the dominant language in Britain.
During the Renaissance (15th-16th centuries), Spanish became a widely used language in diplomacy and literature. Famous writers such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega helped to shape the literary style of Spanish. In more recent times, renowned authors such as Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa have continued to promote the use of Spanish internationally.
Spanish Literature
Spanish literature is some of the most well-known and respected in the world. It dates back to the Middle Ages, when notable works such as Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes were first published. In the centuries since, Spanish literature has continued to produce renowned authors and iconic works.
Some of the most famous Spanish literature includes novels like One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Both of these novels have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies around the globe. Other popular Spanish literary works include poetry collections like Rimas y leyendas by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and plays like La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas.
Spanish literature has had a profound impact on Western culture at large, and its influence can still be felt today. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating aspect of Spanish culture, be sure to check out some of these classic works!
Spanish Customs and Traditions
Spanish culture is full of rich traditions and customs. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Bullfighting: One of Spain’s most famous traditions, bullfighting dates back to the early 18th century. Bullfights are usually held in special arenas called plazas de toros, and they typically take place in the afternoon.
- Fiesta: Another well-known Spanish tradition, a fiesta is a festive celebration that can be religious or secular in nature. Common fiesta activities include music, dancing, and food.
- Flamenco: A traditional form of Spanish music and dance that originates from Andalusia in southern Spain. Flamenco is characterized by its passionate vocals and guitar playing, as well as its dramatic movements.
- Siesta: A midday break that is traditionally taken during the hot summer months in Spain. During a siesta, businesses and shops close for a few hours so that people can rest and relax.
Spanish Architecture
Spanish architecture is characterized by its variety, as it has been influenced by numerous cultures over the centuries. Perhaps the most iconic type of Spanish architecture is the Moorish style, which is typified by its arches and intricate tilework. This style was introduced to Spain by the Moors during their occupation of the country from the 8th to 15th centuries.
Other notable styles of Spanish architecture include Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. Gothic architecture first arrived in Spain in the 12th century and reached its peak in popularity in the 14th and 15th centuries. Baroque architecture became popular in Spain during the 17th century, while Renaissance architecture began to be used in the country during the late 15th century.
Spanish Art
Spanish art is world-renowned for its painterly traditions, particularly in the field of Spanish Realism. This genre of painting was developed during the 19th century and depicts scenes from everyday life. Some of the most famous Spanish painters include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Joan Miro.
In addition to painting, Spain has a long history of sculpture and architecture. The Moorish influence on Spanish culture is evident in many of the country’s buildings, such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Spanish art is also characterized by its strong religious influences, as seen in works like El Greco’s “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” and Francisco de Zurbaran’s “Saint Casimir”.
Spanish Fashion
Spain is a renowned country for its fashion. The traditional Spanish clothing consists of the following items:
- The mantilla: A lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders, often with a comb to keep it in place.
- The Flamenco dress: A billowing skirt with a tight bodice, traditionally worn by Flamenco dancers.
- The Cordobés hat: A wide-brimmed straw hat, named after the city of Córdoba where it originated.
- The espadrille: A casual shoe made of canvas or cotton fabric with a rope or straw sole.
Spanish Cuisine
Spanish cuisine is known for its variety and flavor. The country’s diverse climate and geography produce a wide variety of dishes.
Spain is famous for its tapas, or small plates. Tapas are often served as appetizers but can also be a meal in themselves. Common tapas include Spanish omelette (tortilla española), ham and cheese (jamón y queso), and fried squid (calamares fritos).
Paella is another popular Spanish dish. It is a rice dish that usually includes chicken, seafood, and vegetables. The name paella comes from the pan it is cooked in, which is called a paellera.
Spain is also home to many delicious desserts. Flan, a custard dessert, is widely available, as are various types of cookies and pastries. Spain is also the birthplace of chocolate con churros, a fried dough pastry dipped in chocolate sauce.
Spanish Music
Spanish music is incredibly diverse, with a wide variety of genres and styles. From the traditional folk music of the countryside to the modern pop of cities like Madrid and Barcelona, there is something for everyone.
Flamenco is perhaps the best-known type of Spanish music, characterized by its passionate and emotionally charged sound. This style originated in Andalusia in southern Spain and has been influences by a number of different cultures over the years. Today, flamenco is enjoyed by people all over the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about Spanish music, there are plenty of resources available online and in libraries. You can also find many concerts and festivals featuring Spanish music taking place throughout the year.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of Spanish culture and the unique experiences it offers. From its vibrant cities to its delicious cuisine, Spain is an incredible country with so much to explore.
The best way to understand it fully is to visit in person and experience all that it has to offer firsthand.
Whether you’re interested in sampling tapas, viewing stunning works of art, or simply soaking up the sun on one of Spain’s beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating country!
