authentic spain
CULTURE , CUSTOMS AND COUNTRYSIDE The rich history of Spain has not only moulded the country ’ s landscape , it has left a mark on the traditions , customs and practices of Spain ’ s contemporary culture , making it a fascinating and diverse destination to discover . A number of Spain ’ s autonomous communities have unique historical , political and cultural traditions , leading the government to recognise regions including the Basque Country , Galicia and Catalonia as independent ‘ nationalities ’. While Castilian Spanish is spoken throughout the country , regional languages are widely spoken in some areas and have been officially recognised . With Spanish Expressions we intend to lead you to the authentic Spain where you can revel in the history , culture and traditions of the country .
CUSTOMS
Much of Spain shuts down for a few hours each afternoon as locals stop for ‘ siesta ’, a tradition which began as a way to escape the excessive midday heat and still persists today . Even now , many shops and businesses close for a few hours in the middle of the afternoon so that the workers can take a nap and enjoy a long lunch .
One of the most controversial aspects of Spanish culture is bullfighting , which is considered by many to be an art and by others to be unnecessary and cruel . Bullfights are still held throughout Spain ; most cities have a bullring and there are a number of high profile festivals which celebrate the sport , including the notorious ‘ running of the bulls ’ in Pamplona .
A familiar emblem of Spanish culture , flamenco is a seductive art form which was first performed by the gypsies of Andalucía and has found fame worldwide . Combining song , dance and guitar music , this alluring and passionate spectacle can be witnessed all over the country , but is at its best in the flamenco clubs of southern Spain .
Dining in Spain is often much later than in the UK , with restaurants usually open for lunch between 2pm and 4pm , and dinner being served from 9pm onwards . Many Spaniards eat tapas before dinner , the small morsels which are served at bars throughout the country . In some parts of the country these snacks are offered free of charge along with a drink , in others visitors choose which dishes they would like to try .
RELIGION
Spain is predominantly a Roman Catholic country , illustrated by the great wealth of cathedrals , churches and religious monuments which are dispersed throughout the country . Northern Spain is the setting of one of Christianity ’ s most important pilgrimage routes , the Way of St James , which leads to Santiago de Compostela . The country has also been home to a significant number of Jews and Muslims over the centuries , with many places of worship for both religions still intact today . However , followers of both religions were persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition and eventually expelled from the country . In modern times , Islam is once again an important religion in Spain , with a smaller number of Jews .
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