Spain has an impressive history dating back to the ancient Romans, as well as incredible artists and sculptures, Frank Gehry's architecture and the flavorful food and tapas (Spanish cuisine served in smaller portions on little plates), that you can get in any town or village no matter what part of Spain you are visiting. Spaniards also boast as much about the beaches as they do the wine or olive estates that are a part of the country's makeup.
Spanish culture has been influenced by a variety of other countries and cultures. Included are the influences of the Ancient Romans in areas like religion and language. According to the Accredited Language Services website, the Spanish language comes from "Vulgar Latin," and the country's main religion is Roman Catholic, which is how it's been since 1492. The Spanish are known for Flamenco dancing (a strong and defiant dance that was created by gypsies in Spain), bullfighting and ancient architecture.
Cuisine is a big part of Spain's identity. Recipes here often are passed down within the family for generations, with influence on use of the perfect amount of seasoning, mild flavors and the freshest ingredients. Because much of Spain's borders touch water, seafood is a central ingredient in many dishes, like Paella. It's a rice dish that's usually paired with chorizo, a spicy sausage meat, and a seafood, like shrimp. Fruits and vegetables like lemon, pomegranates, apples and avocados hail from the fertile land, cheese and cured meats from the highlands and olives and olive oils from the groves that speckle the country's hills.
Festivals, fiestas, bullfights and concerts can all be found throughout Spain. Barcelona boasts many art galleries, such as the Picasso Museum and the Dali Museum. Pamplona hosts the Running of the Bulls every year, from July 7 through July 14. Madrid offers the Avenue of Art, where museums like the Reina Sofia, which also houses some of Picasso's work, and the Thyssen, which is considered one of the largest private collections in the world.
Theater is popular in larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Sometimes you can find theaters housing a type of musical comedy called Zarzuela. These can be entertaining to watch for the music, even if you don't know the language. Soccer, or football as it's known in Spain, is played mostly on Sundays, and is usually a lively event. Locals can also be seen playing handball, or "pelota."
If you're planning a trip to Spain, knowing your destination and having an idea of what you plan to do there will help you in the long run. Taking the time to research the history and culture of the country is wise. Doing so can help you immerse yourself once there, which can help you enjoy the trip more. When traveling to Spain or any foreign country, you should always check security information for travel alerts or warnings. These can be found on the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website (see Resources).
