Spanish Culture

When someone mentions Spanish culture most of us think of bullfighting, flamenco, sunny beaches and siestas. All of these are true to the culture however there is a lot more to be experienced.

Spanish Wine

Take Spanish wine, there are more than 50 regions of Spain producing gorgeous wines for every taste. The most famous being Rioja, followed by white, rose, sparkling wines and sherries, known as jerez.   Whatever region you visit you will find a Spanish wine to compliment  your favourite Spanish dish.

Spanish food

When discussing Spanish food I hear myself thinking 'Where do I start?'  Due to the influx of Europeans and the ease of travel many dishes are now well known such as melt in the mouth ham, seafood and fish, paella and those little delightful dishes - tapas. Tapas originated from the word tapar (to cover), when drinks were covered with an empty plate to protect drinks from flies and dust. This evolved into bartenders placing a small portion of food onto the plate such as ham or seafood. This had the effect of pleasing customers and they would return often. While in Spain the thought of tapas brings back memories of lazy evenings on the way home from the beach enjoying a bottle of wine and devouring the most tender ham or the tastiest seafood, heaven!

Another delight is breakfast (desayuno), where there is not a bowl of meusli in sight but what you will find is the most delicious hot chocolate and churros. Churros are another part of the Spanish culture in the gastronomic feast. They are little crispy snacks which are best dipped into hot chocolate.

Spanish Music And Dance

Spanish music can range from classical, latin, and Galician where the bagpipes can be heard in the Northern region. The classical guitar is connected with the most famous dance related to Spain, the flamenco. There is widespread disagreements as to where the flamenco originated however it is thought to have originated in Southern Spain, a fusion of Morroccan, Indian, Pakistan, Greek and Egyptian influences. Most experts believe the origins of the authenic flamenco music and dance stems from the gypsies who arrived in the 15th century and the following century fused with pagan influences from those who had escaped to he Andalucian mountains. There have been many famous flamenco dancers and musicians throughout the centuries who are well documented in Spanish culture and history.

The sound of classical guitar is also steeped in history and again it can be seen to originate form early gypsie and 15th century settlers. Early on classical guitar was usually played to the accompaniment of a singer whereas it can now be heard as an art of its own or alongside a riveting flamenco performer. Probably the most famous modern day classical guitarist from Spanish culture is Django Rheinhardt.

 

Spanish Movies

Movies can be a fun way to compliment your Spanish learning. The benefit of foreign language movies is the option of subtitles. If a movie is viewed in English speaking countries then subtitles are standard which will benefit a beginner tremendously. The talent of directors of Latin American and Spanish movies is apparent in the works of Almodovar, Carlos Saura, Julio Medem and Alejandro Amenabar giving us great entertainment.

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