spaın
Culture
Club
Spain is a country full of diversity in terms of tradition, language and culture. The official language of Spain is Castilian (popularly called Spanish) and the regional languages including Catalan, Basque and Galician. The cultural heritage of present-day Spain consist of Christian, Judaic and Arabic legacy (e.g. the famous Alhambra in Granada). However, the Spanish culture is basically based on Christian tradition fundamentals. Festivals called Fiestas pose an outstanding nature to the Spanish culture.
Fiestas are usually local parties of historic, religious and folklore nature referring to the rich tradition of particular regions of Spain. Preparations for them are very diligent and they last for a long time. The Fiesta itself is about really lively amusement often connected with religious or pagan practises.
Among them, Semana Santa in Sevilla is one of the most significant. It is the observance of Holly Week with spectacular processions well-known all over the world.
The Las Fallas de San Jose fiesta in Valencia, celebrated in March is quite outstanding. The city changes into a place of an unusual party of fireworks display.
Some festivals are connected with special dates. All over Spain Fiestas are held on St. Jacob’s Day (Santiago), the patron saint of Spain, on 25th July and these festivities are most riotous in Santiago de Compostela.
Another important date is 16th July when the feast of sailors and fishermen falls (Virgen del Carmen). After all, Spain is still one of the world leaders in fishery. On this day fishermen decorate their boats with flowers and invite others for cruises.
One of the local Spanish traditions is La Tomatina (the Tomato Festival). It takes place in Bunol, near Valencia. This little town isn’t distinguished with anything apart from one day in year when it transforms into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A Tomato Battle takes place in there.
One of the symbols of Spain are bulls. The inseparable part of many festivals are bull fights called corridas. The most recognised one is San Fermin, probably the most famous Spanish fiesta in the world. At the beginning of July in the streets of Pamplona there is the well-known running of the bulls in front of which a crowd of courageous people dressed in red scarves run.
Another symbol of Spain is the flamenco dance. It originates from Andalusia where the best world’s performance can still be watched. Flamenco is a mix of Andalusian, Gypsy and Byzantine influences. This music is mostly played on the guitar.
The above festivals and symbols make Spain very special and rich in culture.