Spanish culture and customs

Spanish culture and customs – main Spanish cultural symbols

Spanish culture and customs are present everywhere you go in Spain. Every region has their own characteristics due to different influences they were subjected to, but Barcelona is, by far, the most visited. The Spanish culture is unique in the world; it is a mix of diverse elements, religions and cultures, both European and African. Here are some of the most famous symbols of Spanish culture and customs.

Spanish culture symbols

Spain has a rich cultural and artistic history. This country is the home of some of the world’s greatest painters. Modernist painters Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali were both born in Spain. Dali’s most famous works are Persistence of Memory, The Endless Enigma, Crucifixion and the Last Supper while Pablo Picasso’s paintings Guernica, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Three Musicians are famous all over the world. Although they may be less known, El Greco, Goya and Velasquez contributed to the artistic world with numerous works and an original style. Most of their works can be admired in three of the most popular museums in the world, located in Madrid – Reina Sofia Museum, Prado Museum and Thyssen Bornemisza Museum.

Also Spanish are some famous composers (Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados, Joaquín Rodrigo and Manuel de Falla) and opera singers (Placido Domingo, José Carreras and Montserrat Caballé). Their beautiful voices and works continue to enchant millions of people all over the world.

Flamenco is one of the most popular Spanish cultural symbols; however, it’s still misunderstood by many people. Many think as flamenco as a dance. But it’s more than that; it’s a music style that relies mainly on the guitar, rhythm and vocals. The dance is most of the time spontaneous and flamenco dancers like to improvise their dance moves.

Among other symbols representing the Spanish culture and customs paella and sangria are very popular all over the world, in terms of food and drinks. Paella is a rice dish cooked with different other ingredients, such as meat, sea food or vegetables. If you try paella, have a glass of fruity Sangria as well. Sangria is usually made of red wine, brandy, fruits and lots of ice, but every restaurant has their own recipe.

Spanish customs

Siesta is probably the most well known customs in Spain. Although this is supposed to be a habit that calms and relaxes people, it’s a very frustrating aspect for tourists who will find that during 2 PM and 5 PM almost all shops and restaurants are closed. Luckily, big commercial centers are not fans of this habit.

Another time related Spanish customs concerns the eating hours. Spanish people are very strict and rigid when it comes to eating hours. If tourists miss them and don’t get in sync with the rest of Spaniards, they might find themselves in the position of looking for something to eat. Usually breakfast is served between 7 AM and 9 AM, lunch between 1 PM and 3 PM and dinner between 9 PM and 11 PM.

Almost all tourists coming to Spain are advised to try the tapas. That’s great, but what is that really all about? Contrary to what most people think, tapas are not a certain type of food but actually a way of eating it. Tapas refer to small food portions that can be made of anything; to go for tapas means to eat small portions of food in different bars and restaurants.

The Spanish culture and customs are rich, diverse and entertaining. Tourists who decide to visit Spain will discover these symbols and will be fascinated with them; and luckily, you can see them on every corner of Spain.