spain

 

Spain has been influenced by several nations and several people in history and hence has a very diverse cultural heritage. Spanish culture originates from the Iberian, Celt Iberian, Latin, Visigothic, Roman Catholic, and Islamic cultures. Hence Spanish culture is nothing but European culture influenced by several other cultures.


















It is - and has been for thousands of years - one of the cultural centers of Europe. It has beautiful cities and towns, offering really old monuments as well as futuristic architecture.

Its various regions are all different one to each other, geographically, climatically and even in personality. It is a fascinating country to know and to know more about it.

 Widely known for Flamenco music and dance, bull-fights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine, Spain has to offer much more than that. Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art, and to be more exact a genuine Southern Spanish art.
It exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing.

Bullfighting has been an object of ridicule by the animal lovers worldwide. It is reported that about 24,000 bulls face death each year in Spain during the season of bullfighting. But the sport of bullfighting has made its way in the culture of Spain since 711 AD. The first instance of bullfighting is reported to be held during the crowning of King Alfons VIII. The bull-rings are found at a gap of few yards throughout Spain.

A significant portion of Spanish cuisine derives from the Roman, Jewish and Arab traditions. The Moorish people were a strong influence in Spain for many centuries. However, pork is popular and for centuries eating pork was also a statement of Christian ethnicity or "cleanliness of blood", because it was not eaten by Jews or Muslims. Several native foods of the


Americas were introduced to Europe through Spain, and a modern Spanish cook could not do without potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and beans. These are some of the primary influences that have differentiated Spanish cuisine from Mediteranean cousine, of which Spanish cuisine shares many techniques and food items.