Culture
Facts about the Spanish culture:
° The majority of Spaniards are Catholic, though Spain is a secular state. For over 300 years, most of Spain was Muslim. Parts of Spain were under Muslim rule until 1492 when the last Moorish king fell (in Granada).
° Flamenco is not just a dance, but an art form that includes guitar, singing, dancing and 'palmas' (handclaps).
° Same-sex marriage is legal in Spain
° When introduced expect to shake hands.
° Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder.
° Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left.
Traditional dishes in Spain:
° Paella is served in Spain during the springtime festival, Las Fallas. It has rice, meat or fish, saffron, paprika, and a variety of other spices.
° Churros are served most commonly as breakfast and snacks in Spain. They are a fried pastry in stick (or twisted) shape. Some are filled with fruit or chocolate, like the USA version of a jelly-filled doughnut.
° Mantecados and polvorones are almond cakes, and turrón is candy made from almonds and honey. All are Christmas tradition in Spain, specifically in the southern regions.
° Tortillas are more like omelettes in Spain, compared to the fried flatbread we're used to hearing about from Mexico (or other Central and South American countries).
° Jamón serrano is country ham and has varieties that are sweet, spicey, or slightly pink (raw).
° Flan in the USA is a kind of tart, but in Spain and much of the rest of the Spanish speaking countries it is a custard desert with soft caramel on top.
° Gazpacho is a cold Spanish breadsoup. There are several varieties of gazpacho- all depend on the tradition of the area or family. Sometimes it has tomato as an ingredient, but not always. It is usually served with meat or a hard-boiled egg.
° Horchata is a drink made with either almonds or rice. It is usually served warm (not chilled, but at room temperature).
Spanish lively festivals:
° San Fermin (running of the bulls)
° Tomatina (tomato battle)
° Las Fallas (St Joseph’s Day)
° Moros y Cristianos (battle between Christians and Muslims)
° Carnaval
° Semana Santa (holy week)
° The majority of Spaniards are Catholic, though Spain is a secular state. For over 300 years, most of Spain was Muslim. Parts of Spain were under Muslim rule until 1492 when the last Moorish king fell (in Granada).
° Flamenco is not just a dance, but an art form that includes guitar, singing, dancing and 'palmas' (handclaps).
° Same-sex marriage is legal in Spain
° When introduced expect to shake hands.
° Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder.
° Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left.
Traditional dishes in Spain:
° Paella is served in Spain during the springtime festival, Las Fallas. It has rice, meat or fish, saffron, paprika, and a variety of other spices.
° Churros are served most commonly as breakfast and snacks in Spain. They are a fried pastry in stick (or twisted) shape. Some are filled with fruit or chocolate, like the USA version of a jelly-filled doughnut.
° Mantecados and polvorones are almond cakes, and turrón is candy made from almonds and honey. All are Christmas tradition in Spain, specifically in the southern regions.
° Tortillas are more like omelettes in Spain, compared to the fried flatbread we're used to hearing about from Mexico (or other Central and South American countries).
° Jamón serrano is country ham and has varieties that are sweet, spicey, or slightly pink (raw).
° Flan in the USA is a kind of tart, but in Spain and much of the rest of the Spanish speaking countries it is a custard desert with soft caramel on top.
° Gazpacho is a cold Spanish breadsoup. There are several varieties of gazpacho- all depend on the tradition of the area or family. Sometimes it has tomato as an ingredient, but not always. It is usually served with meat or a hard-boiled egg.
° Horchata is a drink made with either almonds or rice. It is usually served warm (not chilled, but at room temperature).
Spanish lively festivals:
° San Fermin (running of the bulls)
° Tomatina (tomato battle)
° Las Fallas (St Joseph’s Day)
° Moros y Cristianos (battle between Christians and Muslims)
° Carnaval
° Semana Santa (holy week)