Spanish culture, bullfighting, traditions and fiestas, culture in Spain
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The culture and conformities of Spain and the Spanish people
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Food in Spain
Eating out in Spain is relatively cheap and meals are usually substantial instead of gourmet. The Spanish tradition of tapas is a good way to sample the local food. Tapas are small dishes of snacks which are served anytime especially in small bars. They cover all types of foods from seafood to vegetables. Many Spanish people make an evening of hopping from bar to bar trying different tapas. Another of Spain's favourites is Serrano Ham. Spain is famous for its fish delicacies and simply must be sampled, especially if you get to coastal areas. Paella has long been a Spanish favourite, based on either meat or seafood. Every region in Spain has its own specialities. See Spanish recipes here

 


A serrano ham

Spain produces massive amounts of oranges

 

See a video of a fresh fish and veg market in Spain: Indoor market in Fuengirola

 
The diet in Spain is reported to be one of the most healthy diets in the world. The combination of olives, fresh fruit, seafood and fresh vegetables can help sustain a healthy and long life.
 


Drink in Spain
Primarily Spain is a wine drinking country with each region producing its own special wines, however there are several large breweries within Spain producing the light, lager-like beers popular everywhere. The principal table wines are the Riojas and Valdepeñas, named after the regions in which they are produced. In general, Rioja, from the region around Logroño in the northeast,  resembles the French Bordeaux, though it is less delicate. Valdepeñas is a rougher wine, but pleasant and hearty. It will be found at its best in the region where it is grown, midway between Madrid and Cordóba. The Jerez area is famous for its sherry. Jerez is the place from which this wine was first exported. Britain now buys 75% of all sherry exports. There are four main types of sherry, being fino which is pale and dry, amontillado, dry, richer in body and darker, oloroso, medium, fragrant and golden and dulce, which is sweet. In the Basque Country, chacoli is a favourite, green wine, slightly sparkling and sour. The majority of Spanish sparkling wines are sweet and fruity and even the inexpensive supermarket wines have an important place in the wine culture. Cider also has an importance in Spain. See our full section on wine.

 

See sherry bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera - the home of sherry

 

 

 

Spanish brandy is very different from French brandy. It is cheap and pleasant although specialists find it a little sweet. Popular brands include 103, Magno and Carlos which are distilled in Jerez.

 

Cider is popular in northern Spain.

 

Coffee is drunk in Spain in great quantities. Cafe solo is served in small cups and is a black coffee, very strong and thick. Cafe con leche is coffee with milk. Spaniards also drink a great deal of bottled water. There are two types, con gas is fizzy water and sin gas is still water

 

Fiestas and Traditions
All Spanish towns and cities have their own special celebrations, as well as the national holidays such as Christmas, Easter Week, All Saints Day etc. The way in which the national events are celebrated also varies from place to place. Most festivities are of religious base, mainly Catholic. See our full listing of holidays.

Bullfighting in Spain
We understand that many people do not agree with this sport but IdealSpain.com felt it right to attend and report on this Spanish tradition. See our report

Nightlife
Spaniards often start the evening with el paseo, a leisurely stroll through the main streets or along the paseo maritimo in the coastal resorts.

 

 

Much of Spanish life is lived in the streets and the atmosphere is especially vibrant at fiesta time. On a warm evening the street cafes and bars can fill to capacity as people sit and relax. The nightclubs of Ibiza and the big cities have attracted the attention of the international media and are always an attraction for the youngsters. Most open late at night and don't close until late the following day.

 

Spanish men tend to maintain eye contact with females for longer, although this does not mean anything.

 

 

The Spanish way of life is somewhat slower than the rest of Europe, especially in the south. This may be seen as lazy, but when the Spanish work, they work hard. They have adapted to the weather and play hard too. It is quite common for life to begin when the sun goes down, especially in the summer. They are a very happy people who enjoy life to the full. They love music, dance and food.

 

Smoking is now banned in all interior public places in Spain although it is common for people to take no notice. Most bars still allow smoking and it is signposted on the door.

 

 

Dress codes
In general the Spanish have a very modern outlook on clothing. They are keen on designer clothes but quality is more important than a designer name. Spanish made clothes tend to be high quality and reasonably priced.

Teenage girls tend to wear trousers more than skirts. Denim is definitely 'in'. Teenage boys are keen on designer wear and appearance is important to them. Mature Spaniards dress conservatively and with style. Older men in particular tend to wear high quality clothing.

It is unclear what the Spanish think of scantily clad holiday-makers but it is not acceptable in small villages, away from the coast. One should be particularly careful of dress code if entering churches. Swim-wear and short skirts are frowned upon.

 

See a full feature on Spanish dress code and clothing here

 

Spanish clothes shops stock a wide variety of clothes, as with any European country. On most high streets you will find top names such as River Island, Monsoon etc as well as some local shops that sell high quality clothing. On the coast you will find typical holiday maker shops where the quality of clothing may not be so good. Find out more about shopping in Spain here

 

What are the Spanish people like?

Spaniards in general are a very friendly, warm and fun-loving race. People seem to think that they are lazy but this is simply NOT true. In general, Spanish people are hard-working but they do know how to enjoy their free time. Family life is very important in Spain and this features in every region. Towards the south of Spain, life is considerably slower and more relaxed.

 

Spanish people are very proud of their history and culture and are very happy when foreigners take an interest. They love to show off and this is so evident in their dance such as flamenco. They need little excuse for a party of a fiesta and this is now part of everyday life in Spain.

 

When it comes to technology in Spain they are behind most of Europe but catching up fast. Spain has been a little slow to realise the potential of the internet whereas mobile phones were quick to take off. You don't have to look far to see people on their mobiles. New technology is interesting to Spaniards but they are a little slow to take it up. It appears that new technology is far less important than socialising and enjoying life.

     

 

 
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