Understanding Spanish culture

Hola,

No matter if we understand the song Despacito or not, we have loved listening to it since it came. Spanish culture has given so many things to the world, but many people do not really know about it. 

Religions 

Although the major religion in Spain has been Catholic Christianity since the Reconquista, Agnosticism and Atheism also exist there. 

Spanish cuisine 

Spanish cuisine consists of the cooking traditions and practices from Spain. Olive oil (of which Spain is the world’s largest producer) is heavily used in Spanish cuisine. The use of garlic has been noted as “common to all Spanish cooking. Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all. Traditional Spanish cuisine is down-to-earth, uncomplicated food that is based on the ingredients available locally or the crops grown regionally. Some of the famous Spanish food is Churros, Gazpacho, Patatas Bravas, Tapas, etc 

Dance and music

Spanish music and dance are two of the things that perfectly depict the passion and fire of Spain’s culture. Most people already know about the world-famous Flamenco. Flamenco is a style of Spanish music, played on guitar. It is accompanied by singing and dancing. It is a folkloric music tradition of southern Spain. It transmits passion in each of its three components: song, dance and music. It dates back to the 1550s. 

Other forms of Spanish dance are Bolero, Fandango, etc.

Language

Five languages are spoken in Spain: 

Spanish (Castilian): It is the official language all over the country, Catalan, Galician and Basque. Spanish is the 4th most spoken language in the world. Apart from Spain, Spanish is spoken in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, etc. Spanish is also called the romance language. 

I believe there is no better way to learn about a country and its culture than to learn its language. One connects, learns, and discovers so much by learning a language.

Here is a link for all those who want to learn French: 

Festivals

1. Las Fallas de Valencia: There are hundreds of festivals to celebrate in Spain, but one of the largest is Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain. Las Fallas stands for Festival of Fire and is held every March. The celebration is held in commemoration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and to the coming of the spring.
2. Semana Santa: It is a week-long celebration which takes place in cities all over Spain. During the festival, thousands of people take part in processions as massive floats carrying religious statues are brought to the church.
3. San Fermin: many movies feature this festival. Held for a week every year at the starting of the month of July, the San Fermin Spanish festival or the Pamplona Bull Run is amongst the best festivals in Spain in July. This popular bullfighting festival in Spain. Adventurous people are supposed to run in front of angry bulls.  
4. La Tomatina (Tomato Fight Festival): If you have watched Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, you probably know about this fun festival. In this festival, people throw and smash tomatoes at each other in the streets of Bunol.
5. The Feria de Agosto: Malaga’s annual fair takes place during the third week of August, kicking off with fireworks on the beach at midnight on Friday. Have dinner at a chiringuito (beach bar) and then watch the fireworks to kick off the week.

Traditions and customs: 

1. The siesta: Although in the modern world most people are sleep-deprived. Spaniards still believe in the concept of Siesta. Siesta is the Spanish of a nap. 
2. Tipping in Spain: In Spain, the concept of tipping in restaurants or bars is not very common. They do not expect the customers to tip. The concept is very American. In some restaurants and bars in Spain, there is a rule of not tipping. 
3. Nightlife: Spanish nightlife is very famous across the world. Especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. It is not reserved for one age group. The Spanish are late-night people. They generally go out after 10 p.m. 
4. Punctuality: It is a stereotype, but in most cases, it is believed true. Spaniards are not very punctual people. They generally arrive 15-20 minutes late than the actual time. 
5. Shops opening in the middle of the day: most of the shops in Spain remain closed in the middle of the day. That is their lunch break time. 
6. Cheek kiss: Spaniards are very affectionate people. They generally greet each other by kissing each check or handshaking. 
7. Day drinking: In Spain, it is very common. They generally drink with lunch or food, but in moderation. 
8. Free food: it is common in Spain. When you order food, the restaurant may provide you with free food. For example Tapas. 
9. Bluntness: Spaniards can be very direct and blunt as compared to other countries. So, do not get offended.
10.  Not everyone speaks English: not everyone speaks English in Spain.