The History and Origins of Spanish Cultural Traditions

Always Spain have been well Known worldwide by Bulls and Paellas but be aware if you travel there because this country is fascinating country in traditions and cultural values. Located in the Iberia peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean and Atlantic sea, is viewed from other countries as one unified land wealthy in cultural traditions as part of the identity of its citizens. However, Spain is divided in 17 Autonomous regions where each one has its own flag, government and languages such as: Castellan (Castilian), Catalan, Basque, and Galician.

It is amazing how this unique country attracts millions of visitors each year interested in its Flamenco music, and other folkloristic traditions which are significant for most of the Spanish citizens. As an anecdote I always remember my impressions during the first year living in United States whenever I used to meet somebody and say that I was coming from Spain. I was surprised of many of my friends and relatives knew about the country with information taken from someone else’s experience, or from any documentary presented on TV.

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One day, I decided to explain them how uncomfortable I felt when I realized that the only expression that they learned to say me was "Ole'" and totally in contrary Spain has more than that in traditions which are unknown around the world. As a result, most of my friends are grateful because they knew about the Tomatines festivity, the Fallas in Valencia, the Castell of Catalonia making remarkable diversity and ideals maintained from centuries by the population.

This is why, is wealthy in cultural, gastronomic, and music traditions as part of the cultural values influenced by previous generation shaping the face of the country in its citizens behaviors.

First, a cultural tradition known as "Bullfight" was originated by previous generations specifically in Andalucía region with the purpose of entertaining the audience in festivities where the Matador show courage awaiting an angry bull. His strategies and movements in the middle of the Plaza between claps, white scarf’s and other gestures by the audience are going encourage him to terminate the bull's life. While this tradition has been trespassed from generation to generation as not offensive. However, in countries like United States this practice is forbidden because could be considered as an animal abuse. Besides that, the claim of the animal rights organizations would claim the respect of the sensitivity of many citizens whom are against it. Consequently, many objections by younger Spanish citizens in Catalonia this tradition is less followed than other regions because the autonomous government approved that several plazas were closed to this type of events.

Although, time is money and very important to have a productive and active working life, for many Spanish citizens the "Siesta" is another daily tradition incentivized with healthy purposes for having a relaxing stop at lunch for sleeping. For example, most of the offices and business in Spain close from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm for taking the siesta, eat in their houses or share with their family and friends. Similar to this tradition in United States or Dominican Republic is the Lunch time but compared to Spain this time is shorter than and most of the business don't close during this hours. Therefore, if you go to buy something in Spain at lunch and see that the business is closed don't be surprised that its owner is taking the Siesta.

Another Spanish traditions are gastronomic such as the Tapas that is a small amount of meal like oysters, olives, or salads served always before the main lunch or dinner. Certainly, this has the purpose of having an introductory dish between hours avoiding being too hungry at the table. However, in United States this tradition is similar to an aperitif eaten before going to lunch or dinner but in bigger size than the tapes dishes.

In conclusion, the vision of an ideal place where is possible to enjoy of memorable traditions combined with history and artistic expressions illustrated in castles, monuments and churches are presented in Spain. This Mediterranean country develop the image of every citizen whom are proud of their cultural legacy expressed through festivities and celebrations calling the attention of newcomers also by the beauty in its beaches, gastronomic variety and music making it one of the most visited around the world.

Works Cited:

1. Culture & Customs in Spain http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-customs-Spain-14450.html

2. By David Thyberg, Leaf Group Year. How Spanish Traditions Work https://people.howstuffworks.com/culturetraditions/national-traditions/spanish-spanish2.htm