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spain Culture

Image taken on 2006-11-24 20:32:46 by pcesarperez.

La Bomba (Barcelona 2008)

spain Culture

Image taken on 2008-08-19 05:56:10 by paularps.

Reasons for Living in Spain

There are many reasons why people choose to ultimately live in Spain. Some of these are listed below but there are probably many, many more, and each persons reason is as individual as they are.

Climate.

Spain has often been described as having the best climate in Europe. The eastern and southern coasts such as Valencia and Almeria are mainly dry and warm where people can enjoy the sun, sea and the many quite beaches all year round, whilst the mountainous regions such as Asturias and Aragon in the North have extremes of temperature which favour outdoor sports like hiking and cycling in summer to skiing in the winter. Many people who own a property in Spain would claim to prefer visiting it in the low season when there are no tourists around and the temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor life the Spaniards are famous for.

Healthy Diet.

The Mediterranean diet (and especially Spain’s) has long been renowned for its healthy benefits. Sun and oranges, delicious seafood, vegetables and very good wines are all words often used to describe one of the finest cuisines of Europe. Olive oil is one of the major ingredients used in cooking Spanish dishes, the most famous of which is paella. Cook at a few of the Spanish recipes we have here and enjoy a glass or two of the Rioja to complement the dish.

Spanish Language.

Castilian Spanish is the official national language and if you are living in Spain, then you should try to learn it, as Spanish is also one of the World’s leading languages being spoken by more than 450 million people (mainly in Spain, South America and the USA). If you would like to learn Spanish then try one of the many online courses or look in your local area for Spanish language courses close to where you are.

Spain – several countries in one.

You would find it difficult to describe Spain in just one word or sentence. There are so many assortments of weather, culture and geography that it’s tricky to know where to begin. There is something for everyone in Spain and differences such as plains, mountains, crisp cold mornings, long warm evenings, snow, sun, long sandy beaches, small rocky coves, rural villages or modern cities will give you some idea of the diversity of the country. Take a look at some of our thoughts on places to visit.

Outdoor life.

The Spanish lifestyle is best described as ‘outdoors’ and if you enjoy walking, swimming, playing golf or water sports then this certainly is the country for you. It is not difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle in Spain if you have the time or the enthusiasm. Many Spaniards take their meals outdoors and spend long hours socializing in the evenings.

Spanish Culture.

Spain has been dominated throughout history by many different races and cultures, which has resulted in the country having a rich variety of traditions and customs. From the Romans and Iberians to the Moors and more lately immigrants from northern Europe and beyond, all have left their mark on society. Visit the castles, galleries and museums that abound in Spain to immerse you in the culture or just wander the streets of some of the towns and villages to soak up the atmosphere and learn about ‘real’ Spain.

Spanish People.

It is often said that the Spanish know how to enjoy life. They are extroverted people who love to eat and to party but yet they can be described as loyal to their friends and very protective of their families. Foreigners are generally made very welcome in Spain, especially if they try to speak the language, as not only do they bring wealth in to the country but also they have show exceedingly good taste by coming here in the first place and as Spaniards are very proud of their country, this carries a lot of weight.

Spinning – Igor Prochazka Trio (IPT) – Funky, groovy, jazz from Madrid, Spain


Spinning – by Igor Prochazka Performed 2007 by Igor Prochazka Trio (IPT) at Fundacion Canal (Madrid, Spain) Buy the band’s album “Easy Route” at cdbaby (www.cdbaby.com/cd/igorprochazkatrio/from/jazzmadrid) or download it from itunes, amazon.com, rhapsody etc… IPT are: Federico Marini (drums), Christian Pérez (doublebass), Igor Prochazka (piano) Video production: La Espigadora info@laespigadora.com

Enjoy Both The Beach And City In Spain

Many different vacations or holidays are available to satisfy every kind of traveler, whether single, a couple or with a family. The vacations can be enjoyable for everyone if you take into account the preferences of the traveler. There are many destinations around the world where you can find accommodations on the beach or a city skyscraper for a beautiful view. You can, surely, find such accommodations anywhere but Spain is one place that offers both. Spending your holidays in Spain allows you to meet the preferences of all travelers and experience both the beach and the city without leaving the region.

The cities of Spain offer much art, culture, history, entertainment, good food and fun. However, what is so fabulous about this destination is that you can be in the exciting city and shortly thereafter relaxing at the beach, golfing or swimming. The Costa Blanca region is an extremely popular region, particularly for its beautiful coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The Alicante Airport is the main airport for the Costa Blanca region and not far from the quaint Costa Blanca cities. The climate is beautiful all year round, though the summers in the city can become quite hot but, fortunately, the beach is always nearby for some cooling and relaxation. Otherwise, the temperatures are generally perfect for swimming yet comfortable for sightseeing.

Spanish culture, museums and art can be found in any of Spain’s cities and, especially, in the larger metropolitan cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a world center for finance and commerce, but it is a city for both those taking care of business as well as those visiting on vacation or holiday. Barcelona is the second largest city of Spain and is the capital of the Catalonia community, one of Spain’s seventeen autonomous communities. Barcelona is on the northeast tip of Spain along the coastline with the Pyrenees mountain range approximately 100 miles north. It hosted the 1888 World’s Fair as well as the 1992 Summer Olympics.

In addition to the many museums and other attractions, Spain is also known for its regular festivals and fiestas, as holidays occur throughout the entire year. In Spain, you can relax, party and learn about the culture equally as hard. One of Spain’s many holiday celebrations, though, is a great opportunity to party and experience the local culture at the same time. For example, you can visit the Merida Theatre anytime of the year but its annual festival is in the summer. During this festival, the Greco-Latin authors present their work on the stage in this Roman-style theatre.

Johnathan Bakers continually pens short articles on topics dealing with Spain and spanish culture. You might come across his contributions on holidays in Spain over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Spain Is An Ideal Vacation Destination Any Time Of The Year

Most people think of a vacation in Spain as a summer vacation, but the fact is there is plenty to do in Spain at any every time of the year. So many attractions to see and things to do that it will not matter when you are there.

If you are into nature and outdoor activities, you will find skiing, water sports, hiking and rock climbing. If you prefer culture and history, visit the many museums, old churches, castles and fortresses. There are festivals in every part of the country at just about any time of the year, where you can learn about the culture of the region.

Don’t think outdoor activities in Spain can only be enjoyed during the summer months. There is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast any time of year. Each season has wonderful activities to offer you, depending on which location you visit. Although the sun and the sand of the areas surrounding the Mediterranean, such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa Del Sol, are the main attraction during the summer and lure crowds of vacationers during the months of June through September, there are many other things to do there. There are resorts offering all kinds of activities, and spas where you can relax and rejuvenate your spirits. You can find these kinds of spas and resorts all over Spain, in small towns as well as in big city centers. One of the most notorious summer events in Spain is the famous “running of the bulls”, which takes place in July. Adventurous sorts from all over the world come to Spain to participate in this event and test their speed against that of the bulls. You can try to do that yourself, or you can just watch from the sidelines. The best part for everyone are the festivities that take place after wards.

Spain has many mountainous areas, and skiing is therefore a popular past time. There are top ski resorts located in Spain in such areas as Catabunya, Malaga, Torremolinos and Aragon. The ski season can run from early winter through spring, with the late spring months especially popular for the warm spring skiing.

For something a little different, try rock climbing. This is a very popular outdoor sport in Spain, and many areas of the country have sites that draw avid climbers. If you are experienced, you may want to put together a group of climbers, or you can join an organized tour if you don’t have much experience. Many of the organized tours will include some basic lessons in rock climbing, so it is perfect if this is something you have always wanted to try.

For the more culturally inclined, Spain has a large number of world famous museums all around the country. The main cities such as Barcelona and Madrid of course have a number of large museums, but smaller cities also have many museums that exhibit the art and history of Spain throughout the ages. This is one of the best ways to understand and appreciate the culture of the region you are visiting.

If you visit Spain in the spring, you will want to be sure to attend some of the Holy Week festivities. Since Spain is a mostly Catholic country, the week leading to Easter is full of pageantry and processions. Every town, big or small is sure to have a procession or passion play. The passion, death and resurrection of Christ is depicted in these activities. Catholics from all over Spain attend the Holy Week processions, and many non-Catholics attend to experience the beauty and art of this custom.

Peter J. Wilson usually produces reports on information like Spain and spanish culture. His abstracts on travel Spain are found on his website .

Bullfighting in Spain Las Ventas Madrid Spain


Bullfighting in Spain Culture or animal torture?

All About Spain

Most famously known for its endless beaches and year-round sunshine as well as the sultry Flamenco and the gory bullfights, Spain has oodles more to offer than that. For thousands of years, Spain has been one of the prime cultural centres of Europe. What distinguishes Spain from the other European countries is its distinctly Arab characteristic which is a result of almost eight centuries of Arab influence.


Spain’s diversity is overwhelming. Its various regions are all conspicuously different from each other; from their geography and climate to their cuisine and culture. Every city and town is an eclectic mix of ancient monuments and futuristic architecture standing testimony to Spain’s centuries old history and its changing times. Cities and towns are littered with Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces, medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals.


Geography


Located in the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain’s bordering countries include France, Andorra, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco. The waters surrounding Spain include the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees Mountains southwest of France. Spain has a total area of 504,782 km, with a coastline that stretches 4,964 km. It comprises 19 autonomous communities including the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean; the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca) in the Mediterranean Sea and Melilla and Ceuta, situated in northern Africa. Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas are three tiny Spanish possessions that lie off the coast of Morocco.


Five immense mountain ranges span the country adding to the extremely varied landscape; green and fertile in some areas and arid, almost desert-like in others. Along with all this are the never-ending coast lines that run from the Pyrenees to Gibraltar along the Mediterranean Sea in the east and along the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.


Climate


Spain’s climate is predominantly temperate with clear, hot summers and colder winters in the interiors and cloudier with moderate temperatures along the coast.


Language


While Spanish is the official language of the country, there are several other languages that co-exist with Spanish and are spoken in certain regions of Spain. These include Catalan in Catalonia, Valencian in the Valencia Region, , Galician in Galicia and a distinct variety of Catalan that is spoken on the Balearic Islands.


Culture


Fiestas and bullfights are indispensable parts of Spain. The seasons in Spain are defined not only by the changes in temperatures but also by the different fiestas; there is a fiesta for every season. Every fiesta is distinct from the other in the way it is celebrated, why it is celebrated, when it is celebrated as well as which region it is celebrated in. Fiestas are such an integral part of Spain that you would have to spend a year in Spain to experience the real culture of Spain. While the Feria de Abril in Sevilla includes an entire week of dancing and singing while indulging in tapas and sherry; the Semana Santa is a more somber week of prayer and penance.


The Flamenco is Spain itself. This musical tradition is absolutely inseparable from Spain and so are teg bullfights, which are part and parcel of almost all Fiestas and are a sight to behold. Not to be missed is the “Running of the Bulls” during the Sanfermines in Pamplona.

Spain Is Full Of Rich Culture And Tradition

Spain is amazing tourist destination for almost anyone. Whether you are a family taking a trip together, a retired couple getting away from your hometown, or a young couple honeymooning you will find the attractions to suit your tastes. You can visit the hot cities in Spain such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Benidorm, Murcia, and Valencia. Spanish cities will provide you with the best in shopping, museums, nightlife, and dining. Almost anything you would want in a major city, you will find in a Spanish city. Enjoy diverse Spanish culture as you sample local food such as Paella and other specialties. When you rent a car, you can explore more of the countryside and really get a good idea of life in a Spanish village. If you are a nature enthusiast then you can opt for a beach or a mountain vacation. The enormous Spanish coastline has enough beaches to keep you content for days at a time. If you enjoy hiking then the Pyrnees will be the perfect spot for you to hike or camp. No matter what time of year you visit Spain, you’ll be glad you came.

When you come to Spain, the culture and history should be at the forefront of yoru experience. Experience the hundreds of years of rich culture that Spain has to offer. From the Moors to the modern day, Spain is ripe with architecture and culture. You will be astounded by the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This magnificent church is still being built, but was designed and begun by famed architect Antonio Gaudi. If you travel to other areas of Spain you are sure to see ruins left from Roman times. These show the rich and diverse history of Spain. Also make sure to see the Moorish ruins that dot the coast of Spain. These show the legacy of Islam in Spain and are a sight to behold in this modern nation. No matter what your historical interest, you are sure to find something that catches your fancy. If you are an art lover, than make sure to check out the wide array of art that is found in Spain. Spain is the home of the famed Pablo Picasso and seeing his Guernica in Madrid is certainly a highlight of any Spanish vacation. If you are more of a shopper, than no fear Barcelona has your needs met. Check out the hottest in Spanish clothing and shoe designs in Barcelona.

If you are on a budget, you can still make Spain an affordable place to visit. Start by coming in the off-season, such as the winter. If you travel in the winter the hotel and airfare will be cheaper, but you will still have great mild weather. Once you are ready to book your tickets and accommodations, get online for all your needs. You can find great deals on airfares and hotel rooms by simply browsing the Internet from the comfort of your home. Rent a car to save money and time traveling around the country. If you are going with a large group this is definitely the way to go. You can be sure that there are accommodations for any budget. You’ll have a great time in Spain no matter when you come or what you do! So get online today and get on a plane to Spain tommorow.

Robert Carlton is writing normally for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication covering information on spanish culture . You can see his articles on paella over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Experiencing Spanish Culture

The saying goes that if you want to do something right, you have to do it yourself – which is a great excuse for heading on a holiday. Have you ever been interested in exploring the Spanish culture and finding out more about that passionate, dynamic, colourful persona the people of Spain are so well known for?

Well, maybe it’s time you headed on a trip to Spain, because there’s nothing like learning something new by experiencing it first hand.

Situated in the south west of Europe, Spain has, for a long time, been a favoured holiday destination by people the world over. Its cosy climate undoubtedly aids such a preference amongst travellers, but there are plenty of other reasons people choose to visit Spain.

The Spanish culture is renowned for its colour and passion; quite far removed from many other western cultures, and for this reason people choose to visit so they can explore its vibrant towns and cities. No matter what you’re interested in, Spain is bound to provide it – and in great volumes!

For example, lovers of the arts will be astounded by the sheer range of artists that have emerged from Spain both in the past and present. From visionaries who shaped the artistic movements of the past, such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, to contemporary painters that continue to drive the artistic world today, Spain’s arts offerings form a tremendous part of its magnanimous culture. If you prefer the moving image, Spanish cinema is a thriving world, with acclaimed writer and director Pedro Almodóvar currently scooping up awards in many countries other than Spain for his captivating work.

Of course, there’s no better way to experience the Spanish culture than to simply get out there. No matter where you visit in Spain, you’re bound to find plenty of friendly locals who will be more than happy to teach you a thing or two about their much-loved country, from its history to what bars and restaurants are the best places to eat and drink – and to direct you to the best flamenco performances in town.

Just make sure your friends and family back home can make the most of cheap calls to Spain to keep up with you and your adventures – and to get jealous when you tell them how much fun you’re having!

Whatever interests you in Spain, whether it’s the country’s incredible history, arts, science or its lively and passionate social scene, you can experience all of that and more by hopping onto a plane and seeing it for yourself.

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