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Spanish Culture
| Climate |
Spain has a extremely diverse climate because of it's location, but it has roughly three areas:
Continental: the inland areas, including Madrid
Mediterranean: the southern and eastern coasts
and the Oceanic: the western coast.
Central and South America cover a much larger area, obviously, and have a more diverse range of climates. Most of Central America is tropical as is the northern quarter of South America, but as you go further south you'll find seasonal changes as diverse as North America.
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| Events, Festivities, Holidays |
Merry Christmas => Feliz Navidad
Happy (Prosperous) New Year => Prospero Año Nuevo
Happy Thanksgiving => Feliz Día de Gracias
Happy Easter => Feliz Día de Pascuas
Happy Halloween => Feliz Día de los Muertos
Happy Valentine's Day =>
Happy Birthday => Feliz Cùmpleaños
Happy Saint's Day => Feliz Día de los Santos
The nation celebrates several different holidays, and a few locally chosen holidays. These are influenced by the religious and regional devotions. Namely, there are: Hogueras (Bonfires of Saint John), Carnival, El Rocío, Fallas, and Semana Santa.
The siesta, or mid-afternoon nap, is not as popular as it once was. Many of modern-day customs have taken over.
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| Sports, Music, Art |
The main sport for all Spanish speaking countries is dominated by soccer (futból). Historically, there is bullfighting and bicycling also.
When you think of Spain you might think of the flamenco. It's been around since the mid 1700's, and continues to appear here and there. However, you will find a variety of music is played today as well as a variety of dance. Specifically, Contradanza, Jota, Pasodoble, and Sardana.
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| Politics |
The monarchy of Spain, currently King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, propose the Council of Ministers and it's president as the executive branch. The legislative branch is elected by vote and is made up of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
There are 17 autonomous communities and 50 provinces of Spain. Each territory takes care of its own affairs: health, education, finances, and security.
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| Religion |
Most of Spain is Roman Catholic. There are several other religions that are observed, but they are the minority. Both Jews and Muslims have been ordered to convert to Christianity or be expelled from the country during Spains history.
Most of Latin America is also Catholic, by nature of originating from Spain. Now, there is probably a more diverse range of religions found in Latin America than there is in Spain.
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| Dress, Food |
Spain is heavily influenced by the variety of seafood available. The rich variety of food comes from the variety of cultures that have lived in Spain, including the Moors and the Jews. You will find foods like Chorizo, Cocido, Fideua, Gazpacho, Jamón, Paella, Sangria, and tortilla de patatas, in Spain.
Spain dresses similarly to most of Europe, with some variety by region.
The dress and food found in Central and South America is influenced by the Native Indians. These natives (naturales) also make some of the most beautiful handmade clothing and accessories.
Mexican foods, such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tamales, and enchiladas are internationally known.
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| Localization |
There are a variety of idioms that vary from country to country. There just isn't enough space or time to gather them all here for you.
If you ever have the privilege to visit a country where Spanish is spoken you will, no doubt, hear phrases that you're not familiar with. Generally speaking, most Spanish speaking people are very willing to explain their phraseology to you. Most are impressed (or amused enough) that you want to learn their language- so, don't be afraid to ask them.
Also, as you travel, or meet new Spanish speaking people, you will notice a variety of accents. This is to be expected, considering the fact that there are more countries and subdialects than there are states in the U.S.
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