Culture & Traditions of Spain
The people of Spain have a slower, more relaxed lifestyle than many other people in the world, but this is because they work hard enough to reward themselves with such leisure. Spain is a modern country, but many traditions from ancient times still hold.
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Family Roles
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The extended family is just as important as the nuclear family for many Spanish people. Family provides social and financial support, though it is less common now for Spanish people to enter into the family business than it was in the past. Currently, birth rates are low in Spain, and family ties have loosened slightly.
Religion
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The majority of Spanish people practice Roman Catholicism, with 94 percent of the population considering themselves to be Roman Catholic. Many Spanish holidays have religious ties. Holy Week is marked by processions throughout Spain, with many of the participants walking barefoot while wearing pointed black hats as penance.
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Holidays
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Christmas is a major celebration in Spain, celebrated in three parts---Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Three Kings Day. Before the festivities of Christmas take place, the state government holds a lottery known as El Gordo, or the fat one, in which thousands of winners are announced each year. During Christmas time, Spanish people visit church often, and midnight mass on Christmas is very popular.
The festival of San Fermin is known worldwide as the running of the bulls. This festival, beginning in Pamplona on July 6th each year, has a history that has been lost over the years. The bull-running is held on July 7th, then each morning until July 14th. Visitors can stay behind fences along the route, or they can join in the run.
Equal Rights
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Spain formerly operated under a male-dominated culture known as machismo. More recently, Spain has become more equalized, with women present in higher educational institutions as well as the workplace. Spain also has more equal rights for homosexuals, including legalized gay marriage.
Food, Drink and Nightlife
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Spanish people enjoy a type of food known as tapas, which are small appetizer portions. Many Spanish people hop from tapas bar to tapas bar during an evening. A night out often begins with el paseo, which is a walk through the main streets of a city. Spanish people enjoy coffee and bottled water. Seafood plays a large part in Spanish dishes, as well as Serrano ham.
Clothing
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Spanish people have a modern sense of dress for the most part. Some smaller villages may frown upon excessively short or tight clothing. Older Spanish people stick with more conservative clothing. When dressing in traditional Spanish clothing for holidays, weddings or religious festivals, many women wear an ornamental comb known as La Peineta. These combs often hold a long veil in place.
Flamenco and Bullfighting
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Flamenco dancing dates back to the 16th century in Spanish culture, beginning with gypsies from the Andalucia region. Flamenco dancers, mostly women, dress in brightly colored dresses with ruffles that move as they spin and dance to traditional flamenco music. Many times, flamenco dancing and music is passed down through the family.
Bullfighting, while controversial, remains a Spanish tradition, dating back to ancient times. Spanish people refer to this tradition as Fiesta Nacional, or the national sport. Each bullfight is known as a corrida. Many areas of Spain hold bullfights for spectators weekly.
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References
- Photo Credit Flamenco1 image by Videovol from Fotolia.com
