Popular Spanish Culture and Spanish Customs

Spain has a European culture that has been influenced by a variety of different things. The biggest influences on Spanish customs have come from the pre-Roman cultures of the Celts and the Iberians. As such, it should come as no surprise that 79% of all Spaniards are Roman Catholic (2% are of another religious faith and 19% aren’t religious).

Celebrations

The most important holiday in Spain in “Semana Santa” (Holy Week), which is celebrated the week before Easter, and the best known festival is “San Fermin” in July. Throughout the rest of the year there are smaller celebrations held in honor of local patron saints. Some of the most common ways of celebrating include bonfires, fireworks, parades, bullfights and beauty pageants.

Sporting Events

Football is the most popular sport. Some of the most popular teams include Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Valencia CF and Real Madrid C. F.

Bullfighting

Bullfighting is one of the best-known Spanish traditions. The Phoenecians and Greeks originally brought it to Spain. While it used to involve men on horses fighting with bulls, now horses are no longer used.

Food

A lot of Spanish cuisine comes from the Roman, Jewish and Arab traditions.  The most popular foods include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and beans. However, the essential ingredient is olive oil (Spain produces 44% of the world’s olives) in the South and butter or lard in the North.  Regardless of the location, the most popular foods include tapas, churros, sofritos and fritters, which are usually served with sherry, wine or beer. Most meals also include bread and salad with fruit or a dairy product for desert.

Dance

Spanish culture is also linked to the Flamenco dance style (a type of gypsy dance that originated in Andalusia).

Music And Art

Many artists have also impacted the Spanish culture. They include El Greco, Diego Velasquez, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. There are also a lot of great guitarists from this country. This should come as no surprise since it, and the Moorish Lute, was developed in Spain.