SPAIN | Travel | Cultural information
Spain is unique
Known for its history, art, bullfighting, flamenco, beaches and so many hours of sunshine a year, Spain is, however, not only this, but much more.
This land is and has been for millennia one of the cultural centers of Europe. So many of its cities, and even the most lost enclaves, are home to monuments of extraordinary value, either for their antiquity or for their artistic wealth, not to mention the extraordinary natural landscapes that this ancient peninsula has to offer.
Andalucía - Southern Spain
The good weather, which is also enjoyed during the winter months, invites you to discover the interior of a community that offers natural parks, cultural routes, golf courses and historical monuments.
The past footprint of Phoenicians, Visigoths, Romans and Arabs is present in every corner; jewels of the Baroque and Renaissance, unique in the world, coexist with modern buildings in cities like Cordoba, Seville, Granada or Malaga that pursue a constant tourism throughout the year.
Castilla y León
Castilla y León has a great variety of cultural resources and natural spaces with multiple ecosystems and landscape values. The varied gastronomy and excellent wines of Castilla y León delight all visitors. The magnificent infrastructure of restaurants and lodging establishments makes it possible to increase the capacity and quality of the tourist offer.
The most famous cities of Castilla y León are Valladolid, Ávila, Salamanca, Burgos and Segovia.
Languages
Spain shelters a wide variety of languages and dialects. In Galicia, there’s Galician; in the Basque Country, there’s Basque; in Catalonia, there’s Catalan; in the Valencian Community, there’s Valencian; and, in the Balearic Islands, there’s Majorcan. In all these territories, the official language of Castilian (Spanish) coexists with the abovementioned languages and dialects.
Official Holidays
The following dates are holidays in Spain:
- 1 January, New Year’s Day
- March - April, Good Friday
- 1 May, Labour Day
- 12 October, National Day (Feast of El Pilar held in Zaragoza )
- 1 November, All Saint’s Day
- 6 December, Constitution Day
- 8 December, Immaculate Conception
- 25 December, Christmas
Food & Drinks
Don’t forget to taste the typical food of every region! Paella, stews, cold cuts, baby goat, roasts, among others. In Spain, you will find a great variety of gastronomic specialities worth tasting.
Wine: It is certain that the cliché of good wine comes close to reality. The guarantee of wine’s origin and international prizes certify that.
Mediterranean diet: Spain is a Mediterranean country with a large variety of good quality fruit and vegetables, excellent olive oil and fresh fish, which ensure a foretaste of health and well-being.