The culture and traditions of Spain are inextricably linked with bullfighting, dance style"flamenco", Spanish guitar fighting and romerias (country fair festivals). Only in this country the European format of the culture and traditions of Spain is combined with Moorish, Celtic and Romanesque features.

The origins of the culture and traditions of Spain originate during the reign of the Celts, their development continued during the era of the Roman Empire, and Moorish influence ended with the beginning of the Reconquista - the Christian crusades against Muslims.

Flamenco - attitude to life

The first mention of flamenco appeared in Andalusia and dates back to 1780. Not only the culture and traditions of Spain are fully reflected in this passionate dance, which is considered cheerful and festive.

Flamenco reflects the bright and strong experiences of the Spaniards, and not only of a cheerful nature. This folk dance is an expression of a nation's lifestyle. To understand: “what kind of Spaniards are they?” , you need to feel yourself in the rhythm of this dance.

Flamenco is performed to the sound of a guitar or a palm-beating rhythm. Moreover, during the dance, unexpectedly, sometimes at the very climax, there is an abrupt stop and several minutes of deep silence. What do the performers want to say with this pause? Each viewer decides for himself.

Bullfighting is the embodiment of qualities valued by the Spaniards

Bullfighting is part of the culture and traditions of Spain and the embodiment of courage, strength and dexterity of the country's male population. Toreador is the most honorable profession in the country, which is considered a symbol of Spain.

The confrontation between an angry bull and a man is always exciting and unpredictable. This is a duel of fearlessness, endurance and fortitude. According to tradition, the bull must be killed at the end of the duel. But there were cases when the bullfight ended in what is called a “draw.”

For example, 120 years ago, the Murcielago bull received 24 blows with a sword, but survived, thereby forcing the bullfighter to lower his weapon and let the animal live. The bull was sent to a farm to breed offspring of the same determined winners, and bars, farms and even streets began to be named after him.

Any country, even if it’s a resort, means not only beach towels, but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different culture and customs. The website continues a series of publications about the strangest traditions different countries, now it’s Spain’s turn, and Spanish traditions.

For those who decide to spend their holidays in Spain, probably the first association with this country is an ongoing holiday. And, indeed, when we tried to prepare an overview of the strangest Spanish traditions, it turned out that they are somehow connected with various holidays. Apparently a holiday in Spain is the same holiday that can be attributed to the traditions of Spain!

1. Running from the bulls.

Speaking about strange Spanish traditions, first of all, of course, we should talk about bullfighting, and not so much about it, but about the Bull Running Festival that precedes it in the city of Pamplona. A herd of fighting bulls is released into the streets behind a crowd of young people. The goal of the runners is to feel the breath of the bull on their back. Unfortunately, not a single festival is complete without injuries; however, deaths are quite rare. If anyone wants to tickle their nerves, the festival is held annually on July 7-14. So you can plan a holiday in Spain just for this period. By the way, Spain is the only country that considers bullfighting a sport.

2. Goose Day.

Having talked about bullfighting, one cannot help but recall Goose Day - another barbaric holiday, rooted in the Middle Ages. On this day, in the town of Lekeitio, a greased goose is suspended over the water in the harbor on a rope (or rather, these days it is already the carcass of a goose, although previously they hung a live one). People passing by in boats try to grab the goose. It is believed that this competition on Goose Day is the ancestor of bungee jumping.

3. Tomato wars or battle of tomatoes.

Another militant, but much less traumatic holiday is the La Tomatina Festival, which takes place in Valencia annually on the last Wednesday of August. At the peak of the tomato harvest, thousands of people come to this holiday and throw ripe tomatoes at each other. Rivers tomato juice pouring through the streets. After the Tomato War ends, everyone gathers in the city's main square for a celebration of food and wine.

They should take these tomatoes and roll them into jars or something, then take them and trample them like that. However, the tomato war is fun. And this holiday can really be included in your holiday in Spain.

4. How to find a husband in Spain.

On May 15, all single women in Madrid rush to visit the Ermita de San Isidro chapel where they prick their fingers with pins - it is believed that this will help them find a husband. But this is just one of the traditions of a colorful festival dedicated to the patron saint of Madrid - San Isidro, with festivities, performances and dances.

5. Another way to find a husband.

In Malaga, women use another method to say goodbye to loneliness. On St. Anthony's Day they throw pebbles at the genitals of the San Antonio statue. It is believed that for this the Saint will give them a friend or a husband for the next year. The priests, in principle, do not object (they would try to object to a crowd of women), they only urge them to be careful not to damage the wooden altar with pebbles.

6. Blessing of Pets

The previous tradition exists only in one area, but in general Saint Anthony is the patron saint of animals, and on this day long lines line up at the Church of the Saint in Madrid so that pets can receive the blessing of the church (at least cats and dogs are not asked to confess). Proud pet owners then parade with their pets.

7. More about St. Anthony's Day

On this day there is also another tradition: believers buy three “holy” buns, two of which, according to tradition, must be eaten during the day. The last bun is kept with the coin for a year as a guarantee of work and health.

8. Funny figures

9. Jumping over children

In Spain you can find another rather strange tradition, namely jumping over babies in a devil costume. This action is designed to drive the devil away from children. We already wrote about something similar in “Strange Traditions of India” - only there children are thrown from the roof of a mosque. Some kind of Middle Ages, and that’s all!

10. Once again about evil spirits

If you don't want to take part in festivities involving animals or throwing food, you can have a devilishly good time at the La Endiablada festival in Cuenca while on holiday in Spain. Every year at the beginning of February, residents “disguise” themselves as demons and tie large cow bells around their waists. A 3-day celebration with crazy costumes, processions and dancing in the streets is a truly vibrant and memorable spectacle. True, no one remembers exactly where this tradition came from, and what the action was supposed to mean, but the main thing is that everyone is having fun!

Here is a far from complete dozen of curious Spanish traditions and celebrations. And if you are not yet convinced that Spain, with its golden beaches and wonderful climate, is a non-stop fiesta, then perhaps you will be convinced to spend your holiday here by the fact that this country has excellent cuisine and wine, and the most large number bars among EU countries!!! But bars in Spain are a separate issue...

Spain is a varied and varied country: every city, every province and every, even the smallest village, has its own special charms, interesting ancient traditions, original customs.

Traditions and customs in Spain are very great value. One of the most interesting traditions is the afternoon nap or, as it is called local residents, "siesta". At this time, all shops, banks and government agencies closed. It is considered uncivil to prescribe business meetings for this time. In addition to this tradition, there is another ancient tradition in Spain - paseo - an evening walk around the city to see friends, and also - as a consequence - osio - an idle conversation after a walk, invariably on the street.

But the most important traditions in Spain relate, first of all, to family. For the Spaniards, children come first. They believe that if there is a child in the house, then he should be heard. Loud screams and children's laughter are considered a sign of life.

Also, according to tradition in Spain, birthdays are celebrated not once a year, but twice. The first birthday is the real date of birth, and the second, the name day, is considered a much more important day. This is due to the fact that almost every Spaniard is named after a certain saint.

No less interesting wedding traditions Spain. After marriage, women do not take their husband's surname, I keep mine. Children thus receive double surname. The first is from the father, the second from the mother. Children thus receive a double surname - father and mother. Traditionally in Spain, the first son is named after the father, and the daughter is named after the mother.

But the funeral is different from funerals in other countries. And traditionally in Spain they pass very quickly. The bodies of the deceased are not buried here, but rather put into rented “niches,” so to speak. This means that the coffin with the remains is placed in a cell and it lies there until they pay for it rent. If the payment is not made on time, the coffin is pulled out and buried in a common cemetery, and its place is taken by another inhabitant, whose relatives will be able to pay for his “accommodation”.

Customs in Spain - osio after paseo

No country in Europe has such interesting customs like Spain. Many customs in Spain have existed for decades and are passed on from generation to generation. Customs in Spain such as siesta - an afternoon nap, paseo - an evening walk around the city to see friends and osio - idle conversation after a walk - are not just customs, but elements of a way of life, without which it is impossible to imagine a real Spaniard.

It should be noted that every city, every province and every village has its own special customs in Spain. Each locality has its own patron, in whose honor a big holiday is held. Accordingly, all institutions and shops are closed on these days, and the Spaniards receive additional days off.

No less interesting wedding customs in Spain. After marriage, women do not take their husband's surname, I keep mine. Children thus receive a double surname. The first is from the father, the second from the mother. Children thus receive a double surname - father and mother. Traditionally in Spain, the first son is named after the father, and the daughter is named after the mother.

A wedding in Spain follows the same principles as throughout the world, but getting a divorce here is not so easy. In order to officially dissolve a marriage, you must wait five years.

And birthdays in Spain are celebrated not once a year, but twice. The first birthday is the real date of birth, and the second, the name day, is considered a much more important day. This is due to the fact that the Spaniards honor the traditions and customs of Spain, and have great respect for the saints after whom they name their children.

National traditions of Spain and their role in the life of the Spaniards

Spain - amazing country With original culture and a unique story. National traditions of Spain play a big role in life Spanish people. Every city, every province and every, even the smallest village, has its own special charms, interesting ancient traditions, original customs.

Many national traditions Spain were born as purely religious, but over time they transformed into cheerful festivities with songs and dances. For example, each locality has its own patron saint, in whose honor a big holiday is held once a year. Accordingly, all institutions and shops are closed on these days, and the Spaniards receive additional days off.

Traditions in Spain have existed for decades and are passed on from generation to generation. No country in Europe has such interesting customs and traditions as Spain.

The Spanish people began to form during the union of the Iberians and Celts. At that moment, a people called the Celtiberians arose. At that time, Spain was called Iberia. Not only Celtiberians lived in Iberia, but also other peoples.

After the Romans conquered Spain, the population became Ibero-Roman. And in the 5th century, the Germans left their mark on the peoples of Spain by invading their territories.

In the 8th century, Spain was invaded by Arabs and Berbers. After this, the Spaniards began to spread into foreign territories and played important role in the formation of nationalities Latin America and the Philippines. Representatives of the Spanish people boldly entered into all sorts of relationships with foreign women, so today we can meet both dark-skinned, dark-haired Spaniards and fair ones, reminiscent of the Slavs.

Peoples inhabiting Spain

Representatives of ancient peoples are those who have Semitic, Berber and Arab roots. This population represents only a small part of the whole of Spain.

Mostly Spaniards live on the Iberian Peninsula. Their ancestors are the Celto-Iberians, Visigoths, Moors and Romans. The descendants of these peoples live not only in Spain, but also in all Spanish-speaking nations and countries.

The Spaniards do not consider themselves common nation, they continue to fight for their roots, so among the Spaniards you can find separate nationalities - Galicians, Catalans and Basques.

Speaking about the Catalans, it is worth noting that they live in their provincial territory - Catalonia. The common language is Catalan, but there are also those who speak Italian, French and Spanish. The inhabitants of these places profess Catholicism.

The Catalan language appeared during the times of the Celts and Iberians. When the Romans conquered Spanish lands, Latin became an integral part of Spanish life. It was the Romance languages ​​that gave birth to Catalan, which still exists today.

Roma are a minority group in Spain. In Spain they are called: Roma, Manush, Sinti and Kale.

The common language is Spanish, but there are also speakers of Basque, Aranese and Galician.

Culture and life of Spain

Speaking about culture, life and everyday life Spaniards, it's worth starting with them family relations. The family circle of Spaniards is not limited to close relatives. Family for the Spaniards is second cousins, aunts, great-nephews, children stepbrothers and sisters. They really love and protect each other and try to be as close to their relatives as possible.

The Spaniards love children very much. When the first child is born in a family, he is given the surnames of his father and mother at the same time. As a rule, children are named after relatives, so in one family there may be several people who respond to the same name.

In Spain, old people are honored and respected. It is not customary for them to place elderly people in nursing homes or “psychiatric boarding houses”; everything is different here. If in some countries it is customary to abandon the elderly, in Spain families help each other in caring for the elderly.

As a rule, the Spaniards are quite free and lazy people. They postpone everything until later, until tomorrow, postpone it for a couple of hours - just not now. You should not forget about this when arranging a meeting with a Spaniard.

Many people think that Spaniards love wine. Yes, this is true, but most often it is limited to small glasses. Perhaps a person will pick up a glass several times a day, but these will be very small portions that will not in any way affect his emotionality and sociability with other people.

Some unusual customs and traditions

Spain is famous for its colorful and fun traditions and holidays. One of these traditions is the so-called running from the bulls - bullfighting. A herd of bulls is released into the busy streets and people run away from them. Adrenaline rush, fear, excitement and fun - all this attracts people to this event every year.

Another Spanish tradition is Goose Day. A goose carcass is hung over the water, and the participants in the competition try to knock it down by sailing in boats under the tied bird.

Another strange custom is the tomato fight. People take to the streets and start throwing tomatoes. There is no meaning in this holiday, but at this moment all the participants are truly happy, like children.

Traditions, customs and habits of the Spanish people

The amazing country of Spain. The country is contrasting and colorful. Representatives of different nationalities and cultures live here. Not a single region, not a single province is similar to each other. Moreover, even the inhabitants of these provinces - the indigenous Spaniards - have their own customs and traditions and speak different dialects, which is why your communication with them can be extremely difficult. Other characteristic feature- increased emotionality in communication: active gestures, fast pace speech and its volume, which is by no means connected with the manifestation of any aggression. It's just their way of communicating.

The Spaniards are a temperamental and noisy people, but also friendly and open. For some, their temperament and manner of communication may seem unusual. Some tourists may be shocked, for example, if a Spaniard easily starts talking to him on the street and even “poking” him (especially if the person is higher in status and age). The concept of “YOU” simply does not exist in Spanish. Spaniards do not show frustration or resentment - this is not accepted. They are also very gallant, serious, humane and love and appreciate a sense of humor. But the tendency to be late is the norm. Punctuality is a sensitive topic for Spaniards. Obviously, this is not a trait they primarily value in a person or even in a business relationship.
Spaniards love to talk, which is why business negotiations often drag out a little. But this is not intentional.

In culture, customs, traditions and habits, the manifestation of national character: great music, passionate and sensual dancing conquered the hearts of many people from all over the world. Flamenco, Sevillanas (a special type of flamenco, not in its pure form, common only in Andalusia - southern region Spain) - characteristic features spanish culture. They are loved and popular outside the country. Also very popular are cante jondo - monotonous singing, sardana - a Catalan round dance, fandango - an Andalusian dance performed with endless stamping and tapping of castanets.

The national habits of the Spaniards are evidence of their love of pleasure. Favorite activity...., of course, siesta is a two-hour rest or sleep after lunch. This cultural custom Absolutely everything is observed, so life in the country comes to a standstill during these hours. Another ancient tradition is the paseo - an evening walk, the purpose of which is to visit friends. The consequence of paseo is osio - idle conversation is obligatory on the street after a walk. These traditions go back hundreds of years. They are carefully preserved and observed by all generations.

In general, Spaniards spend most of their free time outdoors. Spaniards love to walk. But a walk is a special ritual for them. They carefully prepare even for simply going out to meet friends or for small purchases at the store around the corner. That's why they take such care of themselves. This is the so-called informal neatness. What's surprising is that Spaniards spend a significant portion of their income on improving their appearance. They like it when others pay attention to them. They are happy to show themselves and look at others with curiosity.

Another significant ritual is visiting a bar. For the Spaniards, a bar is a temple of communication. IN way of life any Spaniard is clearly distributed working hours, time for food and sleep and of course! - time spent in bars. In them, they meet with friends for a game of cards or dominoes. These meetings are always accompanied by typical Spanish tapas, football matches and fun and friendly conversation with a glass of wine or beer. If the Spaniard did not visit the bar, his obligations have not been fulfilled to date. So the bars become epicentres public life. Any bar must have a TV on which broadcasts are broadcast. football matches and by exceeding the volume. And if you consider that bars also have slot machines, then it’s quite difficult to get used to such noise. Another important fact: Spaniards spend incredible amounts of money on lotteries (more than other Europeans). It is very interesting that the floor in the bar is always strewn with olive pits, cigarette butts, mussel shells and napkins. If you do not find such “decorations” in a bar, then consider that you should not go into it or that you are not in Spain. All self-respecting bars that are popular among Spaniards always have such attractions.

In general, if we briefly characterize the characteristics of this country, habits and traditions, we get a “combination of the incompatible.” Bright, sensual and passionate dancing, emotionality in communication, and at the same time a leisurely and measured way of life. Craving for pleasure and love of knowledge, open respect for intellectual abilities. But at the same time, it is not considered shameful for the Spaniards to skip the line everywhere. However, you will never meet an elderly person standing in public transport - respect for elders is highly valued here. Politeness is also manifested in such a habit - holding the door for the person walking behind, letting a woman pass ahead. All this goes without saying.

But on holidays national traits the Spaniards showed up most clearly. It is known that the Spaniards not only love holidays, but also know how to celebrate them well. There are national holidays which are celebrated in all regions and regions of the country - Christmas and Easter (the Spaniards are deeply religious people!), Constitution Day, children's party Three Kings in January; provincial, which are celebrated in certain areas: for example, the festival of fire in Valencia, the festival of “Romans and Carthaginians” in the province of Murcia, “Moors and Christians” in the province of Alicante, Sevillana in Seville, etc. There are also more “small-town” holidays - local, urban, rural. Extravaganzas, carnivals and festivals are colorful and fun everywhere. Sometimes their celebration lasts for several days or weeks. Such days are officially considered non-working days.

Undoubtedly, " business card"of the country, its symbol and soul is bullfighting. A lot of controversy has arisen because of this action: some consider it cruel. However, the Spaniards themselves highly value this ancient tradition. Even in Ancient India and on the island of Crete, ritual games with bulls were known. They were also common among the ancient Jews, Celts and Phoenicians, who were among the first to colonize the Iberian Peninsula. But in its modern form, bullfighting was held in 1775 in the town of Ronda, not far from Malaga, where "horse noble society"The arena was built. Since then, Ronda has become the "Bullfighting Academy", and subsequently arenas appeared in Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Cordoba.

It is also worth noting that residents of different regions and settlements have not only their own dialectical features, but also their own symbol and coat of arms. And of course there are special folklore traditions. But for all Spaniards, the symbols of the monarchy and the king remain unshakable.
The Spaniards deeply respect the royal court, and God forbid you dare criticize the ruling royal dynasty in a conversation. You thereby insult the entire Spanish people.
There are also others" taboo topics"that should not be touched upon in conversation: the topic of death, the topic of bullfighting (if you are an amateur!), religion, football, money (as well as wealth/poverty and prosperity: among Spaniards it is not customary to talk about income levels and complain about poverty), politics and age (you shouldn’t discuss the age of not only ladies, but also men!).

The Spaniards also observe family traditions. It is important to note that they love children very much. Children are sacred, they are the center of the family. It is customary to celebrate birthdays and name days, and name days are celebrated especially brightly and vigorously.
It is interesting that a woman does not change her surname in marriage, so children receive a double surname - father and mother. If a boy is born first, he is necessarily named after his father, and if a daughter is born, he is named after his mother. The Spaniards also like to give nicknames.
However, the Spaniards are in no hurry to tie the knot. Middle age marriage has increased to 30 years, and men agree to say goodbye to freedom no earlier than 33. Accordingly, the first child in Spanish family usually appears after 30, or closer to 40 years. Sociologists explain the tendency to delay marriage by high prices for living space and the difficulties of combining work and family. An interesting fact is that Spanish couples get married not only through the registry office (matrimonio civil in civil marriage), but more than half (69%) prefer a Catholic wedding in a church (matrimonio catolico o por iglesia). Undoubtedly, the church ceremony and wedding mass impress with its beauty and pomp.
But divorce here is a legally complex procedure. It is possible to formalize the divorce only after five years.

Spain is also known for its gastronomic traditions: a variety of vegetables and fruits, sausages, dried pork ham - jamon (another pride of Spain), meat, fish, seafood, garlic, olive oil, wine (Spain ranks 3rd in the world in wine production), aromatic herbs and spices: saffron, parsley, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg - all this is Spanish cuisine. Spanish chefs are masters of a variety of sauces.
Cuisines of different regions also have their own distinctive features(there are national dishes: paella, jamon, gazpacho, tortilla, etc., but there are also regional cuisines). For example, in Andalusia there is a special incredibly tasty, although slightly exotic, cuisine. Connoisseurs of gastronomic delights will appreciate the diversity of “national notes” of the peoples who once lived in this region. In the menu of each restaurant there is vivid confirmation of how brightly and harmoniously the traditions of the Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Phoenicians were intertwined.

The Spaniards love pets very much. Moreover, in addition to cats and dogs, some prefer exotic animals: pythons, crocodiles and even tigers. Of course, when a funny pet grows up and becomes potentially dangerous, he ends up on the street. For this reason, in Spain there are special shelters for abandoned domestic (and not so domestic) animals, and the state has passed a law punishing negligent owners with a fine. Officially, the law prohibits mistreating our little brothers, beating them, not feeding them, not walking them, etc., and the punishment involves not only large fines, but also legal liability.

Spain ranks among the most visited countries in the world. Undoubtedly, this country attracts tourists from all over the world not only with its mild sunny climate, beaches, architecture and gastronomy, but also with the charming, original character of its inhabitants.