The culture and traditions of Spain are significantly different from the cultural heritage, customs and spiritual values of other European countries. Numerous tourists are attracted by the colorful atmosphere, temperament, friendliness and friendliness of the local population.
What are the features of the culture of Spain
Due to the special geographical position of the country, the Spanish culture is endowed with a unique originality, wealth and beauty. The territorial location on the border between Africa and Europe, the shores washed by the warm Mediterranean Sea and the soft Atlantic Ocean - all this is reflected in the traditions and customs of hospitable Spain.
Long-term layering of cultural strata was due to the influence of various peoples and religions. The culture of Spain is a unique combination of historical monuments and the folklore heritage of the ancient Romans, Greeks, Arabs. The Spanish Mudejar style is a symbiosis of architecture, painting, music, arts and crafts, expressed through international cultural features.
Spanish architecture
Historic buildings are diverse, dictated by fashion trends of different periods. The culture of Spain is widely represented in monumental buildings: Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, magnificent palaces. By the number of world-famous monuments, Spain is in second place, losing to Italy.
Curious tourists should definitely see the Arc de Triomphe and the house of Casa Llieo Morera in Barcelona. Heading to Valencia, you can not miss the fortress gate Torres de Serrano, built in the XIV century. The steep pyramids of Guimar, located on the island of Tenerife, amaze the imagination with their scale and remain an age-old mystery to humanity. The Giralda Arab Minaret with the Golden Tower is a symbol of Seville. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella contains the ancient relics of St. James, in whose honor the historical building is named.
Features of the culture of Spain are reflected in modern buildings. The Agbar Tower, a building in the form of a fish by the architect Frank Gehry, the “bin Laden house” is a small list of world-famous works of architectural art that adequately represent their country.
Spanish art
The art of Spain has left a wide mark in world cultural history. Works of the Golden Age brought worldwide fame. These include masterpieces of the religious genre, created by the artist El Greco. No less famous are such creators as Francisco Ribalta, Diego Velazquez, Bartolomeo Murillo , Husepe Ribera . Artistic traditions were subsequently continued by the brilliant work of Francisco Goya. An invaluable contribution to the modern art of painting was made by Salvador Dali, Juan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris.
Spanish literature
During the Golden Age, the culture of Spain is enriched by outstanding works of the literary genre. The fame of his homeland was brought by the author of the famous Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes. No less famous are the literary heroes of Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderon de la Barca and Miguel de Unamuno. The contemporary writer’s fame was supported by the playwright and poet Federico Garcia Lorca, Juan Goitisolo, Miguel Delibes and Camilo Jose Sela, who became the Nobel Prize laureate. On the theatrical stage , the art of drama was glorified mainly thanks to Ramon del Valle Inclan.
The culture of Spain is noted thanks to the success of domestic cinema. Director Louis Bunuel, author of the Andalusian Dog masterpiece, has created a gallery of world-famous works over the forty years of his film career. Such authors as Pedro Almodovar and Carlos Saura have strengthened the fame of the master.
Spanish music
Spain is one of the oldest musical countries in Europe. The amazing originality of song genres, instrumental music, dance art is due to the historical features of this land. In the initial period of its development, the musical culture of Spain included various trends characteristic of certain provinces. Over time, diverse cultures are increasingly intertwined, forming a special Spanish style, markedly different from all others.
Since the beginning of the XIII century, the music of Spain was known for the art of playing the guitar. Today, a traditional musical instrument is represented by two types: flamenco and acoustic guitar. Modern music contains at its core the origins of folklore, which distinguish Spanish works with originality and recognition.
Classical works were developed in the sixteenth century, taking church melodies as a basis. At the beginning of the 20th century, composers Enrique Granados, Isaac Albenis, Manuel de Falla brought pan-European fame to Spanish music. Contemporary classical singing art is represented by the ingenious voices of Montserrat Caballe, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.
Flamenco
The temperamental and incendiary style of flamenco is the traditional music of Spain, born in Andalusia. It is presented in three directions: songs, dances and playing the guitar. The style was based on the ancient gypsy ritual dances, which were inherited, preserving their traditions and enriched with new musical colors.
Today, flamenco dances are presented in the form of musical performances, filled with semantic content, with an expression of special sensuality and passion. Indispensable attributes of dance numbers (long dresses, colorful shawls, fans) help to better express feelings and emphasize the folk origin of the style. Often, flamenco dances are accompanied by rhythmic sounds of castanets, clapping (palms), expressive playing the cajon drum.
The flamenco dance culture unites several different musical drawings under one name. A characteristic feature of the Spanish style is a mandatory element of improvisation, which allows you to create completely unique works of dance art.
Festivals and holidays in Spain
The ancient origin and richness of cultural manifestations determine the vivid beauty and originality of national holidays. The musical country annually holds various festivals, carnivals and processions.
In February, a nationwide carnival is held, especially vividly presented on the island of Tenerife. Easter eve is not complete without many religious processions and religious processions, decorated with colorful and colorful paraphernalia.
The most famous festivals are held in summer and autumn: musical, theater, dance. To the category of original events can be attributed Tomatina - a feast of tomatoes, which hosts a grand tomato slaughter.
Bullfight
The cultural heritage of Spain, of course, is the famous bullfight - bullfighting. The spectacular event is represented by a vivid performance that includes centuries-old traditions of art based on respect for sacred animals, passion and deadly risk.
In ancient times, bullfighting was an indispensable element of national holidays. Today it is a whole art, embodying the Spanish spirit and national identity. The beauty of bullfighting is akin to ballet dancing, where the torero shows his skill, courage and talent.
The wonderful people who have glorified the history of their country for many centuries have created and continue to support the national heritage, whose name is the culture of Spain. Having briefly examined the creative directions of human activity, one cannot help but enjoy the deep respect for the Spanish people, who carefully preserve and enhance the cultural traditions of their homeland.