Spain, Everything Under the Sun

Spain is an extremely rich mosaic that encompasses all forms of human expressions. From literature to painting, gastronomy to fashion, music to architecture, fine arts to street performers, sports to museums... In each of these aspects and more, at some point in history or another, this European country in the Iberian Peninsula has attracted visitors of all nationalities carrying with them a wealth of cultural contributions.

The Alhambra, which means "the red one", overlooks the city of Granada and stands out as the most famous example of Moorish architecture. It is perhaps the most well-known Muslim construction in the World.
Every June, the Corpus Christi festival takes place in all of Spain but it is most famous in Granada. The city was the last Spanish town to be reconquered by the Christians and the Muslim religion was most rooted here, so Corpus Christi was taken very seriously by the Catholic kings. Although the history of Corpus Christi is religious, today the festival is celebrated in carnival style, with plenty of feasting and dancing, parades, and the annual Feria.
The Flamenco dress combines tradition and innovation because it still holds its basic structure, close to the body and tight at the hips with a ruffled skirt and ruffled shoulders, from where silky fabrics, bright colors and polka dots have evolved into a wide array of more contemporary designs.
In the famous road known as "Camino de Santiago" pilgrims meet fellow walkers from all over the world, as well as villagers pleased and honored to see pilgrims pass through their towns. They see lazy cows, pilgrim's crosses, countless churches, and many noble bridges.
Old architecture detail of a window in the Barrio de Lavapiés, in Madrid. Lavapiés was the Jewish quarter of the city until the expulsion of the Jews in1492. The name literally means "wash feet", and some say it refers to the ritual washing of one's feet before entering the temple.
The "Plato Alpujarreño" is a dish typical of the Alpujarras, the hills that surround the city of Granada. The ingredients of this dish are fried breadcrumbs, chorizo, blood sausage, green peppers, eggs, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
This photo was taken in the forests surrounding La Granja de San Ildefonso, one of Spain's most visited royal palaces located in Segovia. These leafs are merely a small sample of the beauty of the area's fall foliage.
Easter is observed as a religious occasion by the people of Spain, who commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with fanfare, devotion, and pageantry. Parades are organized throughout the country, and people dressed as members of ancient brotherhoods are out on the streets carrying heavy floats with religious images, fresh flowers, and candles.
During "Las Fallas", festivities related to Saint Joseph's day in Valencia, women from all ages dress up as "falleras". Quite a bit of effort, time, and money go into these outfits, as being a "fallera" is considered a symbol of social status and pride.

The Alhambra, which means "the red one", overlooks the city of Granada and stands out as the most famous example of Moorish architecture. It is perhaps the most well-known Muslim construction in the World.
The celebration of "Cruz de Mayo" is spread out throughout all of Spain, and although there are significant variations from town to town there is one common element: the center of the festivity is a cross, inside or outside the house, which is adorned with flowers, plants, candles and very elaborate ornaments.
First Communion is considered one of the most sacred events in the life of a Roman Catholic. Most children receive their First Communion when they are between eight and nine years old because this is considered the age of reason.
Praza de Abastos is located within the medieval city walls of Santiago de Compostela. The market has many merchants, most of whom are located permanently in one of the inside hallways. Outside, locals sell local produce in smaller amounts and offer their produce to anyone interested.
There is nothing more Spanish than jamón serrano - literally, "ham from the mountains". Cured for at least a year in salt and under special conditions of humidity and temperature, it has a a deep flavor and a firm texture and it is served sliced a 'tapa' with cheese and olives, or in your favorite Spanish recipe.
The Alpujarras, small villages nested in Granada's surrounding mountains, have kept their traditional spirit and the quiet, slow-paced life still survives. One can stroll around the quiet backstreets full of whitewashed houses and see the older generations sitting outside their houses sewing, chatting, and watching the time pass by.
In the Summer months, the countryside of Mallorca lays out its traditional red carpet: endless fields across the island turn red as the wild poppies show their bright faces.
Finding a parking space in the historic center of Spanish cities is almost impossible. Walking is of course easier, but under the severe heat it is also very uncomfortable and even dangerous. As a result, the popular horse-drawn carriages have become one of the most widely used modes of transportation.
During "Las Fallas", festivities related to Saint Joseph's day in Valencia, women from all ages dress up as "falleras". Quite a bit of effort, time, and money go into these outfits, as being a "fallera" is considered a symbol of social status and pride.

The Alhambra, which means "the red one", overlooks the city of Granada and stands out as the most famous example of Moorish architecture. It is perhaps the most well-known Muslim construction in the World.
Every Spring, two weeks after Easter, "La Feria de Abril" takes place in Sevilla. Men and women dress up in their finest for this event, ideally the traditional "traje corto" (short jacket, tight trousers and boots) for men and the "trajes de flamenca" (flamenco style dress) for women. Men traditionally wear hats called "sombrero cordobés".
In 2009 the average age of nuns in Spain was between 65 and 70 years old, predicting a sharp decline in numbers in the next decade and possibly the end of convent life as we know it.
Some say that the "Parador de los Reyes Católicos" in Santiago de Compostela is the oldest hotel in the world. Fernando de Aragón and Isabel de Castilla built it as a hotel and hospital for the pilgrims of Saint James. In it, you will find original baroque gardens, artpieces, antique wooden furniture, and a very Spanish sense of history.
The streets of Spanish smaller towns are empty and silent during siesta time, a short nap taken in the afternoon often after the midday meal when shops and businesses may be closed for a good part of the afternoon. But at least in Spain's major cities, the siesta is gradually disappearing, giving way to the influences of globalization and economic pressures.
In Andalucía you will find a cacophony of flowers everywhere you go, including cascades of geraniums, petunias and begonias adorning the entrance and patios of whitewashed houses.
One of the glories of the Andalucian region is the magnificent parade of flowers that cover the mountains and coast each year. The first spring flowers may appear as early as December, helped by the rains and the mild climate. As the days grow longer and the sun warms the soil, an increasing variety of flowers, some small and delicate, others strident and brightly colored, carpet this Mediterranean landscape.
The monumental architecture of "Plaza de España" in Seville is so grand that it was used as the set for the Royal Palace of Nabo, in George Lucas' Start Wars: Episode II. One can easily spend at least an hour just walking around the plaza's half circle with its fifty eight benches decorated with tiles, depicting historic episodes for each province of Spain.
A paella pan, also known as a "paellera", is usually made of stainless steel or carbon because these materials react to heat quickly and evenly. The pans come in a number of sizes, is always broad and shallow, and normally comes with side handles.

Every June, the Corpus Christi festival takes place in all of Spain but it is most famous in Granada. The city was the last Spanish town to be reconquered by the Christians and the Muslim religion was most rooted here, so Corpus Christi was taken very seriously by the Catholic kings. Although the history of Corpus Christi is religious, today the festival is celebrated in carnival style, with plenty of feasting and dancing, parades, and the annual Feria.
Every Spring, two weeks after Easter, "La Feria de Abril" takes place in Sevilla. Men and women dress up in their finest for this event, ideally the traditional "traje corto" (short jacket, tight trousers and boots) for men and the "trajes de flamenca" (flamenco style dress) for women. Men traditionally wear hats called "sombrero cordobés".
History tells that the name of el "Campo del Príncipe" in Granada derives from the fact that a Christian prince fell off his horse and died here. Today, evenings and nights are full of life and activity thanks to the bars and pubs located around the main square.
The festival of San Fermín (or "Los Sanfermines") in the city of Pamplona is a celebration held annually from July 6th to July 14th in honor of San Fermin, patron of the region of Navarra. While its most famous event is the encierro, or the running of the bulls, the week-long, 24-7 celebration involves many other traditional and folkloric events.
A visit to Palacio de Carlos V is a must for visitors to the city of Granada. This palace was started in 1526, but was never actually finished. The Renaissance design is a treat for tourists, especially because it is located at the entrance to the Muslim palace of La Alhambra.
When the Moors were driven out of Spain by Christian rulers in the fifteenth century, they fled to the mountains and took to living in the caves thus starting the cave culture. In the town of Guadix, in Southern Spain, there is an area known as La Barriada de las Cuevas, where every hill has a cave with a painted white façade and a front door occupied by many local families.
Olive trees can live for a very long time. The older an olive tree is, the broader and more gnarled its trunk appears. Many olive trees along the Mediterranean are said to be several centuries old, and in some cases this has been verified scientifically.
"Las Fallas" are celebrations that take place during March 15 through 29 in Valencia, Spain, in honor of Saint Joseph, patron saint of the carpenters. The "fallas" actually refer to the artistic constructions such as the one in the image, made out of flammable materials so they can be easily burned at the end of the festivities.
The best way to get to know Spain is to walk through its markets, observe what's being sold and what's not, and taste samples of the freshest products. Ask for cooking tips and recipes and the butchers, vendors, and local farmers will gladly give you their advice.

Every June, the Corpus Christi festival takes place in all of Spain but it is most famous in Granada. The city was the last Spanish town to be reconquered by the Christians and the Muslim religion was most rooted here, so Corpus Christi was taken very seriously by the Catholic kings. Although the history of Corpus Christi is religious, today the festival is celebrated in carnival style, with plenty of feasting and dancing, parades, and the annual Feria.
The Flamenco dress combines tradition and innovation because it still holds its basic structure, close to the body and tight at the hips with a ruffled skirt and ruffled shoulders, from where silky fabrics, bright colors and polka dots have evolved into a wide array of more contemporary designs.
The city of Granada is believed to have taken its name from the Spanish word "Granada" meaning "pomegranate" which is widely available in Spain. It is depicted throughout the city's parks, fountains, and public and private buildings.
The festival of San Fermín (or Sanfermines) in the city of Pamplona is a celebration held annually from July 6th to July 14th in honor of San Fermin, patron of the region of Navarra. While its most famous event is the encierro, or the running of the bulls, the week-long, 24-7 celebration involves many other traditional and folkloric events.
The "boina" is a soft round hat with a flat, soft crown, generally made out of felt or wool, and worn around the head slightly tilted to a side. It is generally associated with peasants of Spain's northern regions.
Roses are not new to Spain. There is evidence from Arab manuscripts that roses have been grown in that country for at least 800 years. With the right attention, they reach the full potential of perfection in the benign Mediterranean climate.
The Good Friday procession of the miraculous "Cristo de los Gitanos", in Granada, Spain, is one of the most beautiful and intense manifestations of religious pageantry, blending traditional elements of the Catholic faith and the Gypsy culture such as dancing, singing, and bonfires.
During "Las Fallas", festivities related to Saint Joseph's day in Valencia, women from all ages dress up as "falleras". Quite a bit of effort, time, and money go into these outfits, as being a "fallera" is considered a symbol of social status and pride.
The 20 hectares of the Madrid Zoo are divided into areas for each continent, and also have special areas for sealife and aviaries. It is home to animals as diverse as dolphins, koalas, and rhinoceros. The Zoo takes part in many international breeding programs and is considered to be one of the world's leaders for certain species.