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.

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.

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.

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.

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.