Best Facts about Spain and Interesting Reasons to Love Spanish Traditions

Modern Spain is one of the most attractive European countries for international tourists. But what modern travelers find exciting about it? In brief, Spain has to offer various cultural and historical monuments, as well as great national traditions and top-class beaches or resorts.

Bright sunshine, emotional music, extravagant cultural destinations and unique cuisine can all the found in Spain. Many books, movies and thousands of articles are dedicated Spain. Moreover, country has given the world a great number of talented artists, musicians, actors and writers. That is why many people have Spain on their bucket list.



We would like to start this list of interesting facts with a quick video presentation:



Watch original video on YouTube: Spain: 10 Fun Facts & Presentation about Best Spanish Things

#1. Brief history and meaning of the name "Spain"

For many years linguists have argued about the etymology of the modern name of the country – España. According to one of the theories, the Roman name "Hispania" is regarded to be the origin of the country’s name. Hispania in its turn is believed to have derived from a Phoenician phrase - I-Shpania (may be translated as the "island or land of rabbits").

 There is even a myth connected with such a simile - Servius Sulpicius Galba Caesar Augustus, #Roman Emperor, was so amazed with the abundance of animals on the peninsula that he ordered the production of special Roman coins, which depicted a female figure with a rabbit at her feet.

#2. Spanish flag and corrida




The fans of bullfighting (corrida) claim that colors of the Spanish flag symbolize their favorite national tradition. The yellow color is a symbol of the sand, and red – symbolizes blood.

But it should be noted that during this violent activity, the bull doesn’t attract the matador’s cape attacks because of its color. Bulls are not capable of distinguishing colors and only react to sudden movements. Experienced matadors say that the red cape was chosen, as it makes the color of the blood less evident to the public.

#3. Emotions and important gestures




The Spanish people have known for their friendliness and emotionality: when they are talking to each other, they would usually use gestures, violently react to new information or talk in high pitch.

Gestures are a vital part of every conversation – there are many of gestures, which play an important role in the conversation, as they can mean a whole phrase. We have briefly overviewed the meaning of the most popular Spanish gestures in our video presentation above.

#4. Regions without bullfighting

Although the bullfighting is an internationally known symbol of Spain, many Spaniards strongly oppose this cruel tradition. Many regions, including Catalonia and the Canary Islands have already banned this practice.

#5. Unusual restaurant on a volcano

El Diablo restaurant, which is located on Lanzarote (the Canary Islands), you will get a unique change to order a steak, which have been prepared by the heat and fire, produced by the crater of a #volcano.

Please take a look at this video about El Diablo:



Watch original video on YouTube: Dangerous BBQ: El Diablo restaurant cooks food on a live VOLCANO

#5. The museum dedicated to time

Madrid has an unusual Grassy Clock and Watch Museum: it showcases the history of mechanical clocks and exhibits the best mechanical clocks (fully working), some of which were created back in the 16th century. All these watches not only have a #historical value but are also regarded as great art pieces.

#6. The rarest language on the planet

The northern dialect of the Basque language is one of the rarest languages and it’s so rare that linguists were not able to find languages similar enough to it to be called relative, so it does not belong to any of the known language groups. Such advantage of this language was using during the WWII, as American radio operators transferred their important messages in this language, so nobody could quickly decipher them.

#7. Unseen before foods and products

The Spaniards brought to Europe many foods and products from their colonies, including tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, tobacco, cocoa and other exotic treats. Moreover, Spain is the only European country, where bananas can be grown.

The Spaniards were the first of Europeans to have started using tomatoes in cooking. As late as the 17th century, people of other European countries considered tomatoes to be poisonous. These plants were used for decorative purposes only: many people would only plant them in small pots in the greenhouses or along the alleys.

There is evidence that in Spain people consumed tomatoes at the beginning of the 17th century. Nowadays there is even a Spanish tomato festival, called the #Tomatina, during which people use tomatoes as the main "weapon" in the largest food fight in the world.

#8. The most compact church building

Malaga is the Spanish city, where the world’s smallest church is located. The Santa Isabel de Ungru-in-Kolomares church has an irregular shape and the area of just 1.96 square meters.

#9. How popular is Spanish language?

Spanish language is one of the most popular in the world. Nowadays Spanish is official in 21 countries and over 100 million people are using this language as a second language. Interesting to know that over 25% of US residents can speak Spanish.

#10. Most ancient European city




Cadiz – Spanish city situated in west Andalusia, is considered by some historians to be one of the most ancient cities in Europe (if not the most ancient). Archeological evidence proved that a Phoenician settlement existed on the site of the modern city of Cadiz, as early as 1110 BC.

#11. Influence on modern art and architecture

Spanish creativity and artistic thought have greatly influenced the history of modern art. Many famous artists and architectures were born and educated in Spain. The list include: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miro, Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, Antonio Gaudi and many more.

#12. Andalusian horse breed




The most famous of the #horse breeds, which originate from Spain, the Andalusian, may easily be named one of the most beautiful breeds of this animal in the world. For many years experts claim that it is getting harder and harder to find a horse breed, which can compete with the spectacular beauty of the Andalusians. These horses are considered to be a part of the national pride for many Spaniards, who call them "Nuestra Caballos" or "our horses".

Nowadays Andalusian horses are known worldwide and not only by animal lovers. Historians say that these horses were an irreplaceable attribute of any royal parade; best knights and warriors never went on conquest without them. Andalusian horses are depicted on various paintings and works of art and even mentioned in historical novels of Spanish writers.

#13. Orange tree blossom

According to a Spanish wedding tradition, the hair of the bride is decorated with a branch of a blossoming orange tree. The name of this tree translates from Spanish as "apple from China". In this sunny country, the fruit, which grows on this tree, is considered to be a national symbol of love and happiness.

#14. Best food and drinks

Spain, being one of the most visited tourism countries in the world, is the leader among European countries in the number of available restaurants, coffee shops, bars: there are over 350,000 places, where one could relax and have a dinner or just a cup of coffee.

#15. Canary Islands

The biggest archipelago, which remains under the Spanish rule, is the archipelago of the Canary Islands, situated #100 km from Africa and washed by the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of 13 islands and is regarded to be the best honeymoon destination on the planet.

Quick facts about Spain:

- After Switzerland, Spain is the most mountainous country in modern Europe: mountains take up about 90% of Spanish territory.

- People in Spain get married in their thirties, so it is very hard to find a married man in his twenties. Spaniards start creating their own families by the age of 35-40 and usually name their children after parents or close relatives.

- Spain is one of the biggest producers of olive oil and Spanish companies are responsible for annual production of 44% of world’s olive oil.

- Spanish universities and colleges are known to enroll more women than men.

- Madrid is located in the exact center of Spain. The central square of Madrid is considered to be the beginning point of all roads in the country.

 - The world's oldest restaurant, Casa Botin, is located in the heart of Madrid in Spain. According to historical research, it was opened back in 1725.

- In order to entertain millions of visitors annually, Spain has hundreds of museums, many of which are unusual. Visitors, for example, have an opportunity to visit the museums dedicated to romance or ham.

- The Spaniards are peculiar about their food and usually consider it one of the main pleasures in life.

- In Spain people rarely have breakfast at home, so after 10 a.m. the cafes are crowded with locals.

- Spanish women usually keep their maiden names after marriage.

- The Spanish siesta, a traditional recreational time during the day, is preserved even in modern Spanish society (the work day may start as late as 11:00 a.m.). Many tourists claim to have had troubles finding a working store before 10 o’clock in the morning in a number of provinces.

- Many tourists, in order to experience the peculiarities of Spanish culture and true national spirit, decide to stay in Paradors - old mansions, which have been converted into luxury hotels, located in residential areas of the city. The rent for such residences, however, may sometimes exceed the price for a stay in a five star hotel but the demand for this service is in its all-time high.

- Chupa Chups candy was invented in 1958 in Spain. The logo for the brand was painted by Salvador Dali.

- Modern Spanish anthem doesn’t have any words.

- Barcelona Aquarium is the largest in Europe and hosts the longest underwater glass tunnel to amaze its visitors.


Image credits:

1) www.blog.thomascookairlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Spanish-Flag.jpg
2) www.spanishsabores.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_4950.jpg
3) www.img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/01/Others/Images/2014-10-01/140930_Bilingual081412188386.jpg?uuid=ZsJg-EmZEeSkv3lKt06Q8A
4) www.cornmarketinsurance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Cadiz-catehdral.jpg
5) www.pets4homes.co.uk/images/articles/1074/large/the-andalusian-horse-522595cc98662.jpg