10 Surprising Facts About Spain
- Language and dialects: Spanish (or Castilian) is the official language of Spain, but there are also a number of regional languages and dialects, such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque.
- Holidays & Festivals: Spain is known for its vibrant celebrations and festivals. For example, La Tomatina, a tomato throwing festival held in the city of Buñol, and Feria de Abril, a spring festival in Seville.
- Sierra Nevada: The Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain in Spain. It is home to the country's largest ski resort where you can go skiing and snowboarding.
- Food Culture: Spanish cuisine is renowned for its diversity and authenticity. Paella, tapas, jamón (Spanish ham) and sangria are all popular dishes and drinks in Spain.
- Football passion: Football is one of the most popular sports in Spain. The country is famous for its football clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, which have many fans around the world.
- Architectural masterpieces: Spain is rich in architectural masterpieces. It is home to famous monuments such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada and many castles and palaces.
- Spiritual travel: Spain is famous as a place of pilgrimage. The country is known for its many Catholic churches and shrines, including Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world.
- Lazy lunches: In Spain, it is common to have long lunches, known as "siesta", when most shops and businesses close for a couple of hours to rest and sleep.
- Passion for dance: Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that is an important part of the country's culture. Flamenco shows can be seen in many restaurants and theaters in Spain.
- Siesta: In Spain, it is customary to have a short rest in the afternoon, called a siesta, especially during the warmer months when it is hot. A siesta allows people to relax before continuing the working day.
