What Spain Is And Isn't
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What Spain Is And Isn't

A Spaniard takes down Spanish stereotypes. Because Spain isn't (only) bullfighting, party, siesta and beach.

1489
What Spain Is And Isn't
Shutterstock

1. No, Spain is not somewhere around Colombia or Bolivia, and we're definitely not Mexico. Spain is actually in western EUROPE, bordering with France and Portugal. Geography is important.


2. Spain is NOT a Latin-American country, so please don't call us latinos/as or look for burritos and tacos because you won't find them unless you go to a Mexican restaurant. As a matter of fact, the only thing we have in common with Latin-America is the language. Spain's culture and gastronomy is Mediterranean, and we have way more in common with Italians or the French people, for example.


3. We descent from a huge variety of ancient civilizations and peoples, including the Romans, Iberians, Celts, Muslims, and germanic peoples. Their legacy lives in every aspect of Spain's culture, including the language and architecture. It's easy to spot ancient ruins and castles all around the country. In Spain, history is alive.


4. In Spain, each region is completely different, and I mean this. To start with, there are different languages and dialects, and the Spanish language differs from north to south, east to west, or from the coast to the interior (don't get scared if you don't understand Catalonian or Andalusian people). So does traditions, gastronomy, and even how cities look. Just about everything, really, and this is where Spain's richness lies. There is so much to discover.


5. We do NOT fight bulls. At least ordinary people don't, since there are very few toreros (bullfighters). Besides, bullfighting is an old show/tradition that is slowly losing popularity, as more and more regions are banning it for it's cruelty towards the animals. What about that festivity in which people run in front of bulls, though? That's the San Fermines, an annual festivity in the city of Pamplona. But the minority of people that do that are often kind of crazy, more or less like in the rodeos.


6. There are blond, light-eyed and pale Spaniards too, not everybody is brunette and tan like Penelope Cruz or Antonio Banderas.


7. We really don't take siestas every day. It's a privilege we can't usually afford due to our tight working schedules and other obligations. We don't stop whatever we're doing just because it's "siesta time".


8. We don't party every single minute of the year. We actually work a lot, but it's true that there are many festivities along the year and that we know how to have fun when we have the opportunity.


9. Sangria isn't our favorite drink (we only drink it in the summer and definitely not every day), or paella our favorite or only dish (it's only typical in the eastern coast). And no, flamenco is not the national dance (you'll find sevillanas only in the south).


10. We aren't that catholic anymore, and in spite of still celebrating religious dates and festivities, for most people is just tradition. That catholic devotion you might perceive in Semana Santa, for instance, isn't as such. Spain is actually a secular country, as defined by its constitution.


11. Spain isn't all sun, beach and sea. It all depends on the region, really. It's really hot in the south and eastern coast, but it gets super cold in other parts of Spain. In the north of Spain, for instance, the weather and landscape is similar to England's. Almost any type of landscape you can think of (desserts, mountains, forests, fields, beaches) can be found in Spain. Diversity is Spain's most prominent feature!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

43694
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

117454
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments