culture and traditions of Spain differ significantly from cultural heritage, traditions and spiritual values of other European countries.Numerous tourists are attracted by colorful atmosphere, temperament, friendliness and kindness of the local people.
What are the characteristics of Culture of Spain
Due to the special geographical situation of the country, the Spanish culture is endowed with unique originality, richness and beauty.The location on the border between Africa and Europe, beaches, lapped by the warm Mediterranean sea and mild Atlantic - all this is reflected in the traditions and customs of the hospitable Spain.
Perennial layering cultural layers occurred due to the influence of different nations and religions.Culture of Spain - a unique combination of historical monuments and folklore heritage of the ancient Romans, Greeks, Arabs.Spanish style of "Mudejar" is a symbiosis of architecture, painting, music, arts and crafts, expressed in terms of international cultural features.
Spanish architecture
Historical buildings are varied, dictated fashion trends of different periods.Culture Spanish is widely represented in monumental buildings: the Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, magnificent palaces.By the number of world-renowned monuments of Spain is in second place, losing the championship in Italy.
curious tourists should definitely see the Arc de Triomphe and the house Casa Leo Morera in Barcelona.Heading to Valencia, you can not miss the gates Torres de Serrano, erected in the XIV century.Step Pyramid Guimar located on the island of Tenerife, dazzling in its scale and are an age-old mystery to mankind.Arabic minaret of the Giralda from the Golden Tower is a symbol of Seville.In the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela kept the ancient relics of St. James, which is named in honor of the historic structure.
Features of Culture of Spain are reflected in modern buildings.Agbar Tower, a building in the form of fish architect Frank Gehry, "the house of Bin Laden" - here's a small list of the world-famous works of architectural art, worthy of representing their country.
Spanish art of
Spanish art has left a mark in the history of the world culture.World famous art works brought the Golden Age.These include religious masterpieces of the genre, created by the artist El Greco.No less known creators such as Francisco Ribalta, Diego Velázquez, Murillo Bartolomeo , Husepe Ribera . Artistic traditions were later continued by the brilliant work of Francisco Goya.Invaluable contribution to the contemporary art of painting made Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris.
Spanish Literature
During the Golden Age of Spanish culture is enriched by outstanding works of literary genre.The glory of his homeland brought the famous author of "Don Quixote," Miguel de Cervantes.Equally famous are the fictional heroes of Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderón de la Barca and Miguel de Unamuno.Modern literary glory backed playwright and poet Federico García Lorca, Juan Goytisolo, Miguel Delibes and Camilo José Cela, who became the winner of the Nobel Prize.On the stage was a glorified art drama mainly due to Ramon del Valle-Inclán.
Culture of Spain awarded thanks to the success of the national cinema.Directed by Luis Bunuel, the author of the masterpiece "Un Chien Andalou" forty years of kinodeyatelnosti created a gallery of world famous products.We strengthen the glory of the master authors such as Pedro Almodovar and Carlos Saura.
Spanish music
Spain is one of the oldest music in Europe.Surprising originality of song genres, instrumental music, dance art due to the historical features of the land.In the initial period of the development of musical culture of Spain included various directions peculiar to certain provinces.Over time, a variety of cultures ever more closely intertwined, forming a distinctive Spanish-style markedly different from all others.
Since the beginning of the XIII century Spanish music was known to the art of playing the guitar.Today, traditional musical instrument is represented by two species: flamenco and acoustic guitar.Contemporary music contains at its core the origins of folklore, Spanish distinguish the product originality and recognizability.
Classical works were developed in the sixteenth century, based on church music.At the beginning of the XX century Europe-wide recognition of the Spanish music brought composers Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla.Contemporary art is represented by classical singing voices brilliant Montserrat Caballe, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.
Flamenco
temperamental and fiery flamenco style - a traditional music of Spain, who was born in Andalusia.It is presented in three ways: songs, dances and playing the guitar.The basis of the style were the ancient gypsy ritual dances that were handed down, while maintaining their traditions and enriched by new musical colors.
Today flamenco dancing presented in the form of musical performances filled with semantic content, with an expression of extreme sensuality and passion.Indispensable attributes of dance numbers (long dresses, colorful shawls, fans) help to better express feelings and emphasize the national origin of the style.Flamenco dancing is often accompanied by rhythmic sounds of castanets, clapping their hands (palmas), expressive drumming Cajon.
flamenco dance culture together under one heading a number of different musical patterns.A characteristic feature of the Spanish style is a mandatory element of improvisation, allowing you to create totally unique pieces of dance.
Festivals and Events in Spain
ancient origins and the wealth of cultural expressions identify bright beauty and originality of national holidays.Musical country annually conducts a variety of festivals, carnivals and processions.
In February, Carnival is held nationwide, most clearly represented in the island of Tenerife.Eve of the Easter holiday is complete without a lot of processions and religious processions, decorated with colorful and colorful attributes.
most famous festivals take place in summer and autumn: music, theater, dance.To the category of original events include Tomatina - tomato festival, where grandiose tomato massacre.
Bullfighting
the cultural heritage of Spain, of course, is attributed the famous bullfight - the battle with the bulls.Entertainment activities presented a bright performance, including a centuries-old tradition of art, based on respect for the sacred animal, passion and death risk.
In ancient times, the bullfight was an indispensable element of national holidays.Today it is an art that embodies the Spanish spirit and national identity.Beauty bullfighting is akin to ballet dance, where torero shows his skill, courage and talent.
Lovely people, glorifying the history of his country over the centuries, sets, created and continue to maintain the national heritage, whose name - the culture of Spain.A brief look at the creative direction of human activity, one can not feel the deep respect to the Spanish people, carefully keeps and makes the cultural traditions of their homeland.
