Spain

Culture and traditions in Spain

This diverse country, with mainly influences of the pre-roman cultures, has the second highest number of sites declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

Known for its high number of architectural buildings and cathedrals relating to ancient times and showing traditions of several different cultures that settled the country throughout history.

In the northern region the international known cathedral of Santiago de Compostela end station of thousands of pilgrims each year after their long way on the "Camino de Santiago" (Way of St. James), located in Coruña, a city of special architectural interest. The "Sagrada Familia" in Barcelona, designed by Gaudi and one of the highlights of this interesting port city, is a monument that is still not finished and an end of works cannot be foreseen.

All main historical cities of Spain offer interesting places telling the history of this country.

Literature is an important element of the Spanish cultural heritage with many writings of national authors of different periods and that are mainly taught in schools. The most popular "The Quijote" by Cervantes with international recognition.

Spanish people like to keep traditions through festivities. Each region has its own traditional festivity, many of them quite particular. So visitors will have the opportunity to experience in Navarra the international known "San Fermin Festivities", famous for participants running in front of groups of bulls through the streets of the city. Carnival is a traditional and important festivity celebrated in the Canary Islands and South of Spain, in Andalusia. In Valencia the "Fallas" are traditional and a good opportunity to try the Paella, which is a main element during this festivity and the regional typical dish.