Spain is a country of unique contrasts, vibrant colors and indescribable emotions. It is home to bullfighting, tomato festivals and passionate flamenco. Spain has long won phenomenal popularity among tourists and continues to reveal its secrets to guests. Let's get to know together the most amazing and unusual facts from the cultural and historical life of modern Spain.
What is the uniqueness?
Today Spain is almost the only country whose influence extends to another continent. The Canary Islands and two cities in Africa - Melilla and Ceuta - are officially considered Spanish.
The Spanish province of Almeria has the only desert in Europe. This place is called Tabernas and is considered the driest place in all of Spain. In addition, the climate itself in Spain is rather harsh. If the wonderful sunny weather is appreciated by visitors, then local farmers have to spend enormous efforts and resources to combat persistent droughts.
In Spain, both the largest church in terms of area and the smallest cathedral in the world are located. The Church of Santa Maria de la Sede is located in Seville, and the tiny Cathedral of Santa Isabel de Ungria in Colomares is the main attraction of Malaga. Its area does not exceed 2 sq.m.
The Andalusian city of Cadiz has been found to be the direct heir to the settlement of the ancient Phoenicians. Therefore, it is considered one of the most ancient cities in Europe, the history of which dates back to the second century BC.
Football and its place in the life of the Spaniards
The most popular sport in the country is football. Most Spaniards regard this team game as a religion, and local footballers are almost equated with gods. Even the famous exclamations of "ole-ole!" have Spanish roots.
Economy
Despite a number of economic crises, the Spanish economy is considered one of the strongest in the world. And the banking system is generally recognized as the most stable in Europe.
Spain is one of the three leaders in the production of wines, second only to France and Italy. Winemaking has become so widespread that each province has its own brand and variety of wine.
Traditions and differences
Each province of Spain differs not only in customs and cuisine, but also may have significant differences in language. For example, the language of the northern Basques is generally unique. This artificial dialect was originally created by the Americans, who used it during the war to transmit encrypted messages.
Only in Spain can you meet so many people in the middle of the night. Parks, squares, streets and squares are well lit here, which allows even children to walk and relax. Spain has very hot days, so everyone is looking forward to the sunset when the heat subsides.
It is to the Spanish travelers and discoverer that Europe owes such products as tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, cocoa and avocado. And only in Spain do bananas grow.
If the Slavs, obeying the proverb, are in a hurry to complete important matters today, then the Spaniards have the opposite rule. These people love themselves too much to burden them with anything. When asked when? they almost always answer "tomorrow."
The main pride of Spanish grooms is the famous Andalusian horse breed. This is one of the most striking, beautiful and proud horse breeds, which was an integral attribute of parades and all kinds of processions. The famous Homer called this horse "the son of the wind" and "the silver arrow". And the Spaniards are proud of this breed above all else.
Interested in prices for holidays in Spain? Read our review.
