Spain+Culture

Spain Culture: Language, Arts, Society, music, Traditions, Customs
In Spain the modern standard Spanish that is spoken is called Castilian, which is spoken throughout Spain and is the official language. Yet there are many other languages used and these are as listed:- - Euskara - Galician or (Gallego) - Modern Portuguses has evolved - Catalan
 * Language:**

In Spain there are a selection of Museums and Galleries:- - Mares Museum - Museum of fine arts - Picasso Museum - The Miro Foundation
 * Arts:**
 * A__RT__
 * In Barcelona**

- Sorolla Museum - Prado Museum
 * In Madrid**

- Museum of Fine arts - Archeological Museum
 * In Seville**

From previous information on some of Spain’s museums shows that beauty literally crowds Spians streets, with the beautiful Cathedrals and Monasteries and many famous artist coming from Spain. Such artist are:- - Bartolome Murillo - Diego Velazquez - Great 20th Century artist Pablo Picasso - Joan Miro - Saluadar Dali.
 * __Visual Art__

There are many historical architectural masterpieces that survive in Spain, and the country made a number of contributions to the field. Such Roman works as //Theatres// (Merida), //Bridges// (Alcantar and Cordoba). The Alcazar at Seville (14th Century).
 * __Architecture__

Most Spanish are baptized, Married and buried as a member of the Roman Catholic church, however under the 1978 constitution the church is no longer Spain official or established faith. And more so Spanish society has declined sharply (90 percent) of the population is reported as being Roman catholic.
 * Society:**

Many different people have settled in Spain resulting in a great mixing of peoples and cultures. One long-standing minority group is the Roma (Gypsies), who are known as Gitanos in Spain. Which some of the Roma follow a traditional nomadic lifestyle, while others have assimilated into the mainstream of Spanish standard of living.


 * Music:**
 * From the typical music of bagpipes echoing throughout the northern region of Galicia to the feisty strumming of the flamenco guitar in Andalucía, Spanish music is one of the high points of Spain’s stunning culture. Traditional music spanning centuries along with popular singers tearing up the charts today put Spanish music in a category of its own.


 * Spain has a long history of innovation in Western and Andalusian classical music, as well as the domestic popular music industry and diverse styles of folk music


 * Modern Spain has a number of performers in the fields of Rock and Roll, Heavy metal, Punk rock and Hip Hop.


 * The best-known variety of Spanish folk music is probably flamenco, a diverse genre created by Andalusian Roma. Flamenco has been known since at least the 1770's and has been through several cycles of dwindling popularity and rebirth.


 * The Spanish music of today is made up of pop bands and it can be seen that this new type of music has dominated the music charts in Spain today.

Traditions: > A tradition begun long ago in the southern city of Seville, Spaniards have since perfected the art of snacking. Going out for Tapas consists of travelling from bar to bar and sharing plates of the bars' specialties with a small group of friends.
 * **Tapas**

> The word Sobremesa literally means "over the table" and refers to the art of conversation after a meal. Instead of taking the last bite and leaving, Spaniards often stay at the table conversing, savoring each other's company, and perhaps sharing a drink. Customs:
 * **Sobremesa**
 * **Siesta**- The Siesta is an hour long mid-afternoon break from work. Many shops and some museums (yet relatively few other businesses) still split their hours into two distinct periods of opening with a 2 to 3 hour break in the middle.


 * In the early evening a **//paseo//** //(stroll)// remains a common custom in many smaller cities and to some extent even lager ones//:// The dinner hour is the latest in Europe.


 * At around 10p.m, then the night life begins accordingly late, with many dance clubs (even in small cities) opening at midnight and staying open till dawn.


 * During summer in Madrid, there is nothing weird about a live musical performance being scheduled for 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning.

- //Famous running with the bulls// (In Pamplona) - //Feria Vieja// (In cities all over cities across Spain. - //Las Fallas// (In Valencia)
 * Spain has festivals all through the year so no matter what time you visit Spain there is always things to see and take part in. Some of these festivals are:

By stephanie Reid