One of the most visited countries in all of Europe is Spain. If you want to visit the beaches, stroll through ancient cities, live comfortably, enjoy the food, or participate in a lively nightlife, Spain has it all.
1 - Once upon a time, Spain was known as "the empire where the sun never sets."
This phrase was given to Spain as a result of the numerous lands it annexed between the late 15th and the middle of the 20th centuries. Spain previously controlled nations throughout the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and Europe, as well as the Philippine Archipelago. Given the size of the nation's territory, there was always some portion of the empire that saw the light of day.
2 - Spanish was used to write the "first" novel.
Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes, was published in 1605 and is largely regarded as the first modern novel. The foundational book is regarded as one of the most significant works of Spanish literature ever produced and is a key contribution to the development of Western literature.
3 - It holds the largest tomato festival in the world.
In Bunol, there is a sizable tomato fight every year. One of the interesting tidbits about Spain that everyone is aware of is La Tomatina.
Since a young guy started hurling tomatoes at his pals in a fit of passion in 1945, more people have followed in, and a custom has been established. Authorities outlawed the celebrations in the 1950s, but they were reinstated in 1957 after locals performed a pretend burial, placing a tomato in a coffin, to grieve the loss of their beloved festival. It has maintained its viability ever since.
4 - Spanish culture is influenced by both regional customs and religion.
One of the best-known facts about Spaniards is how nice they are. Shaking hands upon meeting and parting is customary. Using titles when speaking with senior citizens demonstrates respect.
Additionally, married women dress with their covenants to the right as opposed to the left.
5 - The nation makes extensive use of green energy.
Because of the widespread use of solar and wind energy, Spain is currently at the forefront of implementing green energy in Europe. Wind power now accounts for more than? of the nation's electricity generation. On windy days, wind turbines located in Spain can produce up to 70% of the power used by the Iberian Peninsula.
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6 - Spain has a lot of odd traditions.
According to custom, you should have 12 grapes when the new year arrives. The goal is to eat a grape at the stroke of each hour of the clock; if you succeed, the new year will be lucky for you.
7 - When getting married, most Spanish women continue to use their maiden names.
The children of the marriage, however, are given the husband's last name. Thus, after a generation, the mother's maiden name is finally dropped.
8 - In Spain, the life expectancy is very high.
Spanish people have the second-longest life expectancy in the world, after Japan, with average ages of 79 for men and 85 for women.
9 - Traditionally, Spanish people had two surnames.
The fact that Spanish people typically have two surnames—one from each parent—is one of the strange things about Spain. Despite the waning practice, some people still support it.
10 - In Spain, five languages are being used.
Castilian is both the official language and the most common language in the nation. Outside of Spain, it is nonetheless typically referred to as "Spanish." In addition, autonomous communities are permitted by the Spanish constitution to designate dominant regional tongues and dialects as official languages in addition to Castilian. They speak Basque, Catalan, Aranès, and Galician.