Beyond Dawlish
Spain is a country with vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes and hundreds of years of traditions. Spain is simply a dream destination with numerous national monuments, wondrous cities, gorgeous beaches and villages, marvelous monuments and an amazing culture. The country is also rich in history with Romans, Moors, and European monarchies that have influenced the country with a rich history. If you are going to visit, then you will need to apply for your Spain Visa in advance so that you can enjoy a smooth and hassle free journey.
If you have to travel to Spain, learning its history and peculiarities will enhance your journey even more. The surprises of Spain range from football fever to birthplace of the Flamenco. The process to obtain a Visa from India is very easy and convenient for the travelers from India. In this article, we are going to look in detail at 10 interesting facts about Spain.
Here are the 10 Interesting Facts about Spain You Need to Know
1. Spain Has the Fifth-Largest Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain is fifth in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spain’s heritage sites include a masterpiece of Islamic architecture from the Alhambra in Granada, to Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, all of which are centuries of artistic and historical influences. Spain is a history lover’s dream destination, and this is not surprising, for it has a mix of ancient ruins, stunning palaces and charming old towns.
2. Spain Hosts the World’s Largest Food Fight
Every year, the town of Bunol hosts La Tomatina, the world’s biggest food fight. In fact, every last Wednesday of August thousands of participants chuck over 100 tons of ripe tomatoes at each other, a spectacular, crazy attack. This unique festival started as a local tradition in 1945 and has since become a world-wide recognized one. The event is well organized, even though there is chaos, and the streets are washed clean after the tomato throwing frenzy.
3. Spanish Is One of the Most Widely Spoken Languages in the World
Second most spoken native language in the world, Spanish has a native speakerhood of over 500 million. In addition to almost the entire Latin America, it is also the official language in 21 countries. Learning Spanish is a gateway to experiencing new cultures in a more pleasant way, it enables you to meet locals while traveling. A few Spanish phrases will come in handy regardless of whether you’re in Spain, Mexico, Argentina or Colombia.
4. Spain’s National Anthem Has No Words
Like most national anthems, Spain does not have an official lyric to its anthem, which is "Marcha Real." It is one of the oldest national anthems in Europe and was originally composed in 1761. Several attempts have been made to add lyrics, but none have been officially adopted. The anthem is played with great pride at national events, especially at football matches and at Olympic ceremonies, even though it has no words.
5. Football Is Like a Religion in Spain
Football has nothing to do with sport, in Spain it is a way of life! Spain is home to no less than two of the world’s most successful clubs, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and also has a football culture with a passion to burn. La Roja (the national team) made history by winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships in a row in 2008 and 2012. The second players leave Spanish stadiums on match days, blaring horns halt the cities and fans flood into bars and stadiums to make football an unforgettable experience in Spain.
6. The World’s First Modern Novel Is Spanish
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is one of Spain’s greatest literary contributions written in 1605. This masterpiece is often considered the first modern novel, and it is the story of an aging nobleman who sets out to revive chivalry. The literature is enormous, as the novel has many influential writers all over the globe and it has been translated in many languages. Cervantes is today remembered as Spain’s most famous literary figure.
7. Spain Produces 50% of the World’s Olive Oil
Olive oil production in Spain accounts for more than 50 percent of the world’s production. Andalusia is particularly famous for its huge olive groves and some of the finest extra virgin olive oils come from this region. Spanish olive oil is a well-known premium quality and rich flavored oil, and it is an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Spanish olive oil, no matter if you use it for cooking or dousing on fresh bread, is something that foodies must try.
8. Spain Is the Birthplace of Flamenco
Andalusia is where Flamenco is a passionate and soulful art form. The combination of singing, guitar playing, dancing, and handclaps makes for a very intense and emotional performance. Flamenco consists of more than just a dance–it is an expression of infinite deep emotions influenced by Gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish cultures. Nowadays Flamenco is considered a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and you can see authentic performances in cities such as Seville, Granada and Madrid.
9. The World’s Oldest Restaurant Is in Spain
Sobrino de Botin is located in Madrid and is the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest continuously running restaurant in the world. This legendary eatery has been dishing out traditional Spanish cuisine for almost 300 years at the age of 1725. Its roast suckling pig is famous, and roasted in a wood-fired oven that is hundreds of years old. Ernest Hemingway dined here and mentioned it in his novel The Sun Also Rises.
10. Spain Has the World’s Largest Number of Blue Flag Beaches
Over 600 of Spain’s beaches are Blue Flag, the most of any country in the world. Under the Blue Flag certification, beaches are awarded only when they meet high standards of cleanliness and safety as well as environmental management. The coastline of Spain is not something you need to venture far to experience, with a combination of the golden beaches of Costa Brava, the crystal clear waters of the Balearic Islands and the hidden coves of Andalusia, Spain’s beaches are some of the best in Europe.
Conclusion
The landscapes of Spain are breathtaking, the traditions are rich and the cultural landmarks of the world famous. Spain is a country that has some historic cities, delicious cuisine, or lively festivals that will interest you no matter what. It is one of the world’s most exciting places due to its mix of heritage and modern vibrance.
If you are on a trip to Spain, do not forget to secure the Visa before you get there. The Spain Visa from India is easy to apply for and is hassle free for the travelers from India. Now is the time to plan your adventure of Spain’s magic.
