Flamenco is not just a dance, but the soul of Spain
Officially, Spain is the largest European state, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, the official language is Spanish, and the capital is Madrid. But all these boring facts do not convey even an iota of what is hidden in this enchanting word – Spain.
By the way, there are several hypotheses about the origin of the country's name. Some believe that the word 'Spain' comes from the Phoenician 'i-shephan-im' – the name of rabbits that abound in the country. Back in ancient times, the Roman emperor Servius Galba issued a coin on which Spain was personified as a girl with a rabbit at her feet. According to another version, the country got its name from the Latin word 'hispidus', which means 'hairy, shaggy' – that is how travelers saw the ancestors of modern Spaniards.
But don't let such ideas about the country's inhabitants scare you – today's Spaniards are very friendly people who value entertainment and fun above all else. It is no accident that the country's culture is full of traditions that are so interesting to foreigners. First of all, of course, it is the legendary bullfight. It is believed that even the country's flag obeys the law of the bullfight – the yellow color in it is associated with the sand covering the arena, and the red symbolizes the spilled blood of the bull. If you wish to attend this breathtaking spectacle, then when purchasing tours to Spain, be sure to choose Marbella – one of the most luxurious areas on the Mediterranean coast. It is here that every Sunday a traditional bullfight, so beloved by Spaniards, takes place, accompanied by fiery dances and a horse fiesta. It is worth saying that Marbella is an ideal place for relaxation, everything here is subordinated to the tourist's desire – fishermen's cottages have been turned into small cozy restaurants on the coast, there is a special berth for the yachts of those who have arrived here for a holiday.
Another hallmark of Spain is fiery flamenco, which over centuries has become not just a dance but a true work of art. Only professional flamenco dancers can convey the full range of feelings and emotions hidden in the dance. If you wish to become part of an unforgettable spectacle, head to Seville, where every two years the largest flamenco festival takes place – 'Bienal de Flamenco'. The tradition of holding this festival of emotions and elegance was established in 1980 and to this day has not lost its popularity among fans of this Spanish art form.
In general, to plan your holiday in Spain in such a way as to see all the features of the country is absolutely impossible. In order to learn the spirit and national culture of the Spaniards, you need to live here, because this country is not just huge, but also very diverse. That is why many travelers have long called it a land of contrasts.
The Canary, Pitiusic and Balearic Islands have become synonymous with luxury holidays and the most modern entertainment. Here the gentle sun shines all year round and the sea beckons with its pleasant coolness. At the end of summer in the south of the country it is even too hot, it is at this time, in the middle of the working day, that locals abandon all their affairs and indulge in siesta.
A completely different climate in the north of the country. This part of Spain can be visited all year round, but here you are unlikely to catch even one sunny day; it usually rains, making the nature of this region incredibly diverse and vibrant.
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