Spanish culture (2)

Any mention about Spanish culture must emphasize the importance of religion in the history of the country. A good impression of the Catholic influences is provided by the abundant mystical elements in Spanish art and literature. However, nowadays, after the reestablishment of democracy in Spain, the Catholic Church has lost its influence, but any visitor will be able to verify the cultural impact that this religion has had.

Spanish culture is being vouched for by an important publishing industry that edits tens of thousands of books annually, and Spanish cinema is becoming a reference in the world, with world-famous directors like Pedro Almodovar, and outstanding film festivals, like the ones in San Sebastian and Valladolid. The music industry earns hundreds of millions of euros annually, and stage theatre stays much alive thanks to important festivals like those of Merida and Almagro. On the other hand, Spanish universities also play a very important role in the cultural diffusion with their summer courses, like the ones in El Escorial, Santander, Salamanca or the International University Menendez Pelayo.

Celebrations and fiestas are highlights of folklore in the Spanish way of life. There exists an evident mixture between Christian and secular traditions. Religious acts, like processions of saints and venerated icons, are a fundamental element of celebrations in thousands of Spanish towns. Secular celebrations are accompanied by folkloric music, dances and songs to liven up the fiestas. Bullfighting is an important part of the Spanish festive tradition, although it is a subject of continuous controversy. The April Fair in Seville, the ‘Fallas’ of Valencia, or the running of the bulls of San Fermin in Pamplona, are some of the festivities most recognized internationally.

[Culture,art y literature]     1]