Culture of Spain

The languages, customs, arts, cuisines, and traditions shaped by Spain’s diverse regions and history, including both shared practices and strong regional identities.

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Autonomous communities of Spain: Spain’s first-level territorial divisions, each with elected institutions and varying degrees of self-government. Their distinct political histories help sustain regional cultural identities.
Spanish cuisine: The regional food traditions and culinary practices of Spain. Local ingredients and histories produce sharply varied regional cuisines.
Spanish national identity: The ways people in Spain identify with the Spanish nation and its history, symbols, and institutions. National belonging coexists with strong regional identities and competing political visions.
Basque cuisine: The food traditions of the Basque Country, known for seafood, local produce, and pintxos. It exemplifies a regional cuisine shaped by local ingredients and distinct social customs.
Languages of Spain: The languages spoken in Spain, including Spanish and several co-official regional languages. Language is one of the clearest markers of Spain’s cultural diversity.
Spanish festivals: Public celebrations in Spain, including religious feasts, civic events, and regional fiestas. Festivals bring local histories, devotional practices, and public identities into the streets.
Catalan nationalism: A political movement supporting greater self-government or independence for Catalonia. It challenges the idea that Spanish culture and nationhood form a single consensus.
Galician language: A Romance language spoken chiefly in Galicia and recognized as an official language there. Its survival illustrates the cultural importance of Spain’s regional languages.
History of Spain: The history of the Iberian Peninsula’s kingdoms and the modern Spanish state. Conquest, empire, migration, and political change shaped the country’s traditions.
Flamenco: An Andalusian art form combining song, guitar, dance, and rhythmic handclapping. Flamenco is a widely recognized tradition rooted in particular Andalusian communities.