Semana Santa

Because Spain is located near the Iberian Peninsula, Spain has been home to many cultural and historical ideas. From the Greeks, Romans to the medieval ages, the government has brought back many traditions, monuments and museums allowing them to study the past and understand their perspective on

Also in the United States decorations are a huge part of the holiday season, families celebrate by decorating a tree and most of the time their houses. Spanish families while they also have decorations, they do not compare to the United States. Many americans decorate their homes during this time, but in Spain it is not as popular. Like americans with the Christmas tree, the favorite decoration for many Spanish families is the nativity scene.

Arroz con leche, or rice pudding is a big part of all Hispanic cuisines. Being made with base items such as milk, rice, and cinnamon, other flavors can be mixed in to appeal to one's area of origin or taste. It is widely accepted that the original rice pudding was introduced to Spain by its original occupants, the Moorish. This dish, along with much other cultural heritage would be left over from its centuries of development. From Spain, it would travel across the Atlantic Ocean and soak into the meals of most central and south Americans.

Rice, fish, seafood, olives, ham and sausages are the main parts of a Spanish meal also fresh ingredients are important in Spanish meals. Spanish meal cookers visit mercados (market) daily for bread, vegetables, fruits, and fish or meat and these ingredients are grown/ caught locally or raised. Spaniards eat bread and coffee or chocolate blended for breakfast. Chocolate con churros are a popular dessert. Lunch includes the bocadillo (sandwich filled with ham, cheese or a tortilla-an egg and potato omelet). Dinner in Spain can start at 2 or 3’o clock dinner includes soup, salad and a main dish a popular meal is paella , it includes a rice dish prepare with saffron, onions, meat and seafood. Many eateries in Spain serve appetizers called tapas (bite sized portions of calamari) which have sausages, hard boiled egg, and pickled vegetables. Spain is also known as the fourth largest wine producer in Spain and some famous drinks is the Rioja and Sherry. Then there is the meal that I am going to make and it’s called

Mardi Gras, first introduced to New Orleans in the early 1730s, is now one of the most celebrated holidays by many natives in Louisiana. Several events are planned for the celebration, beginning in late October or November, which leads into the Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras involves a series of events and products like Mardi Gras Balls, delicious cakes that are famously known as King Cakes, and parades every day beginning in January and ending on the day that is designated Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the Catholic holiday that marks the beginning of Lent. During the parades, the people riding on the floats throw beads, candy, and stuffed animals, sometimes even other things, to those who have come from all around the world to witness a true New Orleans Mardi Gras. Some companies will even shut down their businesses to celebrate this holiday, even though it is not a national holiday. By

Another important tradition in Spain is Spanish music. The Spanish music is very important to the Spanish people as it’s a part of their culture. The Spanish music was influenced by the Arabic music in the 1600s.

Mardi Gras has spread throughout the ages, and will continue to expand. Festive traditions of Mardi Gras have spread overseas to New Orleans, Louisiana, Cadiz, Spain, Venice, Italy, and Rio de Janeiro. In the United States the celebration goes above and beyond. With the parades in New Orleans and the balls in St. Louis, the U.S is full of tradition. Krewes who work behind the scenes plan for months to prepare for the extravagant festival. Along with planning, they gather any thing green, gold, or purple to attach to their floats. All this work leads up to the insane party of a holiday which most people think is incredible and fun. Everyone is invited to celebrate , and to have a good time during Mardi

Mahatma Gandhi once stated that “A nations culture resides in the hearts and souls of its people” This holds evident in the European country of Spain. Spain is a country of long time tradition in which people work hard to continue on with a culture they created long ago. Spain is a very colorfully cultured country with many famous and important traditions one of which is, the art of flamenco dancing.

Walking into the cemetery, I noticed that the night shined brighter than the day and the music was more alive than ever. I could hear the song, “Puno de Tierra” by Ramon Ayala, playing in the background and there were many families gathered around the graves of their loved ones. I could smell the fresh copal burning into the air and I noticed that my uncles tumba (tomb) looked cleaner than any other day. His grave was decorated with marigolds, candy skulls, pan de muertos, and white candles along with a few of his favorite foods and a portrait of him placed in the middle for everyone to see. Then, I suddenly open my eyes to see myself sitting down on a sofa from our living room, and in the background I heard my grandmother continuously repeating

Nochebuena is celebrated by a traditional dinner with family and friends occurring after Christmas Mass. It is common tradition to begin this meal with a seafood dish followed by a bowl of homemade soup. This meal is traditionally followed by eating a desert of turron, which is a type of almond candy. Navidad is celebrated by attending church, and having feasts. A unique Spanish tradition is that there are special swing sets put up especially for Navidad. Children commonly swing on these for hours at a time

Holidays the Hispanic culture does celebrate the most popular holiday like: Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Day, Three Kings Day, and Easter. These holidays are heart of their religion and it due to the government making them a national holiday.

December 12th is not just another ordinary day. For me and for many other Hispanics we celebrate El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe on this date. People officially started celebrating El Dia de la Virgen on 1859. This tradition has been going on for more than 150 years and it will continue to be celebrated. Not only do we dedicate this day to the Virgin Mary but honor her with flowers, performances, music, and dances. On this paper I will be discussing the history behind el 12 de Diciembre, the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, and what people do to celebrate this special day.

Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week, is a famous holiday celebrated in many Spanish speaking countries. Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, and Spain are a few for example. Every country celebrates this holiday in a unique way. This holiday usually lasts for one week starting from Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) through Easter Sunday (Pascua). During the week, there are daily mass services in the Catholic Church. The seven main days are: Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

From sandy beaches to rocky mountain ranges, astounding big cities to mosques and gothic cathedrals, vibrant festivals to the theatrical historic bullfights, Spain has about everything. Spain has been the center of culture in Europe for thousands of years. Spain is an astonishing place with rich heritage and lively festivals and art. Spain is not just about the flamenco dancing, bullfights, and the religious festivals, it has so many things to offer. Even Lenny Kravitz the American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer said, “It’s like a dream to come to Spain and stay a for a couple of years and get somebody to teach me Spanish music.” Today I am going to inform you about the well-known features of La Siesta in the Spanish culture, the creative and energetic Flamenco dance, and the historic subculture of Basque.

The food and eating habits of Spain are unlike any other country in the world. Spain has the longest working week in Europe, which calls for very long working days. The Spaniards call for eating well throughout the day. The eating hours in Spain are loosely defined and restaurants