Symbols and traditions

Spain

Flag and emblemThe most important Spanish symbols are national colours – yellow and red that are on the flag. And the emblem is located on the yellow strip. It contains many meaningful elements. In the middle is the shield segmented into four parts. There are emblems of kingdoms united in medieval in war against Muslims (the Reconquista). Coats of arms represent: the castle – Castile, the chain – Navarre, the lion – León and stripes – Aragon. In the bottom of the shieldis flower of pomegranate – the symbolof Granada (the last Muslim countryon the peninsula). Two columns mean Pillars of Hercules in Strait of Gibraltar.The crowns and the coat of arms that is in the centre are the symbols of House of Bourbon.

The anthem

Spanish anthem is unique – it has no words. This melody has 200-year-old history and it originally was an army march. It became famous as ‘Marcha Real’ (Royal March) because the king really liked it. The author is unknown. In the times of Second Spanish Republic the song ‘Himno de Riego’ was the anthem for some time, but when general Franco took rule, he returned ‘Marcha Real’ as national anthem.

CorridaCorrida comes from Portugal but it became a real ritual in Spain. The Spanish things about it as an art, not as cruelty. It always takes place in the afternoon. At the beginning there is a ceremonial march around arena. Then, on the signal, the bull runs into it. The first part begins. The matador tests bull’s character, reactions, his courage, strength and speed. This fragment is completely bloodless. Then the part of a real fight begins. The man riding on a horse wounds the bull. This part is very brutal and unpleasant. Then the act of banderilla starts. During it the matador dig 3 rods into the bull’s body. In the next act (suerte de matar) the bull is sacrificed to somebody (this person is given the matador’s hat). The matador draw bull’s attention with muleta. When he’ll do it the orchestra plays and the crowd screams “olé”. This part lasts about 10 minutes and finish with killing the animal.Many Spanish symbols are connected with corrida, for example bull or muleta (the red shawl the matador holds).

Flamenco

Flamenco, just like corrida, is an art.It comes from the time when people from India travelled to Spain.It’s a very energetic dance performance to the sound of castanets and guitar. Elements that are connected with flamenco are castanets and specific dresses for man and woman.The dancers usually scream “aj aj!” during the performance. In the summer there are Flamenco Festivals in Spain.

A fan became very popular in Spain because of its climate. When we think about Spanish girl we see her wearing long, full of furbelows dress with lace headwear and a fan.This headwear we think about is called mantlet. It’s some kind of black or white veil, that women wear on topknot.

Fan and Mantlet

La TomatinaThe most famous Festival of Tomatoes – La Tomatina is celebrated in Spanish city Bunol, near Valencia. Every year on the last Wednesday of August a lot of tourists come there to ‘fight’ with local people. During Guerra Roja (Red War) nobody is safe – watchers, telecameras even houses (they are covered with foil). Streets become a huge ketchup river. The fire brigade stops this madness. It makes shower for everybody and everything.The tradition of tomato war in Bunol comes from a neighbor’s argument (in 1944).At the beginning attendants are squirted.They should put off their shirts and wave it in the air.The fight starts in the noon at lasts one hour.The tomatoes must be smashed in hand before a throw.

San FerminIt’s a festival in Pampeluna. The run with bulls is connected with it. San Fermin lasts a week. In the morning a few bulls are running through narrow streets of the city. The aim of the run is to transport these animals into the arena, where in the afternoon the corrida takes place. Running just before the bull and biting it with a newspaper is the biggest honor for a man. You can also run next to the bull and bit it (only with a newspaper). The whole city is crowded with celebrating people drinking vine, singing and waving newspapers.

Sjesta and fiestaSiesta is for the Spanish not only the choice but necessity. It is usually from2 to 5 p.m. – when it’s really hot, too hot for work. All companies and stores are closed and the Spanish go to pubs. During siesta we can see women with big fans.Spain is also a kingdom of fiesta. All religion festivals are celebrated here loudly, public and cheerfully. The only feast that people should be serious is Semana Santa – Holy Week.

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Source

Thanks for attention

The end

Olga Bogusz 2bg