If you have to travel to Spain, learning its history and peculiarities will enhance your journey even more. The surprises of Spain range from football fever to birthplace of the Flamenco. The process to obtain a Visa from India is very easy and convenient for the travelers from India. In this article, we are going to look in detail at 10 interesting facts about Spain.
Here are the 10 Interesting Facts about Spain You Need to Know
1. Spain Has the Fifth-Largest Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain stands fifth in the world in having the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spain has a treasure of heritage sites from a masterpiece in Islamic architecture like the Alhambra at Granada to Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, all several centuries of artwork and history blended together. It is every history buff's delight destination, nor is it an unexpected one because it boasts an amalgamation of ancient ruins, beautiful palaces and quaint old towns.
2. Spain is Home to the World's Biggest Food Fight
Each year, the town of Bunol welcomes La Tomatina, the world's largest food fight. Indeed, each last Wednesday of August thousands of people throw over 100 tons of overripe tomatoes at one another, a stunning, mad assault. This peculiar celebration began as a local custom in 1945 and has since become a world-wide known one. The incident is organized to perfection, although there is confusion, and the streets are cleansed spotless after the tomato hurling melee.
3. Spanish Is One of the Most Widely Spoken Languages in the World
Second most widely spoken native language globally, Spanish boasts a native speaker population of more than 500 million. Besides nearly all of Latin America, it is also an official language in 21 nations. Learning Spanish opens the doors to enjoying new cultures in a more enjoyable manner, it allows you to interact with locals while abroad. Some Spanish words will prove useful whether you are in Spain, Mexico, Argentina or Colombia.
4. Spain Has No Worded National Anthem
Similar to most national anthems, Spain lacks an official lyric for its anthem, which is "Marcha Real." It is one of the oldest national anthems in the continent and was first written in 1761. Various efforts have been made to introduce lyrics, but none have been implemented officially. The anthem is performed with great patriotism at national functions, particularly during football games and Olympic ceremonies, despite having no words.
5. Football Is Like a Religion in Spain
Football is nothing to do with sport, in Spain it is life! Spain is the home of at least two of the world's greatest clubs, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and boasts a football culture with a passion that burns. La Roja (national team) has created history by winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two consecutive UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. On match days, the second players depart Spanish stadiums, screeching horns bring the cities to a standstill and fans spill into bars and stadiums to make football an unforgettable experience in Spain.
6. The World's First Modern Novel Is Spanish
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is Spain's most significant literary output written in 1605. The book is widely regarded as the first modern novel, and it tells the tale of an old nobleman who attempts to bring back chivalry. The book is vast as it has countless notable writers worldwide and it has been translated into numerous languages. Cervantes is now known as Spain's most renowned literary personality.
7. Spain Accounts for 50% of the World's Olive Oil
Spanish olive oil production contributes over 50 percent of the world's production. Andalusia is especially renowned for its massive olive groves and some of the best extra virgin olive oils are produced here. Spanish olive oil is a recognized high-quality and full-bodied flavored oil, and it is a staple in Mediterranean cooking. Spanish olive oil, whether you apply it to cooking or drizzling over fresh bread, is something that gourmands should experience.
8. Spain Is the Birthplace of Flamenco
Andalusia is where Flamenco is an intense and passionate art. The fusion of singing, guitar playing, dancing, and handclapping creates a very intense and emotional show. Flamenco is more than just a dance–it is a manifestation of endless profound emotions shaped by Gypsy, Moor, and Jewish traditions. Today Flamenco is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and you can observe genuine performances in Seville, Granada and Madrid cities.
9. The World's Oldest Restaurant Is in Spain
Sobrino de Botin is in Madrid and holds the Guinness World Record for the world's oldest continuously operating restaurant. This iconic restaurant has been serving up classic Spanish dishes for nearly 300 years at the age of 1725. Its suckling pig is renowned, and roasted in a centuries-old wood-fired oven. Ernest Hemingway ate here and referenced it in his book The Sun Also Rises.
10. Spain Has More Blue Flag Beaches Than Any Other Country in the World
More than 600 of Spain's beaches hold the Blue Flag award, the highest number of any nation on earth. Beaches are granted the Blue Flag award only when they have high standards of cleanliness and safety along with environmental management. Spain's coastline is not something you have to go out of your way to experience, with a mix of the golden shores of Costa Brava, the clear waters of the Balearic Islands and the secluded coves of Andalusia, Spain's beaches are some of Europe's finest.
Conclusion
The scenery in Spain is stunning, the customs are affluent and the world-famous cultural monuments. Spain is a nation with some historic towns, delectable food, or festive celebrations that will capture your attention regardless of what. It is among the most thrilling destinations in the world thanks to its combination of heritage and contemporary vogue.
If you are traveling to Spain, do not miss out on obtaining the Visa prior to your arrival. The Spain Visa from India is simple to apply for and is trouble-free for the Indian travelers. It is time to book your journey of Spain's enchantment.
