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• Spain has been strongly influenced for centuries by cultures from other parts of the world. For many years the Moors of North Africa ruled parts of the Iberian peninsula and other cultures that have had an impact include the Romans and the Greeks. Each area of the country shows the different influences that have been there in the past.
• The variety of languages and dialects are also an important part of the Spanish culture and demonstrate the diversity of culture and society to be found in the country. Spain has other official languages besides the standard Spanish (Basque language (Euskera), Galician and Catalan) and there are also hundreds of regional dialects. These stem from the time that the country was divided into different regions, each one with its own customs.
• The Spanish society has a very particular way of living life. Spaniards love to enjoy their fiestas, enjoying tapas in the numerous bars that are located throughout the city or dining on traditional Spanish food with friends and family. The phrase “Spain is different” is commonly heard and reflects the laid back attitude and passion for enjoying all that life has to offer that is a defining characteristic of Spanish culture.
• Spaniards cherish their free time and social lives along with their particular Spanish customs and traditions which represent a key part of the Spanish culture. Spanish people often meet with friends in big groups to enjoy the good weather while sipping on their favorite beverage or walking just strolling around while chatting everything: football, politics, family life, work, Spanish fashion, celebrities or television.
• Family life is also one of the most important aspects of Spanish society. The family in Spain forms the centre of a person’s social life and support network. The family is the basis of the social structure and includes both the nuclear and the extended family, which sometimes provides both a social and a financial support network. Spanish families normally eat lunch or dinner together daily and those who no longer live at home normally return on the weekends for a big family meal. Traditional Spanish food and Spanish recipes are served and the weekend family gathering can last for several hours.
• The majority of Spaniards are formally Roman Catholic, although different religious beliefs are accepted. During the history of Spain, there have been long periods of where different religious groups have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and Christians. Many traditions manifest more like a cultural event than a religious one. Religious history is apparent in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost museums.