SPAIN

• Traditional Costume

The national costume of Spain is generally considered the Andalusian-style dress, which is referred to as the flamenco. Traditional Spanish fashion during the 16th century combined heavy fabrics with decorative styles influenced by the Moorish occupation of the peninsula.

The traditional outfit for women included rigid hoop skirts called Farthingales and clothing decorated with gold and silver thread to contrast the sober design. For men, clothing included an inverted-bell-shaped hat as well as loose breeches known as Venetians.

• Traditional Food

Tortilla Espaniola:

A great starter or meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, no doubt you'll come across a Spanish potato omelette during your time in Spain. Like croquetas, you can find them in almost any barand to varying degrees of quality and flavour. The best ones are from slow-cooked potato in olive oil, which make a soft centre once egg is added to create an omelette cake; even tastier when onions are added to the slow-frying process for a sweet underlying flavour.

Paella:

This rice-based Valencian dish is well known internationally, and comes in many variations that equally vie for attention. The traditional version is a mixture of chicken or rabbit (or both), white and green beans and other vegetables, but mixed seafood is also common, where you will find an array of seafood suprises among the flavoursome rice – calamari, mussels, clams, prawns, scampi or fish, for example.

• Tourist Place:

Palacio Real

The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain although it is only used for state ceremonies. The Royal Palace was built between 1738 to 1755 and King Carlos III took up residence in the palace in 1764.

Ibiza

Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. The island is one of the most popular party destinations in all of Europe. During summer, the island’s population doubles as tourists flock to Ibiza to enjoy the night clubs, beach bars and restaurants.

Alhambra

Part fortress, part palace and part garden the Alhambra is situated on a plateau overlooking the city of Granada in southern Spain. The palace was constructed in the 14th century by the Nasrid sultans. The Alhambra is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions and many visitors come to Granada just to see the Alhambra.

Written by Josefina Pérez