So, what are the top four tourist attractions in Spain – the ones that have the most visitors per year? Well, as of 2011, they were: 1. The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia (3.7 million visitors). 2. The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (3.2 million visitors). 3. The Prado in Madrid (2.9 million visitors). 4. The Alhambra in Granada [...]
Culture of Spain, an amusing pastiche!
I could not resist putting up these two wonderful ‘maps’ of Spain and Europe, as seen from the ‘imaginary’ eyes of the Spanish – although whether done by someone Spanish or not I do not know. They have just been sent to me by my son, who spotted them on Mapping Stereotypes. They are, of course, probably totally politically incorrect – [...]
Valencia debt, outrageous corruption in Spain and crooked politicians
A fascinating article was published by El Pais a few days ago, which should be required reading for anyone living in the Valencian Region (as I do). It confirms, of course, what most commentators have suspected for years and is a powerful and stinging attack upon politicians within the Valencia Region, albeit from a left of centre newspaper. However, the [...]
The origins of the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War 1936-39 was a conflict notable for its brutality and for the way it savagely divided Spain. It resulted, of course, in General Franco’s long dictatorship (which only ended in 1975) and was a defining moment for Spain – the results of which can be felt even now. However, the Civil War in Spain was also notorious [...]
Culture Spain and the weakness of Spanish government
I saw an interesting comment in El Pais recently, which stated that the President of Catalonia, Artur Mas, was justifying significant spending cuts as a way of ‘preventing Madrid from meddling with Catalan finances’. This would, a colleague said: “blow away our financial autonomy” and “violate the rules of the game set down in the Constitution.” Yes, indeed! However, one [...]
Great books about Spain, ‘The Spanish Temper’
As an Anglo-Spaniard with a long history of living and working in Spain on and off over the last 40 years, I was keen to read this recently re-published book of Pritchett’s views and opinions about Spain and its people based on the 4 years he spent in Spain in the 1920s and subsequent visits in the 1940s and 50s. [...]
The amazing culture of Malaga
Spain is blessed with numerous cities and towns that are veritable treasure chests of cultural gems for the discerning heritage hunter, yet few people would automatically think of Malaga. Indeed, Malaga is best known for being the ‘gateway’ to the Costa Del Sol and its legendary beaches, resorts, late night bars and clubs. As a consequence, few people give Malaga [...]
Corruption in Spain, the finances of the Spanish royal family revealed
A few weeks ago I wrote about corruption in Spain – and within days the Spanish news had headlines about the King of Spain’s son in law (the Duke of Palma) being summoned to appear before a judge to answer questions relating to allegations of corruption. These concern the misuse of public funds given to a foundation that the Duke [...]
Spain 2011 and predictions for Spain 2012 – a summary!
So, 2011 gradually ebbs away – a year that many people in Spain will be pleased to see disappear, hoping that 2012 will herald better times ahead. Unfortunately, I fear that may not be the case and there are compelling arguments to suggest that 2012 may be more difficult and challenging for Spain than 2011. So, how does one round [...]
Christmas in Spain, a panacea!
So, Christmas is almost upon us again and with it the chance for a rest – after a year that has been testing for most people – with the Spanish economy ‘melting down’ and the Eurozone problems of worry to any expatriate living in Spain. Thankfully, for a few days at least, that can be forgotten. In any event, Spain [...]
