Culture of Spain: music, fine arts and traditions. Briefly about the culture of Spain and its features

The culture and traditions of Spain differ significantly from the cultural heritage, customs and spiritual values of other European countries. Numerous tourists are attracted by the colorful atmosphere, temperament, affability and goodwill of the local population.

What are the characteristics of the culture of Spain

Due to the special geographical location of the country, Spanish culture is endowed with a unique identity, wealth and beauty. The location on the border between Africa and Europe, the coasts washed by the warm Mediterranean Sea and the soft Atlantic Ocean - all this is reflected in the traditions and customs of hospitable Spain.

The long stratification of cultural layers occurred due to the influence of different peoples and religions. The culture of Spain is a unique combination of historical monuments and folklore heritage of ancient Romans, Greeks, Arabs. The Spanish style of "Mudejar" is a symbiosis of architecture, painting, music, arts and crafts, expressed through international cultural characteristics.

Spanish Architecture

Historical buildings differ in variety, dictated by fashion trends of different periods. The culture of Spain is widely represented in monumental constructions: Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, luxurious palaces. According to the number of world-famous monuments, Spain is on the second place, losing to the primacy of Italy.

Curious tourists should definitely see the Arc de Triomphe and Casa Lleu Morera's house in Barcelona. Going to Valencia, you can not miss the fortress gates Torres de Serrano, built in the XIV century. The stepped pyramids of Guimar, located on the island of Tenerife, amaze the imagination with its magnitude and remain an age-old mystery for mankind. The Arab minaret of the Giralda with the Golden Tower is the symbol of Seville. In the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the ancient relics of Saint James are kept, in honor of which the historic building is named.

Features of the culture of Spain are reflected in modern buildings. The Agbar Tower, a building in the form of fish architect Frank Gehry, "Bin Laden's House" - here is a small list of world-famous works of architectural art, worthily representing their country.

Spanish Fine Art

The art of Spain has left a wide mark in the world history of culture. The world-famous works of art brought works of the Golden Age. These include masterpieces of religious genre, created by the artist El Greco. No less famous are such creators as Francisco Ribalta, Diego Velasquez, Bartolomeo Murillo , Hussepe Ribera . The artistic traditions were subsequently continued by the genius of Francisco Goya. An invaluable contribution to the contemporary art of painting was made by Salvador Dali, Juan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris.

Spanish Literature

During the Golden Age, the culture of Spain is enriched with outstanding works of the literary genre. Glory to his homeland brought the author of the famous "Don Quixote" Miguel de Cervantes. No less famous are the literary heroes of Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderón de la Barca and Miguel de Unamuno. Contemporary writer's glory was supported by the playwright and poet Federico García Lorca, Juan Goytisolo, Miguel Delibes and Camilo José Sela, who became the Nobel Prize laureate. On the theatrical stage, the art of drama was glorified, mainly thanks to Ramón del Valle-Inklan.

The culture of Spain is marked by the success of the national cinema. Director Luis Bunuel, the author of the masterpiece "Andalusian Dog", for forty years of his cinematic activity created a whole gallery of world-famous works. The fame of the master was increased by such authors as Pedro Almodovar and Carlos Saura.

Spanish music

Spain is one of the oldest musical countries in Europe. The amazing peculiarity of song genres, instrumental music, dance art is due to the historical features of this land. In the initial period of its development, the musical culture of Spain included various directions peculiar to certain provinces. Over time, diverse cultures have increasingly intertwined with each other, forming a distinctive Spanish style, markedly different from all others.

Since the beginning of the XIII century, the music of Spain was known for the art of playing the guitar. Today the traditional musical instrument is represented by two types: flamenco and acoustic guitar. Modern music contains basically the origins of folklore, distinguishing Spanish works of originality and recognizability.

Classical works were developed in the sixteenth century, taking as a basis church songs. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the European music was brought to the attention of the composers Enrique Granados, Isaac Albeniz, Manuel de Falla. Modern classical singing art is represented by the genius voices of Montserrat Caballe, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.

Flamenco

Temperamental and incendiary style of flamenco is the traditional music of Spain, born in Andalusia. It is presented in three directions: songs, dances and playing the guitar. The basis of the style was the ancient Gypsy ritual dances, which were inherited, preserving their traditions and enriching themselves with new musical colors.

Today, flamenco dances are presented in the form of musical performances filled with semantic content, with an expression of special sensuality and passion. Indispensable attributes of dance numbers (long dresses, motley shawls, fans) help to better express feelings and emphasize the folk origins of the style. Quite often, flamenco dances are accompanied by rhythmic sounds of castanets, clapping hands (palm trees), expressive playing on a drum-kahona.

Dance culture flamenco unites under one name several different musical drawings. A characteristic feature of the Spanish style is an obligatory element of improvisation, allowing to create completely unique works of dance art.

Festivals and holidays in Spain

Ancient origin and richness of cultural manifestations define the bright beauty and originality of national holidays. Every year the country hosts various festivals, carnivals and processions.

In February, a nationwide carnival is held, especially vividly presented on the island of Tenerife. The eve of the feast of the Passover can not do without many religious processions and religious processions, decorated with colorful and colorful paraphernalia.

The most famous festivals are held in summer and autumn: musical, theatrical, and dance. To the category of original events can be attributed Tomatina - a holiday of tomatoes, on which a grandiose tomato slaughter is arranged.

Corrida

To the cultural heritage of Spain, undoubtedly, is to include the famous bullfight - the battle with the bulls. Spectacular event is a bright spectacle, which includes the age-old traditions of art, based on respect for sacred animals, passion and death risk.

In ancient times, the corrida was an indispensable element of national holidays. Today it is a whole art embodying the Spanish spirit and national identity. The beauty of bullfighting is akin to ballet dancing, where the bullfighter displays his skills, courage and talent.

Beautiful people, glorifying the history of their country for many centuries, have created and continue to support the national heritage, whose name is the culture of Spain. Briefly considering the creative directions of human activity, one can not help but feel deep respect for the Spanish people, carefully preserving and multiplying the cultural traditions of their homeland.