The Sun-Kissed, Siesta-Loving, Spirited Spanish Mode of Living

The Spanish are known to do things with unreasonable gusto and passion, either at work, at leisure, or in between. Everywhere that I came about during my excursions in Spain, two things come into mind: the ever-present sunny weather, and the ever-present Spanish predisposition for siestas and fiestas. Perhaps one thing leads to the other, I guess, and that both contribute to the resolve of this most noble and influential of European folk.

Wherever you go in the kingdom, you will expect sultriness to follow you. The period of April to October is generally the time when the kingdom is at its hottest, so any tourist who is a little heat-sensitive can plan properly and come at another time. However, this gives the Spanish the reason for their exclusively favorite custom, the afternoon rest. This, added with their relish for later-hours dinners and long and friendly social gatherings that last up to mornings, makes for the distinction of the Spanish being able to celebrate each normal day in an extraordinary way.

Being also the nation of the lords, Spain continues to be as tradition-bound as always. In almost every city and municipality that I have visited I have seen my fair share of fiestas, often honoring the patron saint or image of the place. Bullfighting is also very popular still; the recreation, brutal though it could be to some, has always been an important adjunct of Spanish culture. Other Spanish rituals that are still practiced today are wine-making, traditional Spanish cookery, and colorful flamenco dancing. They are still done and practiced with confirmed Spanish peculiar and passion.