Spanish culture

David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia is closely associated with the desert landscapes of Jordan, but Spain also played an important part in the 1962 film. Spanish locations were used to create Aqaba, Cairo, Damascus and other settings in T. E.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade takes viewers from Venice to the fictional Turkish city of İskenderun, but several of its most recognisable action and desert scenes were filmed in southern Spain.Some opening desert shots were filmed in Utah, USA.

Valencian cuisine is one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary traditions, shaped by its connection to the Mediterranean, fertile farmland and centuries of history.

In 1964, a low-budget western quietly changed the course of cinema. A Fistful of Dollars, directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, sparked the spaghetti western phenomenon and transformed several Spanish landscapes into enduring symbols of the genre. Spain became the vast outdoor set where the ‘Man with No Name’ was born. Here’s where A Fistful of Dollars was filmed.

Spain are back on top of the football world after beating Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final and securing their second star.

Toledo is one of Spain’s most historically significant cities. Its strategic position on a hill overlooking the River Tagus made it a key stronghold for controlling the Iberian Peninsula from ancient times.

Waking up to views of medieval fortresses and exploring some of the most impressive corners of Spain’s past makes for an unforgettable getaway – with imposing castles and historic strongholds offering a journey through centuries of history.

Every July, Pamplona becomes the epicentre of one of Spain’s most talked‑about festivals: the San Fermín Festival.

Interview first published in Spanish, April 2025, on idealista.com/news. It’s an ordinary weekday, nothing out of the ordinary. Outside the door of a restaurant in Madrid, a large group of tourists listens to the story of the place.

Madrid has secured another major cultural bragging right.

Gabriel García Márquez's fictional village of Macondo is being reimagined as a real-world cultural space in Madrid.

Living in Spain can be deeply rewarding, but daily life comes with its own quirks and unwritten rules.

Spain has a rhythm and logic of its own, and life tends to work beautifully once you tune into it.

Getting your head around what to say in Spain isn’t just about grammar. It’s about tone, timing and knowing which topics are better left alone.

Every April, Seville transforms into something that feels halfway between a village fête and a theatrical spectacle. For 2026, the Feria de Abril runs from Tuesday 21st to Sunday 26th April.The fairground in Los Remedios becomes a temporary city of lanterns, horses, and music.

If you live in Spain long enough, you’ll eventually notice a red, yellow and purple flag appearing on balconies or at small gatherings in April.

Spain isn’t just about historic cities and good food. What tends to stay with people is the rhythm of daily life — how people eat, socialise, celebrate and organise their time. Many of the Spanish customs foreigners love aren’t grand traditions, but small, everyday habits that slowly win them over.

If you spend any real time in Spain, you quickly notice something: cafés and bars are never empty for long. Eating out isn’t ring‑fenced for birthdays or special occasions; it’s stitched into the rhythm of daily life.How often do people eat out?

Pablo Picasso moved house many times in Spain before settling in France.

Father’s Day in Spain can catch you out the first year if you’re used to celebrating in June.

If you’re looking for the best Roman ruins to visit, Spain is a cracking place to do it. The Romans ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula for roughly six centuries, shaping everything from road networks to city planning.

In Spain, Easter is one of the most significant events of the year, with the biggest celebrations taking place during Holy Week — known locally as Semana Santa. But what exactly happens during Semana Santa in Spain?

Las Fallas 2026 in Valencia will once again transform the city into an open‑air museum of fire, art and tradition from 1 to 19 March 2026, with the main events taking place between 15 and 19 March.

Every year on 28th February, Andalusia celebrates its official regional holiday: Andalusia Day, or Día de Andalucía.

Spain is home to countless colourful traditions, but few are as curious—and theatrical—as the Burial of the Sardine.