Spain: Learn about Spain
Everything you need to understand Spain, Spanish people, the culture and history of the country, as well as the best places to visit.
La ONCE: Why blind people sell lottery tickets in Spain
Have you ever wondered what those small kiosk are on many street corners in Spain, and why there are people inside them selling tickets? Here's what you need to know about 'La ONCE'.
Why isn't Ascension Day a public holiday in Spain?
Spain is still a rather religious country, so why isn't Ascension Day a public holiday here?
What's the story behind Madrid's San Isidro fiesta?
For people from the Spanish capital, May 15th is one of the biggest and most important days in the calendar. And with good reason.
Flamenco, horses and sherry: Jerez's Feria del Caballo
The swish of a flamenco skirt, the soft beat of hooves drumming on the roads and the smell of sweet sherry, these are the senses you'll experience at Jerez de la Frontera’s Feria del Caballo in May, a worthy alternative to Seville's busy April Fair.
Why are Ceuta and Melilla Spanish?
As Ceuta and Melilla are brought back into the international spotlight via a US Congress report, The Local considers how these two cities in North Africa became Spanish and why do they remain so to this day?
Why you should go to Córdoba's mesmerising Patios Festival
Every May, locals in the Andalusian city of Córdoba open up their private courtyards to visitors who are left mesmerised by their dizzying floral displays. Here's everything you need to know about Córdoba's Patios Festival in 2026.
Why do so many bars and restaurants in Spain close on Mondays?
If you live in Spain or come here regularly on holiday, you’ll probably have noticed that Monday is the day when many bars and restaurants stay closed and you have far fewer options than any other day of the week. But why is this?
Why do Portuguese people speak much better English than Spaniards?
How is it possible that there can be such a difference between two neighbouring countries so culturally similar, with related Romance languages and tourism-based economies?
EXPLAINED: Why is Spain called Spain?
You may have never stopped to think about it, but where does Spain - or España - get its name from?
Everything you need to know about Mother's Day in Spain
Here's how and when in May Mother's Day is celebrated in Spain, and why it owes its roots to religion and a Valencian poet.
Eight fascinating facts about Spain's Aragón region
To celebrate Aragón Day (April 23rd), we’ve delved into its history and geography to offer you some intriguing facts about this overlooked region of Spain, from its unique language to its connection to chocolate.
Ten books that tell you everything you need to know about Spain
To mark World Book Day, we give you a breakdown of ten fiction and non-fiction ‘libros’ that will help you get to grips with Spain’s history, culture, the Spanish mindset and more.
Why St. George's Day is celebrated in Catalonia with roses and books
Catalonia prepares for its annual Sant Jordi celebrations tomorrow, April 23rd, when roses and books stalls flood the streets, particularly in the capital of Barcelona.
The most common mistakes foreigners make when greeting people in Spain
Saying hi and goodbye in Spanish can’t be that hard, right? Well, if you’ve been using your home country as your frame of reference you may be getting some simple Spanish greetings wrong.
All the fun of the fair: A guide to Seville's Feria de Abril in 2026
As Seville celebrates its famed April Fair, here's everything you need to know about one of the Andalusian capital's most important festivals.
Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain is the fourth country in the world with the most sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, just behind Italy, China and Germany, and with so many there's bound to be several you haven't heard of.
'Cervezas': The beers to order in different parts of Spain
Spain may be better known for its wines than its beers, but it has some excellent varieties to choose from. Here's what 'cerveza' to order in different parts of the country.
'Drunk as a clam': How to say you've had too much to drink in Spanish
Many languages have original and funny expressions to refer to the act of being under the influence, and Spanish is no exception to this.
What's the law on graffiti in Spain?
Many Spanish cities are full of graffiti ranging from indecipherable scribbles to artistic murals. Some are legal, others not. We break down the law on graffiti in Spain, the penalties, and what do if someone graffities your property.
Weather in Spain: What is 'calima' and is it bad for you?
If the sky in your part of Spain has turned yellow or orange, the visibility is poor and the air is stuffier, then it’s highly likely it’s calima. But what is this atmospheric phenomenon and is it bad for your health?
The essential guide to Easter in Spain in 2026
Easter is one of the most important festivals in Spain, with mesmerising Semana Santa processions, elaborate religious floats and colourful costumes. Here's why it's an integral part of Spanish culture and how it's celebrated.
Ten mouthwatering dishes to enjoy at Easter in Spain
After diligently avoiding sweets and other tasty temptations for Lent, Catholic Spaniards know how to ring in the end of the religious season with amazing dishes during Holy Week.
Seven strange traditions celebrated at Easter in Spain
Easter week is celebrated in Spain like nowhere else on earth, and Spaniards take their Holy Week traditions very seriously, even if some of them - to the outsider - seem a little bit bonkers.