Spanish Culture Course (CCSE)

Explore Spanish traditions, art, society, and institutions to prepare for the CCSE exam.

Introduction to Spanish Culture for CCSE

The CCSE exam assesses your knowledge of Spanish society, institutions, geography, and general culture. This course provides a structured overview of the most relevant cultural aspects, helping you understand the unique identity of Spain and prepare for the specific questions often found in the exam.

We'll explore traditions, art, gastronomy, and the social fabric of Spain, highlighting what makes it such a vibrant and diverse country.

Geography and Demography of Spain

1. Key Geographical Features

Spain is located in southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula. It is characterized by a diverse landscape including:

  • Mountain Ranges: Pyrenees (border with France), Sierra Nevada (highest peak in mainland Spain, Mulhacén), Central System.
  • Rivers: Tagus (Tajo), Ebro, Douro (Duero), Guadalquivir, Guadiana.
  • Coasts: Atlantic (north and west), Mediterranean (east and south).
  • Islands: Balearic Islands (Mediterranean - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza) and Canary Islands (Atlantic - Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote).

Expect questions on major rivers, mountain ranges, or the location of the archipelagos.

2. Autonomous Communities and Cities

Spain is organized into **17 Autonomous Communities** and **2 Autonomous Cities** (Ceuta and Melilla) in North Africa. Each community has its own regional government and often unique cultural characteristics and languages.

Capital of Spain: Madrid. It is also the most populous city.

Knowing the number of autonomous communities/cities and the capital is crucial.

Spanish Society and Daily Life

1. Family and Social Values

Family remains a central pillar of Spanish society, often extending to grandparents and cousins. Social life is vibrant, with emphasis on spending time with friends and family in public spaces (plazas, bars, restaurants).

**Greeting Customs:** Two kisses on the cheek (dos besos) are common among friends and family, and sometimes acquaintances (women to women, men to women). A handshake is typical for formal introductions or between men.

2. Meals and Eating Habits

Meal times are generally later than in many other European countries:

  • Breakfast (Desayuno): Light, usually between 7:00-9:00 AM.
  • Lunch (Comida/Almuerzo): The main meal, typically between 2:00-3:00 PM. Often a large, multi-course meal.
  • Dinner (Cena): A lighter meal, usually between 9:00-11:00 PM.
  • Tapas: Small portions of food, often enjoyed with drinks in bars, particularly in the early evening.
  • **Siesta:** A traditional short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, though less common in urban working life today.

Questions about typical meal times or the meaning of 'tapa' or 'siesta' are common.

3. Leisure and Sports

**Football (Soccer)** is by far the most popular sport in Spain, with major teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona having huge followings. Other popular activities include hiking, cycling, and enjoying cultural events.

Festivals and Traditions

1. Major National and Religious Festivals

  • **Semana Santa (Holy Week):** Celebrated with elaborate religious processions across Spain, particularly famous in Seville, Málaga, and Zamora.
  • **El Día de la Hispanidad (Spain's National Day):** Celebrated on **October 12th**, commemorating Columbus's arrival in America and Spain's historical influence.
  • **Christmas (Navidad):** Celebrated with family gatherings, carols, and specific traditions like the Three Kings' Parade on January 5th.
  • **New Year's Eve (Nochevieja):** Tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.

2. Regional Festivals

  • **San Fermín (Pamplona):** Famous for the "running of the bulls" (encierros) in July.
  • **La Tomatina (Buñol, Valencia):** A unique festival where participants throw tomatoes at each other, held in August.
  • **Las Fallas (Valencia):** Celebrated in March with giant papier-mâché figures that are eventually burned.
  • **Feria de Abril (Seville):** A week-long celebration of flamenco, music, dance, and horsemanship after Easter.

Knowing dates of national holidays and characteristic elements of major regional festivals is important.

Art and Literature

1. Famous Painters

  • **Diego Velázquez (17th Century):** Master of the Spanish Golden Age, known for 'Las Meninas'.
  • **Francisco Goya (18th-19th Century):** Court painter, later famous for his darker, critical works like 'The Third of May 1808'.
  • **Pablo Picasso (20th Century):** Pioneer of Cubism, creator of 'Guernica'.
  • **Salvador Dalí (20th Century):** Leading figure of Surrealism, known for 'The Persistence of Memory'.

2. Architecture

  • **Romanesque and Gothic:** Cathedrals across Spain (Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Toledo).
  • **Moorish Architecture:** Alhambra (Granada), Mezquita (Córdoba).
  • **Modernism:** Antoni Gaudí's works in Barcelona (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell).

3. Literature

  • **Miguel de Cervantes (17th Century):** Author of 'Don Quixote', considered the first modern novel and a cornerstone of Spanish literature.
  • **Federico García Lorca (20th Century):** Renowned poet and playwright, a key figure of the Generation of '27.

Identifying famous artists, architects, and literary works or authors is common.

Gastronomy

1. Iconic Dishes

  • **Paella:** Traditional rice dish, often with seafood, chicken, or vegetables, originating from Valencia.
  • **Tapas:** A wide variety of small savory dishes, perfect for sharing.
  • **Tortilla Española:** Spanish omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onion.
  • **Jamón Serrano/Ibérico:** Cured ham, a staple of Spanish cuisine.
  • **Gazpacho:** Cold tomato-based soup, popular in summer.

2. Drinks

  • **Wine:** Spain is a major wine producer (Rioja, Ribera del Duero).
  • **Sangria:** A popular fruit punch with red wine.
  • **Cava:** Spanish sparkling wine.

Questions often ask to identify typical Spanish dishes or ingredients.