The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) broke out when the Spanish army in Morocco when a few of the most influent generals of the Spanish Army, led by General Francisco Franco, rose up against the democratically elected Republican government, presided over by Manuel Azaña. Allegiances were not always clear-cut during this conflict. Essentially, the ranks of the Left (also known as Loyalist and Republican) comprised workers, peasants and trade unions, but also the Spanish government, Socialists, Communists and Anarchists. The Right (also known as Nationalist), was supported by rebellious factions of the army, industry, landowners, the middle classes and the Catholic Church. For various and somewhat contradictory reasons, the Loyalists received the support of the Soviet Union and European democracies, while the Nationalists were armed and equipped by the Fascist governments of Germany and Italy.

The Spanish Civil War would prove to be both fierce and bloody. Although the resources of the two sides were not that unequal, the Nationalists were better organized and received extensive material aid from Germany. The Loyalists received very little assistance from the Soviet Union and, moreover, were divided by internal conflicts between Communist, Socialist and Anarchist factions.

While European and North American volunteers fought for the Republic in the framework of the International Brigades, and a number of foreign artists and intellectuals supported the Loyalist cause, including Ernest Hemingway (who was working as a reporter and photographer) and George Orwell (who fought on the Republican side only to be prosecuted later on and thus becoming profoundly disillusioned by the rivalry in the ranks of the Left), the Nationalists were finally triumphant.

General Franco's victory marked the beginning of a forty-year dictatorship in Spain (1939-1975). In the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, Hitler sought Franco's support for his own military campaign, but Spain was in no position to provide either financial or human aid. Although the Spanish Civil War had been a training field for the battles to be waged in the Second World War, Spain would play no part in the latter but agred to sponsor a small army of volunteers known as La División Azul.

Under the Franco regime Spain suffered international isolation, although in varying degrees. In 1955 the country was accepted as a member of the United Nations, and in 1970 General Franco named prince Juan Carlos his successor as the future king of Spain, thereby re-establishing the monarchy. Upon the dictator's death in 1975 King Juan Carlos I was crowned and the country set out on the long journey back to full democracy in Spain.

The Ghost Island of San Borondon

The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, are 7 sunny Spanish paradises sharing an infamous legend: a mysterious sister island called San Borondón.

During the 15th-century Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands, an aboriginal folklore story from the islands (rooted in Celtic legend), spoke about an 8th island that was sometimes seen to the west of La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. Many sailors chronicled how, in attempts to reach its shores, natural phenomenon like thick mists, winds or storms would impede clear views or access to the island, which would vanish just as fast.

Legend claims that the island was named after the Irish patron saint of travelers: Saint Brendan of Clonfert (480-576 DC), a monk from Tralee who was the first to set foot on the infamous “phantom” island. Irish-derived Canarian lore describes the monk's adventure as an ordained priest who sailed throughout the Atlantic Ocean with 14 other monks on a small vessel. Along the way, they picked up 3 other monks, encountered fire-hurling demons, floating crystal columns, and an island covered with trees and much vegetation - a Garden of Eden in a way - and their long sought “Promised Land of the Saints.” They settled on the island for 6 years when one day, while celebrating mass, the island began to move, prompting them to set sail again. They watched in amazement how the island moved in the water much like a whale and disappeared. The Irish base this legend on the assumptions that Irish sailors possibly reached, towards the end of the Middle Ages, the shores of North America or Newfoundland, Iceland and other Atlantic islands.

New in Spain

In the decades following Franco's dictatorship, Spain became a hot travel destination largely because of its beach resorts. Recent decades have shown that the country has far more to offer, including cutting-edge cuisine and exceptional wines, stunning historical and modern architecture, and fabulous art, film, and fashion. This is some of what's new.

KICKS
Since 2009, when FC Barcelona brought home every trophy a Spanish soccer club could acquire—the domestic Triple Crown (La Liga, King's Cup, and Supercopa), the UEFA European Champions League cup, and the FIFA Club World Championship—Barça has remained the acknowledged best fútbol team in the world. Archrival Real Madrid denied them the King's Cup in 2011 and La Liga in 2012, a situation that reversed itself in 2013. In 2014, the capital’s other soccer club, Atlético de Madrid, won the title for the first time in 18 years. Both Madrid teams contested the final for the UEFA Champions League.

MOVIES

Spain and The Romans

The South of Spain is rich with Roman sites, from hidden paths to entire towns. Many of the more prominent ruins, such as Baelo Claudia, Italica and Acinipio are open to the public and well worth a visit. Some, such as Baelo Claudia, have excellent interpretation centres.

As part of the Roman struggle against Carthage, they invaded the Iberian peninsula in 206 BC. Scipio Africanus was victorious at Alcalá del Rio near present day Seville and founded the city Italica and his army crushed the resistance of the native Iberians and soon transformed Andalucia into one of Rome's richest and best organised colonies. Cadiz became Roman in 200 BC. The Romans remained for 700 years.

Rome divided Spain into two. Hispania Citerior was to them Nearer Spain (the East) and Hispania Ulterior (Further Spain) the South and West.

Roman galleys sailed up the river Baetis as far as Cordoba, where they took on board amphorae of olive oil and wine for exportation to Rome.

The Spanish American War

During the reign of Ferdinand VII the Spanish colonies in North and South America would eventually be lost. By 1824 sixteen new republics had become independent, and all that remained of the great Spanish empire were Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and the Pacific island chains of the Carolines, the Marianas and the Marshalls.

On the night of the 15th of February l898 the USS Maine battleship was shattered by an explosion that sunk the ship and two-thirds of her crew in Havana harbour. Encouraged by widespread sympathy for those who were seeking Cuban independence from Spain's colonial rule, the emotionally charged Maine tragedy forced the already strained Spanish-American relations to breaking point, precipitating a short war (known as the Spanish American War) that was swiftly decided by two naval engagements.

On the 1st of May the US Pacific Squadron under Commodore George Dewey steamed in to Manila Bay in the Philippines, destroying the Spanish fleet. Barely two months later, Admiral William Sampson echoed this feat with an overwhelming victory over the Spanish in a battle off Santiago,

Spanish History

The history of Spain is one of the most fascinating in the world and Spanish history and culture has helped to shape the modern world into what it is today. Although Spain is a relatively small territory located in southwestern Europe, the history of Spain is of grandeur and is strikingly different from that of the rest of the continent.

The timeline of Spanish history tells the story of a land that has been sought after by many civilizations: the Carthaginians and Romans fought over it, the Arabs conquered it and the Catholic monarchs would recover Spain and convert it into the most powerful empire in the world upon the discovery of America. The Spanish Empire reached its peak under King Felipe II, who unified the Spanish territory and lands: from the Philippines to the Americas as well as Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy and some of present day Germany.

Spain Cartagena

Cartagena is a city with more than 2,500 years of history,has been the scene of some of the most outstanding passages throughout time. This Punic, Roman, military and art nouveau city offers nowadays so many things to see and do that it has become one of the most appealing destinations in the Mediterranean area. Each corner, street and square of the city offers travellers monumental examples of its splendorous historical past, of the civilizations that put in at its port.

The Cartagena inititiative, "Port of Cultures", opens up a wide range of possibilities which enable the visitor to enjoy the city's heritage and cultural riches: to find out about its origins by visiting the Punic Walls, evidence of the founding of the city by the Carthaginian Asdrubal in the year 227 B.C., where a Visitor Activity Centre will explain all about that fundamental part of its history and the local archaeology.

Cartagena "Port of Cultures" has developed these riches into a unifying theme in order to make it more accesssible to visitors. Just by strolling around we soon discover that the city also possesses a military history which takes us right back to mediaeval times when the Castle of the Conception was built. It is here where a Visitor Activity Centre offers information about the city and its history in a place which has been chosen for its privileged setting.

The Lecrin Valley

Just south of the historic Moorish city of Granada, The Lecrin Valley is a lovely green, orchard-covered area at the foot of the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and within half an hour of the beautiful Costa Tropical. Perfect as a holiday destination, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, yet within easy reach, and only a short distance to the city of Granada.

Driving times are about 1 hour 15 from Malaga (with the newly completed motorway), 35 mins from Granada airport, 20 minutes to Granada city and 25 minutes to the Costa Tropical.

VILLAGES/TOWNS

The Lecrin valley is made up of 8 municipios, made up of 17 villages or towns:

Albuñuelas.
Dúrcal.
El Padul.
El Pinar: Pinos del valle, Ízbor.
El Valle: Melegís, Restábal, Saleres.
Lecrín: Acequias, Chite, Béznar, Mondújar, Murchas, Talara.
Nigüelas.
Villamena: Cónchar, Cozvijar.

Background

According to Wikipedia: “Lecrín is derived from the Arabic Iqlim, meaning “gateway”: this refers to a small area of land situated between the villages of Mondújar and Talará, which controlled the access to the vast coastal areas of sugar production in Moorish times”.

The Joy of Living in Spain

If you are considering living in Spain, as with everywhere else, it’s a good idea to rent first. With a Short-Stay visa, you can stay in Spain as a tourist for 90 days out of every 180—a long enough stay to let you experience living in Spain without making a full commitment.

Stays under three months are generally listed as vacation rentals, and you will find plenty of these along the coasts and in major tourist cities in the interior—including the capital, Madrid, and Granada, in Andalucia.

Vacation rentals tend to be more expensive than full-time rentals—however, vacation rentals come fully furnished and generally include all utilities and fees. If you plan to come off-season or stay for several months, you can often negotiate a lower price than the listed per-day or per-week rate. For short-term rentals in smaller beach cities, expect to pay $700-$1,100 a month in rent for a small apartment off-season, while the rates in cities like Barcelona and Madrid can be double that.

If you do decide to live in Spain, you can choose between buying a property and renting. Long-term rentals are currently listing at attractively low prices for the quality available. In Alicante and Valencia, for instance, you can rent long-term starting at about $450 a month. Prices in Malaga start only a bit higher, though you’ll pay more the closer you get to Malaga’s historic center.

EASTER WEEK IN SPAIN

Spain is completely transformed during Easter week. Everybody, everywhere, turns out to experience one of Spain's most traditional events to the full. Don't miss the chance to come to Spain at this time of year: you'll be able to share some very special moments in an atmosphere unlike anything you've ever known.

There are many different ways to discover Spain: enjoying its coast and beaches, following a route around its various monuments, exploring the countryside, playing sports like golf... However, if you've never visited Spain during Easter week, then you simply have to come. And even if you already know this famous fiesta, it's well worth making another trip, as each region of Spain has its own way of celebrating the event.

In Spain, Easter week is celebrated with a great deal of emotion. People take an active role in its events and traditions. All day and night the streets are filled with the beat of the drums, masses of colourful flowers, and the consummate art of religious sculpture, all combining to produce a highly moving atmosphere.

World-famous fiestas

Easter week is celebrated in every city, town and village in Spain. Nevertheless, there are some fiestas that are especially well known for their uniqueness and beauty, and have received the International Tourist Interest designation.

Flamenco History

Flamenco is a Spanish art form made up of three parts: guitar playing ("guitarra"), song ("cante") and dance ("baile"). Flamenco originated in the southern regions of Spain, but it's thought to be influenced by many world cultures, including Latin American, Cuban and Jewish traditions.

Originally flamenco dancing was not set to music; it was only singing and clapping of hands called “toque de palmas." Some flamenco dancing still follows ancient tradition, but the use of guitars and other musical instruments has become more popular in modern flamenco.

Traditional flamenco dancers rarely received any formal training. Instead, flamenco was passed down from friends, relatives and neighbors.

While some flamenco musicians and dancers still learn the flamenco on their own, most modern flamenco artists are professionally trained.

Flamenco dancing can have many different purposes. Whether the dance is intended to be entertaining, romantic or comforting, flamenco is a very emotional style of dance.

Flamenco dancers try to express their deepest emotions by using body movements and facial expressions. As the dancers perform, they may also clap their hands or kick their feet. Many dancers also snap small percussion handheld instruments called "castanets."

To the annoyance of Flamenco purists, this meant that Flamenco was becoming more of a tourist attraction than an expressive art form. It was also during this time that Flamenco guitarists became famous in their own right and so Flamenco guitar was transformed into its very own art form. One of the most famous Flamenco Golden Age singers was Silverio Franconetti, who was one of the first Flamenco singers who could sing all the 'palos' (styles of Flamenco music) equally well.

From 1922, Flamenco entered what is called the 'Theatrical Period' of Flamenco. Flamenco became even more commercialised, with the small, intimate cafes cantantes being replaced by much larger, theatre-like venues.

The most famous artist of this time was Pepe Marchena. Pepe Marchena was a Flamenco singer from Seville who sang in a sweet, falsetto voice. He was very influential in Flamenco as he was one of the first singers to sing standing up, and not sitting in a chair as had been the norm. Pepe Marchena also liked to wear a bizarre outfit, such as riding clothes.

Today, Flamenco has changed somewhat. People who want to become a Flamenco dancer, guitarist or singer are professionally trained. Traditionally, Flamenco artists would learn simply by experiencing other performers.

Spain and Food

As a gateway between Europe and Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Spain has been much fought over throughout history. The Greeks settled its coastal areas as early as the eighth century B.C. , while Celts occupied interior regions. By the second century B.C. , Spain was under Roman domination. In the early eighth century A.D. , the Moors (Arabs from northern Africa) crossed Gibraltar and entered Spain, occupying it for the next 700 years before Christian kingdoms drove them out.

This long history of invasion is still evident in Spain's cuisine. Olives, olive oil, and wine tie it closely to Greek and Roman (Italian) culture. Meat and fish pies show the Celtic heritage. The Moorish influence

Spain is seen in the use of honey, almonds, citrus fruits, and spices, such as cumin and saffron (a yellow spice).
A leader in exploration and colonization, powerful Spain was among the first nations in Europe to discover the treasures of the New World. Beginning in the late 1400s, explorers returned from voyages across the Atlantic Ocean carrying such exotic new foods as tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, corn, peppers, chocolate, and vanilla—all native to the Americas. These foods were slowly joined with the Spanish diet.


Spain's culinary traditions rely on an abundance of locally grown vegetables and fruits as well as meats and poultry. Jamón serrano , a cured ham, and chorizo , a seasoned sausage, are popular. Seafood and fish are popular in coastal areas. Other popular foods are cheeses, eggs, beans, rice, nuts (especially almonds), and bread (a crusty white bread, baked fresh daily, is common). Olive oil and garlic are common ingredients. Spain is also known for its wines, including the rioja , made in the northern province; sherry, a fortified wine that may be dry or sweet; and sangria, wine mixed with fruit and soda water.

The best-known Spanish dish, a stew called paella (pie-AY-ah), originated in Valencia, an eastern province on the Mediterranean Sea. Rice, a main ingredient, is grown in Valencia's tidal flatlands. Though there are numerous variations, paella is usually made of a variety of shellfish (such as shrimp, clams, crab, and lobster), chorizo (sausage), vegetables (tomatoes, peas, and asparagus), chicken and/or rabbit, and long-grained rice. Broth, onion, garlic, wine, pimiento (sweet red pepper), and saffron add flavor to the stew.

Every region has its own distinct cuisine and specialties. Gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, comes from Andalucía in southern Spain. Traditionally, a special bowl called a dornillo, was used to pound the ingredients by hand, but modern Spanish cooks use a blender. Andalusians also enjoy freidurías (fish, such as sole or anchovies, fried in batter). Cataluña (Catalonia), in northeastern Spain, is known for its inventive dishes combining seafood, meat, poultry, and local fruits. In the northern Basque country (país Vasco), fish is important to the diet, with cod, eel, and squid featured prominently. The signature dish of Asturias, in northwestern Spain, is fabada, a bean stew. In the interior regions, such as Castilla, meats play a starring role. Tortilla española, a potato omelet, is served throughout the country. It can be prepared quickly and makes a hearty but simple dinner. Spain's best-known dessert is flan, a rich custard.

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Living in Spain during the winter

An attractive option for many with Spanish property

People who have property in Spain fall into one of two groups – resident or non-resident. You are a non-resident here if you live less than 183 days in Spain – and these don’t need to be consecutive days.

However, there is perhaps another group within the non-resident category; those people that are semi-resident and live in Spain during the winter. They could hardly be described as tourists, they are not officially resident but live in a kind of no man’s land in between.

It’s understandable why people would want to do this. For those people who have retired and live in northern Europe the milder winter weather of Spain is a definite attraction. In most coastal regions it is rare, even in the coldest months, to see snow.

It might still be chilly during the winter but most days the sun shines and it’s not raining. Put this in contrast to the weather in the north of Europe where you are likely to be snow bound, the temperatures stay well below freezing for months on end and there is very little sunlight. Which would you prefer?

Thousands of people every year take the decision to live in Spain during the winter time. Many of them may have operated this cycle every year and have become used to its foibles. We share with you our tips for long term stay in Spain.

Enjoy the better weather

Spanish Business Etiquette and Protocol

Etiquette in Spain Relationships & Communication

The Spanish prefer to do business with those they know and trust.
It is important that you spend sufficient time letting your business colleagues get to know you.
Once you develop a relationship, it will prevail even if you switch companies, since your Spanish business colleagues' allegiance will be to you rather than the company you represent.
Face-to-face contact is preferred to written or telephone communication.
The way you present yourself is of critical importance when dealing with Spaniards.
It is best to display modesty when describing your achievements and accomplishments.
Communication is formal and follows rules of protocol.
Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Spaniards do not like to publicly admit that they are incorrect.
Trust and personal relationships are the cornerstone of business.
Spaniards, like many societies, are concerned that they look good in the eyes of others and try to avoid looking foolish at all times.

Business Negotiation

Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with whom they do business.
Hierarchy and rank are important. You should deal with people of similar rank to your own.
Decision-making is held at the top of the company, since this is a hierarchical country. You may never actually meet the person who ultimately makes the decision.
You may be interrupted while you are speaking. This is not an insult, it merely means the person is interested in what you are saying.
Spaniards do not like to lose face, so they will not necessarily say that they do not understand something, particularly if you are not speaking Spanish. You must be adept at discerning body language.
Spaniards are very thorough. They will review every minute detail to make certain it is understood.
First you must reach an oral understanding. A formal contract will be drawn up at a later date.
Spaniards expect both sides to strictly adhere to the terms of a contract.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Living in Spain

Living in Spain offers life in a modern country, which offers a well-developed infrastructure and a modern living environment. The pace of life is balanced and relaxed compared to other European countries and the climate is such that the outdoor resources can be enjoyed on a regular basis.

Spain offers a good mix of historical and modern architecture and is rich in culture. Approximately 90% of the population is Spanish with ethnic minority groups including Moroccans, Romanians, Ecuadorians, and Colombians.  

Spain as an Expat Destination
Almost 6% of the total population living in Spain are expatriates, consisting of immigrants from North Africa and South America as well as British expatriates. Spain is an extremely popular retirement destination because of its warm climate, low house prices and high standard of living. Many other expatriates come to this country to open tourist facilities such as bars, cafes and night clubs.

Expatriate life in Spain is suited to those who seek a relaxed and laid back life. The locals are friendly and trusting and the majority of the country is family friendly. For those who are seeking a quiet life the coastal towns may be inappropriate as they attract significant numbers of tourists on an annual basis.

Cost of Living in Spain