Holidays from Home: ¡Viva España!

In the first of our new weekly Holidays from Home series, we bring the sights, sounds, flavours and colours of Spain to your doorstep. From paella to Picasso, let’s liven up your lockdown.

A warm welcome to our Holidays from Home series. What’s one of the most special things about going on holiday? We think that a big part of the fun is getting to immerse yourself in a different culture. And just because we can’t leave the country right now, it doesn’t mean other countries can’t come to you! Each week we will be helping you to enjoy the quintessential culture of some of our best-loved countries – all from the comfort of your own abode. From food and drink to music and art, it’s ideal for bringing some fresh sights, sounds and flavours to your home.

Rapping on your front door this week is the intoxicating nation of Spain. ¡Vamos!

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Food for flavour cravers and…cake lovers?

Tea and cake may sound more Costa del Blighty than Costa del Sol. But you need to know about the Spanish tradition of merienda, which sees Spanish folk gathering in the afternoon to have a natter with a cup of tea or coffee and some cake.

Of course Spanish cuisine is most popular for the sharing shindig that is tapas. Good luck keeping your mouth dry at the thought of piping hot patatas bravas, gambas and croquetas de jamon. But take the last bite at your own risk. The Spaniards call it la de la vergüenza – literally “the one of shame”.

But when all is said and done, few would argue that in the culinary stakes it’s hard to beat another of Spain’s flagship dishes: paella! Do your taste buds a favour and rustle up this recipe from Jamie Oliver.

Something to drink?

Forget about sangria, that’s for tourists. You’re much more likely to see the locals sipping kalimoxo (in the north of Spain) – that’s red wine topped up with coke – or tinto de verano – red wine with something like lemonade or lemon Fanta. Oh and don’t be fooled by the name, because there’s nothing watery about agua de Valencia: a cocktail that combines cava, vodka, gin and orange juice. Clinking glasses? Be sure to make eye contact. It’s bad luck not to according to Spanish superstition. And while we’re talking superstitions, it’s probably best to avoid wearing yellow – a colour with devilish connotations and association with bad luck in Spain.

Spanish sounds

When it comes to modern pop songs, it’s fair to say that Spain has bestowed to the world some absolute howlers. Macarena by Los Del Rio & André Rieu is nauseatingly chipper for a song about a woman who cheats on her boyfriend after he’s conscripted. And lest we forget simpering pop trio Las Ketchup and the nuanced songwriting skills that brought The Ketchup Song to the world’s lugholes. Your antidote is blossoming garage rock outfit Hinds, four girls from Madrid who make a delightfully raw racket and recently played a series of huge shows while supporting The Strokes.

Of course the authentic sound of Spain is flamenco music. All highly-strung tension and pulsating rhythms peppered with showers of castanets. It’s brooding stuff. And you will be able to find countless examples on Spotify or YouTube. Imagine your lounge is an Andalusian plaza and learn a little flamenco dancing while you’re at it.

Spain and the silver screen

Roll out the red carpet, because Spain has given us some seriously high end film stars: Penélope Cruz, Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem to name just three. Cruz and Bardem star in the multi-award winning film Vicky Christina Barcelona, which is shot throughout Spain and includes several paintings by famous Catalan artist Agustí Puig. You will also be able to spot examples of the work of famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, including Park Güell. The Andalusian cities of Cadiz and Seville feature in action comedy Knight and Day, in which Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz have leading roles.

Illustrating on Spain’s canvas

A big part of Spanish culture is the nation’s art and architecture. We have already mentioned how important Antoni Gaudí was to the architecture of Barcelona, with the design of Roman Catholic basilica Sagrada Familia arguably his greatest triumph. There’s a reason it’s included as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And you can take a virtual tour right here.

While the Guggenheim in Bilbao may be closed, the doors are very much open online if you would like to explore the various exhibitions and collections. Alternatively head for Museo del Prado in Madrid, widely considered to have one of the world’s finest collections of European art – much of which can be viewed on their website. Museo Reina Sofia, which stands opposite Museo del Prado, is dedicated to Spanish art of a more contemporary nature. It’s here that you’ll find works by Spanish greats like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.