FUN FACTS
o The Kingdom of Spain (Espana) is the 4th largest country in Europe, with a
land area of 505,370 sq. km. It lies in Southern Europe near the Iberian
Peninsula, and is a part of the European Union. Spain has a population of
around 47 million people, with its capital being Madrid.
o The word Madrid comes from “magerit’, an Arabic word.
o The city of Madrid is the geographical center of the country, while the Plaza
Puerta del Sol is the heart of the city.
o The word Espana is said to come from the Roman name Hispania. The
official name of Spain is: “El Reino de Espana” (The Kingdom of Spain).
o Spain’s National Anthem, “La Marcha Real” (the Royal March) has no lyrics.
o Spain’s average life expectancy (80 yrs old) is one of the highest in the
world.
o The Metro de Madrid is the subway system in Madrid. It is the 6th longest
metro rail network in the world.
o The Euro replaced the Spanish Peseta in 2002.
o Spain was not a part of either World War.
o Mt. Teide in the Canary Islands rises to 12,198 ft. making it the tallest
mountain in Spain. It is also the 3rd largest volcano in the world when
measured from its base.
o Spain was the first country in Europe to ban smoking in bars and at the
workplaces.
o In Spain you can get many medicines ‘over the counter’ for which you would
need a prescription in other parts of the world.
o In Spain, kids celebrate something similar to two birthdays: their actual
birthday & the day of their Saint (based on their name).
o Kids also celebrate something similar to two Christmas holidays: December
25th and January 6th. Normally, they get gifts on both days.
o Spaniards have two surnames – one is the father’s first surname, and the
second is the mother’s first surname.
o The most popular cartoons in Spain are Pocoyo and Los Lunnis.
o December 28th is the day of los Santos Inocentes. It is much like April
Fool’s Day and children make mischief and play tricks on people.
o In the United States, Spanish is the most popular foreign language.
o World’s Largest Food Fight – On the last Wednesday in August of every year
the city of Bunol, in the Valencia region of Spain, hosts the world’s largest
tomato fight: “La Tomatina” where over 40 metric tons of tomatoes are
hurled by 40,000 to 50,000 people who gather to take part in this fun event.
o Portal de l’Angel is the most walked street in Barcelona. Approximately
3,500 people walk this street every hour.
o St. Georges Day is the national feast day which is celebrated by presenting
friends and family members with roses and books. This prompted UNESCO
to declare April 23 as the international day of books.
o The concept of ‘siesta’ (an afternoon nap) originated in Spain. People in
Spain were entitled to a good 3-hr lunch break that included the siesta time
as well. Although lately, this tradition is being sacrificed due to the
economic crisis that Spain is currently facing.
o Paella is a traditional Valencian saffron rice mixed with various types of
meat like chicken, pork, shellfish, fish, eel, squid, and vegetables like beans,
peas, artichokes, or peppers.
o Spain has 2.9 million acres of planted vineyards and is the third largest
producer of wine in the world. The fortified sherry makes up for nearly
95% of the plantings, although the country is famous for its red wines.
o Spain is also known for its olives. It is the largest producer of olive oil and
accounts for nearly 45% of the world’s output.
o Flamenco is a traditional music and dance genre from the Andalusian region
of Spain. It’s characterized by bright clothing, flamboyant moves, and
elegant posture. Certain similarities between the Flamenco dance styles and
the Kathak dance from India led scholars to believe the Romani people once
living in Northern India influenced the development of the Flamenco dance
form.
o Futbol (or soccer) is the most popular sport in Spain. People follow the sport
with almost religious fervor. Real Madrid is the richest futbol club in the
world, and it boasts of more than 230 million fans. FC Barcelona, on the
other hand, has the largest futbol stadium to its name. It can seat 100,000
people.
o The red cape that a Spanish torero or matador brandishes is called a
‘muleta’.
o Around 90% of the population in Spain is Roman Catholic.
o Like the rest of the world, a tooth fairy doesn’t exist in Spain. Instead
there is ‘Ratoncito Perez’ a tooth mouse.
o Couples mostly date in groups and only go out together separately as a couple
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after they turn 18 years of age.
At present, Christianity is the dominant religion in Spain – but around 3
centuries ago, it was Islam.
Fresh bread is an essential inclusion at every Spanish dinner table. The long
loaves are called Barras. Small round ones are called Bollos.
Tapas are traditional appetizers that come in a variety of combinations,
including meat, seafood, and vegetables such as tomatoes. Olives, cheese,
and wine are common ingredients around the area. It is served in bars along
with drinks & people eat tapas standing up, chatting with one another.
In Spain, the tendency is to have meals quite late -- lunch is eaten between 2
and 4 pm. Dinner can be as late as 10 pm.
Captain Jack Sparrow – This crazy but lovable pirate likes to say “SAVVY”.
Did you know that this word comes from the Spanish word “Sabe”, meaning
“you know?”
Please Pass the Mayo – According to one story, mayonnaise, originally called
“mahonnaise”, was invented in 1756 in Mahon, Minorca, Spain.
2PAC and Tupac – Tupac Shakur, the rapper, was named after Tupac Amaru
II, an Incan revolutionary who led a Peruvian uprising against Spain and was
subsequently sentenced to death.
A Royal Mystery – According to snopes.com, there is an undetermined claim
that King Juan Carlos of Spain accidentally killed his brother.
 LOST IN TRANSLATION -When General Motors introduced the Chevy Nova in South America, it was
apparently unaware that “no va” means “it won’t go”. After the company figured
out why it wasn’t selling any cars, it renamed the car in its Spanish markets to the
“Caribe”.
When Parker Pens marketed a ballpoint pen in Mexico, its ads were supposed to say
“It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you.” However, the company mistakenly
thought the Spanish word “embarazar” meant embarrass. Instead the ads said
that “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant”.
An American t-shirt maker in Miami printed shirts for the Spanish market which
promoted the Pope’s visit. Instead of the desired “I saw the Pope” in Spanish, the
shirts proclaimed “I saw the Potato”.
Colgate in Spanish means “Go hang yourself”.
During the “Got Milk” marketing campaign in Spanish speaking countries, consumers
were inadvertently asked “Are you lactating?”