Gastronomy has a crucial role in fully immersing you in the culture of a country, and if there is one thing Spain stands out for, it is its rich and diverse cuisine. Thus, in this article you will be able to immerse yourself in the world of typical Spanish food, explore its most popular dishes and be fascinated by the very different flavors.

You can read this article in Spanish, just click here.

Paella

Let’s begin with one of the most famous dishes of Spanish gastronomy: paella. This emblematic dish of Spanish cuisine has its origins in the Valencian Community.

It is a dish whose base is rice and exploits flavors that represent the culinary diversity of the country. This delicious mixture of rice, vegetables and seafood or meat is cooked with saffron and other spices. A true delight of Spanish gastronomy.

Tortilla de patata

Another classic at any Spanish table. The potato omelette is a perfect mixture of potatoes and eggs, cooked to perfection until it is creamy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.

It is a simple, delicious, and essential dish in any compilation of typical Spanish food. Although the original recipe is with potatoes and eggs, but you can cook an omelette incorporating different ingredients such as cheese, chorizo, or truffle. In addition, in Spain there is a debate as to whether the tortilla is better with or without onion.

Croquetas

Croquettes are considered an authentic jewel of Spanish gastronomy. They are small balls of bechamel sauce mixed with ingredients such as ham, chicken, cod, cheese, or spinach. Although you can use any ingredient you prefer.

These croquetas are breaded and fried until they get a golden and crunchy layer. The croquettes are delicious, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and are a culinary addiction that will leave you wanting more.

Gazpacho

To refresh the palate, nothing better than gazpacho. This cold soup is made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic, and onion. It is a true explosion of freshness, ideal for hot summer days.

Very similar to this dish, you can find the salmorejo. Salmorejo, unlike gazpacho, has a thicker texture. It is a cold cream based on tomato, bread, olive oil and garlic. It is usually garnished with hard-boiled egg and Serrano ham. A refreshing and nutritious delight.

Pulpo a la gallega

In Galicia you can find an exquisite and very popular dish: pulpo (octopus). Galician style octopus is typically served cooked on a potato base. It is then sliced, sprinkled with paprika and drizzled with olive oil.

It is another typical Spanish dish that mixes flavors and will make you love the tender texture of the octopus.

Calamares a la romana

Continuing with seafood, calamares a la romana is a very popular dish. It consists of slices of squid in batter and fried to obtain a crunchy texture. They are usually accompanied by aioli sauce and are a real delicacy.

In addition, in Madrid is very typical the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich), so you can choose between a portion of squid or a sandwich.

Cocido madrileño

This traditional Madrilenian dish is a comforting stew that combines chickpeas, pork, beef, and chorizo. There are many ways to eat it, since in each house it is made in a different way, but it is composed of a soup dish with noodles, chickpeas, and meat.

Each region has its own version, but the cocido madrileño is a classic that has endured over time. You can also find cocido montañés, cocido andaluz or cocido extremeño.

Fabada asturiana

Originally from Asturias, fabada is a robust and comforting stew. This typical Spanish dish combines fabes (white beans), chorizo, black pudding, bacon and, sometimes, pork.

Asturian fabada is cooked slowly and is a dish for lovers of intense flavors and the creamy texture of legumes.

Pisto

This dish is called pisto and it is like the French’s dish ratatouille. The pisto is a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions and sometimes eggs. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

A healthy and delicious option to combine with a fried egg or rice, but you can even eat it alone.

Cochinillo asado

The last dish is typical of Segovia and is a real gem for meat lovers. The suckling pig, a young suckling pig, is roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat tender and juicy. Accompanied by roasted potatoes, it is a gastronomic experience not to be missed.

Although these are only 10 dishes, in Spanish gastronomy there are many more with different ingredients that you will surely fall in love with. For example: jamón serrano (serrano ham), cachopo, patatas bravas, migas, prawns with garlic or papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes). Even sweet dishes such as the famous churros with chocolate, crema catalana or tarta de Santiago.

Typical Spanish food is a true feast for the senses. It mixes from the most intense flavors to the creamiest or sweetest options. Each dish tells a story of tradition and passion.

Dare to try these flavors and discover the culinary richness of Spain, also, if you want to improve in the language, do not hesitate to sign up for an intensive Spanish course with don Quijote. We have schools in different parts of the country for you to try Spanish gastronomy and improve your level of Spanish.

Have you started studying Spanish? If you want to immerse yourself more in the language and learn interesting facts, here you will find 10 curiosities about Spain that you didn't know. A country full of history, culture and traditions that will not leave you indifferent.

Knowing curiosities about the country whose language you are studying can be a fun and educational way to improve your cultural understanding. So, here are 10 facts about Spain that you probably didn't know.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

1. Spanish, a global language

Did you know that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers and as a second language? With more than 460 million native speakers and millions more who study it as a foreign language, Spanish has become a cultural bridge that unites people from different parts of the planet.

2. It has a land border with Africa

Spain is the only European country that shares a land border with an African country. That country is Morocco, thanks to the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

These two cities are located on the north coast of Africa, so they border Morocco. Thus, a unique connection is established between two different continents.

3. It is the country with the highest number of organ donations

Another fact that you probably did not know is that Spain is the world leader in organ donation. Thanks to its efficient donation system, the country has achieved exceptional rates of donation and transplants. Solidarity and awareness of the importance of donation have made Spain a benchmark in this field.

With an average of 47 donors per million in 2022, Spain remains the country with the highest donation activity worldwide, as of 2019. The United States follows with 44.5 donors per million population.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain holds the title of third country with the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 49 recognized sites, it is in the top 5 countries with places of greatest historical interest.

Among these 49 sites are: the Alhambra, the Sagrada Familia or the Camino de Santiago. Therefore, Spain has great cultural and architectural treasures that will surprise you.

5. It has the oldest restaurant in the world

If you ever travel to Madrid and want to enjoy a unique experience, you cannot miss El Botin. This restaurant has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest in the world, with more than 300 years of history.

Savor traditional dishes in a place full of history in the heart of the capital.

6. It receives more tourists than the number of residents

Spain is a magnet for tourists from all over the world thanks to its climate and gastronomy. But surprisingly it receives more annual visitors than the number of people living in the country.

With a population of around 47 million inhabitants, Spain attracts more than 80 million tourists a year. Amazing figures that make Spain a country loved by people who can't resist visiting it again and again.

7. Historical presence on all continents

Spain's history is marked by the expansion of its territory over the centuries. At its peak, the Spanish empire had territories on every inhabited continent, from the Americas to Asia. This historical legacy has left a lasting imprint on the country's culture and diversity.

8. The anthem of Spain has no lyrics

Another curious fact that you may not know is that Spain's anthem has no lyrics. Unlike other national anthems, Spain, whose anthem is known as the “Marcha Real”, has no official lyrics.

Although various lyrics have been proposed over the years, none have been officially adopted. This makes Spain's anthem unique and, in a way, universal, as it is recognizable by all.

9. It has almost 8,000 km of coastline

With an extensive coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain has approximately 8,000 kilometres of coastline. From golden beaches to breathtaking cliffs, the variety of coastal landscapes offers a paradise for sun and sea lovers.

Visit coastal towns all over the country and be amazed by unique beaches in Galicia, Valencia, or Malaga.

10. It has the most famous festivals and celebrations

Spain is known for its festivals and regional festivals that are celebrated in the country. The cultural diversity extends to many places, from the April Fair in Seville to the Wine Battle in Haro. Not to mention the Fallas in Valencia or the Sanfermines in Navarra. All these festivals are an explosion of colour, music, and traditions that you can't miss.

Immerse yourself in the joy, passion and Spanish traditions that are spread throughout the country. Be amazed by the variety of celebrations that take place in every city in Spain.

These 10 curiosities make Spain a unique and exciting place to live or visit. Although the list could go on and on as there are many more curiosities about the country that you may not know.

If these facts have increased your enthusiasm for exploring the Spanish language and culture, don't hesitate to continue learning Spanish and improving your level. For that, don Quijote offers you intensive Spanish courses in Spain. Explore the country and discover our 11 destinations in the country.

Christmas is approaching and as usual, the atmosphere is filled with joy, lights, and Christmas music. In this article, you can immersed yourself in the charm of Spanish Christmas through a very special musical tradition: Christmas carols.

These songs are an essential part of the Christmas celebration in Spanish-speaking countries and knowing them will allow you to immerse yourself even more in the cultural richness of the country. Let the Christmas spirit invade you with these popular Spanish Christmas carols.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

1. Noche de Paz

The first carol you are going to learn is "Noche de Paz", the Spanish Christmas translation for Silent Night. This Christmas song is a universal carol that has crossed borders and has been translated into several languages.

Its original Spanish lyrics are emotional and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Here are some verses:

“Noche de paz, noche de amor,

Todo duerme en derredor.

Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz.

Brilla anunciando al niñito Jesús.

Brilla la estrella de paz.

Brilla la estrella de amor.”

2. Campana sobre campana

This carol is one of the best known in Spain. “Campana sobre campana” is a carol in Spanish that will transport you to the most famous holiday celebration in the world. The meaning of the title is “Bell upon bell” and its verses are contagious and easy to remember:

“Campana sobre campana,

y sobre campana una,

asómate a esa ventana,

verás al Niño en la cuna.

Belén, campanas de Belén

Que los ángeles tocan

¿Qué nuevas me traéis?”

3. El burrito sabanero

Originally from Venezuela, but which has reached everywhere, the popular song called “El burrito sabanero”. This carol full of rhythm and colour makes everyone equally happy and has a very catchy rhythm. Here is an excerpt:

“Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén.

Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén.

Si me ven, si me ven

Voy camino de Belén.

Si me ven, si me ven

Voy camino de Belén.”

4. Ay del chiquirritín

Adding another Christmas carol to our list, “Ay del Chiquirritín” is a gem of Spanish Christmas music. This song, full of tenderness and devotion, immerses us in the magic of Christmas. Here is a part of the carol:

“Ay del chiquirritín, chiquirriquitín,

Metidito entre pajas.

Ay del chiquirritín, chiquirriquitín,

Queridín, queridito del alma.”

5. Los peces en el río

Another classic that can't be missing in your Christmas list of Spanish carols is "Los peces en el río". The title means the fishes in the river and the lyrics narrate the atmosphere around the virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Here is one verse:

“Pero mira cómo beben los peces en el río,

Pero mira cómo beben por ver al Dios nacido.

Beben y beben y vuelven a beber

Los peces en el río por ver a Dios nacer.”

6. Feliz Navidad

This song transcends borders and invites us to celebrate Christmas with joy and good wishes. This Christmas carols is called "Feliz Navidad", which means Merry Christmas.

 Here is a part of this song in Spanish:

“Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,

Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad.

A todos quiero desearles siempre

Felicidad, es un gran presente

Es el momento de que gocemos

Mucha paz, vengan a cantar.”

7. A Belén, pastores

Finally, a song that encourages everyone who sings it and whose verses are a festive call that you cannot overlook. This carol "A Belén, pastores", which title means “To Bethlehem, shepherds”, has its origin in the 18th century.

This is one of its verses:

“A Belén pastores, a Belén chiquitos,

que ha nacido el Rey de los angelitos.

Los pastores de Belén, todos juntos van por leña,

para calentar al Niño que nació en la Nochebuena.”

These are just a few of the many Spanish Christmas carols that exist. With these songs and rhythms, you can fill your home with the Christmas spirit and learn a little more about Spain and its culture.

Although if you want to improve your level, the key is learning Spanish in Spain. Get into the culture and experience a different Christmas in Spain or in Latin American, in countries like Mexico with don Quijote. Our schools have intensive Spanish courses for all ages and levels. Enjoy the music, the parties and the lights while improving your Spanish.