Do you know these traditions and curiosities of Spain? #Spainquiz

It is not correct. Although it is true that vermouth is a drink based on wine and herbs, including absinthe, the word also implies the act of sharing this or another drink, usually at midday, as a kind of tapeo or aperitif.

It is not correct. It is the feast of Corpus Christi, when many cities in Spain “dress up” with their famous and traditional floral carpets. Castropol (Asturias), Sitges (Barcelona), Ponferrada (León) or Ponteareas (Pontevedra) are just some of them.

No, sorry! This is not entirely correct, as both the Day of the Book and the festival of Sant Jordi, in Catalonia, are celebrated on the same day, 23 April. Both events commemorate universal literature and, during this day, it is a tradition to read Don Quixote in public, the famous book written by Miguel Cervantes and starring Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, in emblematic places such as the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid. It is also a tradition to give books and roses to your loved ones.  

It is not correct. Sangria is one of Spaniards’ favourite drinks for toasting at celebrations, and it is served in a large glass pitcher with plenty of ice and pieces of fruit. Although the ingredients may vary depending on the area, the usual ingredients are red wine, orange juice or carbonated soft drink, a few drops of an alcoholic beverage, such as rum, and a pinch of sugar.

It is not correct. It is the feast of St. James the Apostle, patron saint of Spain and protagonist of the history of the Camino de Santiago. In fact, the ancient pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago was awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO. The aim is to reach the city of Galicia with the apostle's name, Santiago de Compostela, and in whose cathedral his remains rest. 25 July is a public holiday in several Spanish regions such as Galicia, Madrid, Navarre, Cantabria and the Basque Country.

It is not correct. The song was written by the musical duo from Seville Los del Río. Since its release in 1993, the song has become one of the world's biggest hits. “Macarena” is the most listened to and best-selling song in Spanish, with over 4,500 versions.

It is not correct. In 2023, the Banco de España commissioned the American photographer Annie Leibovitz to take portraits of the king and queen of Spain, which would be added to its collection of official portraits at its headquarters building in Madrid. 

No, sorry! The correct answer is Sevilla. Rosalía, accompanied by an elegant staging with flamenco guitarists, remembered the historic Spanish singer Rocío Jurado by performing one of her most applauded songs. The gala also coincided with the International Day of Flamenco, which every 16 November commemorates its declaration as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.    

It is not correct. Both in Las Fallas de Valencia and in the spectacular fiestas of San Juan in Spain, including the Hogueras de San Juan de Alicante, fire is an indispensable element. The former for the final burning of the ninots or satirical cardboard sculptures that give meaning to the celebration and the latter because it is in itself a celebration of the cult of fire.

It is not correct. One of the most peculiar Christmas traditions in Spain is the custom of eating 12 grapes to the rhythm of the chimes that mark the beginning of the new year. In some regions, such as Cantabria, they also eat torrijas, a popular Easter Week dessert similar to French toast.