Understanding Galician Culture

In our quest to bring you villas in areas of cultural interest around Europe we feel it only proper to share a little more information about how some of the ancient cultures were formed and still survive today. All of our villas are in areas of cultural interest, perhaps even more so with Galicia in Spain… a fascinating place that offers something of cultural interest at every turn.

We have to start by saying that Galicia’s culture is unique to the rest of Spain’s in that it was founded on a Celtic rather than Latino or Hispanic belief and society. You’ll typically find no Flamenco dancers of sombrero hats here I’m afraid and in their place you’ll rather bizarrely find bagpipes and a more dour style which perhaps represents the cooler weather, tougher lifestyle and economic strife that Galicia has suffered in the past.

In fact, the music can be likened to the Scottish and Irish Celts, the best place to see it is during one of the many fiestas across Galicea. You’ll also notice some differences in food flavours and tastes as well as styles and fashions when compared to the rest of Spain.

One other obvious difference is that the Galicians often speak a different dialect to Spanish – ‘Gallego’ as its known is similar to Portuguese. But all Galiceans speak Spanish too… so don’t fret.

Why is the Galicean culture different to the rest of Spain?

Well, it could be something to do with the geographic location… Galicea borders Portugal and is actually quite isolated from the rest of Spain. In addition, over the past century there have been restrictions in cultural development in Galicia, which were finally lifted following the death of General Franco who was.

Final word…

Galicia is in fact a land of plenty. You’ll find some of the most beautiful coastline, an abundance of rivers and gorges to visit, extremely friendly locals… and some of the prettiest, untouched villages in Spain. If you’d like to know more about this enchanted region please feel free to drop us a line.