Interesting facts about two extraordinary countries.
The two countries share Iberian Peninsula, religion, membership in the European Union, the favorable climate and fertile land, the habit of eat well and enjoy, passion (and talent!) for football, beautiful beaches for surfing and other summer fun. If you’ve enjoyed a visit to one of these countries, the likelihood that you will like her roommate, is high. But be prepared for the fact that each country in store for surprises.
Spain — Basques, Catalans, Galicians, etc., in Portugal — Portuguese
Spain is a country composed of a number of people, each of which today remembers and practicing their own language and traditions. All those whom we call Spanish actually identify themselves as Castilians, Catalans, Galicians, Basques, Valencia, Andalusia or any other of the many ethnic groups of the country. Their neighbors all the easier. If you ask the Portuguese, where he came from in the first place he will call Portugal and only then clarify the province. Of course, this does not reduce the internal cultural diversity of the country.
Spain — Latin American influence in Portugal, Africa and Brazil
The two countries have had in the past of the colonial Empire, their relations with former colonies are still strong, what determines migration flows and leads to a fruitful cultural exchange in part, such as food, music, fashion. Spain felt the Hispanic influence, and a close connection with Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and others. In Portugal’s former African colonies: Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique. This means that you will find great African restaurants in big cities, concerts and dance shows, cultural centers. Speaking of Portugal, can not be discounted and Brazil, the only, but huge Portuguese ex-colonies in Latin America, where not only ripe mango and guava, but also, for example, series, love for barbecue and popular music.
In Spain — Siesta, Portugal — lunch
Siesta, the famous afternoon NAP, a tradition which the Spaniards hold still (especially outside the big cities). In Portugal, Siesta is not practiced, but tight leisurely meal in the middle of the day, which lasts at least an hour (and usually two or three), is sacred. Even in the capital most of the family businesses and restaurants will be closed from three to six.
The Spaniards live a life on the street, they are homebodies
After a Siesta the Spaniards are selected for the mandatory evening walk, this time to exchange a word with a neighbour to go for a coffee or a drink in a favorite café. The Portuguese evening rush home for supper, I prefer homemade food restaurant, and friends get invited, and not in a cafe. They say that Spanish people are extroverts, they are introverts, and this, apparently, reflected on the rhythm of life and style of communication.
In Spanish is “gracias”, in Portugal “obrigado (a)”
For example, the translation of the word “thank you”. Of course, Spanish and Portuguese are related, but that doesn’t mean that your Portuguese will understand Spanish, and Vice versa. At best, the Portuguese will giggle in response to “Como estas?”, but, in General, might be offended. In practice, the Spaniards do not speak English or speak reluctantly. In Portugal when meeting with tourists urban residents no problem switching to English. Perhaps the openness to languages stems from the fact that in Portugal in the cinemas most of the films comes with subtitles, in contrast to Spain, which, like Russia, is interested in dubbing.
Spain — jamon, Portugal — sardines
We all know that to bring your friends a treat from Spain — jamon, dry cured ham, known to the whole world. In Portugal this national delicacy are the sardines. Fresh, grilled or canned — large and small, whole or gutted, in oil or in tomato sauce, with spices or with chilli. In many coastal regions, the Festival of sardines with eating fish on speed, and other entertainment. Portugal — land of sailors and fishermen, it is not surprising that fish and seafood ruling the roost in the Portuguese national cuisine.
Spain — bullfighting in Portugal — touradas
In the Portuguese bullfight plays an important role horseman is cavaleiro, unlike the Spanish tradition, where the Matador is working,. But the main difference — the finale: in Portugal the bull is forbidden to kill in the arena. The spectacle, however, remains very fierce, and wounded the bull usually still kill only away from the stands. In both countries in recent years, the popularity of bullfighting is falling, and the protest against cruel treatment of animals gets louder.
Spain — flamenco Portugal Fado
Flamenco, song and dance of passion will make you swoon in Spain. While in Portugal for the traditional Fado song will fill the heart with bright longing, Saudade. Do not give up this experience, because Saudade is a unique emotional state and of the national character of the Portuguese, which is hard to describe. Fado songs, most of which tell of unhappy love and of those who did not return, are the most accurate expression of this feeling.
Spain — gifts for the Feast of the three kings, in Portugal for Christmas
Christmas is probably the most important holiday in Portugal. The whole family gathers for a hearty dinner (main dish — cod), which ends with a solemn presentation of gifts at midnight. In Spain Christmas is more religious in nature, and the exchange of gifts is postponed until the day of the Epiphany (Feast of three kings) on 6 January. In the Catholic tradition, on this day the Magi visited baby Jesus with offerings, so that everything is logical.
Spain — king of Portugal — President
Spain is one of the few countries in Europe where you can still look at the present king (of course, in the case). C 1978 here installed a constitutional monarchy. In Portugal with the Royal family said goodbye back in 1910, and today the country is a parliamentary Republic with a President and Parliament. Both countries have experienced dictatorship in the twentieth century: Salazar in Portugal, Franco in Spain, in the 70’s went through a process of democratization, in 1986, became members of the European economic community (today European Union).
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