Spanish in numbers infographic

Incredible world-wide growth and intriguing linguistic features help make Spanish an important and fun language to learn. Check out this fact-packed infographic we’ve created that illustrates a collection of curious stats on everything from how many people you can practice your Spanish skills with to how many palindrome words learners can expect to discover.
What’s unique about the Spanish words pomposo, chiquitín and alpargata? How about abuelito, murciélago and simultáneo? Ever wonder what the longest Spanish word is?

Read on and explore Spanish in numbers…

El Clásico

El Clásico: the soccer match between the 2 biggest Spanish soccer clubs. The match is considered the great soccer classic of Spain and perhaps even of the entire world. There has been a rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona for years.
The rivalry goes way back in history. After General Franco won his victory during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Catalan culture and identity was suppressed for years by the Madrid authority. Real Madrid is considered a symbol of the central Spanish government, this is partly due to the club's royal designation (Real). Many Catalans feel no connection to Spain; they also speak a different kind of Spanish. FC Barcelona is seen as a symbol of Catalonia's nationalism because Barcelona is the capital of the province. During this period, it seemed that the referees favored Real Madrid with possible influence from higher-ups.

The 1943 locker room incident

The first incident to occur during the postwar, or "posguerra," period was the "locker room incident. Spanish militiamen allegedly walked into Barca's dressing room before the match began and told the players to calm down. Real Madrid then won 11-1, scoring 7 goals in 14 minutes against a club just as strong on paper....

Bottle finale

In 1968, tension was further heightened between the two clubs by the president of Real Madrid; Santiago Bernabéu Yeste. When FC Barcelona won the final of the Copa del Generalísimo 0-1, Real's ultras began throwing bottles at the players of the Catalan club. Then, of course, when Santiago Bernabéu Yeste made some "nice" controversial statements such as "'Catalonia is beautiful, just a pity that the Catalans live there'" the bomb had completely burst.

Then FC Barcelona had a heyday and then Real Madrid. FC Barcelona went into decline until our own Johan Cruijff joined the club and ensured the first national title in 14 years. As a result, he earned the nickname "El Salvador," which means "the savior.

Over the years, other incidents have occurred that have only made the rivalry between the world's two biggest clubs worse. Nowadays, the tension is at a low ebb.

The 2 clubs have now played more than 225 matches against each other and are among the biggest clubs in the world! They have fans all over the world. But who is the best club that you will have to see for yourself.

If there's one sound associated with Spain, it's the dramatic melodies of flamenco. Read on and discover must-include spots for your flamenco tour in Spain.

1. Seville

If you're in Andalusia's vibrant capital city, you've got to go to Los Gallos. Located just two minutes from Murillo Gardens, this is one of Seville's most famous and prestigious tablaos (flamenco venues).

Flamenco lovers won't want to miss the wonderful exhibits displayed at the city's Museo del baile flamenco (Flamenco Dance Museum). You'll find it on the street that bears its name, right next to the Giralda and the Cathedral. Another Seville flamenco hotspot is Puerta de Triana, a performance hall on Castilla street in the legendary Triana neighborhood, famous as a hub for flamenco activity.

2. Madrid

Spain's capital seems to absorb the country's most exciting cultural traditions, and flamenco is no exception. The city offers some of the oldest and most intimate venues for catching flamenco action.

The Corral de la Morería, included in The Michelin Guide and centrally located right next to the Plaza Mayor (on calle Morería), is one of Madrid's most historic tablaos. The famous Café de chinita sits in Madrid's historic district, between the Palacio Real de Madrid (the Royal Palace of Madrid) and the Gran Vía. Finally, the Corral de la Pacheca, near the Plaza de Castilla, rounds out a golden triangle of cante jondo (deep song).

3. Cordoba

Heading through the historical Jewish quarter, you'll find El Cardenal, where flamenco performers offer spectacular entertainment to audiences dining on local cuisine in an open patio.

On the back side of the Plaza de la Corredera, La Bulería is another essential flamenco house, along with Rincón del cante at the Plaza de las Tendillas.

4. Granada

Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit the Camino del Sacromonte to see the Cueva de María la Canastera (the Cave of María la Canastera) and experience joyful cheer accompanied by song, dance, and hypnotic hand clapping.

In the historic Arab district of Albaicín, Peña la Platería is Granada's most vibrant flamenco tablao, a place that's decidedly not designed for tourists, which always guarantees an authentic experience.

5. Cadiz

The lively cheer of this coastal city will invite you to lose your way in the old quarter, where the smooth sounds of guitar strumming and passionate singing guide you to La Cava, next to the Plaza de España. Here, you'll also find the Peña Flamenca de Enrique el Mellizo, named after one of Cadiz´s most historic and celebrated musical figures. This is where seasoned flamenco masters and new-comers alike offer memorable performances for the enjoyment of visitors as they savor the delicious
flavors of Cadiz cuisine.

6. Jerez de la Frontera

Considered by many as the home of the cante jondo, this is one of the world's most influential flamenco centers. Back dropped by elegant horses and the robust aromas of sherry wine, the city offers emblematic flamenco performance halls such as Peña la Bulería in the populated neighborhood of San Miguel, next to the Ermita de San Telmo. The sense of humor that characterizes the people of Cadiz is recalled in the name of another popular Jerez tablao: El lagá del Tío Parrilla (located just across from the Museum of Archeology), which offers the most spectacular dance shows imaginable.

7. Malaga

The Peña Juan Breva tablao sits huddled by the foot of the Gibralfaro Mountain, where it is cooed by the city's unique traditional melodies.

Its stage has witnessed some of the greatest flamenco performances ever. If you'd like to not only observe, but also participate in this high passion art form, you can always head to the Liceo Flamenco, between the Cathedral and Gibralfaro Castle, where you can visit the flamenco museum, taste wines from Malaga and take dance and guitar lessons.

8. Barcelona

As a city that has historically received large amounts of people emigrating from Andalusia, Catalonia's capital is home to some of flamenco's most acclaimed artists. Right downtown on the Rambla, opposite the Teatre del Liceu (the cathedral of classical and opera music, you'll find the Tablao Flamenco Cordobés. Crossing the street you come across La Traviata a Sara Baras.

The legacy of Carmen Amaya, perhaps the greatest flamenco dancer in history, lives on at El Tablao de Carmen, located in the well-known Poble espanyol, on Montjuic.

9. Jaen

The Plaza Coca de la Piñera, next to the library, puts on a surprising program of flamenco shows nearly all year round.

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. Murcia

This city-province-autonomous community (all in one) has a special flamenco tradition, as demonstrated in the Festival de Cante de las minas, celebrated in La Unión on the last week in March. At this yearly festival, Spain's best flamenco singer is awarded flamenco's equivalent to the Oscar, known as la lámpara minera. In the city of Murcia, the historic Teatro Romea has been home to the Cumbre Flamenca de Murcia for the last twenty years, a symposium that gathers the most respected singers, guitar players and flamenco experts for a three week period to discuss the finer points of the art and to offer special performances.

We hope that after this quick tour you decide to include some of these cities on your own tour of Spain, where the magic of flamenco awaits to inspire you in true Spanish style.

Photo thanks to: randomix, im elsewhere, Gabrilu, Placida, Dani, Johnny Shaw, Sofie, Migpascual, Dariorana, Keith Williamson

Las Fallas, a huge celebration in the region of Valencia. It is one of the most famous fiestas in Spain. The celebration begins every year on the last Sunday of of February with the opening party, La Crida. On March 19, the party ends when all the Fallas made are set on fire, and there is a huge fireworks party.

• Las Fallas is celebrated every year on March 19 in honor of St. Joseph Day.
• Each neighborhood in Valencia has its own festival organization, `Casal Faller'.
• A ´Falla´ is a huge doll made of papier mache, this doll is made on a huge piece of wood or cardboard which is stuffed with fireworks.

Surely one of the most famous Spanish holidays is Las Fallas. With this festival, Valencians celebrate the beginning of spring. Carpenters used to go into the streets with a wooden plank on which candles were hung. Nowadays it has become a true spectacle. Each neighborhood in Valencia has its own Casal Fallar, with this Casal Fallar one makes a Falla, a huge doll made of papier-mâché on a wooden stick.

Some neighborhoods sometimes spend months making and Falla. And some of these Fallas can cost as much as a million euros. A few examples of Fallas are; witches, demons, giants, fairies but also different political figures have passed in review. Together, these Fallas make up a large parade. On the last day of Las Fallas, these papier mache dolls are set on fire to drive away the evil spirits.

Las Fallas, besides its beautiful papier mache puppets and magnificent parade, is also very well known for its many fireworks shows. Every day starting March 1, a deafening fireworks display called the Mascleta is set off at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. From March 1 to March 18, this is done every day. The real fireworks ornamental fireworks follow on the night of March 18, during the night of fire, Nit del Foc. On this night, one of the world's most beautiful fireworks shows takes place. On St. Joseph Day, La Crema, the cremation of the Fallas takes place. At Valencia City Hall, all the papier mache dolls are then set on fire. This is also the last fireworks show that takes place during Las Fallas. Each Falla is made on a large piece of wood or a large piece of cardboard. In addition to the papier mache, huge fireworks are also put into the puppets. This makes for a fantastic crematié of the puppets.

This wonderful celebration in Valencia has so much to offer, it is one big party for days in Valencia, live music is played throughout the city, people can go out dancing and drinking until the early hours. But above all, it is a wonderful celebration where traditions are carried out and one of Europe´s most beautiful fireworks shows takes place.

Photo by alcebal2002

You probably knew that Spain is a fun and beautiful country, but what are the real hidden treasures? Read on!

Hidden treasures

Pre Pyrenees: One of the best kept secrets of Spain are the Pre Pyrenees of Aragon. This mountain range is a beautiful piece of nature with deep valleys, fairytale villages and rocks. All the elements here have influenced the rock for centuries, creating a spectacular nature.

Albarracín in Aragon:What almost no one knows is that near Barcelona you can find a village that looks like it is growing out of the rocks. What is special about this village is that it is a beautiful village, where there is no mass tourism or heavy traffic. You really imagine yourself back in time. See the mud houses and colorful corners in this unknown hinterland of the Mediterranean.

Alquezar: While touring Spain, you will encounter many picturesque villages. Alquezar is a small village in northeastern Spain. The houses here are built against a mountain top. The village was founded by the Moors because of its inaccessibility, since next to the village runs a deep ravine. On top of the mountain are the remains of an old monastery and fortress. Definitely worth a walk into the gorge.

Playa del Silencio: This beautiful beach has not yet been overrun by mass tourism. It is only 330 meters long but voted by the Spanish as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain in 2012! The beach is surrounded by rocks creating a beautiful bay.

But besides nature and villages, Spain also has culinary treasures, of course. And, oh, how delicious that can be! Discover the most delicious tapas bars for yourself! Tip: always go somewhere where it is not so touristy, with many Spaniards and where it is not too clean, the dirtier the floor the tastier the food is the rule. Spaniards throw everything on the floor!

There are also real treasures

There are about 3000 sunken ships on the Spanish coast, many of them still loaded with gold, silver and diamonds. Close to the Bay of Cadiz, for example, there are +/- 850 ships of which 180 have a total value of 25 million.

Clara Campoamor was born in 1888 and would become the most important advocate for women’s rights in Spain. Due to the early death of her father she had to quit school and start working to support her family at a very young age. Despite difficult conditions, she managed to complete a law degree. After her graduation, Campoamor devoted herself entirely to the fight for women’s rights in society.

• At the age of thirteen Campoamor had to leave school and work to increase the family’s income.
• One of her first jobs as secretary for the liberal political journal “La Tribuna” influenced Campoamor’s political views.
• As one of the only female members of the parliament, Clara Campoamor vehemently demanded woman’s suffrage.
• Time of her life she stood up for the rights of women. Even in exile in Switzerland, she wrote further critical political texts.

Clara Campoamor was born in the district Maravillas, todays Malasaña in Madrid on the 12^th of February 1888. Her father, Manuel Martínez Campoamor worked for a newspaper and ensured the family’s main income, while her mother earned some extra money from tailoring.

At the age of thirteen, Clara was buffeted by fate: The early death of her father forced Clara to quit school and help her mother as a seamstress. In the following years she worked for several public companies, such as the post office in San Sebastian.

In 1914 she got hired as a teacher for adults, however, as she did not have any academic qualification, she was only allowed to teach typewriting. Additionally she worked for the liberal political newspaper “La Tribune”, which coined her politically. After passing the entrance exam at the University of Madrid, Campoamor started studying law. During this time she more and more noticed how discriminated women were in society and she started to get involved in politics.

At the age of 36 she graduated and was the first female lawyer at the Spanish Supreme Court.

One day she was asked in a newspaper interview if she preferred Spain to be a monarchy or a republic and she answered with her famous words: “Republic! Always republic!” 1931 was the first year in which women were allowed to stand as candidates for the national parliament, however women were still excluded from suffrage. Campoamor was one of the first females elected into parliament and fought for equal voting rights, but had to face resistance not only in her own party but also from one of the few other female members of parliament, Victoria Kent. Due to this conflict she left her party and became a party-independent member in parliament. She saw the representation of women's concerns as her most important task, and managed to help female activists who demanded the right to vote for women.

In 1936 General Franco managed a coup against the Spanish Republic and Campoamor had to go into exile, because her life was in danger in Spain. She could have only returned to the country under the Franco regime if she had withdrawn some of her political statements and revealed names of political enemies of the Franco regime. However Campoamor stood by her principles and remained in exile in Switzerland for the rest of her life, where she continued to publish political and feminine texts. 1972 Clara Campoamor passed away in Switzerland. Today she is considered as the toughest and most important advocate for the right to vote for women in Spanish history.

As the youngest son of famous singer Julio Iglesias, it was no surprise that Enrique chose to become a singer as well. This has served him well, not least because of his looks.

On May 8, 1975, Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler was born in Madrid. He continued to live there until he was 7 years old and was sent to his father, who lived in America. From then on, things move quickly. When he is a teenager he sings in a school musical and his career has begun. A few years later he manages to land a recording contract.

He adopts an artist name ''Martinez'' when he sends a demo to a record company, hoping not to be seen ''as-the-son-of''. When his career starts to get a little more serious, he tells his parents that he is going to be an artist. His parents are a little skeptical about it but they support him.

When Enrique Iglesias' first album was released in 1996, it did well in Spanish-speaking countries. But success in other countries was not forthcoming. After the same happens with his second album, he decides to conquer the rest of the world. He made an English-language album and scored hits with ''Bailamos'' (which spent 16 weeks in the Dutch top 100) and ''Rythm Devine''. A number 1 hit followed with ''Can I have this kiss forever'' in collaboration with Whitney Houston. Many more hits follow such as ''Hero'', ''Be with you'' and ''Escape''.

He releases more hits such as in 2007 ''Do you know'', ''Taking back my love'' with Ciara and ''Can you hear me''. From 2010 he also scores several more hits with famous artists such as Wisin y Yandel ''No me digas que no'', Juan Luis Gerra ''Cuando me Enamoro'', Pitbull ''I like it'', Usher & lil Wayne ''Dirty dancer'', Nicole Sherzinger ''Heartbeat'', Ludacris ''Tonight I'm loving you'' and more.

Enrique Iglesias has also performed several times in the Netherlands, he has already performed in Ahoy three times. A concert by Enrique Iglesias is almost always crowded and mainly by female spectators.

Enrique has won many awards since 1996. He has won a Grammy, a Latino Grammy, several MTV awards, World Music Awards and many more. All this added up + more than 50 million albums sold make Enrique Iglesias one of the biggest Latin pop stars of this decade!

According to the RAE (Royal Academy of Spanish,) the definition of castillo (castle, fortress) is: a place surrounded by walls for defense. Castles are not only former residences of kings and nobles, they also present images of the cities in which they are located. Spain, with its well-preserved, splendid castles, is a like living museum, where visitors can experience the country’s rich history and culture.

Castillo de Butrón is located in the town of Gatica (Vizcaya province), 20 kms from Bilbao. The origin of the castle dates back to the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, extra fortification was added. Unfortunately, it is privately owned and not open for public visits.

With its Majorcan gothic style, Castillo de Bellver is situated just a few kilometers outside of Palma de Mallorca. It has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. It was once built to be the residence of King Jaime II, and later, in the 19th century, it was converted into a coin factory.  

Castillo de Olite, in the Navarra region, was chosen as one of the Medieval Wonders of Spain and you will be amazed by its history. Its French architecture reflects the architectural preferences of the castle’s original owner, Carlos III. To reach the top of the castle you have to first climb up 133 stairs, but the sight is worth the effort.

The Alcázar de Segovia has been preserved for over 8 centuries. Built atop an enormous rock, this is often considered to be one of the most impressive fortresses ever created, and it’s no surprise that it was one of the castles that served as a source of inspiration for Disney’s famous cartoon castle that appeared in the film Cinderella. Today, it also serves as a Military Museum.  

Castillo de Peñafiel was built in German gothic style with Campospera stone. It is situated on a high hill where you can see the Duratón and Botijas valleys. Its structure is plain and it only has one door. The tower keep is 30 meters high with a rectangular shape. It is one of Spain’s National Monuments and it is the home of the Provincial Museum-Foundation of the Wines of Valladolid.

The size of the Castillo de Almodovar del Rio is impressive, but that’s not the only great thing about this building. Like other historical figures in Cordoba, it also represents a blend of Islam and Spanish architectural traditions. According to popular myth, the ghost of a Muslim princess who died in the castle appears every March 28th wearing a white dress floating about the tower keep.  

Islam and gothic art come together in Castillo de Manzanares el Real, one of the best preserved buildings in Spain. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It has appeared in several movies featuring famous actors such as Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Of course, you can visit Spain's famous big cities. But how about looking at Spain from the other side? In Spain you can find the most beautiful places, places in Spain where tourists do not come (yet), but of course also places that have already been discovered by mass tourism. Read more about the most beautiful places in Spain here.

Nerja
For example, you have the town of Nerja. A few years ago this was very quiet but slowly it is starting to get a little busier and busier. The famous protruding rock point with gigantic panoramic terrace is also called the ''Balcon de Europa''. Through this ''Balcony of Europe'' you have an impressive view of the city, the coast and the mountains. Spain's most photographed beach can also be found here. As well as the stalactite caves, these are called ''Las cuevas de Nerja.''

Desierto de Tabernas
The only desert in Europe has formed a type of flora and fauna all its own. This is due to the unique conditions in which the desert finds itself. The ''Desierto de Tabernas'' is not a typical sandy desert. It is a rugged desert in which you will also find rocky areas. The 280-square-mile desert is a protected area where the sun shines no less than 3,000 hours a year! The desert is located in southeastern Spain, just above Almeria.

Vejer de la Frontera
The Spanish often call this small town ''El pueblo blanco'' because so many white houses can be seen in its streets. It was once voted the most beautiful place in Spain, but despite this, it is still a fairly undiscovered travel destination.

Frigiliana
This is the best preserved Moorish village in Andalusia. This picturesque white village is truly beautiful to see and to walk through, it is always atmospheric and is one of the most beautiful places in Spain.

Puente Nuevo
This giant bridge is an important feature of the city of Ronda. Ronda is split into two parts by a river that flows through the middle of it. Because of this, there is a gorge, the Tajo Gorge. The Puente Nuevo connects these parts. The walls of the gorge are 200 meters high, giving you impressive views into the depths from the bridge. From the Puente Arabe and Puente Viejo bridges you can view the ''hanging houses'' above the Tajo Gorge.

Cádiz
The most beautiful place in Spain, and also one of the best kept hidden, is Cadiz. It is the oldest inhabited port city in Western Europe. Cadiz's intimate Old Town is a paradise to walk through. It lies at the end of the peninsula and is almost completely surrounded by water. You will feast your eyes as you wander around among a maze of narrow streets after which you emerge onto one of the atmospheric plazas. Cadiz is la ciudad que sonríe, the city that smiles.

At don Quijote, we're preparing an unforgettable summer for you. Come visit these summer destinations, where unique Spanish experiences await.

1. Alicante
   Alicante means golden beaches and a city that is perfect for taking relaxing walks in while chatting with Alicantinos. A trip to the island of Tabarca will give you the chance to behold wonderfully preserved nature of the Mediterranean coast.
2. Barcelona
   Summer nights in Barcelona are all about spectacular experiences at theatres, parties and city terraces. Spend a magical evening hanging out in Gaudi's Park Guell, a special prologue to a warm night meeting friends on Las Ramblas. You also won't want to miss the Mercado de la Boquería, a Mediterranean market surrounded by fantastic restaurants.
3. Cadiz
   Cadiz is a unique town that features the best cultural and geographical elements of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The friendliness of the gaditanos (people from Cadiz) will make you feel at home in this city that welcomes all travelers, a place that's just minutes from the wineries of Jerez de la Frontera and the most beautiful horses in the world at the Real Escuela del Arte Ecuestre (Royal School of the Equestrian Arts).
4. Granada
   In Granada, summer is a time for enjoying delicious tapas on terraces along the river and visiting the Alhambra by night, where you'll discover the magic hidden within the impressive palace walls. The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the Tropical Coast are both right next door, places accustomed to receiving visitors from all over the world and where summertime adventures await.
5. Madrid
   During the summer months, many people from Madrid get away from the city, which turns it into a relatively quiet place without the crowds and with reasonable amounts of traffic. Here, the terraces on the Paseo de Recoletos walkway become a spot where night owls meet up and make new friends. If it gets a little hot during the day, you always have the option of beating the heat by slipping into one of the city's many museums, or just by drifting into Retiro Park, the heart of Madrid summers.
6. Malaga
   Malaga sits right on the Costa del Sol, where the Pablo Picasso house-museum is a must-visit attraction along with fantastic beaches. Malaga cuisine will open your eyes to the delicious flavors of the famous Mediterranean diet.
7. Marbella
   Just around the corner from Malaga we find Marbella, where the jet-set from around the world come to gather in the city's restaurants, terraces and exclusive shops while a more laid back Andalusia community welcomes visitors in the city's old town. If you like golf, you can play a round on some of the country's finest courses.
8. Seville
   Flamenco, the largest gothic cathedral in the world, legendary tapas, Seville. The monumental character of the city, the neighborhood of Santa Cruz and Maria Luisa park are all places you'll plan to see by day so that in the evening, you can be entertained by the wit of the waiters and the sevillanos taking walks on Betis Street and out in the Triana neighborhood and also along the Guadalquivir River, with a fish tapa in one hand and a beer in the other: the perfect balance.
9. Salamanca
   Salamanca is one of Spain's most important university towns for international students. The town's university traditions, its historic monuments and artistic character, the exceptional beauty and variety of its bars and cafés all help make this a place where making new friends is not only easy, it's inevitable. The heart of Salamanca beats to the rhythm of Spanish.
10. Tenerife
    This may be a top ten list, but we're giving you a little bit extra this month with two more essential destinations: Tenerife, the island of eternal spring, with some of the best surf spots and surprising underwater landscapes to explore while diving. Puerto de la Cruz, on the north side of the island, is a perfect place to organize your vacation. On this mini continent, you'll climb up to Teide peak, stroll through prehistoric forests and take a refreshing dip at the beach all while you watch your Spanish improve.
11. Valencia
    This capital city is a sunny place that offers infinite summer vacation possibilities: the old riverbed of the Turia has been converted into a park that functions as the backbone of the city. The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia is spectacular (the oceanographic here is the biggest in Europe), La Albufera, beaches where you'll enjoy the best paella imaginable... Valencia is the cherry on top of this cake of vacation destination ideas.