5.1 Contemporary Life

Everyday Routine and Wellness

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. The Spanish diet is known for its emphasis on fresh, whole foods and a balanced intake of macronutrients. Here are some key features of a Spanish healthy diet:

• Mediterranean Diet

  • A traditional diet followed in Spain and other Mediterranean countries. It is based on the consumption of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It also includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy products, and limited amounts of red meat and sweets.

• Olive Oil

  • A staple in the Spanish diet and is used in cooking and as a dressing for salads. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Seafood

  • Spain is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, so seafood is a common part of the Spanish diet. Fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.

• Legumes

  • Such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans are a common part of the Spanish diet. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Fruits and Vegetables

  • An important part of the Spanish diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases.

Socialization

• Mate is a traditional South American drink made by steeping dried leaves of yerba mate plant in hot water. In Argentina, mate is more than just a drink, it's a cultural tradition and a way of life.

• It is shared among friends, family, and colleagues, and it's a symbol of hospitality and friendship. The person who prepares the mate is called the "cebador" and it's considered an art to prepare the perfect mate. It is served in a hollow gourd called "mate" and drunk through a metal straw called "bombilla".

5.2 Global Challenges

In Spain, the educational system is divided into several stages. Here are the main stages:

• Preescolar (Early Childhood Education/ Nursery School)

  • For children aged 0-6 years old

  • Non-compulsory

  • Divided into two cycles: 0-3 years old and 3-6 years old

  • Focuses on play-based learning and socialization

• Escuela primaria (Primary Education)

  • For children aged 6-12 years old

  • Compulsory

  • Lasts for 6 years

  • Focuses on basic skills such as reading, writing, math, and social studies

• Secundaria **(**Secondary Education)

  • For children aged 12-16 years old

  • Compulsory

  • Lasts for 4 years

  • Divided into two cycles: 1st cycle (12-14 years old) and 2nd cycle (14-16 years old)

  • Focuses on more advanced subjects such as science, foreign languages, and humanities

• Bachillerato/ Preparatoria (High School)

  • For students aged 16-18 years old

  • Non-compulsory

  • Lasts for 2 years

  • Divided into two modalities: Arts and Humanities, and Science and Technology

  • Prepares students for university or vocational training

• Universidad (University)

  • Undergraduate studies are usually around 4 years and divided into semesters or quarters

  • Mexico offers similar educational degrees to USA

    • 4 year Bachelor degree - Licenciatura

    • 2 year Master’s degree - Maestría

    • 3 year Doctoral degree - Doctorado

• Vocational Training

  • For students aged 16 and above

  • Non-compulsory

  • Offers a range of vocational courses in various fields such as health, hospitality, and mechanics

  • Provides practical training and work experience

Education System

• horario escolar **(**Schedule)

• The school year in Spain typically runs from September to June, with a two-week break in December and a one-week break in April.

• The school day usually starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm for primary school students, and from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm or 3:00 pm for secondary school students.

• sistema de calificación **(**Grading)

• The Spanish grading system uses a scale from 0 to 10, with 5 being the minimum passing grade.

• relaciones entre maestros y edustiantes **(**Relationships between teachers and students)

  • The relationship between teachers and students in Spain is typically formal and respectful. Teachers are seen as authority figures and are addressed by their last name.

5.3 Science and Technology

Latin America is a region with diverse housing conditions, ranging from informal settlements to modern high-rise apartments. Here are some key points to consider:

• asentamiento informal (Informal settlements**):** Many people in Latin America live in informal settlements, also known as slums or shantytowns. These settlements are often located on the outskirts of cities and lack basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. The residents of these settlements often lack legal ownership of the land they occupy and are at risk of eviction.

• Vivienda pública (Public housing**):** Many Latin American governments have implemented public housing programs to address the housing deficit. These programs provide affordable housing to low-income families, often through subsidies or loans. However, these programs have faced challenges such as corruption, mismanagement, and inadequate funding.

• Barrios cerrados (Gated communities**):** In contrast to informal settlements, gated communities are a growing trend in Latin America. These communities are often located in affluent areas and offer amenities such as security, green spaces, and recreational facilities. However, they also contribute to social segregation and exclusion.

• Políticas de vivienda (Housing policies**):** Housing policies in Latin America vary by country and have evolved over time. Some countries have implemented progressive policies such as land reform and community-led housing initiatives, while others have focused on market-based solutions such as mortgage subsidies and tax incentives.

• Desafíos (Challenges): Despite efforts to improve housing conditions, many challenges remain. These include inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to credit, and insufficient political will to address the root causes of the housing deficit.

5.4 Entertainment and Sports

Música

• Spain has a rich and diverse musical heritage, influenced by various cultures such as Roman, Moorish, and Celtic.

• Flamenco is a popular and traditional form of music and dance originating from Andalusia, southern Spain.

• Other traditional music genres include Jota, Pasodoble, and Sevillanas.

• Spain has also produced many famous classical composers such as Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, and Joaquín Rodrigo.

• In the 20th century, Spanish music saw the rise of popular genres such as:

  • Copla

    • A genre of Spanish music that originated in Andalusia in the 19th century.

    • Typically sung by a soloist with a guitar accompaniment. Often tells a story or conveys a message through its lyrics.

    • Popularized by singers such as Concha Piquer and Lola Flores.

  • Rumba

    • A genre of music and dance that originated in Cuba in the late 19th century.

    • Combines African rhythms with Spanish influences.

    • Typically features percussion instruments such as the conga and bongo drums.

    • Popularized by artists such as Buena Vista Social Club and Celia Cruz.

  • Salsa

    • A genre of music and dance that originated in New York City in the 1960s.

    • Combines elements of Cuban son, Puerto Rican bomba, and other Latin American styles.

    • Typically features a brass section, percussion instruments, and a piano.

    • Popularized by artists such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Marc Anthony.

• In recent years, Spanish-language pop and reggaeton music have gained international popularity, with artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, and Rosalía.

• Spanish music festivals such as Primavera Sound, Sonar, and Benicassim attract music lovers from around the world.

Deportes

• Fútbol

  • The most popular sport in Spain. The Spanish football league, La Liga, is one of the best in the world and attracts millions of fans from around the globe. The two biggest football clubs in Spain are Real Madrid and Barcelona, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in the world.

• Baloncesto

  • The second most popular sport in Spain. The Spanish basketball league, Liga ACB, is one of the best in Europe and has produced many top players. The Spanish national basketball team has also been very successful, winning the FIBA World Cup in 2006 and 2019.

• Tenis

  • The country has produced some of the best tennis players in the world, including Rafael Nadal and Garbiñe Muguruza. The Madrid Open and the Barcelona Open are two of the most important tennis tournaments in Spain.

• Ciclismo

  • A very popular sport in Spain, with the country hosting one of the biggest cycling races in the world, the Vuelta a España. Spanish cyclists have also been very successful in the Tour de France, with Miguel Indurain and Alberto Contador both winning the race multiple times.

• Tauromaquia

  • A controversial sport in Spain, but it is still very popular in some parts of the country. The sport involves a bullfighter (torero) facing off against a bull in an arena. While some people see it as a cultural tradition, others see it as animal cruelty.

5.5 Tourism and Cuisine

Popular Tourist Spots

• Barcelona

  • A vibrant city that is famous for its architecture, art, and culture. Some of the top attractions in Barcelona include the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter.

• Madrid

  • The capital city of Spain and is known for its museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Some of the top attractions in Madrid include the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and the Retiro Park.

• Seville

  • A city that is famous for its flamenco dancing, historic architecture, and beautiful gardens. Some of the top attractions in Seville include the Alcazar of Seville, the Seville Cathedral, and the Plaza de Espana.

• Valencia

  • A city that is famous for its futuristic architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Some of the top attractions in Valencia include the City of Arts and Sciences, the Central Market of Valencia, and the Turia Gardens.

• Granada

  • A city that is famous for its Moorish architecture, historic landmarks, and beautiful scenery. Some of the top attractions in Granada include the Alhambra, the Generalife Gardens, and the Granada Cathedral.

Spanish Cuisine

• Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions, each with its own unique cuisine.

• Some popular regional dishes include:

  • Paella from Valencia

  • Cocido Madrileño from Madrid

  • Gazpacho from Andalusia

  • Pintxos from Basque Country

  • Fabada Asturiana from Asturias

Tapas

• Tapas are small, shareable dishes that are a staple of Spanish cuisine.

• They can be served hot or cold and can range from simple (olives, cheese) to complex (stuffed peppers, croquettes).

• Tapas are often enjoyed as a pre-dinner snack or as a way to sample a variety of dishes.

Desserts

• Spanish desserts are often simple and rustic.

• Some popular options include:

  • Churros with hot chocolate

  • Tarta de Santiago (almond cake)

  • Flan (custard)

  • Turron (nougat)

Drinks

• Spain is known for its wine, particularly red wine from regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

• Other popular drinks include:

  • Sangria (wine punch)

  • Tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda)

  • Cava (Spanish sparkling wine)

  • Sherry (fortified wine)