Flamenco, more than just a Dance

Flamenco, a combination of Music, Dance & Song originated from Andalusia but has been part of Spain's tradition. Spain is definitely known for the Flamenco

Traditionally, it was performed by the gypsies. 

Flamenco has no strict choreography.

The Bailaora (female dancer) will be spontaneous in improvising the basic movements following the rhythm of the guitar and emotion.

Some of the elements of Flamenco that is important would be the Spanish guitar, hand-clapping and dancer's feet in high-heeled shoes. The graceful hand movements will express the emotion of the dancer. 

Watch the video below to feel the passion of the Flamenco music, dance & song

References : 

http://www.mapsofworld.com/spain/traditions-in-spain.html

http://www.red2000.com/spain/primer/index.html

http://www.andalucia.com/flamenco/home.htm

Disneyfied

Warner Bros Theme Park

Warner Bros theme park portrays characteristics of Disneyzation. The most obvious dimension would be theming. Warner bros is a well-known producer of film and television entertainment. They produced an animation called Looney Tunes and DC comics which has become famous world wide. With this, they had created a themed amusement park in Madrid, Spain based on the cartoon characters in Looney Tunes and DC super heroes such as Superman, Tweety etc. With theming, it has brought about change in how visitors perceive the amusement park. Visitors may feel that the theme park is better in terms of quality. Although the thrilling experience should be the main factor in these parks, however for a theme park such as Warner Bros, the design of the rides to suit the theme are more important and concentrated.

Merchandising is the next dimension which can be seen in the theme park itself. Apart from the rides and attractions, Warner Bros uses their logo and cartoon characters to create merchandise. They sell goods such as toy figurines, plush toys, bottles, souvenirs and many more. The parks have strategically located their shops such that after a ride, they will have to go through souvenir shops.  Since sales of merchandise are the most profitable element in a theme park (Bryan, 2004), this creates opportunity for visitors to spend more.

On top of that, emotional labour can be seen in Warner Bros whereby every staff has to be cheerful and friendly to visitors. There are also mascots that portray a certain kind of behaviour to suit the cartoon character. The idea behind it is to provide a kind of perception that Warner Bros theme park is fun and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

Check out for more details : http://www.parquewarner.com/

Port Adventura

Port Adventura is another area near Barcelona which is disneyfied.

Port adventura is said to be theme park however, it portrays itself as a resort that has everything from attractions to accommodation. This brings me to the dimension of hybrid consumption whereby going to a theme park is no longer just to ride the thrilling attractions but to ability to play, dine and shop at one facility. Even golf courses and convention centres are available within the facility. 

The accommodation is not restricted to one but there are various resorts in Port Adventura. All these resorts are themed to suit different preference of the guests. One might be interested to stay in a Mediterranean resort while some may choose others. Another area at which they themed themselves would be the theme park itself. The park has various themes from Mediterrania, Polynesia, China, Mexico and Far West. 

Check out for more details : http://www.portaventura.co.uk/theme-parks

Madrid Xanadu Shopping Centre

Xanadu is one of the largest commercial and leisure center. Within the shopping mall, it has an indoor ski slope that is said to be the largest in Europe. The snow park has a skating rink for beginners and experts. Apart from that, it has a go-kart racing track, bowling alley and a preschool. This proves evidently the hybrid consumption whereby malls no longer just include eating establishments and huge cinemas but even leisure facilities, built within the mall. Even some of the eateries are themed based on cuisine that are served. Two examples would be temple bar which is an irish bar whereas the Istanbul Doner Kebab serves authentic cuisine such as Kebab. And the restaurant is themed of the origin, Istanbul.  

Check out for more details : http://www.madridxanadu.com/


References:
http://www.canyons.edu/Faculty/haugent/Disneyization%20of%20Society%20Article.pdf

Impacts of Tourism

Analyse the changes that have been brought about by the growth of tourism in the country

Spain has evolved for the last 60 years. It undergone more social change than anywhere else in western Europe. (Inman,1996) Spain was once a poor and rural country, only 10,000 of the people lived  in towns. Over a period of 50 years, many came into the city and move away  from agriculture. By 1980s, their service industries including tourism and manufacturing have expanded. There is a new trend of more visitors drawn to the rich culture and heritage of Spain as well as the countryside compared to their popular beaches. 

Changes that has been brought about by the growth of tourism will be divided into various impacts as seen below: 

Economic Impact 

Spain has an average GDP growth for about 15 years until the economic downturn in 2007. Tourism accounts to approximately 12% of the of the country's GDP. 

The growth of Tourism has made major vast improvement in Transport and Communication. They have a total of 154 airports in Spain, 97 with paved runways and 57 with unpaved runways. There also have extensive railways, ports and terminals. Based on the airport statistics, most of the passenger arrivals comes within Spain. Therefore, this comes to show domestic arrivals is much more than foreign arrivals. 

In my research findings, Spain received 78.9million foreign visitors a year and 51.7million stayed overnight which classifies that they are tourist. This was a 3.4% increase from year 2000. The employment for tourism sector in Spain accounts for 12.2% of the active population. 

At the same time, the opening of the European Borders have allowed huge numbers of tourists to visit the 'Mediterranean Arc' (Catalonia, the Valencian Community and Andalusia) and the Balearic and Canary Islands. 

Contrary to this, they are problems arising due to the growth of Tourism. The infrastructures are imbalance due to the funds needed to create infrastructures of a large scale phenomenon. Also, many towns are becoming dependent on tourism as their source of income. This will lead to problem of seasonality. 

Socio Cultural Impact
One of the many things I am amazed about in Spain is that they are keep their tradition alive. Many of the festivals and fiestas in different parts of Spain still continues every year. They are proud of their traditions and even though globalisation has taken place, it does not deter them to forget their way of life. It feels like every month, there is always a fiesta going on in Spain. Every Fiesta is celebrated with vibrant, full of life and chaotic. 


I believe the growth of Tourism has brought about positive impacts of socio-cultural. Since they are very much proud of their culture and tradition, this festival still runs every year and attracts tourists from all around the world. Their culture and tradition can still sustain as their fiesta are not just celebrated by them but together with tourists. 


Environmental Impacts
The growth of Tourism has contributed to the climatic change of the environment. 
The forest burning for the last decades has caused desertification to some areas in Spain especially the South. The forest burns are caused by high temperature and low humidity which makes it extremely inflammable. 
Another issue would be Malaria, 

Malaria, the world's largest killer, has resurfaced in Spain, and it is estimated that changes in climate will result in parts of the country becoming a suitable habitat for malaria-carrying species of mosquito by the 2020s. Source: WWF [PDF]

There is also increasing over-exploitation of the resources. One example would be issues of saline intrusion. This is cause by over-abstraction of ground water. The reason for such over-abstraction is the demand of tourists resorts. If this continues, groundwater will no longer be available for consumption due to saline intrusion. 




References : 
http://www.andalucia.com/spain/statistics/airport.htm
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2005/10/feature/es0510103f.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sp.html
http://www.spanish-living.com/fiestas-festivals-spain
http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/envi/two.html
http://www.iberianature.com/material/fire.html

Commodification of Culture & Tradtion

Comment on whether tourism has been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions

I strongly believe that tourism is a culprit in commodification of culture and tradition. Although commodification is not something new but it is increasingly exploiting culture and tradition. In addition, globalisation has everything to do with the rise in commodification. With the spaces between countries reduced, it has led to tourism being a booming industry.

I feel that commodification has exploit the culture and tradition of a particular destination. It is undenial that commodities are some of the ways in which local communities earn their living from and may even depend on it for survival. To these craftmen, they may think that creating small handcrafts or souvenir such as key chains, t-shirts and many more are merely a remembrance of the destination for tourists to bring home. However, it is causing tourists to think that these commodities are the experience they had in the particular destination. The entire experience is much more valuable than that. They have significance value and should not be commodified. If this continues, tourists may start to depreciate cultures and traditions and commodification may become a norm. 

An example of commodification is street markets and flea market in Madrid,Spain. They have  many for such markets. A famous market called El Rastro sell handicrafts and other products such as antique products which maybe both authentic and inauthentic. Over at this market, bargain hunters can do their best to get the lowest price. Some of this crafts are already made  to associate with their culture and tradition and instead of appreciating them, tourists are being allowed to bargain for lower prices. This creates a perception to tourists that it is cheap so as is the destination and experience. 

Gypsy, the indigenous in Spain

Do you still remember Esmeralda, the gypsy lady from The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

The gypsy's whereabouts are not exactly known nor their population. They arrived in Spain in the early 14th Century. At the initial stage, they were accepted in the community. However, things changed in the late 14th Century. They were driven out of their settlements and treated as an underclass. For years, they were not given any rights.

By the 19th Century, the gypsy were classified into two groups, Gitanos and Hungaros. Both groups lived in different parts of Spain and led a different way of life. The Gitanos were better-off than the Hungaros in terms of jobs. Even though the Gitanos held sedentary jobs such as street vendors and entertainers, they were well received by the Spanish society. The Hungaros on the other hand were very poor and live in nomadic lifestyle such as tents and shacks. They caused a lot of problems for the Spanish authorities as they survive through begging and stealing.

As of Today, there are still living in various parts of the world in small communities.


References : 

http://countrystudies.us/spain/41.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A839108

The Spanish Language

The language spoken by most Spaniards is Castilian (Castellano or español) throughout the entire country. It is the official language in Spain. This language is also used in other parts of Latin America. There are a total of 16 Spanish-speaking langauge in Latin America. Some of these countries are: 

Other co-official languages in Spain are
Catalan, spoken in Catalonia 
Galician, spoken in Galicia 
Basque, spoken in Basque Country 

GREETINGS

·         Hello - hola

·         Goodbye - adiós

·         Good morning - buenas días

·         Good afternoon - buenas tardes

·         Good evening - buenas noches

COURTESY PHRASES

·         Excuse me - perdón

·         With your permission (used when trying to move past someone) - con permiso.

·         Sorry - discúlpame

·         Thank you - gracias

·         Thank you very much - muchas gracias

·         You're welcome - de nada

·         Don't mention it - no hay de que

·         What a shame - que lástima

References :

http://www.learn-spanish.com.mx/spanish-phrases/easy-phrases/

http://www.thinkabroad.net/spanishspeakingcountries.htm

Education System in Spain

  

http://www.slideshare.net/pacobati/spanish-educational-system

Above is the structure of Spain's Education System. They are very much like Singapore in terms of Primary and Secondary Education. However, Education in Spain is free and mandatory at the age of 6 until they reach 16. This would mean that parents do not need to pay for primary and secondary education. Basic vocational training are provided in secondary schools. At the age of 16, it is legal for them to enter the workforce.

Primary school consists of 3 cycles of 2 year each. 

·        First cycle: 6-8 years

·        Second cycle: 8–10 years

·        Third cycle: 10-12 years

Secondary School consists of 2 cycles of 2 years each. This will include 4 courses. 

First cycle: 12-14 years

·         Second cycle: 14–16 years

       

Other than the Primary and Secondary Education, there are Special Education or General Education which caters to students with special needs. 

After Secondary Education, students can continue to higher level vocational training, universities or specialised education. 

There are also 3 types of education centres in Spain:
Public, Private & State-funded. 

Public schools provides free education while the Private and State-funded school requires school fees. The difference between Private and State funded schools is that Private has no state subsidies therefore their monthly fees are chargeable at 300-400€ (SGD$524-698) while State-funded will charge at 100€ (SGD$175). Private schools have their freedom to choose the way they organize and function the school.

References :

http://www.spain-info.com/Living_in_Spain/Spanish-Schools.htm

http://www.slideshare.net/pacobati/spanish-educational-system

http://www.eracareers.es/fecyt/guia/guiahtml20_en.jsp

http://www.educacion.es/exterior/usa/en/spain/edsystem.shtml

http://www.schools-in-spain.com/pages/schools/education-system-in-spain/19-years-and-over.php

Leisure in Spain

Spain is filled with many interesting leisure programmes from festivals such as San Fermin Bull Running, La Tomatina, Patronales de la Virgen de Gracia and many more. Every town in Spain will have a fiesta all year round. 

La Tomatina

(World's Largest Vegetable Fight)

This is a festival celebrated in the month of August. It falls on the last Wednesday of the month. The festival started in 1945 at Valencian town of Buñol. This festival was accidental during a parade of 'Giants & Big Headed'. There is no particular significance of La Tomatina. It was celebrated for fun and laughter. Little did they know that it became a tradition even until now.

The participants who turn up are not just Spainards but all over the world. An estimate of 20,000 participants would show up for the event each year. It is amazing how it has become a well-known festival.

_______________________________________________________________

San Fermin Bull Running

Every year in July, Locals or even participants from overseas will flood Pamplona for the bull running festival. The festival starts exactly at 8am and last for no more than 3minutes. It goes on every morning from July 7 to July 14. 

Participants have to wear white from head to toe with just a red scarf or red sash. At 8am, A rocket is fired. This means that the Bulls are let out. When the second rocket fires, this means that the bulls are running. Within seconds, bulls starts to run through the old town through the entire crowd. No matter how much a person tries to run, it will never outrun the bulls. 

________________________________________________________________

One of the most popular team sport in Spain is Football. Since Spain has some of the biggest and best football club in Europe, Spainards are very much proud of their team such as Real Madrid & Barcelona FC. During weekends, more than 300,000 spectators will fill up the seats at the stadium to watch Spanish football league games. 

References :


http://www.latomatina.org/
http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spanish-festivals/pamplona-bull-running-san-fermin.htm
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Spain/Spain-sports-guide:-Popular-sports-in-Spain/53

Art of Bullfighting

No matter which city or town you go to, there will always be a bullfighting ring. Spain is very much known for Bullfighting which has been part of their tradition for thousands of years ago. It is a form of art which links to their country's history, art and culture. However, there has been a growing number of Spainards that oppose Bullfighting on grounds of cruelty. 

What takes place in a Bullfight? 

Firstly the bull is let into the ring. Then, the top bullfighter called the Matador, watches his chief assistant wave a bright yellow and magenta cape in front of the bull to make it charge. He watches this in order to determine the bull's qualities and mood, before taking over himself.

Then a trumpet is sounded and several fighters called Picadores weaken the bull by placing spears into it.

Another trumpet is sounded and the Matador now removes his black winged hat and dedicates the death of the bull to the president or the crowd.

 The most beautiful and skillful section of the fight and where the matador must prove his courage and artistry is the running of the bull to the Matador with a muleta. A muleta is a piece of red cloth over a short stick draped over the espada, a killing sword.

Watch the video below to understand better the art of bullfighting & parts of the Spanish population that is against it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD3DYi_X-GU&feature=fvw

Bullfighting is a show, basically a dance with death - one wrong move and the Matador could become impaled on the horns of the bull. It is the Matador's job to make this dance dramatic and enjoyable for the audience. (Inman,1996)




References : 
http://www.spain-info.com/Culture/bullfighting.htm

Discovering Spain

 

Rich Culture of Spain

Spain is a fascinating country rich in history and culture that gives a truly exuberant experience.

From the Phoenicians, Romans in the early times to Moorish and Christian Forces in the middle ages, Spain culture was influenced by the Celtic, Iberian and Roman culture. 

These cultures have also influenced the art & architecture of Spain.

 It is a country that offers cultural diversity, great art & architecture as well as beautiful landscapes from lush forests, wild mountain peak to sandy white beaches.

Another example of Spanish culture is the invention of the Spanish guitar, which was invented in the 1790's when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute. It gained its modern shape in the 1800’s.  

Spanish having the attitude of ‘manana’(leave everything until tomorrow) was never true. Time is flexible in Spain. To them, they dislike the idea of being ruled by the clock. Also, they are highly sociable people. Eating in a big group are very much common in Spain.

References : 

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/spanish-culture.html

http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/traditions_spain.htm

http://www.tourspain.org/