Tradition

There is a variety of music in Spanish culture, just like in American culture.The way that traditional songs that are used in everyday life are passed on in Spain is similar to the way it is passed down in America. This is done mostly by memorizing songs.  Most people learn everyday songs, like lullaby's, by having friends and families teach them through oral tradition. An example of this is how Americans learn the "Happy Birthday Song," and other childhood songs like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," etc. These songs may be written down, but this is done only to preserve the culture.

Other music that is used for aesthetic pleasure is written down and performed. With styles of this music, performers will memorize the music, but they still learn it on paper first and then memorize it. Examples of this kind of music would be classical music, band music, some popular music, etc. As you can read in the Spanish Composers section of this article, there are many people who have published their pieces. This is a very common way for music to passed down to younger generations.

Memorized Spanish Music

Many tradtional Spanish music is memorized. Lots of dances, folk songs, and traditonal Spanish music are not written, but taught from generation to generation. Family is a very important part of Spanish culture, so families often teach the songs to younger generations. Some songs are specific to classes or geological location, but other songs are universally known. Just like the song "Happy Birthday" is known in America, "De Colores" is an example of a well known spanish song.

Festivals of Spain

Click on the title for a link to a schedule of festivals in Spain.

Spain is known for it's many festivals that take place year round. They range from regional festivals to religious festivals, but each one brings people from all over world to celebrate.