A pincho (Spanish; literally “thorn” or “spike”), pintxo (Basque) or pinchu (Asturian) is a small snack, typically eaten in bars, traditional in northern Spain and especially popular in the Basque country, Navarre, La Rioja, Cantabria, and Asturias. They are usually eaten in bars or taverns as a small snack, in the company of friends or relatives; thus, they have a strong socializing component, and, in the Basque country and Navarre, they are usually regarded as a cornerstone of local culture and society. They are related to tapas, the main difference being that pinchos are usually ‘spiked’ with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread. They are served in individual portions and always ordered and paid for independently from the drinks. It is not impossible, however, for the same item to be called pincho in one place and tapa in another. read more…
Mercado Central or Mercat Central (English: Central Market) is a public market located across from the Llotja de la Seda and the Church of Santos Juanes in central Valencia, Spain. It is one of the main works of the Valencian Art Nouveau. Most vendors sell food items, although souvenir shops and restaurants are located inside the market as well. It is a popular location for tourists and locals alike. read more…
Almadraba (a Spanish word coming from Andalusian Arabic: al-ma?raba, lit.: ‘the place to strike’; in Portuguese: almadrava) is an elaborate and ancient technique for trapping and catching Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This fishing method is over 3,000 years old and evolved from a natural process: The principle of the almadraba is based on the fact that tuna move along the same routes in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean: In spring, they migrate from the nutrient-rich, cold waters of the Atlantic, carrying fat reserves, through the Strait of Gibraltar into the warmer Mediterranean to spawn. And in autumn, the young fish begin their return journey north. For fishermen, this was once one of the few opportunities to catch tuna themselves. From this practice, a tradition developed that continues to this day. read more…
Mudéjar architecture of Aragon is an aesthetic trend in Mudéjar style in Aragon, Spain, and has been recognized in some representative buildings as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. read more…
The Mercado de la Ribera (Ribera Market) is a market square in Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Province of Biscay in the north of Spain. It is on the right bank of the Nervion River, next to Casco Viejo. Its built area of 10,000 square metres (110,000 sq ft) makes it the biggest covered market in Europe. Inside it, there are stalls that sell different products, mostly fresh produce. There are fish markets, butchers and green grocers. There is also a part of the market for the local farmers’ products. read more…
Gazpacho (Spanish) or gaspacho (Portuguese), also called Andalusian gazpacho (from Spanish gazpacho andaluz), is a cold soup and drink made of raw, blended vegetables. It originated in the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula and spread into other areas. Gazpacho is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly in summer, since it is refreshing and cool. read more…
