The millenarian history of Andalusia
has produced an immense artistic legacy. The Alhambra in
Granada, the Mosque in Cordoba or the Giralda and the old
quarter of Seville are monumental landmarks in the history
of mankind. However, in the vast majority of its cities
and towns, we can find examples of the finest moments of
Andalusi´s
artistic history.
 Andalusia´s brilliant Islamic, Renaissance and especially
Baroque architecture of its most important buildings, castles,
fortresses and monasteries scattered across the whole of
the region constitute a patrimony of immense significance.
The homeland of Velázquez, Murillo, and Picasso
has paintings, sculptures, jewels, and archaeological remains
shared among its cathedrals, museums, churches, convents,
and palaces. Even in the most distant location, it is possible
to find a painted masterpiece or the most elaborate work
of a master goldsmith. The variety of festivals and celebrations
in Andalusia is as ample as the regio´s geography.
The Andalusian calendar reads like a veritable encyclopedia
of the arts and customs of its people.
The springtime festivals, harvest festivals, patron saint´ days, fairs,
wine harvests and pilgrimages are characterized by the most elaborate diplays
of craftsmanship, cuisine, music and religious beliefs imaginable.
The carnivals provide a noisy beginning to the celebrations,
turning day-to-day life on its head with humor and irony.
During Holy Week, the temples bring out their most valued
treasures to accompany the images of the last suffering
of Christ. The processions follow an itinerary which
is repeated every year. The Corpus festivities set the
stage for a religious parade. The Cruces de Mayo (May
Crosses) are a spectacular fusion of the religious and
the profane.
 Bullfighting is of fundamental importance in Andalusia,
due to its deep-rooted tradition. Bullfights are held
in the numerous bullrings throughout Andalusia during
nine months of the year. They coincide with the local
festivals, where everyone dances and sings to the sound
of Spanish guitars. Flamenco is the most authentic expression
of Andalusian folklore. The song festivals provide a
full schedule of performances to suit all tastes.
Pilgrimages are pious, though festive, processions which are staged in natural
settings and whose roots can be traced back to ancient fertility rites.
Andalusian cuisine plays an important part in all of
these special occasions. The quality of its dishes is
complemented by the excellence of its internationally-renowned
wines. Andalusian cuisine typically consists of seafood,
legume pottages, game meat stews, vegetable pottages
along with seasoned, aged pork, and a wide variety of
desserts.
Andalusian craftsmanship is a faithful reflection of
the rich, traditional culture of this autonomous region.
Some of the more famous products made by Andalusian artisans
are ceramic tiles, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, leatherwork
(which includes shoes and equestrian outfitting), weaving
and embroidery, as well as other artistic textile products.
They have also demonstrated their abilities in such fields
as furniture, vegetable fibers, book binding, stone and
marble work, and musical instruments, among others.
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