Spanish culture minister resigns over tax fine

MADRID: Spain's culture minister resigned on Wednesday from a week-old government following local media reports that he had avoided paying taxes while working as a TV journalist 10 years ago.

Maxim Huerta, who was named to the cabinet of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez last week, said he had paid a fine related to his declared income in 2006 and 2008, and was "absolutely innocent".

"I have paid the fine twice, at the time and now, here," he told a news conference in Madrid, saying the penalty had resulted from a change in the tax authority's criteria.

Huerta added that he was fully up to date with his tax payments.

Sanchez toppled his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a confidence vote over a long-running corruption scandal.

El Confidencial newspaper had reported that Huerta had been found to have avoided paying tax amounting to more than 200,000 euros ($235,700).
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Spaniards have been enthusiastic so far in their reception of Sanchez's Socialist government, which broke with six years of right-wing domination and contains more women than men in ministerial posts for the first time in the country's history.

His party rebounded in opinion polls after taking power, overtaking rivals which had poached its voters in recent years, including market-friendly Ciudadanos and anti-austerity Podemos.

Despite these encouraging signs, Sanchez will have his work cut out to make any major policy changes, as he controls less than a quarter of the seats in parliament.

UCA Celebrates ‘Dia de Los Muertos’

The Latino Student Association shared their Central American holiday “Dia de los Muertos” with UCA students inviting them to connect with the spirits of their dead loved ones during X-period Nov. 1 on Old Main lawn.
             

Dia de los Muertos is a Spanish phrase meaning Day of the Dead, and according to Jorge Guadamez, senior and president of the LSA, is a day of celebrating the spirits  descending from the afterlife.

They had several tables set up under a tent decorated with pink, red, yellow, orange and blue decorations surrounding the tent. Students passing by could see the colorful ribbons waving in the wind while celebratory Spanish music could be heard throughout the middle of campus.

IMG_0195The altar in the far left of the tent held sugar skulls – an item famously associated with Dia de los Muertos – colorful decorations, flowers and candles.

According to Guadamez  Dia de los Muertos takes place for up to three days starting anywhere from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 and is when the spirits of the dead visit and spend time with their loved ones.

“We set up these altars and we bring bread, candy, any of their favorite foods, Guadamez said. “They eat with us, they sit with us.”

People gathered around the altar and were invited to either add a decoration of their own to the altar or write their loved one’s name on a sticky note to place on the altar in remembrance.

Guadamez said usually there would be pictures of the loved ones but in place of that they were just having students place sticky notes.

“This is our way of remembering them,” Guadamez said.

He said after the third day of the celebration the spirits go back up to the after life.

Senior, Megan Saville was attending the event after having to research it for a class.

“I like that they are involving the Spanish Culture, Saville said.

Spanish Culture

When it comes to culture, the question is sometimes asked: what is culture, exactly? Is culture what people do on a daily basis, namely, live? Or is culture, rather, a lofty expression of the more sophisticated and complex ideas developed by the intellectual elite of any given society? Whether you advocate for the supremacy of high-brow culture, or consider it to be constituted by every aspect of interaction within a social compound, in Spain you will find myriad examples of both kinds, forming a rich and diverse phenomenon.
Rich and Varied Heritage
From the most ordinary habits, such as the variety of dishes that together form a mouthwatering cuisine, to the institutional support for the artistic establishment, Spain holds a surprise around every corner. Ranging from the largely simple and straightforward characteristics of a Mediterranean diet, with plenty of fresh produce from land and sea, to the ingenuity of a number of recipes from the rustic center of the country, such as roast piglet or the famous sopa castellana, to the crafty use of offal throughout the land, Spanish culture is hugely heterogeneous, due both to geographic as well as historical circumstances.
The fascinating mosaic formed by the cultural differences found from region to region across the country extends far beyond matters of eating habits and dress code, however. From patxarán in Navarra, to orujo in Galicia, from sherry in the region between Jerez and Cádiz, to the sweet wine from Málaga, somewhat similar to port wine from Oporto, the various traditions that have defined each of the regions permeate deeply to every aspect of Spanish culture, from what digestive to follow your meal with, to the style and material used to erect buildings in the area.
Popular vs. High-Brow Culture
Intrinsically, the distinction between popular and high-brow culture, which emerges with the question "what is culture?" might not be as drastic as it seems. A good example of this proximity can be found in the characteristics of Spanish architecture. Dating all the way back to Roman times, there are still perfectly solid examples of buildings as ancient as 2000 years old. And then, from Roman to Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance and every artistic style to emerge thereafter, Spanish architecture has been shaped as much by aesthetic considerations as it has been by the specific conditions prevalent in the country.
Thus, the emergence of red brick in the region around León as the material of choice in the construction, not only of regular homes but also of official and even religious buildings owed less to taste than to necessity. Similarly, the development of adobe as a viable building material shaped the landscape of the countryside indelibly, much in the same way as the tendencies arrived from the Frankish counties on the other side of the Pyrenees spread from coast to coast and ultimately determined the triumph of Romanesque architecture.
Spectacular as it is, Spanish architecture is indebted in equal measure to circumstances of daily life, such as the coexistence of Muslim, Christian and Hebrew communities, and to the conscious development of aesthetic ideals. This is true of architecture, but it is equally the case with the literature that sprung in parallel with the culture that produced it as a reflection (in both meanings of the word) of the reality of its time. As a matter of fact, this is true of a vast majority of Spanish culture, from the forging of true national forms of expression, such as flamenco, to the paintings of grand masters, such as Goya.
Spanish: A Lot More than a Language
We understand that when you come to Spain to learn Spanish, it's not only about the language... you also want to see and experience new places, take plenty of pictures, meet new people and immerse yourself in the country's fascinating cultural scene. After all, some of the world's top museums and wholly unique festivals are found in Spain. Nevertheless, in order to get a genuine taste of Spanish culture, you need not spend hours in libraries and dusty rooms: just go out there, communicate with the people and experience first hand the cultural paradise that is Spain.
In order for you to be able to do just that, our schools, located in Spain's most interesting destinations, are open all year round (yes, even during festival seasons!), and offer classes focusing on such cultural facets as literature and art history, organizing all sorts of interesting cultural activities and excursions for our valued students!
Below you can read up about a wide range of Spanish cultural topics, ranging from history and festivals to food and drink and everything in between.

Spanish Culture Has Most Wonderfull World And Offers Interesting Things

Culture is always appreciated by people from all over the world, but it is really too big to understand for most of us. Spanish culture is in the same situation. But we need to learn it due to different reasons.

Some people may think that they can learn a lot of things from the culture. For example, they can learn the life of Spanish people, the local custom and even how they eat everyday. It seems that such things are very easy and useless. But they can broaden your horizon and get you more knowledge. Some others may think that they need to learn Spanish, so learning its culture is very necessary.

But as we all know that Spanish culture is a big word. One should think twice before moving. If they are those who show great interest in history, they need to learn many things on history. They can learn how Spain was establish, how all the kings in Spanish governed this country, and how people there lived their life. Questions like them are various. However, others may think they need to learn something about Spanish art. So they can try to find good information about art to observe. Certainly a few people just think that it is OK if they can learn the general idea on Spanish culture in Spain. In such a occasion they can read some traveling guidelines on Spain. This will be very practical.

But anyway learning Spanish culture is laying a foundation for Spanish learning. Not all the Spanish culture learners hope to do it, but some people want it at least. As for learning this language, ways are too many to count down. The learners can just choose their best.

Going to a training class is supposed to be the first choice due to its efficiency. But time remains a big problem. And others may hope to learn this language by a language learning software. Because they think it is more convenient. And still a few others think that learning by a tutor may give enormous help, but they need to think twice before they choose a tutor.
Spoken by majority of the Spanish population, Spanish or Castilian is the official language of the country and it was in the 15th century when the language went a major overhaul.

Spanish Food
It is safe to say that the Spanish cuisine, greatly influenced by seafood, is very broad since there are only a few recipes that can be found throughout the country. Fabada Asturiana being the most popular dish in spanish.The Spanish signature dishes commonly include their staple food such as potatoes.

Authentic grocery shopping in markets is still very much alive in Spanish streets, even with the existence of malls nowadays.

Being named as the world's third largest wine producer, The Spanish's love for wine cannot be denied. It is a common sight to see wine being drunk after meals.

Spain's Religion
Spain is home to the different religions of the world. Though majority are Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and Christians can all be found here living together without commotion.

Festivals and Traditions
It is traditional for every Spanish town and city to have their own festivities aside from those national events like Christmas, All Saints Day, Easter Week, etc, but these festivities are rooted from the Catholicism that they practice. Bullfighting, both viewed as an art form and a recreational sport, is one of the most famous festival in the country. It is still alive in some parts of Spain despite of the animal activists disapproval.

Spanish Dress Code
Quality is still the number one factor that the Spanish look for in clothes despite their love for the branded and designer ones. Style is seen from every age group. Those who are matured enough dresses guardedly but still stylish, same goes for those in the corporate world sharp yet stylish. Fine accessories are also revered by both men and women and therefore are always part of their attire. It shows that the Spanish do not skimp when it comes to fashion, as long as it passes their standards, then no matter how expensive it is, it is worthy expenditure.

The Information About Spanish Culture

Culture always attracts the people. Many countries are known by their culture. Culture of the Spain has influence of many other nations come to Spain in a past. Spanish culture is a European culture.

Spain, the land of a great artists like E Greco, Pablo Picasso and the Salvador Dali have most beautiful and colorful culture. The work of these great artists can be seen in the museum and in the churches like Toledo and Prado. Spanish culture has the colorful life in it. Dancing, bullfighting and festivals are the most beautiful colure of the Spanish culture.

Spanish Family Values

. The family is the foundation of the social structure and covers both the nuclear industry and the extended family, sometimes a network of social and financial support.

. Today, it is less common than in the past for the family in a family Personal preferences are important and these studies generally.

. Vary the size and structure of the family, but in general people are living longer, fewer children than before and fewer people live in households with extended family.

. Family networks were less tense. The biggest changes occurred in the family, gender, and that parents and children because the values that inspired these relationships have changed.

Religion in Spain

. The most important are the Spanish management official Roman Catholic that many different religious beliefs are ACCEPTED.

. In the history of Spain co-exist, there were long periods were different religious groups in Ontario, including Muslims, Christians and Jews.

. A few more like a cultural event clear that religious traditions.

. Asymmetry of the Holy Week, many participants of the procession carrying a UN Summit met black hats as a sign of the Walker barefoot and repentant one supports the UN Burden Some vines.

. The religious history of Every Small Town IN East obvious, ou the building is the largest ment General Church. The large cities in the cathedrals are almost museums.

Dancing

Dancing is the most beautiful cultural inheritance of the Spain. Savelli and Grenada are the known by the Flamenco dance which is the oldest dance of the Spain. Flamenco dance was introduced by the Gypsy and Moorish culture. Dancer for the flamenco dance comes from the Andalusia province.

Bulfighting

The oldest tradition of the Spanish culture is bullfighting. The most artistic form of the entertainment is bullfighting in Spanish culture. You see the bullfighting in the national stadium of the Madrid, which is for the expert matador and the beginner is not allowed in this stadium.
Festivals

Spanish culture is full of festivals. The Spain is also famous for the various festivals all over the country.
In Pamplona, the festival of running bulls is famous all over the world.

In short, culture can learn the people. Culture tells us how the life of the Spanish people. Spanish culture has most wonder full world in it Spain offers many interesting things to the tourist. If u want to enjoy the holiday than Spain is the best country for this.

Learn More About The Spanish Culture

The Spanish culture for a long time has been well known for the warmth and welcoming that friends, visitors and foreigners have always enjoyed. Their spirit of friendliness as well as generosity is part of what draws many people to the Spanish-speaking people and why learning Spanish is such a favorite topic of study.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the culture was further influenced by an infusion of factors from the Italian language and society. This grew from the domination of Aragonese influences in Italy and due to the huge popularity of Italian poetry in Spain, throughout this period. This influenced the Spanish language again with additional words to the vocabulary, including Spanish verbs. In addition, art, cuisine, music and thought were affected by Italy at this time.
The best thing to do if you plan to learn Spanish culture is to visit Spain. Spain is one of the most glamorous countries in Europe. Visiting the country will let you witness their impressive arts and architecture while letting you experience their culture.

Are you considering going to Spain for a holiday? If you do, then don't forget to visit Madrid to experience Spain vacation at its finest. Madrid is a very historical city. You will surely be awed by the architecture and landmarks left by the glamorous past of the country. Aside from these places, Madrid offers a very amazing culture concerning faith, good food, and happy celebrations that you will never forget when you go there.
Madrid is one of the few places in Spain that was able to preserve the glamorous structures-remnants of the past. By visiting the palaces and galleries in Madrid, you will get a glimpse of Old Spain when it was still in its prime. Most palaces in the area are open to the public. Take a few pictures of yourself in these lovely palaces and bring home a fantasy of being a noble who once lived in a palace.
Once you arrive at Spain, drop the idea that you are just a traveling tourist. Begin to act like a local and experience Spain like there is no tomorrow. Take a morning stroll on the glamorous city park of Madrid. Shopping with friends in the shopping district, whether it is in the glamorous uptown malls or in bargains/flee markets. Eat dinner at the romantic Madrid restaurant where diners experience night entertainment right under the stars. Watch the flamenco dancers perform their alluring movements and be inspired to take on lessons. In summary, there is no dull moment if you stay in Madrid, Spain.
Unlike in Paris, shopping in Madrid can be cheap but enjoyable. Numerous flee markets and bargain shops abound the city. You can get that elegant dress, shoes, or accessories at amazingly low prices. What's better is you can get them for half the price, even more! Madrid is known for its little shops that attract thousands of tourists annually. If you plan to come to Madrid for a visit, make your holiday complete by going on a bargain or flee-market shopping trip.
If you are intent with learning about Spanish culture, no better reference can substitute Spanish books and films. Of course, you have to know a bit of Spanish. You can temporarily find books with translations. It is even better to start learning Spanish so you can understand all their movies and books.