There's more to Spain than sun, sea, sangría and flamenco – but those are great, too
Monday, November 19, 2018 @ 2:10 PM
YOU can't please everybody – as an advert for a research prize ceremony in Valencia has proven. In trying to show the public that Spain should be famous for its scientific discoveries, the Rei Jaume I Awards Foundation has managed to upset chefs and performing artists.
How? By posting billboards in bus shelters with the words 'flamenco' and 'paella' crossed out and announcing, “It's time to change the stereotypes about Spain.”
As if flamenco and paella were something to be ashamed about, say furious protesters.
Of course, they're not; many of Spain's colourful clichés are very real and often fabulous, but they're only a tiny part of what you find when you visit the country, and it all depends upon where you go. Polka-dot dresses are not likely to be found during Madrid rush hour, and the majority of the country doesn't have beaches or palm trees; and, in fact, for nearly three-quarters of the year, you won't get a tan when you visit, either.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com