SPANISH CULTURE OF MUSIC
Traditional music and dance in Spain exist in different forms, styles, and traditions, many of which have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. One reason for this is that in Spain, music and dance are a natural part of daily life
The most common instrument in traditional Spanish music is the castanets, which are held in the hand and clicked together. Other percussion instruments include bells, such as cowbells, in a variety of different sizes. Tambourines and several types of drum are used, which are referred to by the non-specific term tambor.
The most popular fretted instrument is the guitar, which is found in all regions. Smaller guitars, with fewer strings, are used in ensembles and are strummed, not plucked. One of these, called the guitarro, has 12 strings.
Spain is a country with a long and rich tradition of folk music and dance. Spain has 17 autonomous regions. Each takes pride in its unique traditions and the way they contribute to the whole of Spanish culture. Four of the regions are Galicia, Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalusia.
Galicia is in the northwest corner the country. It has its own language, Gallego, which is much closer to Portuguese than to Castilian Spanish. Bagpipes can be heard in some of its music.Andalusia is the southern region of Spain. Here one finds flamenco music that is highly ornamented and very improvisational.