¡Hola! Welcome to the book launch of '¡Me Gusta! – Why the Spanish are so Spanish' by Sarah De Vlam.
Look forward to a festive evening, with musical accompaniment by Juan Sampé and a fascinating panel discussion about Spain and all its facets.
About the book
Spain is a top tourist favourite with extraordinary appeal. Since the 1960s, Spanish beaches have attracted millions of sun-seekers. With Barcelona leading the way, Spanish cities became must-visit city break destinations from the 1990s onwards. The rugged, mysterious, and today almost deserted interior has captured the hearts of adventurers and culture lovers. Walking a stretch of the immortal Camino de Santiago is, for many, a must-do in their finite lives.
Spain captivates and charms. It masterfully showcases clichés, folklore and stereotypes. Visitors return home elated, where their experiences of passionate, devout, hard-working and romantic Spain are passed on in mythical proportions. España is a brand in its own right.
Where does this powerful image come from? What makes the Spanish so Spanish, and are they even that at all? Is the country truly bathed in sunshine and alegría? Do the Spanish worship their saints as devoutly as they appear to, and is it true that the inventors of the siesta regard idleness as an honourable art of living? What is the truth behind the persistent collective image of Spain and its people? These questions invite us on a journey across the peninsula.
