Five things Spain taught the world in 2015

Spain has had a very encouraging 2015, and the world could learn a lot from its experiences.

Around the world, 2015 has been an eventful and tumultuous year. But in Spain things have been relatively quiet, stable and encouraging – which is something the rest of the world should bear in mind for 2016.

Here are five things that Spain taught the world in 2015…

1. Siesta and fiesta

With war, drought, floods and the threat of terrorism forever on the news, Spain has served up a series of timely reminders in 2015 that life isn’t so bad, really, provided you do it right.

From record-breaking carnivals to world-famous fiestas and healthy lifestyles rooted in rest, relaxation and fun with the family, Spain’s litany of holidays and ferias have proven the perfect tonic for a world that – this year at least – appeared to be perpetually on edge.

Package holidays to Spain are incredibly popular once more

2. The oldies are the best

The “don’t make ‘em like they used to” crowd were probably in full voice this Christmas, bemoaning modern day tat that seemingly breaks, right on schedule, after barely a year of use. The oldies – from music to meat processors – are the best, they will proclaim.

But when it comes to package holidays, then the idiom holds true. Spain has proven once again this year that nowhere does sun, sea and sand better than the various Costas of Spain. From value to accessibility via safety and popularity, Spain has beaten off all comers this year in the holiday stakes.

3. Politics doesn’t have to be boring

While the UK general election proved a little underwhelming, and Donald Trump’s car crash of a campaign continues to bemuse and amuse in equal measure, Spain’s general election reminded the world that politics can not only be people-driven, but can actually serve to change and shake-up decades-old structures.

Spaniards are very engaged, politically.

The final outcome of December 20’s general election remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Spanish people have spoken and their demands, their desires and their dreams are, at least, being listened to by the old establishment.

4. Family remains the most important thing

Independence is something to be cherished, and many young Brits will be reminded of that during the festive season as they are carted off to Gran’s for another round of dry turkey and bad TV. As they strain at the leash to get away for New Year festivities with friends, Spaniards, on the other hand, will be happy to stick around with the family throughout the entire period.

Family is something sacred in Spain, more so since the economic downturn forced millions of youngsters to remain in – or return to – the family home. From dining to travelling, Spaniards like to keep it in the family, which is something else that the world can learn following a fraught and fractious 2015.

5. Food tastes better in small portions

Jamon get it: Spanish-style tapas conquered the world in 2015.

“Tapas” is no longer the preserve of Spanish food. Visit any major city in Europe and the chances are that you will come across restaurants and gastro pubs serving tapas-style cuisine derived from all manner of influences. From Scottish tapas to Indian tapas via German tapas and even French tapas, small, it seems, is better.

Perhaps it has something to do with a more health-conscious world, or maybe the rise of social media means that small dishes nestled side-by-side on one’s table are more photogenic and better for sharing (both at the table and online), or perhaps it is the social aspect of dining with friends that makes tapas the ideal dish, but its rise in 2015 has been unmissable, and looks set to continue into 2016.