Colors of Gibraltar - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Gibraltar - a British city that is located in Spain - is striking from the very first minutes. First of all, it is interesting that from the bird's eye view the city resembles a knife blade. By its shape, it looks like a long narrow rock as if cut into the Mediterranean Sea. Such a favorable location of Gibraltar has often caused wars. Spaniards, Moorish, Genoese have repeatedly tried to subjugate this territory. This is now reflected in the architectural features and, of course, the mentality of local people. They are restraint and tough like a rock (which, by the way, Gibraltar is often compared to). Another feature is that they are not so easy to convince in something.

At the same time, the Spanish "heritage" in the form of a burning temperament can still be seen here - although it does not manifest itself as clearly as in Spain. Here, people first think, then do. Doing everything with passion, yet the mind is primary for them. If there are any questions requiring outside help, you can always ask local people - they will certainly help, although they are somewhat wary of travelers. This is due to the above-mentioned "good" location of Gibraltar, due to which they have repeatedly been attacked. But this is only the first impression - keep in mind that they are kind and helpful.

The most important value in the life of every local resident is the family - they are ready to give it their all for it. Women of Gibraltar are self-sufficient, able to stand up for themselves, while men are resistant and strong. Women enjoy a special status in family relations - others always heed the words of mothers, wives, and sisters, while children are all for local residents. They are pampered and cherished, allowed to do almost anything they want. However, scolding young citizens even for serious faults is not accepted here at all, which cannot be understood by many representatives of other states. And it must be said that the system works - children do not grow up ill-mannered egoists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The official language in the city is English, but the dialect has some peculiarities. It is called “Yanito” - a mixture of English with Andalusian, Genoese, Maltese dialects, which is quite a peculiar combination. Many residents speak Spanish and Maghreb languages. As for local cuisine, it's worth highlighting such dishes as “rosto” (penne with tomato sauce and beef, mushrooms, cheese and carrots), "fideos al horno" (pasta), “calentita” (flatbread of chickpea flour, olive oil, water and spices) , “bollo de hornasso” (pastries made from wheat flour with anise), “rolitos” (breaded beef slices), “japonesa” (donuts with custard). The most popular drink is wine, although locals also prefer ale.

The most famous festival taking place in the city is the Gibraltar Music Festival, or the so-called MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling. The venue is Victoria Stadium, and the time is the end of September. Various popular genres sound here - from indie to reggae, so everyone will have a chance to find music to their liking. Since the organizer is MTV, the festival's headliners are popular and famous bands and performers. For children under the age of 12 accompanied by adults, attending the festival is completely free of charge.

The Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival is one of the world-famous events of its kind. It starts in late January and ends in early February. The tournament is held on the Swiss system of calculating points and consists of 10 rounds. Participation in the festival is a great honor for all who chose chess as their main occupation, not to mention victory - the winner is honored according to all the rules and can be called the “chess king”. In addition, winners are awarded cash prizes, and all media cover the action.

Gibraltar hosts another popular musical event - namely, the Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival. It falls on the beginning of August, and the venue is the Victoria Stadium. In Gibraltar and neighboring areas, this is the most popular event of its kind, that is, dedicated to electronic music. DJs come from all over the world in order to entertain local people (and, of course, tourists who were lucky enough to arrive in the city at this time). Here you can listen to various electronic music subgenres.

On Gibraltar, September 10 is a holiday celebrated by all - this is when Gibraltar National Day takes place. It commemorates the referendum of 1967, in which Great Britain was chosen by local residents as the country-ruler. Major actions take place on Casemates Square where you can witness a gastronomic program, music concerts, theatrical performances, as well as activities for children and military parades, which national holiday cannot do without. Besides that, prominent representatives of local residents are honored at this time.

The Gibraltar Spring Festival starting at the beginning of March is another interesting festival in Gibraltar worthy of visiting. It marks the coming of spring and involves many interesting events like performances, musical concerts, an art exhibition, dance performances, a gastronomic program. And all these take place on the central streets, which are fabulously decorated as if by spring itself.

One more interesting event awaits everyone who arrives in Gibraltar in early January or stays here after the New Year (by the way, the New Year in Gibraltar is another date perfect for traveling). We are talking about the Three Kings Cavalcade, a holiday widely spread in Spain, which is celebrated as a tribute to the "Spanish heritage". It is a time of colorful parades, a picturesque regatta, Christmas carols and tasting of local food. A special surprise awaits children, as Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar who lead the procession scatter candies - no kid can miss such a sweet action.