A feast of fiestas

Spain is regional. For much of its history Spain was a collection of kingdoms, and even the language we call Spanish is not used universally – just wander around Barcelona or the Basque country. Point is, to get a real feel for Spain, you’ve got to do some moving around. Every region has its specialty, whether it’s art in Madrid, food in Basque country, architecture in Barcelona or flamenco in Andalusia. A fascinating history stretching from Romans to Moors and beyond has left a legacy of castles, palaces, and churches equal to anywhere. Oh, and Spaniards love a party. And you don’t need to dodge charging bulls to belong; just grab a wineskin and join in the fun. No fiesta? Just wait a couple of days.