References:

http://www.basqueed.org/Basque-History.htm
 
http://hubpages.com/hub/An-Introduction-to-Pelota--the-Basque-Games
 
http://www.euskadi.net/r43-573/en/contenidos/informacion/dia6/en_2027/adjuntos/Basque_in_Education_i.pdf
 
http://www.in-spain.info/spain-regions/basque-country-festivals-fiestas.htm
http://www.basquecountry-tourism.com/cult_fiestas.php
 
http://myspj.com/features/local-profiles/373-basque-traditions-continue-with-new-generation-of-dancers
 
http://www.travelvivi.com/best-souvenirs-from-spain/
 
http://ezproxy.tp.edu.sg:2073/eds/detail?vid=8&bk=1&hid=20&sid=b8b462a6-a103-4cb8-a744-9e17923a0ba4%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=ulh&AN=39033275
 
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sp.html
http://www.flashpoints.info/CB-Basque%20Spain.htm
 
http://www.cowboyshowcase.com/basque.htm
 
http://hubpages.com/hub/Basque-Heritage
 
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-basque-spain-12204.html
 
http://planetrjl.tripod.com/LaFraughName/id15.html 

http://myspj.com/features/local-profiles/373-basque-traditions-continue-with-new-generation-of-dancers
 

Changes brought by the growth of tourism and Commodification cultures in Spain

Spain is among the top 10 destinations, ranking second in both international tourist arrivals and international tourism receipts. Spain is indeed one of the most important tourist destinations in the world and its evolution shows an upwards trend.

However, it may act as a form of advantages and disadvantages.

The increase in tourist arrival may help in terms of the economic perspective. When there is an increase in the tourist arrivals, it means that they are also a form of revenue in their spending in Spain. 

From a social-cultural perspective, tourism stimulates demand for local craftsmanship, brings opportunities to exchange ideas and cultural knowledge, and stimulates new

services, better facilities and alternatives for leisure and also provides cultural identity to the community. However, it triggers the conflict of the traditional cultural value between the host and the guests. 

 

On a environmental perspective, increase in tourists arrival may be a good thing in term of extension of improved infrastructure but it does contribute, damages of the historical buildings and artefacts and pollutions especially when mass tourism exists. 

In conclusion, I would say that tourism has been part of a culprit in commodifying cultures. For example, traditional crafts were lost due to the use of industrial manufacturing techniques, and this causes the people in Spain to be left as unskilled and even unemployed workers.  

Rapid social change and globalized cultural formations also play a part in the emergence of tourism as a leading industry in the world, be it negative and positive impacts.

"Disney" in Spain

“Disney” is the growing influence of themed environments in settings like restaurants, shops, hotels and zoos. The Disneyization of society argues that the contemporary world is increasingly displaying characteristics of the Disney theme parks which also include theming, hybrid consumption, merchandising, performative labour. For example:

 

 Spain 92 Restaurant

Using a theme concept which consist of all the series of events happening during the year 1992. Also, the restaurant uses the old traditional cultural cuisine to serve the guests.

Looking at the design layout of the restaurant, it may seem to be like a normal house but, on the inner side, the restaurant fits in the theme of colour by using browns and bricks to fit in the whole concept of a typical cultural restaurant.

Spain 92 Restuarant

Círculo de Bellas Artes

 

Círculo de Bellas Artes was built in 1919, on Madrid offering various kinds of cultural activities and exhibitions. Within this building is a very stylish café which looks out onto Madrid's popular Alcalá street.

In the above photo, the café has incorporated craft displays to fit into the theme for the café which makes the whole cafe into a unique one.

Merchandises

Figures

Figures are one of the most common souvenirs in Spain. It represents the country as a form of symbols. I do have one of this given as a gift from my friend, and the moment I saw the figures, you can see that it represents Spain because of the unique features.

What is Spain Known For?

Yes, all of us agree that Spain is a well known destination for their historical and cultural attractions with artifacts, crafts and buildings. 

But do you know that Spain is also well known for their sports especially football such as the Real Madrid FC and Barcelona FC, and festivals such as the The Tomatina Tomato Fight?

Barcelona FC

Founded as Foot-Ball Club Barcelona in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English, and Spanish footballers led by Joan Gamper, the club has become a symbol of Catalan culture and Catalanism It is the world's second richest football club in terms of revenue, with an annual turn-over of €366 million. (wiki)

Real Madrid FC

Founded in 1902, Real Madrid has never been relegated from La Liga, the top league of Spanish football. The club is the world's richest football club (€401m) in terms of revenue and the second most valuable worth over €950m in 2008.

The Tomatina Tomato Fight

Held annually in Bunol, which is the world's largest tomato fight commences. It is the ultimate food fight and a festival for which people travel thousands of miles and all for the pleasure of pelting, and being pelted, by tomatoes.