Most of these Spanish proverbs, or proverbial phrases, are so well-known and commonly used, that if you are at all serious about learning Spanish, you simply can’t do without them!

The ring announcing the start of Thursday’s session in Congress was followed by another, very different sound.

It was the sound of violins, violas, cellos, a harpsichord and a double bass belonging to La Spagna orchestra, which played fragments from Georg Philipp Telemann’s Suite Burlesque de Quixotte.

While Nordic Noir might be taking the small screen by storm, Spain has its fair share of addictive TV series. The Local counts down some of the best.

Jamón, sangría, paella and tapas – the symbols that represent Spanish cuisine abroad, at least at the amateur level. And thanks to Spanish chef José Andrés’ efforts to educate audiences, some people also know how to identify and preparefabada (a bean stew), arroz con leche (rice pudding) and bacalao al pil-pil (cod with olive oil, garlic and chili).