Come for the Vino, Stay for the Tapas
There are many legends swirling around the origin of Spanish tapas. Some say they began as a way of protecting wine from contaminants by placing small bits of meat or bread on the glass, while others believe tapas were mandatorily decreed by King Alfonso XIII himself. Perhaps the king, recovering from illness, required small amounts of food with wine to aid digestion, or maybe he wanted to prevent his subjects from spending all their money on wine and getting drunk.?
Regardless of the true origin, these stories shed light on why Spaniards love tapas. It's pleasant to have a snack alongside your drink, helping to avoid discomfort from drinking on an empty stomach.?They also help give the impression that you're getting more bang for your buck, since they turn even the smallest drink order into a mini-meal.?
Most importantly, though, is the social aspect. Tapas have turned into the perfect excuse to get together with friends and have a few drinks. They're so deeply ingrained in Spain's culture that the humble tapas have taken on a life of its own. Far from simply being a small, cheap snack served with a cup of wine,? now you can find avant-garde tapas served at upscale restaurants that want to elevate the experience. It's hard to imagine life in Spain without tapas. ?
Sometimes you may come across a stingy bartender who "forgets" to give you your tapas, but a true Spaniard will not rest until they get their seven olives or two bites of patatas bravas. As Spain continues rapidly changing and being pulled in every direction from the inside and out, it's comforting to know tapas are one thing we can all agree upon.?