If there is one day in the entire year we should celebrate in Spain, it can and should only be International Tapas Day! Forget about Christmas! Forget about New Years! You heard me, international tapas day is the day that marks the essence of Spanish gastronomy. If you agree with me, keep reading!
The History of Tapas
Just like everything else in this world, tapas too have an origin story. As far as we know, the tapa was born in the 8th Century. One of the more fun theories is that the King Alfonso X demanded that in the local taverns wine would not be served without a “bite”. The reason being so his people would not get too light-headed after a few glasses of wine. Another theory, and maybe the more likely background of the tapa is the following. Many centuries ago beverages would be served with a tapa covering the drink so no insects, dust or dirt could fall in. Now, this may not sound as fun and interesting but just wait! Think about this: what does the word “tapa” mean in Spanish? Una tapa literally means a lid, something to cover an object with. So literally, in the old days drinks would be served with a lid, a cover, or in other words…. a Tapa!
As you can imagine over the years, these tapas would become more and more complex. What once started out with a slice of Jamón Serrano Ibérico or a slice of Queso Curado de Cabra, is now a beautiful and fresh Ensaladilla Rusa! Nowadays we don’t think about tapas to cover our drinks anymore, although in some restaurants I have personally experienced how they serve the drink with a small plate of olives on top! Today tapas are such a big part of our culture, that there is even a verb in Spanish: tapear, tapeo. In context, one would say: ¿Nos vamos de tapeo? !Sí, vamos a tapear! (Shall we go tapeo (go for tapas)? Yes let’s go tapear!).
Fun fact! If you have ever been to Granada you will have noticed that you get a tapa for free with each drink you order! This doesn’t happen anywhere else in Andalucía, nor Spain. If you didn’t know then we urge you to get a plane ticket to Granada just to live the experience.
Why so small?
Why is it that often it is more inviting to go for tapas (tapear), rather than going to a restaurant where you have to order an entire menu, or a filling meal? There are many reasons. First of all, in Andalucía, Spain, we love to spend our time outside. We realise, that outside can be hot. And when it’s hot, we don’t always fancy a heavy meal. On the contrary, we like to enjoy a cool glass of wine or an ice cold beer. And what combines best with that? A tapa! It’s light on the stomach, it is incredibly varied, you can choose from the classics, or you can choose the house special! Tapas allow us to sample a wide range of flavours, cooking styles, ingredients, etc.
Additionally? Apart from eating, what do the Spanish love to do? They love to talk! Tapas encourage sharing food and they incite conversation! Whether it is talking about your day, catching up on the latest gossip, whilst sharing a few tapas. One more reason why in Spain we love to go for tapas is because they are cheaper than going out for a meal. Usually, going out for tapas and enjoying a few drinks won’t cost more than 10-20€ per person. And if you find the real authentic taverns, you can even eat for 10-20€ between 2 people. This is why we love Spain!!
Last but not least, a tapa does not necessarily have to a meal on its own. Eg. the Ensaladilla rusa. A tapa can also just be a smaller portion of something bigger. You can also order a “tapa” of paella, which means you will just get a small portion of a paella, rather than the full meal. Tapa de pinchitos de pollo, just means you will get 2 chicken skewers rather than 6!
The Spanish Philosophy
What do tapas say about the Spanish culture? In truth, tapas may just represent our core values: social connection and the pure enjoyment of life. Through tapas, we emphasise the importance of leisure, spending quality time with friends and family. And of course, savouring delicious food!
Danielle Ernstsen | 16th June 2025
