Page 23 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

A POR TR AIT OF NOR THERN SP AIN  21

The peoples of the
north also share some
charac teristics of all
Spaniards – especially
their Iberian gregariousness.
They are just as devoted
to social izing, whether on
an evening paseo (stroll)
or eating out in a convivial
group. These are some
of the friendliest parts
of the country, less
jaded by tourism than The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao’s prestigious landmark
Mediterranean regions.
Northern fiestas – great showcases of Spain created since 1975, integrated into
local traditions and foods – are among the European Union and with a system of
Spain’s most exuberant, from Pamplona’s regional self-government (Autonomías).
San Fermín to the flower parades For Spanish-speaking regions like Asturias
of Cantabrian harbours. and La Rioja the “Autonomies” have
become useful arms of local government.
Modern Times In Galicia, nationalism has always been
In Spain’s modern history the regions quite mild, but has lately become more
of the north have followed varying demanding. The Basque government
paths. Some joined the Industrial has greater powers than any other region
Revolution early in the 19th century, in Europe, but a substantial proportion
with shipbuilding, iron and steel in of Basques want total independence –
the Basque Country, coal mining and although few sympa thize with the
shipbuilding in Asturias. This made them militant nationalist group ETA. The
centres of progressive dynamism in declaration of a ceasefire by ETA in
the struggle to make Spain a modern March 2006 briefly raised hopes of a
state, while areas like Navarra and rural permanent solution, but ETA called
Galicia were known for an unchanging off the ceasefire less than a year later.
conservatism. The rise of Basque In October 2011, ETA announced a
nationalism also undermined faith in definitive ceasefire, without conditions.
the status quo. Asturias was the base The north’s economic trans formation
for a socialist revolt has been striking.
in 1934, and when The coal, steel and
the Spanish Civil War shipbuilding industries
erupted two years later declined rapidly in the
both it and the Basques 1980s, causing severe
resisted General Franco’s hardship. Fishing, too,
right-wing army. The has come under pressure
victorious Franco regime from EU quotas. However,
regarded them with tourism and Spain’s
intense suspicion; their industrial diversifi cation
rebelliousness was met have since opened up
with harsh repression. new possibilities. Most
The northern regions dramatic of all has been
have continued to fare The bull run (encierro) during Pamplona’s the revitalization of the
differently in the new San Fermín festival now stylish Bilbao.

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