Francisco Moyano - Andalucía

Andalucian History

Later, during the Al-andaluz period, there were philosophers such as Averroes and Maimonides, as well as architectural structures like the Mosque in Cordoba or the Alhambra in Granada, real gems from the period of the Omeya Caliphs.

At a much later stage, Andalusia was also home to some great painters such as Francisco Murillo and Diego Velázquez, with Pablo Ruiz Picasso, perhaps the most universal of them all, coming later in the 20th century, even though it has been some years since his death.

In terms of music we could mention Manuel de Falla, a very advanced musician for his time and highly influential in Europe. And, of course there is the truest expression of Andalusian music in the form of flamenco. Although its origin is unknown, its depth is such that it has been called the “Oral Heritage of Mankind”.

With regard to literature, we can name Federico García Lorca, an unrivalled talent who, as well as being respected as an artist and literary creator, has also become something of a legend due to his execution during the Civil War.

I think that this assortment of civilisations, races and ways of looking at life, something which has always been present in Andalusia throughout its history, has played an essential role in giving the region its distinctive personality. The Andalucian people are characterised by their openness, receptiveness and acceptance of all kinds of lifestyles; they are open to innovation, and are not afraid of things that are different, accepting these differences and assimilating new elements to create their own distinctive personality which values qualities such as friendship and respect for others and is evident in all walks of life.