A 'vibrant and beautiful' country: the praise of the United States Navy for Spain

Rota Naval Station, in the Spanish province of Cádiz, is a joint military base used by Spain and the United States.

The beautiful caps with Spanish flags of the American destroyer USS Arleigh Burke
This is how the US military honors its flag in Rota in its only annual hoist

For many years, Rota has been one of the most sought-after destinations for many US sailors among the various US Navy bases abroad. This is largely due to the good quality of life in Spain, the area's pleasant climate, and a culture that makes it easier for US citizens to integrate. The US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has a comprehensive website dedicated to Spain, which explains life in Spain to US military personnel.

"For many visitors, Spain truly is an unforgettable place to experience and living in Rota presents an opportunity that can’t be duplicated stateside or anywhere else," NAVSEA said, citing Spain as having "a remarkable culture first hand. Captivating art, passionate festivals, romantic sunset views are all part of day to day life in this one of a kind country. Once you set foot in Spain, you’ll realize you’re in a special place. The mix of unique culture and rich history, combined with a wealth of tradition and a distinct cuisine provide an experience of a lifetime."

In a section dedicated to arts and sports, NAVSEA highlights: "For thousands of years Spain has been one of the cultural centers of Europe known for tapas, sunshine, beaches, Flamenco dancing, music and bullfights. The Iberian nation of Spain boasts a distinctly vibrant culture overflowing with bravado and tradition. From the food and entertainment to the social conventions, Spain stands out from other European countries with its distinct blend of swagger and charm."

Regarding the Spanish calendar, the US Navy notes: "Spain has a seemingly never-ending calendar of celebrations, fiestas, holidays, and cultural events. Their public events are family friendly and usually involve parades, horses, lots of wine, and the closing of stores and schools." On its website, NAVSEA also pays attention to and is very understanding of one of the most famous Spanish customs, and also one of the most unfairly criticized:

“La Siesta” is one of Spain’s best-known customs. Many Spaniards take a midday break from work or school to eat lunch and relax and some businesses close for a few hours each afternoon. The exact origins of the siesta are unknown, but Spanish people have embraced this custom for many centuries, partly to avoid the midday heat and partly as a cultural tradition designed to slow down the pace of life and to unite the family. Most people living and working in major cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, no longer take siestas, but the custom still remains prominent in provincial areas.

In another section dedicated to exploring Spain, NAVSEA states: "Spain is a mix of old and new, of modern and traditional. For the tourist, Spain means bullfights, massive cathedrals, world-class art, Muslim palaces, whitewashed villages, and bright sunshine. Moving to Rota, you’ll find all those things and will be able to immerse yourself in the culture. The country’s charm especially lies in its people and their unique lifestyle. From the stirring sardana dance in Barcelona to the sizzling rat-a-tat-tat of flamenco in Sevilla, this country is vibrant and beautiful."

Regarding gastronomy, NAVSEA warns about particular Spanish customs, which also differ from those found in other European countries: "When dining out it is important to know that, except in a few local restaurants, Spanish meal times differ greatly than in the U.S. In Spain a typical lunch begins around 2pm and can last until 4pm. Most restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8pm and on weekends and summer months restaurants can be very busy until after 11pm. The summer months are particularly busy during those peak hours as restaurants set up outdoor seating areas allowing customers to take advantage of the beautiful weather and late sunsets."

With these explanations, it's no wonder US sailors want to come to Spain. Truth be told, we Spaniards tend to talk more about our own country, but we are very lucky for its culture, its customs, its cuisine, its climate, and also its common language, which allows us to communicate with hundreds of millions of people around the world. These praises from the US Navy for Spain should teach us to appreciate what we have a little more.

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Main photo: U.S. Navy. A Spanish Navy officer raises his saber to salute the U.S. and Spanish flags during a ceremony at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Rota.