Spain is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it the perfect setting for romantic stories. From Pedro Almodóvar’s iconic films to Gabriel García Márquez’s classic novels, Spanish-themed media is full of love, passion, and heartbreak. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with some Spanish-style romance?
Article by Anastasia Sukhanova
“Te quiero”
Te quiero sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te quiero directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así de sencillo y así de complejo.
“I Love You”
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you directly without problems or pride:
so simple and so complex.
This poem, written by the Spanish poet Pablo Neruda, captures the essence of love in its purest form. The lines express the speaker’s love for their beloved without reservation or hesitation, and convey the idea that love is both simple and complex at the same time.
Here are some romantic Spanish-themed movies, books, and songs to set the mood for your Valentine’s Day celebration:
MOVIES
“Volver” (2006)
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, this film stars Penélope Cruz as a woman who returns to her hometown in La Mancha to deal with the death of her mother. The film is a touching and funny tribute to women, family, and love.
“All About My Mother” (1999)
Another film by Pedro Almodóvar, this movie tells the story of a single mother who travels from Madrid to Barcelona in search of the father of her late son. Along the way, she meets a group of strong and loving women who help her rediscover herself and the meaning of motherhood.
“Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008)
Directed by Woody Allen, this romantic comedy-drama stars Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and Penélope Cruz. The film follows two American women who travel to Barcelona and fall in love with a charismatic Spanish painter.
“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011)
Meaning literally “You Only Live Once”, this Indian film is a coming-of-age story about three friends who go on a road trip through Spain to find themselves and rediscover their friendship. Along the way, they fall in love and learn about the importance of living life to the fullest.
“The Lucky One” (2012)
Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, this film stars Zac Efron as a US Marine who travels to Spain in search of the woman, he believes brought him good luck during his deployments. He falls in love with her, and the two embark on a romantic journey together.
“The Spanish Apartment” (2002)
Also known as “L’auberge Espagnole,” this French film follows the story of a young French student who spends a year studying in Barcelona and falls in love with a Spanish student. The film is a romantic comedy that explores themes of cultural differences, friendship, and love.
“One Day” (2011)
This romantic drama stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess as two friends who meet on July 15th, 1988 and continue to meet on the same day every year for 20 years. The film takes place in various locations, including Spain, where the two friends have a romantic encounter.
BOOKS
“Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez
This classic novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez tells the story of a lifelong love affair set against the backdrop of the Caribbean coast of Colombia and the city of Cartagena.
“The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
This mystery novel is set in post-Civil War Barcelona and tells the story of a young boy who discovers a mysterious book by an obscure author. As he delves into the book’s hidden secrets, he becomes embroiled in a love affair that spans generations.
“The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway
This classic novel by Ernest Hemingway is set in the 1920s and follows a group of American and British expatriates as they travel from Paris to Pamplona, Spain, for the running of the bulls. The novel is a meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time.
“The Heart Has Its Reasons” by Maria Dueñas
This historical novel is set in Spain and Morocco during the Spanish Civil War and World War II and tells the story of a woman who must make a difficult choice between her duty and her heart.
SONGS
“Viva la Vida”
“Viva la Vida” is a song by British rock band Coldplay that was released in 2008. Written by lead vocalist Chris Martin and produced by Brian Eno, it is an upbeat and celebratory song that reflects on the power of love and life. The music video was directed by Anton Corbijn and features a retelling of the French Revolution, with Chris Martin playing the role of a deposed king. The song was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 in more than 20 countries it became the best-selling digital single of 2008.
“Besame Mucho”
“Besame Mucho” is a classic bolero song that was composed by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez when she was just 19 years old. This passionate love song has been covered by numerous artists in various styles, including jazz, pop, and rock, with some of the most famous covers being by The Beatles, Julio Iglesias, and Dean Martin. The song’s popularity spread to the United States and Europe in the 1960s and has been featured in several films, including the 1988 film “Rain Man” and the 2002 film “Frida.”
“El Amor de mis Amores”
“El Amor de mis Amores” is a popular Mexican song that was first recorded by mariachi singer Cuco Sánchez in the 1950s. This romantic ballad expresses the singer’s love for their beloved and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song remains a popular love song in Mexico and throughout Latin America and its lyrics express the singer’s devotion to their beloved and their belief that their love will endure forever.
