Berkley Center

Spain has a strong Catholic tradition. Religion is splattered across her history, ranging from the Inquisition to the forced conversions of conquered civilizations in Latin America. Religion, particularly Catholicism, has taken on a representative role of the Spanish culture. While studying in Madrid, I have come in close contract with the relationship Spaniards have with religion. Looking in any guidebook, many of the must-see tourist attractions in Spain are churches and cathedrals. Spain has tons of them, some more famous than others. In fact, I have not been to a city in Madrid where I haven't visited at least one.

This environment is representative of the attitude towards religion that I have come into contact with in Spain. From the people I have met, religion is more for appearance and history than anything else. The Spanish people are very proud of their religious heritage, and equally as proud of their monumental cathedrals. The cathedrals and churches are well-preserved as well as extremely popular attractions. Many of them house famous works of art. In addition, there seems to be a fairly regular attendance rate at Masses. The services that I have been to have been well-attended, but mostly by the older generations.

However, when it comes down to actually practicing religion, I find that the community in Madrid is not as dedicated as I had previously thought. Many of the people I have met, who identify themselves as Catholic, do not attend church services. They speak very reverently about religion, but there is no action to follow it up with. The impression I have been getting is that religion is simply for show to many. Religion is a sacred subject to Spaniards, but many of them do not seem to take their devotion as something that should instigate action.

It has also been interesting to note that, for a fairly religious community, there is more prejudice than anticipated. Mainly in the older generations, there is a distinct attitude of disrespect towards people of different races, mainly those of Asian descent. It is a very different way of looking at things as a Catholic in Spain. Growing up Catholic, you are taught to respect and embrace everyone; treat people as you would wish to be treated. In many cases in Madrid, that is not the case.

I have come to understand that religion is not exactly something that people practice in Spain. It is more like religion is simply a part of the Spanish heritage and therefore a part of the people. The pride for their history can be perceived as a pride for religion when the real reason behind that perception is the connection that religion and history have had in Spain. This doesn’t make Spaniards an unreligious people. On the contrary, there are devout Catholics in Madrid; however it has been my experience that the number is slowly diminishing. With the younger generations you are more likely to meet someone who identifies as a member of the Catholic Church, but isn’t practicing. It is a part of their identity, but not a defining part.