What are Tapas?
Tapas are small plates of food that are served in bars and other restaurants when a customer orders alcohol. They’re kind of like snacks, in a way, very delicious snacks.
Tapas History
Tapas can be traced back centuries in Spain and in Granada specifically. There are multiple origin stories of the tapa, but two of the most common versions include flies, drunkards, and kings – oh my!
The first version of the tapa’s story is not very glamorous. According to some people and sources, the tapa originated from the practice of bartenders and tavern owners placing a piece of bread – or a plate – over the top of a bar glass in order to keep the flies from landing in them. Gross, but practical. Of course, as time went on, and bars and restaurants got more sanitary, barkeeps began to get creative and place toppings on the bread (or plate), like olives, jamón (a type of Spanish ham), and chorizo (Spanish sausage). Eventually, those small plates grew to contain the rich, flavorful, and delicious variety of food served today. From slices of fish and mushrooms to tortellini and meatballs, Granada has all the tapas you can eat!
The second tapas origin story claims that the practice originated in the 13th century. According to this tradition, King Alfonso X ordered bars to serve small plates of food with the sale of any alcoholic beverage so that the customers didn’t get too drunk and cause problems.
What’s Special About Granada’s Tapas?
Well, Granada has a special tradition when it comes to tapas: they’re completely free! Amazing, right? Tapas are perfect or any college students that want to go out but, as it typical, don’t necessarily have a ton of money to spend. Plus, tapas are served at all bars and restaurants with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage, so it’s perfectly manageable to find a cheaper bar to visit.
Tapas are also designed to be enjoyed over conversation and consumed with others. One of the main points of tapas, if you go by the King Alfonso explanation, was to prevent overindulgence so that patrons could continue chatting with their friends. So, tapas are a perfect way for students, and teachers, to have conversations amongst themselves and even meet new people. They’re also a good way to destress after a long day of teaching. Or studying. Just saying.
Are you in Granada and want to go tapas crawling? Here is list of recommended bars from National Geographic.
Do you want to learn more about Granada? Click here to see further information!
Bibliography
Ashworth, Jr., William B. “Alfonso X, King of Castile.” Linda Hall Library, 23 November 2020, https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/alfonso-x-king-of-castile/. Accessed 10 April 2025.
Hola Properties. “Discover the Tantalizing Tapas of Granada.” Hola Properties, https://holaproperties.com/tapas-in-granada/#:~:text=Tapas%20Culture%20in%20Granada&text=This%20tradition%20dates%20back%20to,than%20just%20bite%2Dsized%20dishes. Accessed 10 April 2025.
Miguel. “Tapas: the Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Tapas in Spain.” Estudia-España, 2 February 2023, https://estudia-espana.eu/en/blog/tapas-the-ultimate-guide-to-enjoying-tapas-in-spain. Accessed 10 April 2025.
Vincent, Jessica, et al. “Where to go on a tapas crawl in Granada.” National Geographic, 9 June 2022, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/tapas-crawl-granada. Accessed 10 April 2025.