The Origin of Spanish Tapas

Over the many years I have lived in Spain, I have never tired of the omnipresent 'tapa' available 'on tap' (!) in the famous 'tapas bars' throughout the length and breadth of Spain. These are traditionally small bite-sized snacks often on display in Spanish bars and intended to be taken together with a small glass of wine or beer. I find them just the ticket when I have no time to shop/cook/get home for lunch etc and on several occasions I have survived for a few days at a time on 'tapas' alone! They are often only available before lunch-time in the afternoon and before dinner in the evening. (Important to note to avoid disappointment!) You do not usually find tapas in restaurants or cafeterias in Spain as they tend to be considered a speciality in themselves. However, I wonder how many people are aware of the interesting historical origin of the Spanish 'tapa'.

The meaning ' una tapa' in English is 'a cover or lid' and some historians believe that its referral to a small snack served in a 'taberna' in Spain goes back to medieval times. It had become noticeable that flies and other impurities were attracted to the wine in clients' drinking vessels and so it became customary to serve the wine or beer with a kind of cover, or 'tapa', consisting of a piece of bread large enough to cover the cup itself . However, there are several other theories...

Some historians belive that 'tapas' were all due to King Alfonso X The Wise, medieval King of Castille, in the XIII century. It is said that Alfonso became ill and was not able to take wine, so his physicians advised him (very wisely) to take small bites of food to accompany his wine! When he recovered he issued a decree obliging all tavern owners to serve small pieces of food with wine or beer served and apparently this law is still in force as it has never been removed! 

However, the origin of 'tapas' has also been attributed to two other kings! It is also said that King Felipe the Third of Spain (1578-1621) ordered a small snack of food to be served with all alcohol, in order to keep his subjects sober, or at least more sober. Apparently, the effects of alcohol were imparing his subjects capacity for work on the lands (for him, no doubt!)

Another legend tells that really it was all down to King Alfonso XII (1857-1885) while travelling along the windy coast of Cádiz in Andalucía. When he stopped for a well-earned rest, he was served wine by a local tavern owner on the beach. Because the coast of Cádiz is so windy, sand was blowing into his drink and the tavern keeper covered his goblet with a piece of Spanish cured ham! Apparently he asked for another wine with a 'tapa' or cover to keep the sand out!

In the midst of all this myth and legend I can only recommend you to get down to your local 'bar de tapas' to deliberate on the historical origins of such wonder, while you let your eyes drift lazily along the splendour of colours spread before you enticingly across the bar! Only there will it become clear that the origins although fascinating, really do not matter all the time.

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