" Sometimes called Galiza, Galicia is said to be among the first kingdoms of Europe. It includes the following provinces, Lugo, a Coruna, Ourense, and Pontevedra. To its south is Portugal. Castile and Leon and Asturias are to its east. To its north and west is the Atlantic Ocean. Among tourists, Galicia is famous for "the presence of many fjord-like indentions on the coast, estuaries that were drowned with rising sea levels after the ice age" (Wikipedia, 2009). Because of its nearness to the Atlantic, Galicia experiences mild temperatures all around the year. Galicia is said to come from the Latin name, Gallaecia and it is "associated with the name of the ancient Celtic tribe that resided above the Douro river." (Wikipedia, 2009) According to the Galicia Guide (2005), although Galicia is part of mainland Spain, its culture is "both unique and distinct from that of the rest of Spain and the core of this difference is centered upon Galicia's perceived identity as a 'Celtic', rather than a 'Latino' or 'Hispanic', sub-nation." Galicia's distinct culture is attributed to its location. Galicia was also considered to be one of the "poorer regions in Spain with an economy focused on fishing and agriculture as opposed to manufacturing" (Galicia Guide, 2005).

The first inhabitants of Galicia were said to be tribes which shared some Celtic customs. The Romans first came to Galicia in 137-136 BC (Wikipedia, 2009). Galicia was invaded by the Romans. In 411, it was conquered by the Suevi. It was the Suevi "who formed the first medieval kingdom to be created in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire" (Wikipedia, 2009). In 584, Galicia fell under Visigoth control during which time British immigrants settled in the northern part of Galicia. When Ferdinand...

By 1072, it was taken by Garcia's brother, Alfonso VI of Castile. From then on, Galicia became a part of the Kingdom of Castile and Leon. In 1931, Galicia became an autonomous region of Spain. However, this was nullified in 1936-1975 during the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. With the death of General Franco in 1975 and Spain transitioning to democracy, Galicia once again became an autonomous region (Wikipedia, 2009).
Galicia's cuisine is strongly influenced by its geographic location. According to Galicia Guide (2005), "Galicia is considered to be the seafood capital of Spain." Galician cuisine usually makes use of fish and shellfish in their dishes. "Seafood stews are popular… smaller shellfish in all their forms are also a Galician specialty, including prawns, shrimps, clams" (Galicia Guide, 2005). Centolla and Pulpo a Galega are examples of famous Galician seafood dishes. Potato is also a staple ingredient in many Galician dishes. Empanada is a famous Galician pie with Celtic origins (Wikipedia, 2009).

References

"Food in Chile." Food by Country. Retrieved April 6, 2009, from http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/Chile.html

"Chile." (2009). Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 6, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile

"Galicia (Spain." (2009). Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 6, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Spain)

Galicia Guide. (2005). Galicia Guide Your Guide to Everything Galicia. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://www.galiciaguide.com

"Typical Chilean Food." (2009). South America.…