Galicia or Galiza in the Galician language is an autonomous region in the northwest corner of Spain. Historically, it has been inhabited by Celtic tribes before being colonized by the Romans. Later on Galicia and Northern Portugal formed it's own kingdom during the reconquista against the Moorish kingdoms. During this time Galicia gained importance in the Christian world for the alleged find of the grave of St. James. Definitely a hoax, but it attracted pilgrims, money and new ideas to the region.
In the 14:th century Galicia was incorporated in the new Kingdom of Castilla León witch later developed into Spain.
During the years Galicia became a quite isolated and poor outback of Spain relying mainly on agriculture, fishing and sea faring. Industrialization came late wich is still visable today. A lot of old customs and traditions have b en preserved here.
To deal with rough times Galicians have solved the problems of poverty by migration similarly to the Irish with whom they have lots in common. In places like Argentina where a million Galicians established, the word Spaniard was interchangeable with Gallego. And many well off Criollos disliked the poor newcomers.
The Galicians still cherish their Celtic heritage although no Celtic languages are spoken nowadays.
The Celtic heritage can be seen in traditional music and in the cultural identity of people. The bag pipe is in addition to the Galician drum a favorite folk instrument. Just like in the Basque country and Catalonia there is a quite strong independece movement.
