Famous People From Spain

Spain is one of those countries that played a huge role in shaping the world’s history. It is one of the most powerful nations during the middle Ages, owing largely to the number of explorations and discoveries that its people have made in the New World and beyond. But more than the cultural and religious influences that this country has spread to the world, it has given birth to notable personalities that are widely known in practically every part of the globe. Here are some of the most famous people in Spain from the past to the present.

Juan Sebastian Elcano

Elcano was an explorer and sailor who is known for being the first man to complete a circumnavigation of the world. He was part of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition to the Philippines. However, after his group was defeated in the Battle of Mactan which also led to Magellan’s death, Elcano was forced to retreat, taking what remained of the fleet back to Spain. In the end, only the ship Victoria with only 17 survivors of the 240-man expedition along with 4 Timorese Asians managed to get to Spain, thereby completing a voyage around the world

Miguel de Cervantes

Miguel de Cervantes is another one of the most famous people from Spain. He is well known for creating the literary classic Don Quixote. This novel is considered the most influential literary masterpiece that emerged from the Golden Age of Spain and from its entire literary canon at that. It is one of the foundations of modern Western literature and is one of the greatest works of fiction ever published.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso is a celebrated painter and sculptor, widely recognized for his 20th century art masterpieces. He is known as one of the founders of the Cubist movement and for a number of styles under this genre that are embodied in this works. A lot of people recognize his works even from afar. Some of his more notable Cubist works include the Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and the Guernica. He became one of the most famous people from Spain as practically every art class in the world has covered at least one or two of his works. Most of today’s art genres are based on the styles that he has developed.

Famous people from Spain in the present times

But aside from the hundreds of notable Spanish people in world history, there are the contemporary Spaniards who have made their own mark in the modern times. Singers, artists, and other personalities of Spanish decent have become household names over the years. Who wouldn’t recognize the name Antonio Banderas who starred in a number of high-profile Hollywood films? His movies, Interview with the Vampire, the Mask of Zorro and even his character as the voice of Puss in Boots in the Shrek trilogies will forever be remembered by viewers all over the world.

Then there is Enrique Iglesias, singer and songwriter, who to this day holds the record for producing the most number of Spanish-language singles that made their way to the Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks. When it comes to contemporary Latino music, Iglesias is probably one of the most famous people in Spain and the rest of the world.