Culture of Gibraltar

The culture of Gibraltar is a colorful mix of many different traditions and backgrounds. Most people in Gibraltar, called Gibraltarians, come from Spanish, British, Genoese, Maltese, Portuguese, and other origins. This mix comes from the history of Gibraltar as a British overseas territory close to Spain.

Christianity is the main religion, with many people belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England. There are also smaller communities of Sephardic Jewish, Hindu Indian, and Moroccan Muslim people.

During the Second World War, the whole civilian population of Gibraltar was evacuated by the British government to places like the United Kingdom, Jamaica, and Madeira. This experience helped strengthen a special Gibraltarian identity, and after the war, many returned home successfully.

Cultural relationships with United Kingdom and Spain

British Gibraltarians

Gibraltarians have always taken pride in their British history. They wanted to stay closely connected to the UK and the British Crown, feeling even more British than people in the UK. This feeling grew especially strong when the border with Spain closed in 1969, cutting off all connections. Until 2006, the only flights from Gibraltar Airport went to the UK. Although many Gibraltarians look and sound like people from Andalusian Spaniards because they speak a mix of Andalusian Spanish called Llanito, they have a unique culture and identity.

Religion

Most Gibraltarians are Roman Catholic, and the Diocese of Gibraltar reports directly to the Vatican. The Rock is also part of the Church of England diocese covering Europe, with a "Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe". There is also a Methodist Church. The former St Andrew's Church (part of the Church of Scotland) closed in 2022.

There is a small but important group of Jewish people, involved in business and politics, and five synagogues. Most Moroccans follow Muslim beliefs, and there is a large mosque at Europa Point, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, paid for by Saudi Arabia. Most Indians are Hindu, with their own local temple.

There are also two active groups of Jehovah's Witnesses that share the same Kingdom Hall; one group meets in English and the other in Spanish.

Relations with Spain

Gibraltarians have always had strong ties with Spain. They speak a version of Andalusian Spanish called Llanito, and many families have relatives on both sides of the border, called La Verja or 'the fence'. When the border closed in 1969, families could only communicate by shouting across the gates or taking long and expensive trips. Since the border reopened, connections have grown again. Many Gibraltarians buy property in places like La Línea de la Concepción, Sotogrande, and even the Costa del Sol. On weekends, many visit Spain for nightlife, and younger Gibraltarians enjoy Spanish popular culture. The pop group "Taxi" became popular in Spain with songs mostly in Spanish. Gibraltarians also support Spanish football teams like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid C.F., as well as English teams such as Manchester United F.C. and Arsenal F.C..

However, the Gibraltar Football Association wants to join UEFA to compete in the European Football Championships and the Football World Cup, but this faces opposition from the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Many Gibraltarians see themselves as Gibraltarian, British, and European, but they do not usually feel connected to Spain as a country. Some in Britain's Foreign Office hope for closer ties, but Gibraltarians do not want to become part of Spain. Going to La Línea is still called "going to Spain".

Relations with Britain

British influence stays strong. While many speak Spanish, it is used mainly in daily life, and English is the official language for government, business, schools, and news. Gibraltarians who study at universities usually go to the UK, and many stay there for jobs. After World War II, many who had been evacuated returned, but some stayed in the UK, strengthening family ties. Although Spanish television is popular, Gibraltarians also watch British television through satellite, especially Sky and the BBC, keeping them familiar with British news and culture.

Surnames

Many Gibraltarians have names that show their mixed British and Mediterranean heritage. They often have British first names like Keith, Kyle, Nigel, James, John, Marie, Natalie, Samantha, and so on, with last names coming from many places around the Mediterranean and beyond.

Surnames in Gibraltar include those from Genoa like Alecio, Bossano, Bottaro, and Canessa. From India like Aswani and Kumar. From Malta like Agius, Attard, and Azzopardi. From Portugal like Britto, Coelho, and Correia. From Spain like Borrell, Garcia, and Gomez. From the United Kingdom like Corby, Crisp, and Feetham. And from Ireland like FitzGerald and Byrne.

'Gibraltarian' vs 'People of Gibraltar'

Gibraltarian British

Many people use the words "Gibraltarians," "people of Gibraltar," and "residents of Gibraltar" as if they mean the same thing. However, the word "Gibraltarian" is meant only for those who are British citizens with special Gibraltarian status.

In the past, the UK called Gibraltarians British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTC). In 1981, Gibraltarians worked hard to change this under the British Nationality Act. They did not want to lose their right to live in the UK. This happened partly because Gibraltar was part of what was then the European Community, now the European Union. Because of this, Gibraltarians gained the right to become full British citizens.

British passports from Gibraltar look different from those from the UK. They say "Gibraltar" under "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" on the cover. While UK passports ask "Her Britannic Majesty's Secretary of State" to let the holder pass, Gibraltar passports ask this from the Governor of Gibraltar.

Other British

There are also many British people living in Gibraltar who are not from Gibraltar by status. Sometimes locals call them guiris. Many came to work with the military or for the government. Over time, some married locals and became Gibraltarians themselves. Any British citizen living in Gibraltar for at least six months can vote.

As the military presence decreased, many British people came to work in finance. Some very wealthy people from the UK and other places buy property in Gibraltar and get special tax benefits. Some people in Gibraltar worry that too much focus is on building homes for very rich people instead of for local families.

Moroccans

When the border with Spain closed, Gibraltar needed more workers. They began bringing workers from Morocco. These workers came by ferry and stayed in government hostels. They paid taxes but could not become permanent residents or citizens. They only had work permits that needed to be renewed. This has been criticized by human rights groups in the UK.

Indians

Many people from India live in Gibraltar and work in business. Lots of shops on the main street are owned by Indians. At first, they could not become citizens, but more and more have been able to do so.

Sport

Main article: Sport in Gibraltar

Gibraltar has a special group called the Ministry for Sport, led by a minister, that helps plan sports activities and support schools and sports groups. There is also a council that gives advice to the government about sports.

The government knows that sports are good for everyone and has built many places where people can play different sports. These places help both locals and visitors enjoy sports, whether just for fun or to get better at them and join big events.

There are eighteen sports groups in Gibraltar that are officially recognized by groups around the world. Some other groups are waiting to be recognized too.

A special unit was created to help sports groups and schools improve their skills.

People in Gibraltar love sports, and many do very well, especially considering how many there are. They enjoy playing in both local and international competitions.

Gibraltar's sports places are also used by athletes from other countries who come to train when the weather is nice. The government wants to help more athletes come and is planning to build even better places for everyone.

The Gibraltar Football Association

The Gibraltar Football Association started in 1895 to organize football (soccer) games. At first, there was only one competition, but later they added a league. By 1901, they had a team that played against military teams, and their best moment was tying with a famous team in 1949.

They work with a big football group and are trying to join an important European group so their team can play in big tournaments.

Gibraltar Football League

The Gibraltar Football League began in 1905 with eight teams. It now has three levels, and teams can move up or down each year.

The Gibraltar cricket team

People have played cricket in Gibraltar since the late 1700s. A cricket club started in 1883. In 1890, a famous Australian team played there and won easily.

Gibraltar started joining big cricket events in 1982 and has been in many since then, except one they didn’t qualify for.

Rugby Union

A rugby team from Gibraltar plays its games in nearby Spain.

Music

Gibraltar has a lively music scene with many different styles, including electronic music, singer-songwriters, and reggae. Two of its most famous bands are Melon Diesel, popular in Spain and Latin America from 1995 to 2003, and Breed 77, known in the UK and Europe from 1996 to 2018.

Cuisine

Main article: Gibraltarian cuisine

Gibraltarian cuisine is a special mix of different foods that have come together over the past two hundred years. One of the most famous dishes is called calentita.