In southern Spain, tapas are a typical accompaniment to a drink before a meal.

The verb “tapar” means to cover, and there are various theories as to the origin of the “tapa”, the most popular ones dating back hundreds of years. Some say that it was King Alfonso X “The Wise One” who ordered that taverns should serve wine only if accompanied by something to eat to stop people getting drunk too quickly. Others say it was King Alfonso VIII who started off the custom of the “tapa” on a royal visit to Cádiz.

On ordering a sherry in a local bar, a gust of wind blew sand and dirt into the bar and a waiter hastily put a slice of ham over the top of the sherry glass to prevent the dirt getting in the King’s drink. The King praised the waiter’s initiative and when ordering another sherry requested that it be served with another slice of ham over the top. The rest of the royal entourage asked for the same; word soon spread of the idea of serving a drink with a “tapa” and thus the concept caught on.