Tapas

Tapas are essentially snacks. In many regions of Spain they are often included in the price of drinks (beer, wine, not spirits) served in bars. In this case, they amount to as little as a few olives, a piece of cheese, etc. Bigger portions that are ordered to make up a meal are also called "tapas". It is customary to share them.

"Tapa" means "cover" in Spanish. The name comes from the card that used to be put on top a drink to protect it from flies; at some moment it became a habit to top this "cover" with a snack.

In southern Spain (Andalucia), usually when you go to a bar you get a "tapa" for free when you ask for a drink. This doesn't happen in northern Spain. You have to pay for both, the drink and the "tapa". They are also called "pinchos", because many of them have a "pincho", or toothpick through them. This is used to keep whatever the snack is made of from falling off the bread it's attached to. Another name for them is "banderillas".