Spanish author and journalist Rosa Montero said Spain is currently in "No man's land," in between what it once was and what it wants to become.
"I fear that we have the worst of both worlds," said Montero, the keynote speaker in this weekend's symposium on Spain.
Montero said the recent history of Spain is more fascinating than the history of any other European country because of rapid transformation in Spanish culture and society. She praised the peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
The changes in the role of women in society constituted a revolution, Montero said.
Montero also noted the changes in Spain, which she considered less positive. She called corruption the most worrisome feature of Spanish society today.
"With the advent of democracy, corruption has become democratized," she said.
Montero said family is less important to Spaniards than it once was because nowadays everyone looks after his or her own interest.
Montero also addressed the changes in the Spanish people. "Spain is no longer the land of bullfighters and Inquisitors," she said. "For the first time in our history, differences of opinion do not lead to throat cutting."
In addition to talking about Spanish history and culture, Montero spoke about bars. Spain has more bars than the rest of the European Community combined, she said.
"Bars are more important for us than churches," Montero said.
Montero's address Saturday took place in the Collis Common Ground.
