The study of national images carried out in line with the dialogue of historical science, ethnic psychology, and sociolinguistics has become a topical trend in contemporary cultural studies.  A striking example of such a study is the monograph of the famous Hispanist E.V. Astakhova. The review reflects on the perception of Spain in Russian culture as a metaphor, giving rise not only to the meanings of a real country and people, but also their figurative and emotional evaluations. The main historical stages and sources of creating an image of Spain in Russian culture, modern stereotypical ideas about Spain are considered. Estimated role of color in the image of Spain. Attention is paid to the genres of holidays in the national culture of the Spaniards – traditional and modern. Changes in Spanish society are analyzed in terms of the worldview and mentality, symbols and metaphors of linguistic phenomena. The mutual influence of images of Russia and Spain in the mass consciousness is noted.