What are banderillas in Spanish tapas cuisine named after?

Banderillas in Spanish tapas are named after the decorated darts used in bullfighting.

A tapas banderilla is a small skewer of pickled and savory foods, often including olives, onions, peppers, and gherkins. The skewer’s colorful, pointed appearance resembles the banderillas that a bullfighter places in the bull during the second stage of a Spanish bullfight.

The culinary item is also called a gildas in some contexts, particularly when it combines an olive, a pickled chili, and an anchovy. The name gilda is associated with the film character played by Rita Hayworth, whose image was considered a fitting match for the snack’s combination of saltiness and heat.

Not every skewer served in Spain is necessarily called a banderilla, and recipes vary widely. The key idea is a small, often pickled combination presented on a stick. The bullfighting reference explains the name, while the exact ingredients depend on regional and bar traditions.