This document provides an overview of the geography, history, people, cuisine, and cultural traditions of Southern Europe, which includes Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Southern France. It details the typical Mediterranean diet consisting of foods like pasta, bread, cheese, olive oil, wine, and seafood. It also describes some national and religious holidays and festivals celebrated in different Southern European countries and iconic culinary traditions and dishes from each region like paella in Spain and panettone in Italy.