Spanish customs

In the 60s, the Spanish government devised a tourist campaign to attract visitors to Spain that took advantage of the foreign cliché that conceived the country as an isolated place with picturesque customs: Spain is different!

The truth is that, although we have many cultural similarities with our northern neighbors, we also We have very peculiar customs that make our culture unique to the surprise of outsiders. What are the most striking?

Late hours

Spaniards get up early but go to bed much later than other Europeans. Our streets are usually full of people until late at night because the hours of the shops and bars are very long. In the center of big cities you will always find a crowd at any time of the day.

Also, meal times are later. Despite the fact that breakfast is very early, Spaniards usually eat and dine between two and three hours later than in Europe. Not forgetting lunch, which takes place at noon before the main meal, and afternoon tea, a snack taken before dinner.

Bars and tapas

One of the main features of Spanish gastronomy is tapas. Tapas are small amounts of food that are served to accompany a drink in bars. In Spain it is very common to go with friends for tapas, which consists of going from bar to bar to eat and drink, usually a glass of beer or wine.

The concept of tapas is something that surprises foreigners a lot because they are not used to eating and drinking standing up in a crowded bar and making a route through the most popular bars. However, as soon as they try it, they don't want anything else.

regards

In Spain it is customary to greet friends and strangers with two kisses on the cheek, something that does not occur in other European countries and at first it may seem a bit strange but in this country physical contact is common.

Siesta

The siesta, that little time we sleep after eating and that allows us to recharge our batteries to face the rest of the day, is a Spanish custom that is gradually becoming very popular among foreigners. Napping is scientifically proven to improve health and circulation and prevent stress.

Have blinds

Something that surprises foreigners a lot when they arrive in Spain is the custom of having blinds in all houses. In northern European countries, having little time in the sun, they try to take advantage of all possible light and use only curtains to cover it when it bothers them. However, in Spain the light is strong, so having only curtains is insufficient, especially in summer. In addition, the blinds provide an extra privacy to the home.

Spanish New Years Eve

How is the New Year received in Spain? SI'm sure you've ever heard of the twelve lucky grapes. As custom dictates, you have to eat them one at a time to the beat of the chimes that mark midnight on December 31st. Whoever manages to take all of them on time and without choking will have a year full of luck and prosperity.

Desktop

We eat later than the rest of Europeans and when arriving here many tourists find it difficult to get used to it. We also have a habit and that is After a good meal, Spaniards have a good time sitting around the table talking while enjoying a coffee and dessert. Something so ours that it surprises those who visit us for the first time.