A glimpse into Spanish culture
Spain is known for its vibrant traditions. If you visit Spain, you'll quickly notice that daily life is a little different than what you're used to. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through Spanish culture.
Family and community in Spain
Family is very important to Spaniards. Many families live together in the same neighborhood or even in the same house. Families often get together and have lunch together, especially on Sundays, which are family days. Within the family, a lot of attention is paid to the elderly; it's common for children to take over the care of older relatives. Spaniards are known for their warmth and hospitality. Friendships are highly valued. This also gives rise to the saying "Mi casa es tu casa." If you visit someone's home, you are quickly seen as part of the family. This is reflected in the hospitality shown.
Spanish cuisine and eating habits
In Spain, mealtimes are later than in many other countries. Lunch is usually eaten between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and often consists of a hot dish; it's considered the biggest meal of the day. Dinner, therefore, is usually eaten around 9:00 to 11:00 PM. It's customary to share food so you can sample a bit of everything. This makes tapas incredibly popular in Spain.
Spanish tapas consists of typical Spanish delicacies, such as chorizo, gazpacho, olives, patatas bravas, calamari, and jamón. Croquettes and pimientos de padron are also common. While this was once only enjoyed in bars, it's now also common in restaurants.
Paella is also a typical Spanish dish. Perfect if you love fish or shellfish. It consists of rice with a variety of fish and shellfish, chicken pieces, white beans, French beans, and saffron. Paella is traditionally eaten only for lunch, so the best paella restaurants are often only open between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Siesta
It's customary to take a nap (siesta) around midday in Spain. Especially in the summer when it's hot, Spaniards enjoy a long break. This is usually between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, the same time as lunch. Many shops are also closed in the afternoon. International stores will remain open, and shops in tourist areas and large cities will also be open.
Spanish nightlife
Spanish nightlife usually continues until the early morning hours. Nightclubs and bars stay open until around 6 or 7 a.m. This is partly because Spaniards tend to dine late and head out into the city later in the evening/night.
Greetings in Spain
Spanish norms and values emphasize respect and politeness. When greeting someone, it's customary to kiss each cheek. This can vary by region; in some areas, it can even be just one kiss. The kiss is considered a friendly and welcoming gesture that helps foster a sense of belonging and familiarity with others. Personal space is much more limited in Spain than in other cultures. A pat on the back or a hug is customary, even if you're just meeting for the first time.
Punctuality
Punctuality is a key factor in Spain. For formal events and business meetings, being on time is crucial. Conversely, social gatherings often start later than planned. Because of this, the Spanish way of life is often associated with a relaxed lifestyle. Being present and appreciating the moment is paramount, according to Spaniards.
The Spanish national dance
Flamenco is Spain's national dance. It's a blend of different cultures and originates from Andalusia. It features guitar, vocals, and extensive hand and footwork, such as heel tapping, finger snapping, and hand clapping. Women often wear a flowing red dress. Because the dance requires considerable skill, you won't find it performed in clubs. There are even organized flamenco shows to attend.
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