When you are in Spain for a holiday, a study or an internship you will certainly notice a number of things. Just like any other nationality, the Spaniards also have their own traditions and habits. If you leave for Spain for a longer period of time, it’s quite a good idea to get used to these Spanish habits.
Spanish habits; food, greeting, siësta and more
There are plenty of Spanish habits and there are a few that you will immediately notice when you’re in Spain. We have made a top 8 of the Spanish habits that you really should know and which you will probably also take over when you are in Spain. You would probably even like to take some of these Spanish habits back home.
1. Siësta
Between 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm life in many places in Spain comes to a halt. Shops, museums and town halls often close their doors. In the larger cities this doesn’t count for every place and many shops just stay open. A lot of Spaniards really do take a nap on the couch or, are in fact really in bed.
2. Eating grapes on New Year’s Eve
That’s right, real grapes. On New Year’s Eve many Spaniards come together on squares to go out of the old year and important parts of this are the church bells and grapes. At 12 o’clock, the bells are ringing twelve times and for each time you eat a grape. If you succeed, you will face a prosperous year.
3. Cursing and talking loud
Cursing and talking loud, that’s right. In Spain that’s very normal. That is why it’s certainly not unusual for you to hear young and old swearing on the street, or even to see it on television. The loud talking is also a favorite. You can follow and retell a whole phone call from the neighbor. They talk really loud and that everywhere. That is surely a thing you might have to get used to.
4. Greeting
The greeting in Spain goes with two kisses on the cheeks. Many men greet each other with one hand but when a man and woman greet each other, it’s customary to do this with two kisses. But you also see the men doing this, especially when they have a closer bond such as father and son or when they’re brothers.
5. Eating late
The Spaniards eat late. This starts at breakfast, which starts around 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., then the lunch also moves to an hour or 2 p.m. / 3 p.m. and after that, the dinner starts around an hour or 9 p.m. For this reason you often see that restaurants in Spain open in the evening and if they are already open you can order dinner in the evening.
6. Spanish outside life
Spaniards love the outdoors and we don’t blame them, with such a nice climate. Many are on the pavement in front of their house to chat, you see many elderly people on their walker enjoying the sun or making a detour and many Spaniards sit on benches and have a chat there.
7. Spanish politeness
Now you already read about the swearing and talking loud so this can amaze you, but it is true. Spaniards are very polite. For example, they speak to older people and people with a high position, with a courtesy form and they are less direct then for example, Dutch people. Also a chat with someone you don’t know and people on the street are completely normal here.
8. Don’t be too punctual
Do you have an appointment with a Spaniard? Don’t be surprised if they’re too late, don’t worry about it and enjoy your waiting time in the sun. This Spanish habit also has a big advantage for you: you may also be late. Sounds very relaxed right?
You will certainly notice these 8 Spanish habits when you’re in Spain and some of these habits you will definitely take over as well. Spanish habits and traditions of course also include the typical Spanish food, if you want to know more about this, read our blog about Spanish dishes and live a Spanish life!