Spain is a country rich in traditions and culture, and Spanish customs often surprise those coming from other countries. Whether you are interested in Spanish culture or planning to visit Spain, it is essential to familiarize yourself with some of these customs. While not all Spaniards follow every tradition, most of them are an integral part of daily life. In this post, we will introduce you to seven of the most prominent Spanish customs, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of this fascinating country.

The Siesta, a revitalizing break

The siesta is one of Spain’s most famous customs. After the midday meal, which is usually the heaviest of the day, many Spaniards take a brief rest, either going to bed or lying on the sofa to recharge their energy. While not always possible, this break is highly valued. In fact, some businesses close between 2 pm and 5 pm to allow their employees to enjoy this well-deserved rest.

Naps have been studied for their benefits and implications. According to the BBC, a short nap (between 10-20 minutes) improves mood and allows for energy recovery. Longer naps (between 60-90 minutes), on the other hand, have other benefits. A more extended rest allows for “improving memory, creativity, our perceptual functions, or cognitive processes”, according to researcher Sara Mednick.

Spanish gastronomy, a delight for the palate

Spanish cuisine is one of the main reasons to visit Spain. Going out for “something to eat” is a favorite pastime of the Spanish people, and tapas play a leading role in these enjoyable moments. Tapas are small portions of food served with a drink, such as a refreshing beer or soft drink. Sharing tapas with friends, family, or colleagues is a deeply rooted tradition in Spanish culture. Among the most typical tapas, you will find Spanish omelette (tortilla de patatas), patatas bravas or with aioli, Iberian ham, croquettes, or calamari, among other delightful options. After tapas, don’t miss out on a truly Spanish experience with an authentic paella.

Meal times, a unique rhythm

In Spain, meal times follow a particular rhythm different from other countries. The day begins with breakfast, which everyone takes at their own pace, usually around 7:30 am. The main meal of the day, known as “comida,” is typically enjoyed between 2 pm and 3 pm. With a significant gap between breakfast and lunch, it’s common to have a mid-morning snack known as “almuerzo,” which consists of a small portion of food like fruit or yogurt. The same applies to the “merienda,” taken in the late afternoon. Finally, dinner, which is usually lighter, is served between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm. These meal times fit perfectly with the Spanish lifestyle and provide ample opportunities to relish every gastronomic moment.

The Sobremesa, a pause for conversation

One of the most cherished customs among Spaniards is the “sobremesa”. After finishing the midday or evening meal, it is common for diners to remain seated for a while, engaged in conversation and sharing anecdotes. The duration of the sobremesa varies depending on the occasion and how relaxed the atmosphere is, but it can last for hours. The sobremesa is usually enjoyed on weekends or when there’s no rush. For Spanish people, it is a bit strange to finish eating and immediately get up.

Grapes of luck to welcome the New Year

On New Year’s Eve, December 31st, Spaniards have a peculiar tradition to welcome the New Year. After dinner, each person prepares twelve grapes, one for each stroke of midnight when the bells chime. Following the rhythm of the chimes, Spaniards eat a grape with each stroke. It is said that those who successfully eat all twelve grapes will have good luck throughout the coming year. This tradition is quite entertaining and brings families and friends together in a moment full of excitement and hope.

Warm greetings and farewells

In Spain, greetings and farewells are expressions of affection and closeness. The most common way to greet and say goodbye is with two kisses on both cheeks, though the intensity of the kisses will depend on the level of familiarity between the individuals. Among men who are not family members, a handshake is the typical way to greet and bid farewell. These gestures reflect the warmth and friendliness of the Spanish people.

The use of shutters, a sun shield

A custom that may surprise many foreigners is the widespread use of shutters in Spain. Given the many sunny days and the heat during certain times of the year, shutters become an essential tool to shield homes from the sun and keep indoor spaces cool. Closing the shutters during the hottest hours of the day is a common practice to avoid excess heat inside houses and buildings.

Conclusion

These seven Spanish customs reflect the essence of Spanish culture and daily life. Each tradition embodies the richness and diversity that characterize this fascinating country. Familiarizing yourself with and embracing these customs will allow you to immerse yourself fully in Spanish culture and enjoy a unique experience during your stay in Spain. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Spain and its wonderful customs! Remember, these are only seven of many more you can discover and enjoy.

Discover Spain through the language

Spain has a wide range of unique customs and traditions. While we have introduced 7 of them in this article, what better way to discover them yourself? Need more reasons to learn Spanish?
At Talkiens, we invite you to explore the peculiarities of this country through the language. Thanks to our experiential-based method, you will learn expressions, terms, and sayings as if you were living here yourself. Start your adventure with our level test!