Culture & Lifestyle

Spanish Culture and Lifestyle

Spanish culture is rich, diverse, and centered on enjoying life. Understanding cultural norms helps you integrate and appreciate your new home.

Core Spanish Values

Family first: Family is central to Spanish life

• Multi-generational gatherings common
• Sunday family lunches tradition
• Close family ties maintained
• Children often live with parents until marriage (or longer)

Work to live (not live to work):

• Work-life balance valued
• Long lunches standard
• Vacation time sacred (August especially)
• Career less defining than in US

Social connection:

• Relationships prioritized
• Face-to-face preferred over digital
• Community feeling strong
• Neighbors know each other

Enjoy the moment:

• Present-focused culture
• Spontaneity valued
• Planning far ahead less common
• "Mañana" attitude (tomorrow is fine)

Daily Schedule

Very different from Northern Europe/US:

• Breakfast: 7-9am (coffee + pastry)
• Mid-morning snack: 11am
• Lunch: 2-3:30pm (main meal)
• Siesta: 2-5pm (shops close, not everyone naps)
• Merienda (snack): 5-6pm
• Dinner: 9-11pm
• Social life: 11pm-2am+ normal

Siesta Culture

Reality vs myth:

• Shops close 2-5pm (not everyone naps)
• More about escaping midday heat
• Less common in big cities/modern businesses
• Still standard in smaller towns
• Adapting: Plan errands accordingly

Regional Differences

Very important to understand:

Catalunya (Barcelona):

• Catalan identity (NOT Spanish)
• Catalan language important
• Independence movement active
• More reserved than southern Spain
• Business-focused

Basque Country:

• Distinct culture and language
• Fiercely independent identity
• Excellent cuisine
• Cooler climate
• More organized/punctual

Andalucía (Sevilla, Málaga, Granada):

• Stereotypical "Spanish" culture
• Flamenco, bullfighting
• Very social, warm people
• Slower pace
• Strong traditions

Madrid:

• Central, mixing all regions
• More cosmopolitan
• Fast-paced (for Spain)
• Career-focused

Galicia:

• Celtic influence
• Rainy, green
• Similar to Portugal
• Seafood culture

Social Etiquette

Greetings:

• Dos besos (two cheek kisses) standard
• Start right cheek
• Handshake for business (first meeting)
• Hug for closer friends

Conversation:

• Direct communication
• Loud, animated = normal (not arguing)
• Interrupting common (not rude)
• Personal questions acceptable
• Political discussions can be heated

Dining etiquette:

• Arrive 15-30 min late to dinner parties (fashionable)
• Never arrive exactly on time
• Bring wine or dessert
• Stay late (leaving early = rude)

Holidays and Festivals

National holidays:

• New Year (Jan 1)
• Epiphany (Jan 6) - Three Kings Day
• Easter (Semana Santa) - Major celebration
• May Day (May 1)
• Asunción (Aug 15)
• National Day (Oct 12)
• All Saints (Nov 1)
• Constitution Day (Dec 6)
• Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)
• Christmas (Dec 25)

Regional festivals:

• Fallas (Valencia, March)
• Feria de Abril (Sevilla, April)
• San Fermín / Running of Bulls (Pamplona, July)
• La Tomatina (Buñol, August)
• La Mercè (Barcelona, September)

Festival culture:

• Each town has patron saint festival
• Fireworks, parades, late nights
• Work stops during major festivals
• Participation encouraged

Work Culture

Different from US/Northern Europe:

• Longer lunch breaks (1-2 hours)
• Later start/end times (9:30am-6:30pm+)
• August vacation (whole month)
• Less email urgency
• Relationship-building important
• Hierarchy respected but not rigid

Challenges for expats:

• Slower decision-making
• Less direct communication in business
• Meetings start late
• Work-life boundaries stronger

Food Culture (see Food & Dining section)

Central to Spanish life:

• Meals are social events
• Quality over speed
• Regional pride in cuisine
• Wine with meals normal

Religion

Officially secular, but Catholic influence strong:

• Churches and cathedrals everywhere
• Religious holidays observed
• Traditions tied to Catholicism
• Younger generation less religious
• Other religions present and accepted

Spanish Attitudes

Generally:

• Warm, welcoming to foreigners
• Patient with language learners
• Proud of culture and region
• Less formal than Northern Europe
• More relaxed about time/rules

Politics:

• Can be divisive (Catalunya, regions)
• Avoid strong opinions as newcomer
• Left-leaning in cities, conservative rural

Adjusting to Spanish Culture

Common culture shock:

• Everything late (dinner, sleep, shops opening)
• Loud environments
• Slower service
• Bureaucracy
• Last-minute planning
• August shutdown

Tips for adaptation:

• Embrace the schedule (fight it = miserable)
• Learn Spanish (shows respect)
• Ask questions (Spaniards love to explain)
• Be patient with different pace
• Participate in local customs
• Don't compare to home constantly