Spanish Culture

The Culture

The English culture differs quite a bit from the Spanish one. Below are some useful tips to take into account while your stay in this wonderful country. We have to preface this with – this was written by a Spaniard so all inaccuracies and sweeping generalisations about any culture is purely Almudena’s fault.

Spain

  • People don’t say “thank you” or “please” as much as the English. They say it but only when they really mean it. Don’t think this is rude, for them is very shocking that English people apologise even when it is not their fault.
  • The queue was invented by the British, and rubbished by the Spanish so be prepared to not see any lines and a bit of chaos.
  • It’s best to learn some basic Spanish words as it is very possible that most of the people you’ll meet in small towns and bars don’t know English. Nowadays, more and more young people are speaking English as it’s becoming compulsory in schools.
  • When you meet a Spaniard please give 2 kisses – one on each cheek. Just a “hi” is considered a bit rude. Women always give 2 kisses to both men and women, men give 2 kisses to women and shake hands with men. Spaniards are very warm and friendly, so don’t get scared if they invade your personal space.
  • In the south of Spain you will see lots of flamenco and bulls figurines. This is the birth place of the flamenco culture.
  • Beers are smaller than in the UK, but way colder. Due to the temperature outside – having a smaller yet ice cold beer is extra satisfying.
  • If you order a spirit, get ready to get wasted with the first glass, these guys don’t follow a 25ml measure and they know how to drink.
  • Tips are not a big thing in Spain. You tip as much as you would like as it’s always appreciated but there is no need to do advanced algebra to sort out a tip as in the UK.
  • In many restaurants/bars waiters can be very relaxed and not as attentive as one would be used to. Please be patient and don’t be shy to raise your hand and call the waiter over.
  • Remember they drive on the right side of the road and people love honking their horn, especially if you take longer than a second to pull off from a traffic light.
  • Bear in mind that in Spain they use euros.
  • If you want to visit different places, we advise you rent a car as it will be easier and quicker to move around the country, although train lines are really efficient but they do not get to all the towns. Buses are not bad either, but are a lot slower.
  • Son muy respetuosos y cordiales y siempre actuarán correctamente ante cualquier situación (hasta que le des varias cervezas que pierden toda la cordialidad).

Thank you for being a big part of our lives and we cannot wait to celebrate with you.