Spain is a versatile country that successfully combines glorious past, modern infrastructure, pristine nature and welcoming people. Spain is a bright and sunny country with many advantages. Many people want to live here because it leads the world in education, medicine, quality of life, low prices and great wages. Life in this country has its own flavor. It has an original delicious cuisine, interesting traditions and special culture. If a foreigner thinks about buying real estate in Spain for investment or for moving in, it is advisable to keep updated about the local traditions and lifestyle.
Siesta and other important customs
Spaniards are reverent about their national traditions and honor national customs. One of the most popular Spanish traditions is a well-known siesta. Siesta is a time set aside for lunch, including sleep. This tradition is firmly rooted among the Spanish people, and despite the fact that Spain now hosts many tourists, locals are in no hurry to give up the opportunity to take a break in the heat of lunch.
Siesta time in Spain occurs in different regions at different times. But often it is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Usually, siesta time coincides with the hottest part of the day. During this period, most stores, restaurants, museums and other institutions are closed.
In Spain, each village has its own customs and traditions. Every settlement in this country has its own patron whose name is greatly revered by the locals. In honor of him the fiestas are held in a luxurious event. The time of the holiday is similar to a siesta. During this period all organizations are closed, and residents are rewarded with a bonus weekend.
Holidays and celebrations
All holidays, or fiestas in Spain can be broken down into:
- National. They are Constitution Day, religious holidays, the Three Kings festival for children.
- Regional. For example, the festival of fire in Valencia, the festival “Romans and Carthaginians” in Murcia, the festival “Moors and Christians” in Alicante, the festival of Sevillana in Seville;
- Local. They are unique for definite locations in Spain.
All celebrations in Spain are organized and carried out in an extremely enchanting, joyful and cheerful way.
Friendliness and hot temperament
A lot of clichés and misunderstandings usually cause the concept of loud conversations that is usual in Spain. The locals do not see anything special in shouting and expressing their emotions. At the same time, Spaniards are very friendly and amiable, and raised tones are simply the traditional method of communication.
You will not find a person among locals who is shy to express feelings or use gestures more intensely. This is a part of their character and it is really great.
Forbidden topics in conversations
In communication with Spaniards, it is recommended not to touch certain topics, such as death or bullfighting. The first is taboo purely because of the religiosity of the locals, while in the latter it is easy for a foreigner with little knowledge of this kind of entertainment to say something offensive.
Locals do not opt to mix their personal and formal relationship. It is better not to expose private life to the public.
It is not polite to ask people about their age. It can be taken as an offense or as an indication of unsuitability for any action.
It is not recommended to criticize the royal house of Spain. Spaniards have a very respectful attitude to the ruling dynasty. Also do not touch religion and especially soccer. Here locals have a whole system of preferences and sympathies, which are impossible to figure out.
The bottom line
Spain is undoubtedly a leader in the ranking of the most beautiful countries in the world. To enjoy the beauty of its cities and the splendor of nature, more than 85 million tourists head here every year. But it is one thing to visit the country as a holidaymaker, and quite another to come here for a long time, maybe even forever.
To make the process of adaptation easier and more comfortable, expats should go to the website Spain-Real.Estate. An extensive collection of high quality housing provides a great opportunity to find your new home.
