The idea of moving to Spain is pretty exciting. A whole new country to explore, a new language to master and of course, a new way of life to get used to. Whilst many of the things that they do in Spain are just the same as here in the UK, there are a few aspects of everyday life that you are going to find are a little bit different.
To help you avoid making a faux pas or two, we have put together our guide to learning Spanish customs and etiquette in various aspects of Spanish life.
1. Appreciate family
It is important to remember that in Spain, life is family, and family is life. This means that at any celebration you have or go to, extended family is expected to have an invitation. Failure to do this might offend.
Not only this, but many people have elderly family members living with them when they can no longer live alone; this means that they can take proper care of them and ensure that they have all their needs met.
2. Food is essential- especially lunch
One of the pros of living in Spain is that food is a key part of life. Particularly when it comes to lunch. This is had between 2 pm and 4 pm and for many is often the biggest meal of the day. Around this time the shops and even whole communities come to a stop and focus on this meal.
Not only this, but they also take the time to have a siesta, where they will escape the hottest part of the day and relax at home.
It is this late approach to lunch that means that many Spanish people do not eat their dinner until 10 pm, which can be a bit of a shock when you first move there.
3. Don’t be offended if you are not invited over
Most Spanish people prefer to do their socialising away from their homes, such as in bars and restaurants. This means that they can then go home and unwind as and when they wish. However, this is quite different to here in the UK where we will often invite our friends and family over to our home to see us.
If you do not receive an invitation to a friend's home, then do not get offended. It may come with time, or, like it is for many people, it may not come at all!
4. Dress appropriately for the activity
Of course, it is warm in Spain, especially in cities such as Barcelona, and therefore, you will want to dress for the weather. But you also need to dress for the activity.
If you plan on visiting a church, you must avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless clothing (this includes men). This is largely because baring some skin, no matter how innocently, could be considered offensive to those who are heading there to pray.
5. You may need to wait
This isn’t necessarily true for everyone in Spain, particularly in business and the working world, but there is often a feeling that timings are a guideline rather than an expectation.
This means that you may often find yourself waiting around for someone else. Try not to get frustrated by this, instead, you should use the time to relax. It is not uncommon for someone to keep you waiting for 10 to 20 minutes and this does not mean that they do not care about your meeting or do not value your time.
6. But don’t rush off after eating a meal
Time is another factor in leaving a social situation, as is being made to wait for someone to turn up. You are often expected to stay around after eating with friends.
This is when drinks are had, stories are shared, and bonds are made. This means that the last thing that you should do is rush off after you have finished eating. Instead, settle down for at least a couple of hours of chat.
7. Gifts should be shared
If you are heading to someone’s house as a guest (lucky you), you will probably want to give them a gift.
In the UK, the most common gift seems to be flowers. However, this has not had the same impact in Spain. Spaniards view gifts brought by guests as something that should be shared with others in the house. This means that you need to take something that can be easily shared, such as wine or chocolates. You shouldn't be offended when the host offers them around rather than just tucking in themselves.
8. Be prepared to learn Spanish
While there are many Spanish people who can speak English (or at least some English), depending on where you choose to live, you are more likely to find those who do not.
This means that to get by, you will need to be able to speak at least a littleSpanish.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to work on your Spanish and master the language; you just need to make sure that you put the effort in.
9. Respect the area where someone is from
Spain is a country as a whole, but those who call it their home are fiercely proud of their particular regions and areas. This means that a specific person might be offended if you assume that they are from one area and they are from another.
So, be prepared to get used to asking where someone is from and being respectful of this and how important it is to them.
To make the right impression in Spain, you will have to take the time to learn more about and understand what is expected of you as a newbie!
Are you looking to relocate to Spain?
Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure and a chance to embrace a new culture and way of life. From enjoying long, relaxed lunches to understanding the importance of family and regional pride, settling into Spain can be fun and rewarding.
By learning the customs and traditions, you’ll avoid awkward moments and build stronger connections with those around you. With a bit of effort and an open mind, you’ll soon feel at home and ready to enjoy everything this unique country offers.
As a trusted international removal company, we’re here to help you settle into your dream home in Spain. With extensive experience assisting people in starting their new lives in this vibrant country, we’re ready to make your move as smooth as possible. Contact us for a no-obligation quote, and let us help you take the first step toward your exciting new chapter in Spain.