It’s with heavy hearts we post this piece. After three wonderful months in Spain, we must continue on our global journey. But first we head home for the holidays. Note that our posts from Spain aren’t yet finished. Over the next few weeks, we will post more from our adventures in Spain and around Europe.
You may have read our recent post about our first week of living in Sevilla. Since then, we have learned about and experienced many local customs in Spain both through our personal experiences and from what E has learned in her language school (not only do they teach language, they also discuss the history of Spain, a little politics and the local customs). We wanted to share with you some of the more major customs so that when you visit this beautiful country, you will know how Spaniards do things.
The first insight may not be totally surprising. Spaniards are usually punctual when it comes to work engagements and other professional meetings. In their free time, however, things are much more relaxed. For instance, if a friend of yours hosts a party in their home and tells you to come over at 11:00pm, arrive about 30 minutes late. Otherwise, you will be the only person there, which makes for an awkward time. Yes – 11:00pm is a common start time for a party. Expect to stay until the wee hours of the morning. This 30-minute buffer also applies to meeting at a bar or restaurant.
A friend has invited you to their home for dinner. In this case, don’t show up more than ten minutes late. ALWAYS arrive with a small gift (a bottle of wine or dessert etc.). During the meal, make sure to tell them how much you are enjoying the food. Also, wait for them to serve you more. Don’t help yourself to seconds. And finally, it is customary to thank them again when you are leaving and tell them that next time dinner will be at your home (then actually invite them).
In relation to being offered seconds at a meal, or being offered a snack when visiting someone’s home, or a piece of candy etc. – never accept the offer the first time. It is customary to decline by thanking them and politely saying no. The person will ask you again and you only accept on the second or third ask.
When you are offered a drink, wait for the host to make a toast before you take a sip. If you aren’t offered a second drink, it is time to go home.
When you are ready to leave the party, dinner or outing – you absolutely CANNOT make a quick exit. Furthermore, don’t expect to leave when you say you are ready. It is customary to let everyone know you are tired and must go and then stay for “un rato” – another undefined period of time to slowly make your exit. E and S are very familiar with this concept growing up in Jewish and Indian homes respectfully.
When someone comes to your home for the first time, it is customary to give them a complete tour of your home, including all of the bedrooms.
When you dine out with friends, it is customary to always split the bill in equal parts, regardless of what everyone consumed. The alternate is to take turns paying the complete bill (the same friend never pays for consecutive meals). In general, Spaniards will not ask for separate checks or split a bill unevenly.
Speaking of paying the bill in a bar or restaurant – tipping is not expected here. Only tourists tip. The first couple of times we did – as we were used to doing, the staff would thank us a million times or say – “please, it’s not necessary”. Yes, the service is a little slower, but the staff are always pleasant and genuine. We have not been tipping – and we really hope we don’t forget to start tipping again when we come back to the States.
People don’t typically walk into a restaurant and order food to go. The purpose of going to a restaurant is to fully enjoy it. Spaniards typically take a full lunch – disappearing for 60 to 90 minutes for lunch. They don’t get food and bring it back to their desks at work (except for S apparently). Most restaurants are not prepared for selling take out and don’t always have containers available.
If it is your birthday (or another occasion) and you receive a gift, always open it right away and tell them how much you love it. Never save a gift to open outside of their presence.
Spaniards always greet each other verbally. Don’t walk into a store or office and look at someone without saying “buenos días” or another greeting. Head nods or a waive are not sufficient. When meeting someone in a professional environment, you will shake hands. In a social environment it is very common to give two kisses (one on each cheek). This is not just something you see in movies – it does happen. As a man, if you have any doubt about whether to kiss a woman’s cheek – she will usually be the one to offer you her cheek beforehand. Two men will usually do a quick side hug if they have met before.
Married women and men wear their wedding rings on their right hand.
If you call someone, you should introduce yourself before asking to speak to the person. Also, it isn’t polite to call during siesta hours (from 2:00pm to 5:00pm) and if you do so, you should apologize in advance.
Drivers are very patient in Sevilla. Even taxi drivers. You won’t hear people honking their horns very often. Most of the streets here are extremely narrow. Maneuvering around the corner and dropping people off can quickly cause a backup of traffic. People sit in their cars very patiently and chat. You will not have a problem crossing the street, all cars (even taxis and buses) will stop and wait for you to cross.
Elections in Andalusia are taking place as we write this post. Elections take place on Sunday. As we’ve mentioned before, most businesses are closed on Sundays, making it possible for everyone to do their duty. Polls are also open for 12 hours, so even shift workers have time to vote.
It’s extremely difficult to get a job in Spain. We have talked to several locals that have two master’s degrees, and they still can’t find any work. The work force in general is not very proficient. Studies show that Spaniards work long hours, but mostly not efficient hours. Even so, the employees reap a lot of benefits. From the first day you are employed, you receive a minimum of 30 days of vacation each year plus sick leave. In addition, you are granted 15 days of vacation when you get married – so that you can have a proper honeymoon. Most employees receive an extra weeks’ pay in June and December, for summer holidays and Christmas. Many businesses close for the entire month of August. Some Spaniards work as contractors or vendors vs full time employees to circumvent the complicated employment rules.
There are several other customs and general ways of doing things that we are continuing to learn. It’s been interesting learning and observing all of these during our time here in Sevilla. Are there any customs here that surprise you? Are there any interesting customs you have learned in your travels? We would love to hear your feedback!
Wearehere 