Spanish culture and social integration
When interacting with the Spanish, you’ll most likely notice their lower levels of concern for what you consider to be social norms and a greater inclination towards relaxation.
For the Spanish, life is to be lived, and fine cuisine, beverages, dancing, and music are to be relished.
The best way to gain a comprehensive understanding of Spanish culture is to actively participate in their many social gatherings. You only need to observe and listen to gather a deeper insight into their customs and traditions, and you will already start to feel more comfortable in social situations.
The Spanish are generally speaking a very warm and inclusive culture. Yes, there are occasions where you will experience culture shock, however, Spain is without doubt one of the easiest countries in the world to integrate socially.
Culture Shock
In some regions of Spain, prolonged eye contact or staring is more common and might not carry the same implications as it does in other cultures. It can be disconcerting for those coming from cultures where prolonged eye contact is considered impolite or intrusive.
The Spanish also tend to have a smaller personal space ‘bubble’ compared to some other cultures. The bubble tends to get smaller as you travel from North to South. They might stand closer while conversing, or have a different concept of personal boundaries, especially in queues, at the beach, sitting down in restaurants and pubs, etc.
Spain Food Traditions
Lunch is typically the largest meal, often lasting longer, and dinner tends to be served later in the evening than in many other countries. The midday siesta or break is still observed in some parts of Spain, especially in the South and in smaller towns or rural areas. Shops and businesses might close for a few hours in the afternoon.
Spain social culture and traditions
Greetings often involve physical contact, such as kissing on the cheeks (besos) or hugging. This can vary based on familiarity and regional customs.
Spaniards are known for their love of celebrations and festivals, which might involve lively music, parades, and late-night revelry. Noise levels in residential areas during festivals might be higher than expected, and you will often find fireworks during the daytime.
It’s common for social gatherings or meetings to start a bit later than the scheduled time, and arriving exactly on time might be early by local standards.
The Spanish communication style can be direct and outspoken and might come across as abrupt or blunt to individuals from cultures where indirect communication is more common, and politeness is emphasized.
Spaniards tend to have a higher volume of conversation compared to some other cultures, and conversations in public places or among friends are often louder than expected.
Interrupting during conversations is more common in Spain and might not carry the same level of rudeness as it does in some other cultures. NOTE: It’s often perceived as active participation rather than a sign of disrespect.
Spaniards can be direct and assertive in their communication style, which might come across as abrupt to individuals from cultures where more diplomatic or indirect communication is preferred. They will use expressive hand gestures and facial expressions while conversing. These gestures are made to enhance communication but might seem more animated or emphatic to those from cultures where gestures are less prominent.
Spaniards tend to speak quickly, especially in casual conversations or when excited about a topic. This rapid pace might be challenging for non-native speakers to follow. You only need to ask them to repeat, and they will gladly do so.
It’s common to express emotions openly, including passion, frustration, or excitement, which might contrast with cultures where emotional restraint is more common. Engaging in passionate discussions or debates, even in everyday conversations, is a common part of Spanish communication.
Tips for embracing Spanish culture and lifestyle.
Engage with locals, and embrace local customs and traditions. Participate in festivals, events, and community gatherings to connect and learn about the culture first-hand.
Embrace the Spanish dining culture by adjusting to later meal times and enjoying the leisurely pace of meals with family or friends.
Familiarize yourself with Spanish work practices, etiquette, and office dynamics to navigate professional settings more comfortably.
Enrol in language courses offered by community centres, language schools, or cultural institutions. They will often give you tips and insight into local culture and traditions.
Connect with expat groups or forums online or in your area. Exchanging experiences and tips with fellow expats can be valuable for support and advice.
Some Spanish cities also offer cultural integration programs or workshops that provide insights into Spanish customs, traditions, and lifestyle.
Join professional networks or industry-specific groups to understand work culture and connect with professionals in your field.
