Common cultural shocks in Spain: a traveler’s guide

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6 common cultural shocks in Spain you won’t see coming (but will love!)

Traveling to a new country is always exciting, but it often comes with its fair share of surprises. If you’re heading to Spain, you might enter a world of habits and experiences that might leave you scratching your head, to say the least. In this post, we’re going to explore 6 common cultural shocks in Spain. You can take this as your new guide before arriving. Let’s go! 

1. La siesta

Let’s kick things off with a classic: la siesta! In Spain, nap time is serious business. After lunch, it’s totally normal for people to take a siesta, especially in smaller towns. If you’re used to non-stop activity, it might feel a bit strange seeing shops and businesses shut down for a few hours. But hey, research shows naps are actually good for you! So, why not give it a go?

2. Greeting people with kisses on the cheeks & personal space (or lack of it)

You might have seen it in movies, but in Spain, giving two kisses on the cheeks is a common way to greet someone, whether you’re meeting someone new or just saying hello to the person you’ve made plans with. Spanish people are known for being affectionate and expressive, so don’t be surprised if personal space isn’t quite as… personal as you’re used to.

3. The Spanish Venga

Spanish people frequently use the word Venga in a conversation, and it can mean different things: “Let’s go”, “Come on” *with an exasperation tone* or “Okay”. It’s used in a variety of contexts and can be heard often during social gatherings, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it. Venga, you’ll learn how to use it very quickly!

4. Aperitivo and Ir a tomar el vermut

common cultural shocks in spain aperitivo

In Spain, aperitivo and vermut usually refer to the same concept. An aperitivo is a pre-meal drink or snack that Spanish people often enjoy both on the weekends and during the workweek to stimulate apetite. It typically includes small bites like tapas, olives, cheese or crisps, and drinks such as vermouth, sangría, beer or wine. As you probably just deduced, vermut refers to vermouth, the drink, but in Spain, people say they are going to tomar el vermut, in a general sense, meaning that they are meeting for aperitivo and not specifically the drink.

5. Sobremesas

Have you heard about Spain’s long lunches and their sobremesas? The sobremesa is a period of conversation and board games or cards that happens after lunch, usually with a coffee. It is a significant part of social life, especially during celebrations. Look at it as time to socialize and get to know people better!

6. The importance of certain festivals

Spain has a culture of celebrations and festivals that can last for days. These are not just usual celebrations—think of La Feria de Abril in Sevilla, Las Fallas de Valencia or San Fermín in Pamplona. You might be amazed by the importance Spanish people place on these elaborate and sometimes chaotic (but always fun and energetic) celebrations. You should definitely experience them!

Our friendly reminder

Prepare yourself, but in the best of ways: you will probably (and naturally) experience these common cultural shocks in Spain. These differences can initially feel overwhelming but often become cherished aspects of the Spanish experience. Embracing these common cultural shocks not only deepens your understanding of Spain’s rich traditions, but also allows you to grow personally, developing a broader appreciation for diversity! So, as you navigate these surprises, remember: they’re all part of the adventure of Teaching and Living in Spain. Let’s go!

I’m deeply in love with Spain—take me there!

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