Spain: Culture and Society

Say Spain and the three things that come into mind is Guitar, Don Quixote and the bullfights. But Spain is much more than that. Every country has its own culture and etiquettes and Spain is no different. It is appreciated if you are well versed with the culture and mannerisms of the country. Culture of Spain is a vibrant one that has won the global fame for its variety. It traces back to Iberian and Latin influences. The Spanish Culture is shaped by the history of the nation, its Mediterranean climate and its geography. This enriching culture of Spain has lots to offer. Spain is many countries all rolled into one therefore the culture in Spain is very varied and interesting. Its Atlantic shores and the huge plains of the interior have very distinct characteristics. Spain has a similarly rich linguistic heritage. There are four official languages; Castilian Spanish (the most commonly spoken), Catalan (used in Catalunya and the Balearics), Basque (spoken in the Basque regions of both France and Spain) and, finally, Galician. As if that weren't enough, there are a number of local dialects such as Valéncian and Andulucian. This is all part of the diverse culture of Spain. The exploration of the Spanish culture remains incomplete without inquiring into their national sport, bullfighting. Bullfighting has been an object of ridicule by the animal lovers worldwide. It is reported that about 24,000 bulls face death each year in Spain during the season of bullfighting. But the sport of bullfighting has made its way in the culture of Spain since 711 AD. There is a fine blend of spiritual and cheerful characteristics in the Spanish culture.

 

Family Values

The family is the most important thing to people in Spain. The family is the basis of the social structure and includes both the nuclear and the extended family, which sometimes provides both a social and a financial support network. Today, it is less common than previously for family members to work in a family business, as personal preferences are important and university education is general. The structure and the size of the family vary, but generally, people live until longer lives, have fewer children than before, and fewer people live in their homes with extended family. Familial networks have become less tight. The greatest changes have occurred inside families, between men and woman, and the parents and children because the values that inspire these relations have changed.

 

Machismo

Traditionally, Spanish men have been known for their macho and chauvinistic behaviour towards women. This however, has changed drastically over the last years and much less of this sort of attitude is seen nowadays. Machismo is the word for male dominance, and the culture of old men who created it has changed dramatically. Spain is a very equalitarian society, the birth rate is the one of the lowest in Europe, and women are present at university and work. While it is acceptable for a visiting businesswoman to invite a businessman to dinner in a business context, it is still extremely difficult for a Spaniard to let a woman pay for his meal. He will expect to pay.

 

Religion

It is no secret that Spaniards are strong believers in Catholicism, it is one thing you definitely can’t miss while travelling through Spain since the church’s physical presence is virtually everywhere – in architecture, art, food and the general lifestyle and celebrations of all Spaniards. The majority of Spaniards are formally Roman Catholic, although different religious beliefs are accepted. During the history of Spain, there have been long periods of where different religious groups have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and Christians. Still some traditions manifest more like a cultural event than a religious one. During Holy Week, many participants of the processions wear peaked, black hats as the sign of a penitent and walk barefoot, carrying a burden of some kind. Religious history is apparent in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost museums. Thousands of Spaniards take to the streets to demonstrate their faith in spectacular and heartfelt processions. Though the processions are often sombre, the overall mood is of a joyful celebration of life.

 

Greetings

When introduced expect to shake hands. Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left. People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when in formal occasion as a general rule. Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person. Spaniards also tend to speak a lot with their hands, gesturing for emphasis. It would also be considered rude to mimic them. Generally both men and women enjoy each other’s company and may openly acknowledge this with a dazzling smile, and be warm and flirtatious. This may not necessarily mean anything though and can be considered as being part of Spanish nature. Spaniards generally stand at a much closer physical distance when conversing than foreigners may be accustomed to. It would be considered rude to step back.

 

Dining Etiquette and Table Manners

If invited to a Spaniard's home, you can bring chocolates, pastries, or cakes; wine, liqueur, or brandy; or flowers to the hostess. If you know your hosts have children, they may be included in the evening, so a small gift for them is always appreciated. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. Use utensils to eat most food. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. The host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal. It is acceptable for a woman to make a toast. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing up, with the handles facing to the right. Do not get up until the guest of honour does.

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. Do not stop talking for too long. Noise is key to any good family meal in Spain. Try to talk to the person diagonally opposite you, and shout if you have to make yourself heard, which is quite likely as everyone else in the room is also talking to the person diagonally opposite them as well. So rare is silence at a the Spanish table that they have an expression for such occasions based on an equally improbable event: “Ha pasado un angel!” – An angel has just flown over the table!

2. If you are invited to dinner, be prepared to stay up late. Most restaurants do not open until after nine o’clock, and often do not get active until around eleven.

3. Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world. The best loved variety of wine in Spain is Rioja, which is highly distinctive, is a full bodied wine, that is available in both red as well as white. There is a custom of drinking wine while having meals in Spain. It is very typically of the Spanish to have a piece of fruit or a dairy product as dessert.

4. Tipping is not generally mandatory in Spain, but tends to vary with the type of venue – an upscale establishment, for example, will be more likely to expect a tip. In restaurants, service is sometimes included in the prices, but this may not make its way to the waiters, so it is acceptable to leave a further 5% to 10% in cash. Tipping taxi drivers is by no means obligatory, although between 5% and 10% is considered good etiquette. The same can be applied for hair stylists, especially if you visit the same one regularly. In hotels, a few Euros for staff is more than acceptable.