Traditions, quirks and habits of the Spanish people

Amazing country Spain. The country is contrasting and colorful. It is inhabited by representatives of different nationalities and cultures.

None of its regions, none of its provinces are alike. Moreover, even the inhabitants of these provinces - the native Spaniards have their own customs and traditions, they speak different dialects, because of which your communication with them can be extremely difficult. Another characteristic feature is increased emotionality in communication: active gestures, a fast pace of speech and its loudness, which is by no means associated with the manifestation of any kind of aggression. It's just their way of communicating.

Spaniards are temperamental and noisy people, but also friendly and open. For some, their temperament and manner of communication may seem unusual. Some tourists may be shocked, for example, if a Spaniard easily starts talking to him on the street and even 'poking' (especially if the person is higher in status and age). It's just that in Spanish the concept of 'YOU' does not exist. Spaniards do not show frustration or resentment - this is not accepted. They are also very gallant, serious, humane and very fond of and appreciate a sense of humor. But the tendency to be late is the norm. Punctuality is a painful topic for Spaniards. Obviously, this is not the trait that they primarily value in a person or even in a business relationship.

Spaniards love to talk, which is why business negotiations are often 'slightly' dragged out. But this is not intentional.

In culture, customs, traditions and habits, the manifestation of the national character is felt in everything: magnificent music, passionate and sensual dances won the hearts of many people from all over the world. Flamenco, sevillanas (a special type of flamenco not in its pure form, common only in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain) are characteristic features of Spanish culture. They are loved and popular outside the country. Also very popular cante jondo - monotonous singing, sardana - Catalan round dance, fandango - Andalusian dance, performed with endless tapping and tapping of castanets.

The national habits of the Spaniards are evidence of their love of pleasure. Favorite activity .... of course, siesta - a two-hour rest or sleep after dinner. Absolutely everyone observes this cultural custom, so life in the country freezes during these hours. Another ancient tradition is paseo - an evening walk, the purpose of which is to visit friends. The consequence of paseo is osio - an idle conversation is always on the street after a walk. These traditions are hundreds of years old. They are carefully preserved and respected by all generations.

In general, Spaniards spend most of their free time outdoors. Spaniards love to walk. But walking for them is a special ritual. They are meticulously prepared even to just go out to meet friends or shop around the corner for small purchases. That's why they take such good care of themselves. This is the so-called informal neatness. What is surprising - the Spaniards spend a significant part of their income on improving their appearance. They like it when others pay attention to them. They are happy to show themselves, and look at others with curiosity.

Another significant ritual is visiting a bar. For the Spaniards, the bar is a temple of communication. In the way of life of any Spaniard, working hours, time for food and sleep are clearly distributed, and of course! - time spent in bars. In them, they meet with friends for a game of cards or dominoes. These meetings are always accompanied by typical Spanish tapas, football matches and fun and friendly conversation with a glass of wine or beer. If the Spaniard did not visit the bar, his obligations to date have not been fulfilled. Thus, bars become the epicenters of social life. Every bar has a TV that broadcasts football matches at high volume. And if you consider that there are also slot machines in the bars, then it is quite difficult to get used to such noise. Another important fact: the Spaniards spend incredible money on lotteries (more than other Europeans). It is very interesting that the floor in the bar is always strewn with olive pits, cigarette butts, mussel shells and napkins. If you do not find such 'decorations' in the bar, then consider that you should not go into it or you are not in Spain. All self-respecting bars that are popular among Spaniards always have such sights.

In general, if we briefly characterize the features of this country, habits and traditions, we get a 'combination of the incongruous.' Bright, sensual and passionate dances, emotionality in communication, and at the same time a leisurely and measured way of life. Craving for pleasure and love of knowledge, open respect for intellectual abilities. But at the same time, the Spaniards do not consider it shameful to go everywhere without a queue. However, you will never meet an elderly person standing in a transport - respect for elders is highly valued here. Politeness is also manifested in such a habit - to hold the door behind the person walking behind, to let the woman go ahead. All this goes without saying.

But in the holidays, the national features of the Spaniards manifested themselves most clearly. It is known that the Spaniards not only love the holidays, but also know how to spend them well. There are national holidays that are celebrated in all regions and regions of the country - Christmas and Easter (the Spaniards are deeply religious people!), Constitution Day, the children's holiday of the Three Kings in January; provincial, which are celebrated in certain areas: for example, the fire festival in Valencia, the 'Romans and Carthaginians' festival in the province of Murcia, 'Moors and Christians' in the province of Alicante, Sevillana in Seville, etc. There are also more 'parochial' holidays - local, urban, rural. Extravaganzas, carnivals and festivals are colorful and fun everywhere. Sometimes their celebration lasts several days or weeks. Such days are officially non-working days.

Of course, the 'calling card' of the country, its symbol and soul is bullfighting. A lot of controversy arose because of this action: some consider it cruel. However, the Spaniards themselves highly value this ancient tradition. Even in ancient India and on the island of Crete, ritual games with bulls were known. They were also common among the ancient Jews, Celts and Phoenicians, who were among the first to colonize the Iberian Peninsula. But in its modern form, the bullfight was held in 1775 in the town of Ronda, not far from Malaga, where the arena was built by the 'Equestrian Noble Society'. Since then, Ronda has become the 'Academy of bullfighting', and subsequently arenas appeared in Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Cordoba.

It is also worth noting that the inhabitants of various regions and settlements have not only their own dialectical features, but also their own symbol and coat of arms. And of course, owls have special folklore traditions. But for all Spaniards, the symbols of the monarchy and the king remain unshakable.

The Spaniards deeply respect the royal court, and God forbid you dare to criticize the ruling royal dynasty in a conversation. You thereby inflict an insult on the entire Spanish people.

There are also other 'forbidden topics' that should not be touched upon in conversation: the topic of death, the topic of bullfighting (if you are an amateur!), religion, football, money (as well as wealth / poverty and prosperity: it is not customary for Spaniards to talk about income level and complaining about poverty), politics and age (do not discuss the age of not only ladies, but also men!).

Spaniards also observe family traditions. It is important to note that they are very fond of children. Children are sacred, they are the center of the family. It is customary to celebrate birthdays and name days, and name days are celebrated especially brightly and violently.

Interestingly, a woman in marriage does not change her surname, so the children receive a double surname - father and mother. If a boy is born first, he is necessarily called the name of the father, and if the daughter is the name of the mother. The Spaniards also like to give nicknames.

However, the Spaniards are in no hurry to tie the knot. The average age of marriage has increased to 30 years, and men agree to say goodbye to freedom no earlier than 33. Accordingly, the first child in a Spanish family usually appears after 30, or closer to 40 years. Sociologists explain the tendency to delay marriage by high housing prices and the difficulties of reconciling work and family. An interesting fact is that Spanish couples get married not only through the registry office (matrimonio civil in civil marriage), but more than half (69%) prefer a Catholic wedding in a church (matrimonio catolico o por iglesia). Undoubtedly, the church ceremony and the wedding mass impress with beauty and pomposity.

But divorce here is a legally complicated procedure. It is possible to formalize a divorce only after five years.

Spain is also known for its gastronomic traditions: a variety of vegetables and fruits, sausages, dried pork ham - jamon (another pride of Spain), meat, fish, seafood, garlic, olive oil, wine (Spain ranks 3rd in the world in the production wine), aromatic herbs and spices: saffron, parsley, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg - all this is Spanish cuisine. Spanish cooks are masters of various sauces.

The cuisines of different regions also have their own distinctive features (there are national dishes: paella, jamon, gazpacho, tortilla, etc., but there are also regional cuisines). For example, in Andalusia - a special incredibly tasty, albeit a little exotic cuisine. Connoisseurs of gastronomic delights will appreciate the variety of 'national notes' of the peoples who once lived in this region. In the menu of each restaurant there is a vivid confirmation of how brightly and harmoniously the traditions of the Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Phoenicians intertwined together.

Spaniards are very fond of pets. At the same time, in addition to cats and dogs, some prefer exotic animals: pythons, crocodiles and even tigers. Of course, when a funny pet grows up and becomes potentially dangerous, he ends up on the street. For this reason, in Spain there are special shelters for abandoned domestic (and not so) animals, and the state adopted a law on punishing negligent owners with a fine. Officially, it is forbidden by law to mistreat our smaller brothers, to beat them, not to feed them, not to walk them, etc., and the punishment involves not only heavy fines, but also judicial responsibility.

Spain occupies a leading position among the most visited countries in the world. Undoubtedly, this country attracts tourists from all over the world not only with its mild sunny climate, beaches, architecture and gastronomy, but also with the charming original disposition of its inhabitants.

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