July 28: Cantabrian Institutions Day (R) Cantabria. Religious festivals and parades are also very common. Almost every Spanish city has Catholic churches and Cathedrals. Each person has typically two first names and one last name they use. When attending a meeting with a new business partner for the first time, it is advisable to take plenty of information about your company that you can give out. The ways business meetings are conducted differ between different countries. Several people may speak at once. Languages in Spain: How Many Languages Are Spoken in Spain? Spanish literature is credited with the creation of the picaresque genre, which follows the adventures of a rogue protagonist. September 15: Day of the Bien Aparecida (patron saint) (R) Cantabria. 6 Cultural Norms in Spain - Simply Sevilla There remain, however, some important practices that are peculiar to Spain. While these subjects are not necessarily taboo, they are sensitive areas. During the 16th and 17th Centuries the Spanish lost command of the seas to England and subsequently struggled to embrace the industrial and mercantile revolutions taking place over the next century. Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person. Standing too far away during conversation or moving the hands a lot while speaking is also not appropriate, even if the Spanish person models the behavior. The Franco regime sought to preserve what it understood as Spains long-standing traditions and to impose a strict Roman Catholic morality on the country. It is important that you stay in touch with your Spanish counterparts, helping to implement what has been agreed during the business discussions. Expat guide to Spanish Culture and Traditions - HousingAnywhere Reconfirm in writing or by telephone the week before. Not much tipping. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Learn what makes them special in this interesting article about Spanish Dances. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. The stylish fashion, incredible architecture, delicious food, colorful rhythms, and richness of Spanish culture are guaranteed to mesmerize you. So, watching non-verbal clues is crucial for the success of negotiations. If a person invites others out for a particularly special or expensive occasion, there may be an expectation that the host pays for the guests. In the rural farming areas, the tradition of women as the homemakers tends to be more obvious although women and men often share the labour on the land in support of one another. Throughout Spains history one of the most traditional forms of music is the iconic Spanish Guitar music played at family and cultural celebrations across the country. Because of the reluctance among Spaniards to reveal bad news, it is advisable to have where possible, a network of independent, disinterested contacts that can check or interpret what you are being told. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in advance, preferably by telephone or fax. It is rude to toss it in their direction. Photo of street sign in Guatemala by Florida-Guidebook on Unsplash, Many of the holidays in Spain are based on religion. Spaniards do not like to lose face, so they will not necessarily say that they do not understand something, particularly if you are not speaking Spanish. It is common practice to drink wine or sangria over dinner, and it is usual to start a meal with bread and olives as an appetiser. Spanish fiestas (festivals) are large celebrations and carnivals devoted to a specific Saint or City. High-end designers like Cristbal Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne, Manolo Blahnik, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada are Spanish. The section is divided into three parts: general education, foreign language competence and cultural awareness. Spain is home to ingenious representatives of art and architecture. Get inspired with this empowering list of 12 contemporary Spanish Female Artists that are redefining Spain's art scene. Religion 3. Click here to learn more about our cultural awareness webinars. Youll find that several types of sports like basketball, water polo, and surfing; are enjoyed throughout Spain. Business, shopping, and school hours reflect this pattern. In 2020, Spain ranked eighth in the EU for gender equality. The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish. The most obvious, especially for foreign visitors, is the organization of the day and the scheduling of meals. Tennis player Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, set high standards for their competitors around the world. How My Regus Can Boost Your Business Productivity, How to Find the Best GE Appliances Dishwasher for Your Needs, How to Shop for Rooms to Go Bedroom Furniture, Tips to Maximize Your Corel Draw Productivity, How to Plan the Perfect Viator Tour for Every Occasion, Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. Cultures such as the Tongans, French, Brazilians, and Native Americans all have their own taboos. Portuguese Culture - Do's and Don'ts Cultural Atlas Barcelona, Spains most popular tourist destination, was the home of pioneer architect, Antoni Gaud. In Catalonia, children get gifts from a wooden log-looking character known as el To de Nadal. They are often dipped in a chocolate sauce. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. Order via the button below to receive your Spain Insight via email or read more before buying. Present your business card to the receptionist upon arriving. Including sponsoring the successful journey of Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo) and his discovery of the new world. Spanish culture has contributed powerfully to the evolution of the Spanish language. Women do not change their name when they marry. When giving flowers, be aware that red roses have romantic connotations. Decisions are not necessarily reached. Call a Catalan a Spaniard or disrespect a Basque, and well, you may learn a few swear words in a new language. Coffee is drunk in large amounts in Spain. In an informal situation whether with family close friends or virtual strangers they greet women with a kiss on each cheek. This is a face-saving measure to appear competent and in control. It is advisable not to use excessive gestures and to avoid, like backslapping or hugging in the initial phase of a business relationship. Most people will introduce themselves using only their first names. Follow Us A community built resource for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding : Enter your search terms: Submit search form: Web: They joined the European Union in 1986 and became a world-wide leader in freedom and human rights. You may never actually meet the person who ultimately makes the decision. Cultural taboos. It gives you an insight on how society and identity are formed in Spain. Everything You Need to Know About Spanish Architecture, History of Don Quixote and Miguel de Cervantes. Do not leave immediately after a meal is finished. Make sure you say a thorough goodbye before leaving someones house. At the same time, they also become more culturally aware, learn skills and knowledge that are valuable in their business culture in Spain. September 1: Festival of Abrahams Sacrifice (R) Ceuta and Melilla. Learn to prepare some varieties of Spanish tapas, Christian Spain from the Muslim invasion to about 1260, Castilian institutions, society, and culture, Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia, 12761479, The Golden Age in architecture and painting, The French invasion and the War of Independence, 180814, Moderates, progressives, and the generals, The Revolution of 1868 and the Republic of 1873, Primo de Rivera (192330) and the Second Republic (193136), The administration of Felipe Gonzlez, 198296, Spain at the beginning of the 21st century, Zapatero and a new generation of Socialist leadership, Economic recovery and Catalonian independence, Which Country Is Larger By Population? For anyone living in France, the fear of breaking one of the country's many social taboos is a part of everyday life. The population of Spain was46,790,476 as of Friday, June 24, 2022 , which is very similar to 2011 when the population was 46,815,916. They provide an excellent learning environment and support you in developing advanced fluency. Some of which are subsidised by the government and offer primary education free or at a reduced fee. It is seasoned with saffron and various spices. Spanish Customs and Traditions - TripSavvy Furthermore, although the body language of a Spaniard is usually more animated. They receive gifts and theres colorful parades in the cities where they celebrate their long awaited arrival. People are generally more interested in your company and conversation than what gifts you bring. But while on the trip, it is a must to maintain etiquette and respect local cultures to fully enjoy the tour. It is not essential to bring things when visiting Spaniards. Furthermore, decision-making can be slow as various levels of management need to be consulted. Spaniards rarely drink tap water at restaurants. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. In the field of literature, Spains history has been well documented in the written word from medieval times including the. Spain is a very religious country with a large number of churches and other sacred places. Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash, Forming a human tower at a festival in Igualada. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. As mentioned before, Spanish prefer to know people before starting a business relationship, therefore, it is advisable to be open with any questions asked about your business or family life. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Secondly, it is home to fascinating Spanish culture and traditions. This can happen usually in restaurants, when the dishes come out at different times and waiting ma. Cultural Taboos - A cultural taboo is something that is considered inappropriate to do or discuss within a specific cultural or sub-cultural group. All rights reserved. It is important to understand the strong regional cultures and identities that exist in Spain. Such is the case of Semana Santa. July 25: St James' Day (Santiago Apostol) (R) Basque Country and Navarre. Some cultural taboos get their cues from religions that are dominant within a cultural group. Spanish business culture guide - Learn about Spain - SlideShare While tastes and dishes vary throughout this large country, there are some common characteristics. When doing business in Spain, there are certain conversation topics it would be best to avoid. Cultural Taboos and Superstitions - LinkedIn Cultural Clues, Do's & Taboos! Portugal Communication Guidelines . Children in Spain are highly prized and doted upon by parents and extended family. There is some rebellion demanding the law be dropped and returned to the former male dominated hierarchy of inheritance. First names only are used when addressing family, friends and children. As Spain is a hierarchical country, final decisions are only made by the most senior managers in the company. Whether it's a restaurant, bar, or other service, it is not common to tip. Punctuality is not highly important in Spain. Dress as you would in the rest of Europe. The double kiss on the cheek is the signature of Spain, Latin America took this part of Spanish culture and made its own. 10 Things Latino Immigrant Parents Want You to Know, 2 Controversial Hispanic Parenting Styles: What They Can Teach Us, Forget the Easter Bunny: Easter Traditions in Latin America. October 9: Day of Valencia (R) commemorates King James I entering the city of Valencia to free it from Moorish rule in 1238. While this overlaps with religious taboos, some cultures are governed more by social norms than religious norms. Bottled water, both still and sparkling, is also drunk in large amounts by the Spanish as the quality has historically been much better than tap water. Spain has produced incredibly talented songwriters and artists like Plcido Domingo, Enrique and Julio Iglesias, Paco de Luca, Alejandro Sanz, and Rosala. A typical Tapas can involve: Chorizo, Patatas bravas (pieces of potato fried in oil and served in a tomato sauce), spicy lamb meat balls, deep fried calamari, grilled artichoke, aubergine. Predominant ingredients of Spanish gastronomy include garlic, tomato, pepper, potatoes, beans, and curated meats. Inheritance laws have paved the way in the last few decades to bring equality for both sexes. After this date, Spain set out on its path towards democracy and the setting-up of a modern market economy. It was not until 1975, following the death of Franco, that Spain was able to establish a peaceful and democratic society which saw a rapid growth in modernisation and the economy. It is therefore recommended that you provide a printout of the executive summary of your presentation in Spanish. This section will deal with some main aspects of Spanish culture, traditions and lifestyle that have a tangible impact on the way that business is conducted in the country. Your email address will not be published. Nonverbal Communication and Social Taboos of Spain December 26: Saint Stephen's Day (R) Catalonia. When setting up a meeting, it is recommended to make appointments in advance and confirm them by letter, fax or email just before your arrival. Businesswomen travelling to Spain will however be treated with respect. Spanish is the second tongue of people who speak Basque, Catalan, Valencian, and Galician. The country contains 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla on the North African coast) and each region has its own institutional statute. However, Spain has traditionally spent less on education than other western European countries. We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. The first meeting is generally formal and is used as a means to get to know each other. 13. People may not wish to give an outright announcement when the night is at its end. In your business dealings you may never actually meet the person who ultimately makes the decision concerning your proposals. Spains official soccer team won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They also commonly drink bottled mineral water, even though in most parts of the country the tap water is perfectly safe. wars, politics and religion. Firstly, Spain is the birthplace of the second most spoken language around the world. You should be particularly careful when visiting such places to ensure that your clothes are appropriate. Although men still hold the majority of senior positions within companies and it is difficult to find women in some traditionally muscular professions. As the relationship develops, it is acceptable to invite your Spanish counterpart out to more informal social gatherings, such as at a restaurant or dinner party. You may be interrupted while you are speaking although this should not be seen as an insult. The way business is conducted in Spain is more relaxed compared to other Western European nations; you should be prepared for rather time-consuming and lengthy negotiations. Keep your hands visible above the table, with your wrists resting on the edge. Probably the most iconic of all the quirky Catalan traditions is the 'castells', or 'human towers'. Some customs and taboos: * When eating in company, you don't start eating before everybody has their dish. The article series #Cultural #Clues, Do's & #Taboos' is a brief synopsis of #conversation #guidelines, #tips for successful #communication, and #strategies for #business that will help . These fiestas have traditional foods, fireworks, dancing, handmade decorations, parades, concerts, and theater. This will help you to gain respect for their culture, which in turn will make your Spanish counterparts respect you. (The few exceptions are bars, restaurants, and the large department stores, which do not close at midday.) The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Money 2. In addition, the majority of towns and villages have important annual fiestas and/or ferias that may last several days. Spanish food is frequently thought to be very spicy, but, apart from a few dishes that contain small amounts of a mild chili pepper, the most piquant ingredient in general use is paprika. Since the 1960s, university enrolments have nearly quadrupled. Legumes, especially lentils and chickpeas, also form an important part of the Spanish diet. Be aware that flowers are not common gifts since they cant be easily shared. You can also read about American taboos here. You should allow sufficient time in your schedule for getting to know your business partners properly, before the start of negotiations. Spain is in the Central European time zone and adheres to CET (UTC+1) during the winter and CEST (UTC+2) during the summer months from March to October. September 8: Day of Asturias / Day of Extremadura (R). Taboos are part of the cultural identity. The south eastern part of the country is semi-dry and the Canary Islands are subtropical. Spanish people have 2 names and 2 surnames; the first surname belongs to the father and the second to the mother. Its the perfect opportunity to understand the languages origin and social context. Basic Etiquette. The female traditionally wears a flouncy red dress and dances to the music holding in her hand castanets, (small concave pieces of wood in two parts joined by chord) which are clicked as the dancer twirls and stamps her feet. American fast-food chains have franchises in all the major cities, and much of the television programming and many of the popular films are foreign, the bulk of the programs and films being from the United States. Start a conversation about sports with this practical Guide to Spanish Sports Vocabulary. It is always important to follow-up after the completion of a business deal to express thanks and to reinforce the personal relationships that have been created. Traditionally, the family has been the basis of the social structure, including the nuclear and the extended family, which provide both social and financial support. March 20: Monday after Saint Joseph's day (R) Extremadura and Madrid. The Origin and History of the Spanish Paella. El Salvador - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette Communication regarding business relationships is often quite formal and incorporates strict rules of protocol. Read this insightful article about the largest Spanish fiesta, The Pyrotechnic Celebration of Las Fallas de Valencia. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. It often means that they are interested in what you are saying. Older adults are introduced with the prefixes Don and Doa (Mr. & Mrs), to show them more respect and formality. Cite this Article in your Essay (APA Style), Privacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsDisclaimerAccessibility StatementVideo Transcripts. What will you Learn in this Guide to Spain? This is a normal way of doing business in Spain that affects everyone, and you should not let it put you off or make you feel disadvantaged. Spanish is now spoken around the world due to the Spain's colonialist past. Spanish people usually do not hurry; so dont be surprised if your Spanish counterparts are late for a meeting or do not meet a deadline on time. Paella - the quintessentially Spanish dish. Over recent decades, the Spanish education system has enjoyed a huge success in getting the population into higher education. Do not wear a hat while seated at a table If someone turns up late and apologises, people are likely to respond with something like . The old traditions relating to the nobility clinging to power and having no involvement in manual labour and commercial activity have long since passed and many members of the nobility now work in middle-class professions. Spain - Business Culture It is important therefore that you should never appear intrusive, but always be available. As far as family is concerned in modern Spain, men and women tend to share the parenting and household responsibilities particularly in urban areas where more women are likely to work outside the home in the cities. Cultural Taboos You Must Be Aware of Before Visiting Latin America Avoid getting too drunk at a meal. Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with whom they do business. October 12: Spain's National Day / Columbus Day commemorates when Columbus landed in the New World in 1492 (N), November 1: All Saints Day (Fiesta de Todos los Santos) (N). The knowledge of traditional values and attitudes of the people will help you to understand them better and adapt the way you do business accordingly. Spanish people are proud and very protective of their standing and how others perceive them. People can arrive half an hour late to a social function with no questions raised. Spain is a predominantly Roman Catholic country with approximately 94% of the population affiliated to that religion. Spaniards expect both sides to strictly adhere to the terms of a contract. If you are doing business with the Spanish or relocating to Spain for work, why not invest in some customized cultural awareness training? The workday resumes in the late afternoon, between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, and continues until about 8:00 pm. Spanish culture is known for having well-known musical melodies and rhythms. WATCH: Belly dancer Yousha Hussain breaks taboos in Pakistan around Succession : Inside Shiv and Tom's Toxic, Twisted Relationship . http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/business_etiquette_and_business_culture_in_spain/. 6 Unique Festivals in Spain You Wont Find Anywhere Else, 29 Cool and Catchy Spanish Phrases To Use With Friends [+Audio], A Fun Kids Guide to Opposites in Spanish (Free Lesson and Activities), 3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce, Food for Thought: 6 Spanish Foods to Learn About (and try! Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. Say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment. Its known for having processions that commemorate the Passion of Christ. He played a key role in the design of whimsical and complex architectural masterpieces in the Catalan city such as La Sagrada Familia and Parc Gell. (Image from: www.lastingimpressions.wordpress.com) 7. In Spain, people often choose their own table at a restaurant instead of waiting to be seated. To understand the Spanish way of life better, we're sharing 18 important aspects that influence Spanish culture, customs, and traditions. There remain, however, some important practices that are peculiar to Spain. Numerous works have been written about the Spanish Civil War which raged from 1936 to 1939. It is expected that parents friends give gifts to children when it is their birthday. You can usually gauge when a host is ready for you to leave their home when they stop offering you more drinks. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. | 8 Cultural taboos Although the Spanish are usually open and tolerant to other cultures, there are some issues that are best avoided in casual conversation or business encounters. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Legislation has been in place since 2007 to ensure equality in the terms and conditions of employment. Paella is a special favourite food that the Spanish enjoy, which is made with rice and shellfish. Everyday desserts are usually a piece of fruit or dairy product, whereas cakes, large flans and puddings tend to be reserved for special occasions. Answer (1 of 2): Some customs and taboos: You can eat before everybody else if the other people tell you to do it. Experience these traditions for yourself and plan a cultural trip to Spain. Spanish culture is very-well represented in literature. The novel by author Miguel de Cervantes is over 400 years old. Therefore, try to eat everything on your plate. While some are almost universal (like moral taboos like cheating and stealing), others are very specific to countries or regional cultural groups. Spain has made significant progress on equal opportunities for both gender. Cultural, religious and food taboos are not mutually exclusive. Well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Salvador Dal, and Joan Mir are Spanish. Punctuality is not highly important in Spain. The quality of private sector schools varies greatly and as many of them are severely underfunded. Eating out in Spain is exceptionally popular and generally considered to be part of the national culture. Lunch (. By law, the service charge is included in the bill in Spanish restaurants, hotels, etc. Whats the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino? To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. A Brief Introduction to Spanish Culture, Traditions, and Beliefs Traditionally women in Spain were the homemakers and men provided for the family. When dealing with the Spanish, extreme patience and respect for their culture is required for successful negotiations. Northern and mountainous regions, the climate is tougher and it is usual to see snow from the winter months until the end of spring. The country is home to beloved museums of classical and contemporary art that pay homage to Spanish culture, traditions, and history. It is important to be aware that numbers can be particularly unreliable in Spanish culture. Spain - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette They are raised to have respect for their elders and to observe family values and obedience. When arranging the initial meeting, it is advisable to choose a time around mid-morning. In Spanish culture, youre expected to bring a gift when youre invited to someones house for dinner. Do not talk about religion. Dinner is usually eaten between 9pm and 11:30pm. People can arrive half an hour late to a social function with no . Photo by Klli Kittus on Unsplash, Catholicism has a big influence over Spanish culture and life. Visitors to Spain should be aware that there are two quite distinct business cultures. They usually stem from the religions founding documents (such as the Bible, Torah, or Quran) and include rules designed to protect civil behavior and hygiene. Get inspired with this empowering list of 12 contemporary Spanish Female Artists that are redefining Spains art scene. ), Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries, Ahead of the Pack: How Becoming Bilingual Now Can Leap your Child Ahead of Their Peers, 10 Best Spanish Learning Programs for Kids in 2023. Agendas are often used but not always and they are not always strictly adhered to. The country suffered enormous hardship during the civil war which raged between 1936 and 1939 and resulted in thirty six years of military dictatorship by General Francisco Bahamonde (Franco).

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