cultural taboos in spain

Therefore, you should make sure you are conducting negotiations with the person who has decision-making authority within the company. The host gives the first toast, which is returned by the guest later in the meal. Dinner is usually eaten between 9pm and 11:30pm. Els Castells. Children in Spain are highly prized and doted upon by parents and extended family. July 25: St James' Day (Santiago Apostol) (R) Basque Country and Navarre. In Spain, the most common way to pay for something is . This is due to many unique barriers to care. Inheritance laws have paved the way in the last few decades to bring equality for both sexes. 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? A teachers job is not as highly regarded as in other western European countries. Yet most often both superstitions and taboos have a cultural background. Money Don't ask people how much they make, nor how much they pay for rent. In 2008, Spain suffered a catastrophic economic recession but has begun recovery showing three years of GDP growth above the EU average. Spain produces large quantities of high-quality olive oil and wine. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. They believe bringing an old broom is bad luck. Unfortunately, cultural, religious and food taboos are different around the world. This consists of six academic years from 6 years of age through to 12 years. 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! 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. They tend to talk over one glass for a long time. When dealing with the Spanish, extreme patience and respect for their culture is required for successful negotiations. Unemployment rate: 17.8% (Apr 2017) Eurostat, GDP per capita: 26,528.49 USD (2016) World Bank, Gross domestic product: 1.232 trillion USD (2016) World Bank, Government debt: 99.4% of GDP (2016) Eurostat, GDP growth rate: 3.2% annual change (2016) World Bank. The following section highlights the general business and educational environment of Spain and focuses on the attitudes and values of the Spanish. September 1: Festival of Abrahams Sacrifice (R) Ceuta and Melilla. Women do not change their name when they marry. Spain has a long history of art and culture which was severely affected during Francos dictatorship (1939-1975) when many artists were forced to pursue their craft in exile. Cultural taboos in Spain include being overly friendly or engaging in close body contact with someone, such as hugging or patting someone's back, who isn't a close friend or family member. Spaniards pay attention on what they say and how they say it. Spain is a very diverse country and each region has its own unique character and distinctive atmosphere. 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. This was particularly so in the 15th century, when the country started to flourish under the rule of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabel of Castile. Furthermore, decision-making can be slow as various levels of management need to be consulted. During siesta time the majority of businesses close. It is usually eaten in bars whilst socialising with friends and family. Another favourite is the Tapas, which is an assortment of appetizers which may be hot or cold. Although the majority of the population speaks Spanish or Castellano, they speak other native languages there. It is important therefore that you should never appear intrusive, but always be available. You should allow sufficient time in your schedule for getting to know your business partners properly, before the start of negotiations. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. ), 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. For anyone living in France, the fear of breaking one of the country's many social taboos is a part of everyday life. Everything You Need to Know About Spanish Architecture, History of Don Quixote and Miguel de Cervantes. Using the "come here" gesture like Americans do when you stick out your index finger and curl it in, have a much different meaning in Spain. Although their unemployment record has fallen it remains high particularly among the young people of Spain. So even if you feel like yawning, please make sure to cover your mouth or hide your teeth so that you do not offend anyone. While this overlaps with religious taboos, some cultures are governed more by social norms than religious norms. People are generally more interested in your company and conversation than what gifts you bring. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork. Spaniards rarely drink tap water at restaurants. The tourists not only bring foreign currency to the country, they also brought the democratic, political and social values of Western Europe. Cultural Clues, Do's and Taboos for SPAIN! 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. So, it is advisable to check regional and local calendars, as well as the list of national holidays, before arranging meetings and making travel plans. Photo by Klli Kittus on Unsplash, Catholicism has a big influence over Spanish culture and life. In many cases, the sobremesa is the main point of the visit, extending far into the morning. Use utensils to eat most food. Cultural, religious and food taboos are not mutually exclusive. Traditionally women in Spain were the homemakers and men provided for the family. There is no concept of a middle name although the first name is sometimes a composite of two names - eg: Jos Luis. September 11: Day of Catalonia (R) marks the anniversary of the recapture of Barcelona in 1714. Some of which are subsidised by the government and offer primary education free or at a reduced fee. Food is a strong foundation of Spanish culture. In order to understand Spanish culture fully, it is necessary to take part in social events and understand their habits and traditions. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. However, the economic policies of the 1960s that opened Spain up to foreign investment and tourism and encouraged Spaniards to work in other European countries also invited foreign influences, which undermined the governments desire to protect or isolate Spanish culture. October 9: Day of Valencia (R) commemorates King James I entering the city of Valencia to free it from Moorish rule in 1238. It is important to be aware that numbers can be particularly unreliable in Spanish culture. However, issues have arisen for the royal family and nobility in Spain regarding a recent change in law appertaining to the inheritance of titles and property which prevent a son from taking precedence over an older sister. Traditional styled clothing representative of Spanish culture is possible to admire in toreros (bullfighters), Flamenco dancers, and during festivities. It is recommended that you show an interest in learning about life in Spain, while providing them with the resources and information they need to reach their objectives. Any form of confrontation is not acceptable and should be avoided. The climate in Spain is for the most part Mediterranean. Greet people when they enter an elevator/lift. I strongly believe there are more creative ways to solve the issues our world is facing and I like doing my part in any way I can. Spanish culture or lifestyle is very different to other western European cultures, with a much more laid back attitude. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. In Spain when you yawn or stretch in public, it actually means that you are bored with the person talking to you. Here students enjoyed the right not to receive instruction that violated their religious beliefs. A formal contract will be drawn up at a later date. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging. Historically, the royal family is at the top of the social strata in Spain which is embodied by the titled nobility and aristocracy. Spanish is the second tongue of people who speak Basque, Catalan, Valencian, and Galician. Naming tradition. Spain is a complex cultural mix. June 24: St John's Day (San Juan) (R) Catalonia. Start a conversation about sports with this practical Guide to Spanish Sports Vocabulary. Its known for having processions that commemorate the Passion of Christ. 1. 35.1% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 46.2%. Whether social, religious or cultural, culinary customs are commonly associated with a multitude of nationally accepted "rules." The dance comes from the music traditions of Southern Spain in the areas of Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia. 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. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the largest celebrations. A sound relationship is an integral part of successful negotiations in Spain. Older adults are introduced with the prefixes Don and Doa (Mr. & Mrs), to show them more respect and formality. and is used to get to know one another. 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. Photo of church in Menorca by Alan Findlay on Unsplash. Cultures such as the Tongans, French, Brazilians, and Native Americans all have their own taboos. In Catalonia, children get gifts from a wooden log-looking character known as el To de Nadal. In fact, most taboos are enforced not by governments but by subtle social signals that demonstrate disapproval of taboo behaviors. Galicia, for example, is famed for its seafood, including dishes of baby eels and Vizcayan-style codfish; Catalonia is renowned for meat and vegetable casseroles; and Valencia is the homeland of paella, a rice dish made with seafood, meats, and vegetables. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-spain.html. http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/content/562. Some cultural taboos get their cues from religions that are dominant within a cultural group. El ftbol (soccer) is the highest-grossing sport in Spain. These fritters aremade of flour-based batter that is piped into extremely hot fat and fried, then rolled in cinnamon-laced sugar, resulting in a treat that is sweet and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. Including sponsoring the successful journey of Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo) and his discovery of the new world. 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. Have one side of your card translated into Spanish. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with whom they do business. People are living longer and having less children. Although there might be some regional variations, there are usually a number of typical characteristics that you should be aware of when conducting business in that country. Updated: 30/04/2023 - 14:40 WATCH: Belly dancer Yousha Hussain breaks taboos in Pakistan around professional dance In Pakistan, Yousha Hussain has a unique passion - he is training to be a belly. You must be adept at discerning body language. First performed in 1712, the tradition has become a staple for Catalan festivals . . Wine is the most popular drink served at dinner, usually a Rioja or Valdepenas. Spain is a large country with many regions each having their own version of traditional cuisine. The workday resumes in the late afternoon, between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, and continues until about 8:00 pm. El Da de Reyes Magos (Day of the Three Kings) is widely celebrated across the country and is a favorite holiday for children. However, Spain has traditionally spent less on education than other western European countries. The most important period of celebration in Spain is Holy Week (Semana Santa), the annual tribute to the Passion of Jesus Christ. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. In cases where the service has been exemplary, you may choose to leave an additional tip of around 5%. When addressing a professional then use titles where appropriate (e.g. Las tapas are usually a mix of small preparations like cold cuts, cheeses, croquetas (croquettes), calamares (squid), and more. When arranging the initial meeting, it is advisable to choose a time around mid-morning. Spain has the highest number of public holidays in Europe, with at least fourteen, mostly national, but also regional and local. Spanish culture is very-well represented in literature. Everyone usually embraces before departing. There are 3 Types of Taboos: cultural, religious, and food. 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. Spains official soccer team won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. When taking printed material to meetings, ensure both English and Spanish versions are available. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/member-countries/spain/index_en.htm, http://www.ine.es/en/inebmenu/mnu_cifraspob_en.htm, http://www.tradingeconomics.com/spain/indicators, http://www.mecd.gob.es/educacion-mecd/en/areas-educacion/sistema-educativo.html, http://alerce.pntic.mec.es/~lmil0005/Education%20In%20Spain.pdf, http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/qanda_en.htm, http://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural-training/culture-for-business-and-management/doing-business-in/Spanish-business-and-social-culture.php, http://www.spanish-living.com/starting-business-spain/etiquette, Business Culture, Communication Access & Realtime Translation (CART), Startup Management: How to Setup a Successful Online Business, A Job in Dublin : 5 Reasons to Work in Ireland. 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. July 28: Cantabrian Institutions Day (R) Cantabria. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Punctuality is not highly important in Spain. About 17% of the population speak Catalan, 7% speak Galician and 2% speak Basque. A religious taboo is something that is banned by a religion. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. However, the number of smoke-free places is gradually increasing. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Traditionally it was followed by a napthe famous siestabut, because most people now commute between home and work, this custom is in decline. A taboo is something you shouldn't do, this could be a gesture of something as simple as a handshake. Below, Ill provide examples of each type of taboo. https://helpfulprofessor.com/taboo-examples-cultural-religious-food/. Spaniards that have worked or been educated outside Spain will be a valuable resource in this respect, since they are more likely to be sympathetic and supportive in your desire to know the truth. Other traditions like the running of the bulls of San Fermn in Pamplona, and the tomato fights of la Tomatina are experiences that draw millions of people and tourists to celebrate Spanish culture. Spains powerful empire began when Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492 which led to the colonisation of most of South and Central America, Mexico, parts of the Caribbean and much of what is now the USA. The traditional meal of Tapas consists of small dishes of a variety of different foods, from seafood to potatoes, and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors with my dogs. Spains powerful empire began when Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492 which led to the colonisation of most of South and Central America, Mexico, parts of the Caribbean and much of what is now the USA. Sign up for a free class with our certified teachers from Guatemala. Nowadays, various government initiatives are in place to promote equal opportunities. 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. . First you must reach an oral understanding. Greet people when they enter an elevator/lift. Each person has typically two first names and one last name they use. Religious history is apparent in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal. Spain has played a crucial role in world history. Spain extends 505,182 km2 over the Iberian Peninsula to the southwest of Europe. Reconfirm in writing or by telephone the week before. Spain is a country with a rich history. The second largest religion of Spain is Islam due to recent arrivals of African and Middle Eastern refugees. All rights reserved. This will help you to gain respect for their culture, which in turn will make your Spanish counterparts respect you. Lunch, rather than dinner, is usually the best time for a business meal, beginning between 1pm and 2pm. Often, written statements are not given as much importance as in, for instance, the UK or Germany. One should always ask for their permission first to light a cigarette in front of your Spanish associate. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost museums. Soft drinks, both domestic and imported, are widely available. It is a short nap Spanish people take in the early afternoon. This familiarity with Spanish traditions makes you contextualize, absorb vocabulary and idioms, and become more confident in your language skills. It is better to decline a large portion or second serving rather than leaving food on your plate. http://spanishsabores.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/an-expats-guide-for-dining-out-in-spain/. They can be something you do, a day . Everyday desserts are usually a piece of fruit or dairy product, whereas cakes, large flans and puddings tend to be reserved for special occasions. Lunch (. Especially when dealing with outsiders, Spaniards will often insist that everything is in perfect order, even when this is not the case. Learn More: How Many Languages Are Spoken in Spain? Enjoy subscriber-only access to this articles pdf. The first meeting is generally formal and is used as a means to get to know each other. Greetings and introductions are a fundamental particularity of Spanish culture. Sometimes goodbyes can be quite prolonged from the time that someone actually announces his or her departure. If receiving a gift it should be opened immediately in the presence of the giver. It is especially good to ensure the gift is beautifully wrapped. About The Helpful Professor To celebrate New Year, people in Spain eat a grape for each month of the year for good luck. March 20: Monday after Saint Joseph's day (R) Extremadura and Madrid. Expect meals to be served at later times. They have to learn taboos that are often not explicitly taught or discussed, making it difficult to know what is and is not considered appropriate within their new society. It is expected that parents friends give gifts to children when it is their birthday. Learn what makes them special in this interesting article about Spanish Dances. In Thailand, don't touch the head of someone older than you, or, in general, don't touch the head at all. The most well-known bar food, known as tapas, usually consists of prepared dishes, many of which are quite elaborate and are often smaller versions of main-course dishes. Processions are such an important part of Spanish culture, the tradition was taken to Latin America and became highly popular in countries like Guatemala. Children in Spain are given a first name which is then followed by the paternal surname and then the mothers surname. The Spanish enjoy meals as a social activity and do not necessarily expect to discuss business at the table. Do not be surprised if no business is actually conducted during the first meeting. If you need to give an object to someone, pass it to them. At meetings you may find that several people are speaking at once and interruptions are common. Businesswomen travelling to Spain will however be treated with respect. The Spanish are superstitious about the number 13. http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/business_etiquette_and_business_culture_in_spain/. Experience these traditions for yourself and plan a cultural trip to Spain. In Spain, education serves as an important instrument in national integration by promoting equal opportunities as well as democratic, social and cultural-values. http://www.strongabogados.com/business-culture.php, Share your European work/study experiences. Do not expect dinner in the evening to be any time before 9pm. Literally, the whole country gets paralized when these two teams face each other in El Clsico. Always bear in mind that social bonds must be built first, before business can be discussed. Spanish business culture places great emphasis on authority within organisations and decisions will be made by the most senior manager present in a meeting. There are also more traditional small to medium enterprises and family businesses that account for the majority of Spains GDP. Writing, communicating, and creating are my passions. To understand the Spanish way of life better, we're sharing 18 important aspects that influence Spanish culture, customs, and traditions. 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. Language barriers can make communicating with providers difficult, or even impossible, particularly when a person is seeking counseling for sensitive or uniquely . If the hosts of the dinner party have children it is considered good etiquette to take a small gift for them. When you arrive for appointment, it is advisable to present your business card to the receptionist, which ideally should be printed in Spanish and English with the Spanish side facing up. 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. Visitors to Spain should be aware that there are two quite distinct business cultures. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. www.commisceo-global.com. 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. The word taboo stems from the Tongan word tabu or tapu, which roughly translates to forbidden. Get inspired with this empowering list of 12 contemporary Spanish Female Artists that are redefining Spain's art scene. Spaniards expect both sides to strictly adhere to the terms of a contract. From Andalusia comes gazpacho, a delicious cold soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and cucumber, while the cattle-producing region of Castile boasts succulent roasts and air-dried hams. Roman and Celtic influence is evident in the varied styles of Spanish music and dancing. Money 2. The social stratification of Spain is now very much based upon US/European concepts of class, wealth and upward mobility. Coffee is drunk in large amounts in Spain. Spanish people are proud and very protective of their standing and how others perceive them. Taboos are part of the cultural identity. Before the formalities of a meeting, you should spend time getting to know your host and expect to discuss general informal subjects, such as the weather, family, or travel arrangements and how your journey was. Superstitions can be a behavior or belief that is considered bad and could bring harm. More familiarity with a person comes with a hug or with a double kiss on the cheek. September 15: Day of the Bien Aparecida (patron saint) (R) Cantabria. It is rude to toss it in their direction. Photo by V2F on Unsplash. Laws regarding the employment of handicapped people and the responsibility of employers for their social integration already exist. For young people the most significant aspects of international culture are rock and contemporary dance music, both of which make up a considerable portion of the music played on Spains radio stations. It is advisable not to use excessive gestures and to avoid, like backslapping or hugging in the initial phase of a business relationship. The most obvious, especially for foreign visitors, is the organization of the day and the scheduling of meals. 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. New wealth coupled with a burgeoning middle class play a significant role in the stratification of Spain. 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. You will most probably find Spanish people to be less worried and more relaxed than you are used to. During Holy Week, processions take place when participants wear a capirote which is a pointed hat of conical form and is part of the uniform of some brotherhoods and fraternities. Legislation has been in place since 2007 to ensure equality in the terms and conditions of employment. The structure and size of a traditional Spanish family has changed over time. Thus, taboos and euphemisms serve a rather significant purpose in a society as it works like. The most obvious, especially for foreign visitors, is the organization of the day and the scheduling of meals. All the advice on this site is general in nature. By law, the service charge is included in the bill in Spanish restaurants, hotels, etc. 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. Be particularly careful here since Spanish people will not admit that they are having difficulties in front of others, as the loss of face is viewed negatively in Spain. Decisions are not necessarily reached. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us 2022 HSA. 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. Colleagues regularly eat lunch together, increasingly in the staff canteen, but different ranks do not sit together and the boss usually makes a point of eating off the premises, with peers from other companies. Religion 3. https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/, Divided Attention: 10 Examples and Overview, Machiavellianism: 10 Examples and Definition, Overgeneralization: 10 Examples and Definition, 17 Gender Stereotype Examples (For Men and Women). We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. Brunswick Community College Baseball, Trainstation 2 No Suitable Trains, Articles C