TRAINEES > ABOUT SPAIN > Way of life
WAY OF LIFE
CHARACTER - THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DAY - MEALS - PUNCTUALITY -
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS - PHYSICAL CONTACT - RELIGION - THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INVITATION -
CHARACTER
One usual cliché about the Spanish is that they are very
expressive, open to the others and warm people... mmm... probably
you'll have time to get your own conclusions!
THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DAY
In Spain the day is divided into 5 parts, which correspond
approximately to: madrugada (5 to 7 am), mañana (8 am to 12 noon),
mediodía (12 noon to 2 pm), tarde (3 to 8 pm) and noche (9 pm to 4
am ). Lunch is usually at about 2 pm and dinner is between 9 to 10
pm, which is later than in many other places in Europe, Asia and
Africa.
MEALS
There're three or four meals: desayuno, breakfast, in the morning;
comida, lunch, at lunchtime; merienda, an afternoon snack; and cena,
dinner, at night. Lunch and dinner are the biggest of these meals,
even though nutrition experts insist that breakfast should
be the most copious meal of the day.
PUNCTUALITY
Punctually is relative: it depends on your point of view. For
English and Asian people being sharp on time is extremely important.
In Spain people are generally quite punctual if they are meeting
for a formal event (when they are going out to a public event:
theater, cinema, concerts, trips,...) but things are quite different
when people are just meeting up with friends. There is always
someone who turns up late to some degree, and foreigners learn
this practice quick, so it's usual to meet directly *inside* a
bar.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
The fact that young people live at parents' home until so late means
that in Spain family relationships are very important. This will
surprise northern and central europeans, who generally leave home as
soon as posible and see their families little throughout the year.
Probably Asian and African people may consider that family
relationships in Spain are not very close or respectful comparing to
their home countries, where family is considered the center of
all things.
PHYSICAL CONTACT
Compared to other cultures around the world, in Spain as in the
Mediterranean countries, people tend to touch each other a lot. When
talking, people often use the body language a lot and touch each
other: a hand on the arm, a pat on the back, etc. Before jumping to
wrong conclusions (or getting your hopes up) you should be aware
that this is usual among a lot of university students (with
some exceptions) and that beyond being just another part of
communication it bears no special significance. Or does it...?
But that's a different story...
RELIGION
Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution,
although the majority of the population is Catholic. Other religions
also practised in Spain include Islam, Judaism, Protestantism, and
Hinduism, all of which have places where to conduct their rituals.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INVITATION
The concept of an invitation changes from culture to culture
and it is useful to know the differences that exist, as
otherwise slight misunderstandings may occur. In general
spanish like to invite people to meals a lot and that having
supper with family or friends is quite normal. As you will no
doubt find out, it is very likely that you're invited to supper
some day. You should be aware however, that this does not have
the same importance that it has in some other places. Returning
an invitation is quite a common thing, but not obligatory, and
it is customary for the guest to take a small present for the
hosts (usually wine or dessert).