Food
Eating out in Spain is relatively cheap and meals
are usually substantial instead of gourmet. The Spanish
tradition of tapas is a good way to sample the local
food. Tapas are small dishes of snacks which are served
anytime especially in small bars. They cover all types
of foods from seafood to vegetables. Many Spanish
people make an evening of hopping from bar to bar
trying different tapas. Another of Spain's favourites
is Serrano Ham.
Spain is famous for its fish delecasies and simply
must be sampled, especially if you get to coastal
areas. Paella has long been a Spanish favourite, based
on either meat or seafood. Every region in Spain has
it's own specialities The Spanish tend to eat traditional
continental breakfasts, a light lunch and an evening
meal, late. See more about Spanish cuisine.
Drink
Primarilly Spain is a wine drinking country with each
region producing its own special wines, however there
are several large breweries within Spain producing
the light, lager-like beers popular everywhere. The
principal table wines are the riojas and valdepeñas,
named after the regions in which they are produced.
In general, rioja, from the region around Logroño
in the northeast, resembles the French Bordeaux, though
it is less delicate. Valdepeñas is a rougher
wine, but pleasant and hearty. It will be found at
its best in the region where it is grown, midway between
Madrid and Cordóba. The Jerez area is famous
for it's sherry. Jerez is the place from which this
wine was first exported. Britain now buys 75% of all
sherry exports. There are four main types of sherry,
being fino which is pale and dry, amontillado, dry,
richer in body and darker, oloroso, medium, fragrant
and golden and dulce, which is sweet. In the Basque
Country, chacoli is a favourite, green wine, slightly
sparkling and sour. The majority of Spanish sparkling
wines are sweet and fruity and even the inexpensive
supermarket wines have an important place in the wine
culture. Cider also has an importance in Spain. See
our full section on wine.
See sherry bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera - the home
of sherry
Spanish brandy is very different from French brandy.
It is cheap and pleasant although specialists find
it a little sweet. Popular brands include 103, Magno
and Carlos which are distilled in Jerez.
Coffee is drunk in Spain in great quantities. Cafe
solo is served in small cups and is a black coffee,
very strong and thick. Cafe con leche is coffee with
milk. Spaniards also drink a great deal of bottled
water. There are two types, con gas is fizzy water
and sin gas is still water.
Fiestas
and Traditions
All Spanish towns and cities have their own special
celebrations, as well as the national holidays such
as Christmas, Easter Week, All Saints Day etc. The
way in which the national events are celebrated also
varies from place to place. Most festivities are of
religious base, mainly Catholic. See our full listing
of holidays.
Nightlife
Spaniards often start the evening with el paseo, a
leisurely stroll through the main streets or along
the paseo maritimo in the coastal resorts.
Much of Spanish life is lived in the streets and the
atmosphere is especially vibrant at fiesta time. On
a warm evening the street cafes and bars can fill
to capacity as people sit and relax. The nightclubs
of Ibiza and the big cities have attracted the attention
of the international media and are always an attraction
for the youngsters. Most open late at night and don't
close until late the following day.
Conformities
Spanish life has changed dramatically over recent
years and many of the strict religious customs are
giving way to more modern ways. However, many old
customs and traditions have not faded. Handshaking
is the customary form of greeting and kisses on both
cheeks is normal. If invited to a private home, a
small gift is appreciated. Flowers are only sent for
special celebrations. Away from the holiday resorts
beachwear should be confined to beach or poolside
and shirts should always be worn in public places
and on public transport. Smoking is widely accepted,
even in banks and shops but not on public transport.
Spanish men tend to maintain eye contact with females
for longer, although this does not mean anything.
The Spanish way of life is somewhat slower than the
rest of Europe, especially in the south. This may
be seen as lazy, but when the Spanish work, they work
hard. They have adapted to the weather and play hard
too. It is quite common for life to begin when the
sun goes down, especially in the summer. They are
a very happy people who enjoy life to the full. They
love music, dance and food.
Dress
codes
In general the Spanish have a very modern outlook
on clothing. They are keen on designer clothes but
quality is more mportant than a designer name. Spanish
made clothes tend to be high quality and reasonably
priced.
Teenage girls tend to wear trousers more than skirts.
Denim is definitely 'in'. Teenage boys are keen on
designer wear and appearance is important to them.
Mature Spaniards dress conservatively and with style.
Older men in particular tend to wear high quality
clothing.
It is unclear what the Spanish think of scantily clad
holiday-makers but it is not acceptable in small villages,
away from the coast. One should be particularly careful
of dress code if entering churches. Swim-wear and
short skirts are frowned upon.
