Every culture has its own traditions, and what is completely normal for some can seem… quite curious to others. Spain is no exception: from its schedules to the way people socialize, there are customs that may appear strange to foreigners but are part of everyday life for Spaniards.
In this MaestroMío article you’ll find some of the most surprising (and charming) Spanish customs.
Schedules that go “at their own pace”
In Spain, life starts later than in many other countries. It’s not unusual to have lunch at 3 p.m. or dinner after 10 p.m. This is partly due to the habit of making the most of daylight hours and a historical legacy where work and social days shifted to later times.
For a visitor used to eating at 6 or 7 p.m., waiting so long to eat may feel like an eternity. But the truth is that this allows for longer gatherings with friends and family—and the night still has plenty ahead!
Tapas and “going for tapas”
In many countries, if you go to a bar, you order your drink and if you want to eat, you have to order a dish separately. In Spain, in some regions, ordering a drink may come with a free tapa—a small portion of food.
Going for tapas, or “tapear,” is more than just eating; it’s a way to socialize. The idea is to go from one bar to another, trying different tapas and chatting. The curious thing for foreigners is that there’s no rush to stay in one place: moving around is part of the fun.
The “sobremesa”
The word sobremesa doesn’t have a direct translation in many languages and is a very Spanish custom. It refers to the time spent sitting at the table after a meal, chatting, having coffee, or simply enjoying company.
In other places, finishing a meal means getting up immediately. In Spain, sobremesa can last longer than the meal itself, especially during family gatherings or holidays.
Kisses as greetings
In much of Spain, when you meet someone or see a friend, the usual greeting is two kisses on the cheeks (first on the right, then the left).
For those from more reserved cultures, this physical closeness can feel surprising, especially on the first meeting. However, it quickly becomes natural and even warm.
Festivals that last days… or weeks
Spain is famous for its popular festivals: fairs, pilgrimages, bull runs, carnivals… and they don’t just last a few hours. Often, they extend for several consecutive days with music, dancing, parades, and activities for the whole community.
A notable example is the April Fair in Seville or San Fermín in Pamplona. For visitors, the energy and stamina of Spaniards during these celebrations can seem endless.
Eating grapes on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in Spain isn’t just about toasting with champagne. At midnight, when the clock chimes, everyone eats 12 grapes—one for each chime. The tradition says this will bring good luck for the 12 months ahead.
For a foreigner, trying to eat a grape every second while laughing and toasting with friends is quite a challenge… and part of the fun.
Midday closures
In many towns and cities, especially in hot areas, some shops close at midday for a few hours. It’s time for a nap (la siesta) or just a rest.
Though this is becoming less common in big cities, it can still surprise visitors who find everything closed around 2 or 3 p.m.… until the afternoon.
What might seem strange to a foreigner is part of Spanish identity. Behind every custom is a story, a climate, and a way of understanding life.
In the end, what’s “strange” is just what we’re not used to, and learning about these traditions is one of the best ways to get closer to Spanish culture. So, if you travel to Spain, don’t just watch—live its customs… and maybe they will end up feeling the most natural thing in the world.
