Spain is a country full of customs, festivals, and curiosities that reflect its rich history and cultural diversity. But beyond popular celebrations or gastronomy, there’s one aspect that continues to fascinate: superstitions. Even though many claim not to believe in them, we’ve all knocked on wood at some point or avoided walking under a ladder. In this MaestroMío article, we explore some of the most deeply rooted superstitions in Spanish culture, their origins, and what they reveal about how Spaniards face luck and destiny.
Bad Luck: Tuesday the 13th and Other Everyday Fears
While in many countries the number 13 is a symbol of bad luck, in Spain there’s a day that amplifies it: Tuesday the 13th. The well-known saying “en martes, ni te cases ni te embarques” (“on a Tuesday, neither get married nor embark on a journey”) warns the cautious to avoid making important decisions that day. The reason? In Christian tradition, Tuesday is associated with the Roman god Mars, symbol of war, and the number 13 with chaos and misfortune. The combination of both is considered the perfect recipe for bad luck.
Another widespread superstition is not leaving a hat on the bed, since it’s believed to attract misfortune or even death. This belief dates back to the time when priests visited the seriously ill: upon entering homes, they would often place their hat on the bed before administering the last rites. Since then, the gesture has been linked to bad omens.
Good Luck: Amulets and Protective Gestures
But it’s not all about bad omens. In Spain, there are also many traditions meant to attract good luck. One of the most common is knocking on wood or crossing your fingers—universal gestures Spaniards use when hoping for a positive outcome. Another classic is throwing a coin into a fountain while making a wish, a tradition that blends romance with superstition.
Amulets also play an important role, such as the evil eye charm, the four-leaf clover, or the horseshoe. Hung above a door with the ends pointing upward, the horseshoe is believed to ward off bad luck. In some regions, such as Andalusia, it’s even said that finding a horseshoe on the street brings fortune—if you pick it up with your right hand.
And of course, there’s the famous toast: in Spain, it’s said that toasting without looking into people’s eyes brings seven years of bad luck. That’s why, during every toast, no one forgets to meet the gaze of their companions before taking a sip.
Regional Superstitions and Curious Customs
Each Spanish region has its own beliefs. In Galicia, for example, there’s a widespread fear of the evil eye, or meigallo, which has led to a whole tradition of protective rituals involving branches, holy water, or medals. In Castile, some still place open scissors under a baby’s pillow to protect them from evil spirits. And in the Canary Islands, some believe that sweeping at night can drive luck out of the house.
Love also has its own superstitions. Many people keep the ticket from their first movie together or an item from their first date, convinced that it will bring good luck to the relationship. On New Year’s Eve, the ritual of eating twelve grapes at midnight is perhaps the most famous: eating one grape with each chime is said to ensure a prosperous year—so long as you don’t choke in the process!
Tradition, Belief, and a Touch of Humor
Superstitions are part of Spanish folklore, and although today they’re lived with more humor than fear, they still play a special role in everyday life. They represent the mix of religion, history, and popular culture that defines Spain.
At MaestroMío, we believe that getting to know these customs is a fun and meaningful way to learn Spanish and understand its culture. Behind every superstition lies a story, a belief, and above all, a way of seeing the world. So, if you’re learning the language or planning to visit Spain, remember: avoid Tuesdays the 13th, make eye contact when you toast, and just in case… knock on wood.
