| 8 Cultural taboos Although the Spanish are usually open and tolerant to other cultures, there are some issues that are best avoided in casual conversation or business encounters. Greetings and introductions are a fundamental particularity of Spanish culture. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork. Spain is home to ingenious representatives of art and architecture. Still, some Spanish traditions are only possible to admire and experience if you take a trip to Spain. Not all businesspeople speak English, so it is wise to check if you should hire an interpreter. Els Castells. Photo of the Four Towers Business Area in Madrid, by Octavian Rosca on Unsplash. 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. Product samples, demonstrations and working examples of your services should also be used where appropriate. June 24: St John's Day (San Juan) (R) Catalonia. Spain has extensive coastlines, such that fish and seafood are a major natural resource and primary ingredient in many traditional dishes; olive oil is an essential ingredient for all Spanish cooking. Spain is a complex cultural mix. Secondary education then takes places between the ages of 12 and 16. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors with my dogs. Several people may speak at once. Many tourists are very curious to see it and view it as a fascinating insight into Spanish culture, but it is also a stain on the country's reputation for others. The Spanish are particularly famed for their Paella, a recipe which is said to have its origins in Valencia which lies on the south eastern coast. A typical Tapas can involve: Chorizo, Patatas bravas (pieces of potato fried in oil and served in a tomato sauce), spicy lamb meat balls, deep fried calamari, grilled artichoke, aubergine. In particular, winters are mild and summers are hot in the coastal regions, with high rainfall in the Cantabrian area. Tennis player Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, set high standards for their competitors around the world. July 28: Cantabrian Institutions Day (R) Cantabria. Spanish people tend to be extrovert and friendly as is typical in Mediterranean culture and they place modesty and personality foremost to professional or business success. The second largest religion of Spain is Islam due to recent arrivals of African and Middle Eastern refugees. Dive deep into the History of Don Quixote and Miguel de Cervantes in this fascinating blog post. The social stratification of Spain is now very much based upon US/European concepts of class, wealth and upward mobility. On the one hand, there are the bigger and newer, or reformed, industries that have received large amounts of foreign investment and have adopted modern, international management techniques. It is better to decline a large portion or second serving rather than leaving food on your plate. Religion is an essential element of Spanish culture. It is best not to protest someone paying for you, even out of, Spaniards are renowned for being welcoming and generous people. 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. These sensitive issues include, discussion about the Franco regime, concentration camps and prisons, the Spanish Civil War, partisan politics, religion, conflicts between regions of Spain (particularly Basque, Catalan and Gibraltar), homosexuality. 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. Your email address will not be published. Traditional styled clothing representative of Spanish culture is possible to admire in toreros (bullfighters), Flamenco dancers, and during festivities. You can if you want but it is not widely done and certainly not required. You should ensure that your presentation is clear and that everyone in the meeting is able to follow and understand the discussion. Whats the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino? It is a common saying in Spain that . The climate in Spain is for the most part Mediterranean. Spanish is now spoken around the world due to the Spain's colonialist past. The dish is rice based and includes a mixture of vegetable, meat and fish. If the hosts of the dinner party have children it is considered good etiquette to take a small gift for them. Another characteristic of the Spanish people is that they are extremely proud of the region where they come from. . If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Spanish people enjoy a style of appetizer and snack known as tapas. If you are doing business with the Spanish or relocating to Spain for work, why not invest in some customized cultural awareness training? 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. In business settings, it is recommended that you address your counterparts with seor, seora or seorita for men, women or unmarried women respectively. In the 1980s, the educational system was challenged and a new law on the right to education was introduced. The most obvious, especially for foreign visitors, is the organization of the day and the scheduling of meals. El ftbol (soccer) is the highest-grossing sport in Spain. What will you Learn in this Guide to Spain? At that time, Spain was one of the worlds major powers with significant overseas activities. Spain has made significant progress on equal opportunities for both gender. While this overlaps with religious taboos, some cultures are governed more by social norms than religious norms. Spain has played a crucial role in world history. Legislation has been in place since 2007 to ensure equality in the terms and conditions of employment. Always keep your hands visible when eating. When visiting someones house, bring gifts that can be shared (for example, wine, chocolates or pastries). At the same time, they also become more culturally aware, learn skills and knowledge that are valuable in their business culture in Spain. Have one side of your card translated into Spanish. 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? Money 2. The most obvious, especially for foreign visitors, is the organization of the day and the scheduling of meals. [email protected] +44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908 . Historically, the royal family is at the top of the social strata in Spain which is embodied by the titled nobility and aristocracy. (The few exceptions are bars, restaurants, and the large department stores, which do not close at midday.) The population of Spain was 46,790,476 as of Friday, June 24, 2022 , which is very similar to 2011 when the population was 46,815,916. Women do not change their name when they marry. When a Spanish family moves to a new house they need to buy a new broom. The Spanish enjoy meals as a social activity and do not necessarily expect to discuss business at the table. A unified, searchable interface answering your questions on the world's cultures and religions. Coffee is drunk in large amounts in Spain. You should deal with people of similar rank to your own. Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing up, with the handles facing to the right. They will review every minute detail to make certain it is understood. Enjoy subscriber-only access to this articles pdf. Nevertheless, religious holidays and traditions are quite popular with all the majority of people in the region. More and more people go abroad to study, in order to gain international experience and improve their language skills. There are also many topics that are considered inappropriate for polite conversation, including bullfighting, gender roles, the Spanish Civil War, politics and religion. Older adults are introduced with the prefixes Don and Doa (Mr. & Mrs), to show them more respect and formality. It is important to remember the link between the spanish culture and spanish business culture. Supper, a lighter meal, is also taken late, between 9:00 and 10:00 pm, or even later during the hot summer months. Traditionally, the family has been the basis of the social structure, including the nuclear and the extended family, which provide both social and financial support. The other three are mores, laws, and folkways. In cases where the service has been exemplary, you may choose to leave an additional tip of around 5%. Spain is now a parliamentary democracy, a member of international organisations including the United Nations and NATO and has been a member state of the European Union since 1986. Its the perfect opportunity to understand the languages origin and social context. The first meeting is generally formal and is used as a means to get to know each other. There are also more traditional small to medium enterprises and family businesses that account for the majority of Spains GDP. The main manufacturing centre of Spain is the capital, Madrid and industry is primarily concentrated in few regions in Catalonia, in particular around Barcelona, and in the Basque provinces. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. 75% of Spains population speaks Castilian, 16% speak Catalan, and the remaining 9% speak the other tongues. Although their unemployment record has fallen it remains high particularly among the young people of Spain. Food is a strong foundation of Spanish culture. Furthermore, today the use of information technology is spreading fast. 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. www.commisceo-global.com. Required fields are marked *, With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. There are also a considerable number of religious schools, which often offer a high quality of education. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Soccer clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, have the best names and superstars. Especially when dealing with outsiders, Spaniards will often insist that everything is in perfect order, even when this is not the case. Many Spanish who settled the country intermarried with the native Indian population and thus the main group are the 'mestizos' (mixed European and Indian blood). Therefore, it is important to watch their non-verbal communication. Spanish culture is known for having well-known musical melodies and rhythms. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. At least 90% of the population speak Castilian Spanish as a first or second language. September 8: Day of Asturias / Day of Extremadura (R). Spains official soccer team won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Schools were sorted into three categories: free public schools respecting diverse religious beliefs, private schools offering paid education and religious schools. Barcelona, Spains most popular tourist destination, was the home of pioneer architect, Antoni Gaud. The foreign visitor should pay close attention during conversations with Spanish contacts to discern the sincerity or veracity of what is being said. Spain now has some of the highest proportions of young people going on to higher education in Europe. People are usually served bottled water or are expected to purchase a beverage, such as a small beer (. Open gifts immediately upon receiving them so you can remark on the gift and thank the giver in person. Spain is a predominantly Roman Catholic country with approximately 94% of the population affiliated to that religion. Dinner is usually eaten between 9pm and 11:30pm. That said, women in Spain still earn 17% less than men. In other words, theres no reason that the taboos still exist except that its traditional in those societies. All these factors contribute to the improvement of the situation in education and training. Superstitions can be a behavior or belief that is considered bad and could bring harm. When addressing a professional then use titles where appropriate (e.g. There is no concept of a middle name although the first name is sometimes a composite of two names - eg: Jos Luis. The breathtaking architecture, delicious food, the kind and warm people, and the astonishing celebrations are all worth honoring. Very fond of both fish and shellfish, Spaniards are among the worlds largest consumers of seafood. People are generally more interested in your company and conversation than what gifts you bring. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. 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. New wealth coupled with a burgeoning middle class play a significant role in the stratification of Spain. Languages in Spain: How Many Languages Are Spoken in Spain? After this date, Spain set out on its path towards democracy and the setting-up of a modern market economy. A teachers job is not as highly regarded as in other western European countries. While some are almost universal (like moral taboos like cheating and stealing), others are very specific to countries or regional cultural groups. The most significant barriers for women entering the workplace do not include social norms, but rather chronic high unemployment and lack of part-time jobs. 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. Certain Spanish traditions evolved into their own Latin American version. . White lilies and chrysanthemums are usually given at funerals. 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. There are 3 Types of Taboos: cultural, religious, and food. Below, Ill provide examples of each type of taboo. Photo by Micha Parzuchowski on Unsplash, Strike a pose - A flamenco dancer in Seville. Some cultural taboos get their cues from religions that are dominant within a cultural group. (Image from: www.lastingimpressions.wordpress.com) 7. A food taboo is something forbidden or considered inappropriate in relation to food, drink and eating. Money Don't ask people how much they make, nor how much they pay for rent. Young, unmarried women have become more independent and are migrating to cities for education or work. January 2: Monday after New Year's Day (R) Andaluca, Aragn, Asturias, Castilla and Len, Murcia and Melilla. The stylish fashion, incredible architecture, delicious food, colorful rhythms, and richness of Spanish culture are guaranteed to mesmerize you. They usually do not put too much emphasis upon work, as they like to focus on their leisure and live each day to the fullest. Spain is a large country with many regions each having their own version of traditional cuisine. People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when in formal occasion as a general rule. Another reason was the migration of Spanish workers to France, Switzerland and Germany who brought back the cultural habits of other developed Western European countries. The Spanish are superstitious about the number 13. Learn More. The most successful of Spains popular singers is undoubtedly Julio Iglesias, whose music appealed to an older audience. Religion 3. Paella - the quintessentially Spanish dish. Depending on the circumstances, this could either be a casual meal at a local caf or an extended lunch over the course of several hours in a fine restaurant. https://helpfulprofessor.com/taboo-examples-cultural-religious-food/. 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. The 52-page document has been authored by one of our Spain country specialists and provides readers with much more detail that our free guide above. Another favourite is the Tapas, which is an assortment of appetizers which may be hot or cold. It is rude to toss it in their direction. Spanish food is frequently thought to be very spicy, but, apart from a few dishes that contain small amounts of a mild chili pepper, the most piquant ingredient in general use is paprika. http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/content/562. Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash, Forming a human tower at a festival in Igualada. Pre-school begins from 0-3 years of age and the next phase is for children aged between 3 years and 6 years whereby they enter primary school. About The Helpful Professor The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. The country suffered enormous hardship during the civil war which raged between 1936 and 1939 and resulted in thirty six years of military dictatorship by General Francisco Bahamonde (Franco). Since the 1960s Spanish culture, particularly the youth culture, has increasingly become part of a homogeneous, heavily American-influenced international culture. Regularly, taboos rely on appeal to tradition for them to carry on. Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left. These stereotypes can be especially frustrating, since many businesses in Spain are quite competitive. Most Spaniards do not give their opinion at meetings. Hierarchy and rank are important. If someone turns up late and apologises, people are likely to respond with something like . October 12: Spain's National Day / Columbus Day commemorates when Columbus landed in the New World in 1492 (N), November 1: All Saints Day (Fiesta de Todos los Santos) (N). La Liga Espaola (Spanish league) has some of the best performing teams in the world. Call a Catalan a Spaniard or disrespect a Basque, and well, you may learn a few swear words in a new language. In Thailand, don't touch the head of someone older than you, or, in general, don't touch the head at all. There remain, however, some important practices that are peculiar to Spain. An initial introduction at business and social meetings would usually mean a formal handshake, while maintaining direct eye contact with your host. You see, Spain is a diverse, multicultural country made up of 17 regions. Use utensils to eat most food. Did you know about business culture in Spain? 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! Northern and mountainous regions, the climate is tougher and it is usual to see snow from the winter months until the end of spring. In Spain, people often choose their own table at a restaurant instead of waiting to be seated. Do not wear a hat while seated at a table There are hundreds of different tapas, but a few typical ones are mushrooms in garlic sauce, marinated seafood, Spanish omelette, lamb brochettes, and octopus in paprika sauce. The variety of languages contributes to a diverse Spanish culture that draws the attention of millions of tourists from all corners of the world. The information from the following section should help you decide whether you need to bring an interpreter with your or whether you can rely on the language skills of your host. Avoid getting too drunk at a meal. The dance comes from the music traditions of Southern Spain in the areas of Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia. It is not advisable to give chrysanthemums, white lilies or red roses and flowers should be in odd numbers except for 13 which is seen as an unlucky number. Standing too far away during conversation or moving the hands a lot while speaking is also not appropriate, even if the Spanish person models the behavior. 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. Furthermore, decision-making can be slow as various levels of management need to be consulted. As of 2021, however, companies with 50 or more workers must create and implement an equality plan. Paella is a special favourite food that the Spanish enjoy, which is made with rice and shellfish. Do not get up until the guest of honour does. Spanish music genres vary according to region. Native speaker of English and Spanish, Im a sustainable travel and social impact entrepreneur who loves going to new places and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. Punctuality is not highly important in Spain. In Spain when you yawn or stretch in public, it actually means that you are bored with the person talking to you. This makes taboo very difficult for new immigrants to a society. The Spanish enjoy life to the full; they love good food, drink, dancing and music. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Unity among a society is caused by cultural taboos. This will help you to gain respect for their culture, which in turn will make your Spanish counterparts respect you. They usually stem from the religions founding documents (such as the Bible, Torah, or Quran) and include rules designed to protect civil behavior and hygiene. Order via the button below to receive your Spain Insight via email or read more before buying. It is a short nap Spanish people take in the early afternoon. You should try to arrive on time for meetings. Spain produces large quantities of high-quality olive oil and wine. Often eaten in the morning, purchased from street vendors or local coffee bars, and eaten on the way to work or school arechurros. Few people drink tea, but herbal infusions such as chamomile are popular. Because of the reluctance among Spaniards to reveal bad news, it is advisable to have where possible, a network of independent, disinterested contacts that can check or interpret what you are being told. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Spain we have published an expert Report on Spanish Society, Culture & Business. The country is also known for other groundbreaking athletes and champions. The article series #Cultural #Clues, Do's & #Taboos' is a brief synopsis of #conversation #guidelines, #tips for successful #communication, and #strategies for #business that will help . Captain James Cook learned about taboos on his 18th Century exploratory trips through the pacific and brought the term back to England. Inheritance laws have paved the way in the last few decades to bring equality for both sexes. To celebrate New Year, people in Spain eat a grape for each month of the year for good luck. All meals of the day commence later in Spain than what people are familiar with in the English-speaking West. When taking printed material to meetings, ensure both English and Spanish versions are available. In addition, the majority of towns and villages have important annual fiestas and/or ferias that may last several days. All articles are edited by a PhD level academic. 20 Cultural Taboos In Thailand and in Arab countries never point your shoe/foot to another person. 10 Things Latino Immigrant Parents Want You to Know, 2 Controversial Hispanic Parenting Styles: What They Can Teach Us, Forget the Easter Bunny: Easter Traditions in Latin America. Acquaintances say hi to each other the first time with a handshake and keep it simple. People can arrive half an hour late to a social function with no . There is enormous pride and interest in the heritage of Spanish art and the Spanish government support all forms of art and humanities which are reflected in their museums, universities and professional academies. Spanish literature is credited with the creation of the picaresque genre, which follows the adventures of a rogue protagonist. Any meeting will normally begin with discussing general matters and catching up with each other on a personal level in order to build and establish a solid working relationship. Savory food and flavors also make Spain the home of world-class chefs, elite cooking schools, and top-rated Michelin Star restaurants. Small and large cities are home to influential architecture, rich music, vivid celebrations, and delicious foods. doctor / professor). It is expected that guests will stay for . Some of which are subsidised by the government and offer primary education free or at a reduced fee. Of all the traditions of music and dance in Spain, the most famous and popular is the Flamenco guitar that accompanies another traditional and popular art form, the Flamenco dance. Spanish fiestas (festivals) are large celebrations and carnivals devoted to a specific Saint or City. This will avoid any issues with siesta breaks, when the foreign business traveller is unfamiliar with the working practices of a particular business. The best thing to do is to research in advance before you go somewhere so you know what the cultural etiquette rules will be before you arrive. As mentioned before, Spanish prefer to know people before starting a business relationship, therefore, it is advisable to be open with any questions asked about your business or family life.

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