Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Greetings and introductions are a fundamental particularity of Spanish culture. It is expected that guests will stay for . Spanish culture or lifestyle is very different to other western European cultures, with a much more laid back attitude. This is a cultural phenomenon and often indicates genuine interest in the discussion. Also, because many Spaniards still go home for lunch, you should not be surprised if lunch invitations are declined. Spain - Business Culture The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. When taking printed material to meetings, ensure both English and Spanish versions are available. The population of Spain was46,790,476 as of Friday, June 24, 2022 , which is very similar to 2011 when the population was 46,815,916. September 15: Day of the Bien Aparecida (patron saint) (R) Cantabria. Not all businesspeople speak English, so it is wise to check if you should hire an interpreter. http://www.justlanded.com/english/Spain/Spain-Guide/Culture/The-Spaniard. Soccer clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, have the best names and superstars. They joined the European Union in 1986 and became a world-wide leader in freedom and human rights. http://www.strongabogados.com/business-culture.php, Share your European work/study experiences. Whats more, soccer and tennis arent the only sports the Spanish excel on. 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. Agendas are often used but not always and they are not always strictly adhered to. Expat guide to Spanish Culture and Traditions - HousingAnywhere The Spanish enjoy life to the full; they love good food, drink, dancing and music. 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. People may not wish to give an outright announcement when the night is at its end. Its the perfect opportunity to understand the languages origin and social context. Read this insightful article about the largest Spanish fiesta, The Pyrotechnic Celebration of Las Fallas de Valencia. http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/business_etiquette_and_business_culture_in_spain/. Spain is a complex cultural mix. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Pack your bags and join me for an insightful Introduction to Spanish culture, traditions, and beliefs! Boasting of achievement and personal accomplishment should be avoided. The first meeting is generally formal and is used as a means to get to know each other. 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. All articles are edited by a PhD level academic. and is used to get to know one another. 11 quirky Catalan traditions - Time Out Barcelona An initial introduction at business and social meetings would usually mean a formal handshake, while maintaining direct eye contact with your host. A synonym of taboo is prohibition. In many Latin American Spanish-speaking countries, people greet each other with one kiss on the cheek. It is acceptable for a woman to make a toast. Nowadays, various government initiatives are in place to promote equal opportunities. Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person. Thus, taboos and euphemisms serve a rather significant purpose in a society as it works like. It often means that they are interested in what you are saying. High-end designers like Cristbal Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne, Manolo Blahnik, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada are Spanish. First performed in 1712, the tradition has become a staple for Catalan festivals . Photo of street sign in Guatemala by Florida-Guidebook on Unsplash, Many of the holidays in Spain are based on religion. So, watching non-verbal clues is crucial for the success of negotiations. The structure and size of a traditional Spanish family has changed over time. Spain is in the Central European time zone and adheres to CET (UTC+1) during the winter and CEST (UTC+2) during the summer months from March to October. 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. Most Spaniards do not give their opinion at meetings. While tastes and dishes vary throughout this large country, there are some common characteristics. Well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Salvador Dal, and Joan Mir are Spanish. The most important period of celebration in Spain is Holy Week (Semana Santa), the annual tribute to the Passion of Jesus Christ. People can arrive half an hour late to a social function with no questions raised. Inheritance laws have paved the way in the last few decades to bring equality for both sexes. The Origin and History of the Spanish Paella. If you are travelling with your pet within the European Union, you will need to obtain a Pet Passport indicating the origin of the pet and certifying that the pet has received appropriate vaccinations: 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. There are also many topics that are considered inappropriate for polite conversation, including bullfighting, gender roles, the Spanish Civil War, politics and religion. Did you know about business culture in Spain? Historically, the royal family is at the top of the social strata in Spain which is embodied by the titled nobility and aristocracy. In Spain, the most common way to pay for something is . Share your European work/study experiences. They walk barefoot and carry a burden which is symbolic of a penitent. La Liga Espaola (Spanish league) has some of the best performing teams in the world. About The Helpful Professor Some customs and taboos: * When eating in company, you don't start eating before everybody has their dish. Certain Spanish traditions evolved into their own Latin American version. You must be adept at discerning body language. Since the 1960s Spanish culture, particularly the youth culture, has increasingly become part of a homogeneous, heavily American-influenced international culture. All meals of the day commence later in Spain than what people are familiar with in the English-speaking West. Do not wear a hat while seated at a table Discovering Spains charming traditions and culture is worth your while if youre learning Spanish. October 9: Day of Valencia (R) commemorates King James I entering the city of Valencia to free it from Moorish rule in 1238. Money 2. It is important though that female business travellers dress and behave in a professional manner at all times. You should ensure that your presentation is clear and that everyone in the meeting is able to follow and understand the discussion. Beginning with the Beatles in the 1960s, many leading foreign rock groups have given concerts in Spains major cities. This will help you to gain respect for their culture, which in turn will make your Spanish counterparts respect you. The stylish fashion, incredible architecture, delicious food, colorful rhythms, and richness of Spanish culture are guaranteed to mesmerize you. Whether it's a restaurant, bar, or other service, it is not common to tip. The country is home to beloved museums of classical and contemporary art that pay homage to Spanish culture, traditions, and history. 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 tourists not only bring foreign currency to the country, they also brought the democratic, political and social values of Western Europe. Photo by Dominic Alves on Flickr (CC BY 2.0). Generally, subordinates are required to respect their managers and follow the instructions given to them. Olive oil, garlic and onions are used in the majority of dishes in Spanish kitchens. In particular, winters are mild and summers are hot in the coastal regions, with high rainfall in the Cantabrian area. As Spain is a hierarchical country, final decisions are only made by the most senior managers in the company. Spanish culture is very-well represented in literature. Spain is a very diverse country and each region has its own unique character and distinctive atmosphere. The foreign visitor should pay close attention during conversations with Spanish contacts to discern the sincerity or veracity of what is being said. There are also a large number of Spanish rock musicians, but few of these have achieved much recognition outside the country. It is important to be aware that numbers can be particularly unreliable in Spanish culture. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. It is also considered improper to wear shorts in a public setting, eat without utensils or complain about someone smoking. 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. Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash, Forming a human tower at a festival in Igualada. 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 technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Learn More: How Many Languages Are Spoken in Spain? Spain is a large country with many regions each having their own version of traditional cuisine. All these factors contribute to the improvement of the situation in education and training. https://helpfulprofessor.com/taboo-examples-cultural-religious-food/. Frontiers | Breaking Cultural "Taboos" About the Body and Gender If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, many people take a four-day weekend, known as hacer puente. Order via the button below to receive your Spain Insight via email or read more before buying. Although the majority of the population speaks Spanish or Castellano, they speak other native languages there. Greet people when they enter an elevator/lift. Feelings and relationships play much more of an important role for Spaniards than facts and the personal relationships should be your primary focus. Religious history is apparent in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. In sociology, youll learn that taboos are just one of four types of norm (you might come across these if youre studying AP Sociology). September 1: Festival of Abrahams Sacrifice (R) Ceuta and Melilla. Cultural taboos in Spain include being overly friendly or engaging in close body contact with someone, such as hugging or patting someone's back, who isn't a close friend or family member. Here students enjoyed the right not to receive instruction that violated their religious beliefs. It may also help you decide what level of computer skills you can expect from your Spanish business associate. A taboo is an action that is frowned upon and considered inappropriate to practice or even talk about within a cultural group. Eating out in Spain is exceptionally popular and generally considered to be part of the national culture. The predominant religion in Spain is Catholicism. Spanish fiestas (festivals) are large celebrations and carnivals devoted to a specific Saint or City. We asked our readers to tell us . Communication regarding business relationships is often quite formal and incorporates strict rules of protocol. Men have no fear of personal space with other men in an informal situation and they will often greet or say good-bye with a hug (abrazo). Spanish Culture - Etiquette Cultural Atlas 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. Businesswomen travelling to Spain will however be treated with respect. In many cases, social bonds serve to guarantee agreements and may even replace written contracts. They have to learn taboos that are often not explicitly taught or discussed, making it difficult to know what is and is not considered appropriate within their new society. Call a Catalan a Spaniard or disrespect a Basque, and well, you may learn a few swear words in a new language. Furthermore, decision-making can be slow as various levels of management need to be consulted. Family is an important part of life and changes within the family institution also affect business culture in Spain. Literally, the whole country gets paralized when these two teams face each other in El Clsico. In Spanish business culture, hierarchy and position are valued highly and it is advisable to arrange meetings between representatives of an equivalent position and professional status. Private education is not necessarily associated with elite education, as is often the case in other western European countries. Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. Including sponsoring the successful journey of Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo) and his discovery of the new world. Coffee is drunk in large amounts in Spain. Follow Us A community built resource for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding : Enter your search terms: Submit search form: Web: Language Barriers. The dish is rice based and includes a mixture of vegetable, meat and fish. Cite this Article in your Essay (APA Style), Privacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsDisclaimerAccessibility StatementVideo Transcripts. 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. here to learn more about our cultural awareness webinars. It is a short nap Spanish people take in the early afternoon. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Legislation has been in place since 2007 to ensure equality in the terms and conditions of employment. Product samples, demonstrations and working examples of your services should also be used where appropriate. However, the economic policies of the 1960s that opened Spain up to foreign investment and tourism and encouraged Spaniards to work in other European countries also invited foreign influences, which undermined the governments desire to protect or isolate Spanish culture. If receiving a gift it should be opened immediately in the presence of the giver. Dinner is usually eaten between 9pm and 11:30pm. The Franco regime sought to preserve what it understood as Spains long-standing traditions and to impose a strict Roman Catholic morality on the country. These fiestas have traditional foods, fireworks, dancing, handmade decorations, parades, concerts, and theater. It is important to remember the link between the spanish culture and spanish business culture. Regularly, taboos rely on appeal to tradition for them to carry on. Spain now has some of the highest proportions of young people going on to higher education in Europe. Spain is a predominantly Roman Catholic country with approximately 94% of the population affiliated to that religion. White lilies and chrysanthemums are usually given at funerals. Do not plan anything for a Tuesday 13th as this is seen as an unlucky date. 35.1% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year compared to the U.S. average of 46.2%. The country is home to beloved museums of classical and contemporary art that pay homage to Spanish culture, traditions, and history. Portuguese Culture - Do's and Don'ts Cultural Atlas Its known for having processions that commemorate the Passion of Christ. 75% of Spains population speaks Castilian, 16% speak Catalan, and the remaining 9% speak the other tongues. They believe bringing an old broom is bad luck. Cultural taboos. www.commisceo-global.com. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. The Spanish are traditionally very thorough and highly likely to review every detail to make certain all the commitments and implications are fully understood. . In many cases, the sobremesa is the main point of the visit, extending far into the morning. 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). Have one side of your card translated into Spanish. These sensitive issues include, for instance, discussion about the Franco regime, concentration camps and prisons, the Spanish Civil War, partisan politics, religion . https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/, Divided Attention: 10 Examples and Overview, Machiavellianism: 10 Examples and Definition, Overgeneralization: 10 Examples and Definition, 17 Gender Stereotype Examples (For Men and Women). You may never actually meet the person who ultimately makes the decision. 1. However, in the expansion of a modern, democratic society, the boundaries between the traditional upper classes have widened with social standing measured by achievement in areas of business, culture and public services. It is not necessary to use titles however, when addressing Spanish business counterparts. 1 Jan. 2020 https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide, Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020, January 1) Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. 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. Say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment. The dance comes from the music traditions of Southern Spain in the areas of Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia. Taboos are technically defined as a practice "proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable." But what makes something taboo isn't as concrete. Especially when dealing with outsiders, Spaniards will often insist that everything is in perfect order, even when this is not the case. However, Spain has traditionally spent less on education than other western European countries. Other topics to avoid include bullfighting, machismo and feminism. They will review every minute detail to make certain it is understood. Your email address will not be published. Your dislike for a local dish FREE Spanish Training 1. You may be shown to a particular seat. They are often dictated by religious or cultural beliefs about what is okay and what is not okay. As the relationship develops, it is acceptable to invite your Spanish counterpart out to more informal social gatherings, such as at a restaurant or dinner party. 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. Make sure all your printed material is available in both English and Spanish. This familiarity with Spanish traditions makes you contextualize, absorb vocabulary and idioms, and become more confident in your language skills. During the 16th and 17th Centuries the Spanish lost command of the seas to England and subsequently struggled to embrace the industrial and mercantile revolutions taking place over the next century. 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. Over recent decades, the Spanish education system has enjoyed a huge success in getting the population into higher education. American fast-food chains have franchises in all the major cities, and much of the television programming and many of the popular films are foreign, the bulk of the programs and films being from the United States. It is common to take a leisurely stroll (. It is impolite to waste food. Dress as you would in the rest of Europe. 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. Use utensils to eat most food. Therefore, it is important to watch their non-verbal communication. Experience these traditions for yourself and plan a cultural trip to Spain. You should deal with people of similar rank to your own. A small cup of strong black coffee is known as a caf solo and a coffee with milk is a caf con leche. The most widely eaten meats are pork, chicken, and beef, but in much of the country lamb is eaten on special occasions. This is a face-saving measure to appear competent and in control. A sound relationship is an integral part of successful negotiations in Spain. The old traditions relating to the nobility clinging to power and having no involvement in manual labour and commercial activity have long since passed and many members of the nobility now work in middle-class professions. Bottled water, both still and sparkling, is also drunk in large amounts by the Spanish as the quality has historically been much better than tap water. The majority of Spaniards do not give their opinion at meetings. Spanish cooking varies greatly from region to region, linked to local products and traditions. Cultural, religious and food taboos are not mutually exclusive. Spanish is the second tongue of people who speak Basque, Catalan, Valencian, and Galician. The Spanish have a strong sense of religious pride. It is rude to toss it in their direction. El ftbol (soccer) is the highest-grossing sport in Spain. Probably the most iconic of all the quirky Catalan traditions is the 'castells', or 'human towers'. They are organized marches similar to parades that are a manifestation of faith and commemoration of religious happenings. 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. When preparing for business negotiations in a foreign country, it is good to bear in mind that the key to successful negotiation is to respect the culture, values and traditions of your prospective partners. More familiarity with a person comes with a hug or with a double kiss on the cheek. The following section highlights the general business and educational environment of Spain and focuses on the attitudes and values of the Spanish. The blend of Arab, Roman, Jewish, and Mediterranean cuisine uses top ingredients and flavors. There is some rebellion demanding the law be dropped and returned to the former male dominated hierarchy of inheritance. Similarly, food taboos are enforced in many religious texts. Spanish people are very heavy smokers compared to the rest of Europe, so smoking is widely accepted in public places. Once your relationship with Spanish business associates has developed into a strong bond, friendly gestures, such as hugging, may become acceptable. In Spain, decisions are usually not made during meetings, which tend to be mainly for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Hierarchy and rank are important. Do not be surprised if no business is actually conducted during the first meeting. Soft drinks, both domestic and imported, are widely available. 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. It is common practice to drink wine or sangria over dinner, and it is usual to start a meal with bread and olives as an appetiser. The Cultural Atlas team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia on whose country we have the privilege to live and work. You see, Spain is a diverse, multicultural country made up of 17 regions. Photo by Micha Parzuchowski on Unsplash, Strike a pose - A flamenco dancer in Seville. Predominant ingredients of Spanish gastronomy include garlic, tomato, pepper, potatoes, beans, and curated meats. It is important therefore that you should never appear intrusive, but always be available. Business Culture in Spain: All You Need to Know in 2023 You should try to arrive on time for meetings. Machismo remains a very important aspect of the mentality of many Spanish men, who still feel the need to be in control of all situations. Not much tipping. When invited to a home for dinner it is customary to give the host or hostess a gift: a good bottle of wine, flowers, chocolates and/or a dessert. As the original representative of the Spanish language, the country harbours literary treasures that date back hundreds of years. When addressing a professional then use titles where appropriate (e.g. Asking companies, with over 50 employees, to hire at least 2% of their staff from people with disabilities. For example, western culture has a diversity of religions, but a unified set of cultural taboos. With miles of coast, it is not surprising that many dishes feature seafood. It is better to decline a large portion or second serving rather than leaving food on your plate. We cite peer reviewed academic articles wherever possible and reference our sources at the end of our articles. This can happen usually in restaurants, when the dishes come out at different times and waiting ma. Allow your counterpart to initiate and guide the conversation and be considerate in how you present your opinions. Spanish people have 2 names and 2 surnames; the first surname belongs to the father and the second to the mother. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. Legumes, especially lentils and chickpeas, also form an important part of the Spanish diet. Children in Spain are given a first name which is then followed by the paternal surname and then the mothers surname. The workday resumes in the late afternoon, between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, and continues until about 8:00 pm. Basic Etiquette. Few people drink tea, but herbal infusions such as chamomile are popular. In Spain, education serves as an important instrument in national integration by promoting equal opportunities as well as democratic, social and cultural-values. Breakfast meetings are not very popular in Spain and are never scheduled before 8.30am. 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.