Montag nach Allerheiligen

📣 Hinweise für Reisende

Spain is known for its friendly atmosphere, vibrant culture, and rich history. It boasts an extensive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is celebrated for its cuisine, lively nightlife, and traditional festivities.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) tradition involves eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight.
• Special packs of exactly 12 grapes are commonly sold in supermarkets for this purpose.
• The main celebration occurs at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, broadcast nationally.
• A specific chime ('los cuartos') signals the final minutes before the New Year begins.
• One grape should be eaten for each of the 12 chimes (campanadas) at midnight.
• Fireworks typically follow the final chime to mark the start of the new year.
• Spaniards are generally welcoming and expressive; however, it is important to remain tactful as they can be sensitive to direct confrontation. In social settings, interruptions and loud conversation are common. Respect family values by avoiding critical remarks about others' relatives. While the country has a Catholic heritage, modern society is largely secular; respect religious traditions and local customs. Regarding LGBTQ+ issues, Spain is generally inclusive and safe for tourists. When discussing history or politics, avoid sensitive topics such as the Franco era, regional independence movements (Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia), and the status of Gibraltar. In social interactions, double-cheek kisses are common among friends; a firm handshake is standard for professional or casual acquaintances. Be mindful of local customs regarding punctuality—generally, arriving within 10 minutes of the agreed time is acceptable. When dining, it is customary to wait until everyone is served before eating and to stay at the table until everyone has finished. When offered food or drinks, it is polite to initially decline once before accepting.