Fête du Sacré-Cœur

📣 Conseils aux voyageurs

Travelers can expect a welcoming and friendly environment with a relaxed pace of life. While modern society is largely secular, traditional Catholic customs remain significant during holidays like Easter and Christmas. The country is generally gay-friendly, though attitudes may vary between urban centers and rural areas.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) tradition involves eating 12 grapes at midnight.
• The 'las campanadas' chimes from Puerta del Sol mark the countdown.
• A fireworks display follows the final chime of the New Year.
• Avoid discussing sensitive topics like regional independence or the monarchy.
• Be mindful of local sensitivities regarding bullfighting and historical conflicts.
• Respect local language preferences, such as Catalan in specific regions.
• Social interactions often involve physical contact and informal greetings; double-cheek kisses are common among friends. While punctuality is appreciated, a 10-minute grace period is standard. When dining, it is polite to wait until everyone is served before eating and to split the bill equally. When offered food or drinks, it is customary to politely decline once before accepting.