Cantabria Institutions Day

📣 Traveler notes

Spain is known for its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and rich history. It boasts an extensive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is celebrated for its lively traditions and festive spirit.

• Eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve, one for each chime of the clock.
• Join the crowds in Puerta del Sol, Madrid, to experience the traditional 'las campanadas'.
• Observe the live broadcast of the bells from Puerta del Sol on national television.
• Experience a fireworks display following the New Year's chimes.
• Spaniards are generally friendly and expressive; while they may speak over one another or offer unsolicited advice, these actions are intended to be helpful. Respect family values and avoid criticizing others' relatives. While the country is largely secular, religious holidays like Easter and Christmas remain culturally significant. Spain is considered a safe and tolerant destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Sensitive topics include regional independence movements (Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia), the monarchy, and the historical Franco era; it is best to remain neutral on these subjects. In social settings, double-cheek kisses are common among friends, and physical contact like a hand on a shoulder is a sign of warmth. When dining, wait for everyone to be seated before eating and expect to split the bill equally. Note that while some regions have specific linguistic preferences (e.g., Catalan), most people speak Castilian Spanish.