Epiphany

📣 Traveler notes

Spain is a historically rich country with a vibrant culture and acclaimed cuisine, recognized globally for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While traditionally Catholic, modern society is becoming increasingly secular.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) features the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight.
• The transition to the new year is marked by 'las campanadas' (the chimes) and fireworks.
• Direct physical contact and emotional expression are common signs of friendship and closeness.
• Dinner and meal timing requires patience; wait until all guests are seated and finished before departing.
• When offered food or drink, it is polite to initially decline before accepting.
• Approach cultural topics like bullfighting and the monarchy with caution.
• Greetings often involve kissing on both cheeks. When visiting homes, bring slippers. Be cautious when discussing sensitive topics such as politics, regional independence, or the Civil War.