Saint George's Day

📣 Traveler notes

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

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) tradition involves eating 12 grapes at midnight.
• The countdown is timed to the 12 chimes of the clock in Puerta del Sol.
• Fireworks typically follow the final chime at midnight.
• Expect a lively atmosphere in major cities during New Year's celebrations.
• Spaniards are generally welcoming and expressive; however, it is important to remain tactful. In social settings, interruptions and loud conversation are common. Respect family values by avoiding criticism of others' relatives. While the country is largely secular, religious traditions like Holy Week and Christmas are significant. Spain is considered gay-friendly, though views can vary between urban and rural areas. Sensitive topics include regional independence movements (Catalonia, Basque Country), the monarchy, and the historical Franco era; it is best to remain neutral on these subjects. Social customs include kissing on both cheeks when greeting friends and maintaining physical contact during conversation. When dining, wait until everyone is served before eating and expect to split the bill equally. Note that while some local languages like Catalan exist, most people speak Castilian Spanish.