Saint Stephen's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Spain is known for its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant culture, and rich history. It boasts a high number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is celebrated for its diverse cuisine, lively nightlife, and traditional festivities.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) tradition involves eating 12 grapes at midnight.
• The 'las campanadas' bells from Puerta del Sol are broadcast nationwide.
• A fireworks display follows the New Year's chimes.
• Punctuality is valued, especially during first meetings.
• Offer hospitality multiple times as it is polite to initially decline offers.
• Public intoxication is generally frowned upon.
• 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 local sensitivities regarding family, religion (predominantly Catholic), and regional independence movements. Social interactions often involve physical contact like hand-on-shoulder gestures, and it is customary to greet friends with a kiss on both cheeks. When dining, wait for everyone to be seated before eating and expect the bill to be split equally. Be mindful of local nuances regarding bullfighting and historical figures.