Santiago Apóstol

📣 Traveler notes

Spain is known for its friendly atmosphere, relaxed lifestyle, diverse cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. It boasts a rich history as a former empire and holds the second-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world after Italy.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) tradition involves eating 12 grapes at midnight.
• One grape should be eaten for each of the 12 chimes of the clock.
• The Puerta del Sol in Madrid is a primary location for New Year celebrations.
• Live broadcasts of 'las campanadas' are available on national TV channels.
• A fireworks display typically follows the final chime at midnight.
• Special packs of 12 grapes are commonly sold in supermarkets before the holiday.
• Spaniards are generally welcoming and expressive; however, travelers should remain tactful. In social settings, it is common for people to speak over one another or offer unsolicited advice as a gesture of helpfulness. Respect family values by avoiding critical comments about others' relatives. While the country is predominantly Catholic, it is largely secular; respect religious traditions like Holy Week and Christmas. Spain is generally gay-friendly, though attitudes can vary between urban and rural areas. Sensitive topics to avoid include the Franco dictatorship, regional independence movements (Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia), the status of Gibraltar, and the monarchy. Social customs include kissing on both cheeks when greeting friends/family and maintaining physical contact during conversation. When dining, it is customary to wait until everyone is seated before eating and to pay the bill equally. When offered a gift or drink, it is polite to initially decline once before accepting.