Nightlife
Spaniards
often start
the evening
with el paseo,
a leisurely
stroll through
the main
streets or
along the paseo maritimo in the coastal
resorts.
Much of
Spanish life
is lived in
the streets
and the
atmosphere is
especially
vibrant at
fiesta time.
On a warm
evening the
street cafes
and bars can
fill to
capacity as
people sit and
relax. The
nightclubs of
Ibiza and the
big cities
have attracted
the attention
of the
international
media and are
always an
attraction for
the
youngsters.
Most open late
at night and
don't close
until late the
following day.
Spanish men
tend to
maintain eye
contact with
females for
longer,
although this
does not mean
anything.
The Spanish
way of life is
somewhat
slower than
the rest of
Europe,
especially in
the south.
This may be
seen as lazy,
but when the
Spanish work,
they work
hard. They
have adapted
to the weather
and play hard
too. It is
quite common
for life to
begin when the
sun goes down,
especially in
the summer.
They are a
very happy
people who
enjoy life to
the full. They
love music,
dance and
food.
Smoking is now
banned in all
interior
public places
in Spain although it is common for people to take no notice. Most bars still allow smoking and it is signposted on the door.
Dress codes
In general the
Spanish have a
very modern
outlook on
clothing. They
are keen on
designer
clothes but
quality is
more important
than a
designer name.
Spanish made
clothes tend
to be high
quality and
reasonably
priced.
Teenage girls
tend to wear
trousers more
than skirts.
Denim is
definitely
'in'. Teenage
boys are keen
on designer
wear and
appearance is
important to
them. Mature
Spaniards
dress
conservatively
and with
style. Older
men in
particular
tend to wear
high quality
clothing.
It is unclear
what the
Spanish think
of scantily
clad
holiday-makers
but it is not acceptable in
small
villages, away
from the
coast. One
should be
particularly
careful of
dress code if
entering
churches.
Swim-wear and
short skirts
are frowned
upon.
See a full feature on Spanish dress code and clothing here
Spanish clothes shops stock a wide variety of clothes, as with any European country. On most high streets you will find top names such as River Island, Monsoon etc as well as some local shops that sell high quality clothing. On the coast you will find typical holiday maker shops where the quality of clothing may not be so good. Find out more about shopping in Spain here
What are the Spanish people like?
Spaniards in general are a very friendly, warm and fun-loving race. People seem to think that they are lazy but this is simply NOT true. In general, Spanish people are hard-working but they do know how to enjoy their free time. Family life is very important in Spain and this features in every region. Towards the south of Spain, life is considerably slower and more relaxed.
Spanish people are very proud of their history and culture and are very happy when foreigners take an interest. They love to show off and this is so evident in their dance such as flamenco. They need little excuse for a party of a fiesta and this is now part of everyday life in Spain.
When it comes to technology in Spain they are behind most of Europe but catching up fast. Spain has been a little slow to realise the potential of the internet whereas mobile phones were quick to take off. You don't have to look far to see people on their mobiles. New technology is interesting to Spaniards but they are a little slow to take it up. It appears that new technology is far less important than socialising and enjoying life. |
