Everyone knows that life and customs change a lot in each city or in each country. It is common to think what is normal at home can be abnormal to someone else. To truly learn about a new culture, you should shed any prior bias or judgments you might have. Today we are going to take a walk by the most typical customs of Spain so that you do not get caught by surprise.

Read the Spanish version

• The schedules

What surprises everyone who arrives in Spain is the timetable in which locals move. Starting work at 9.00 in the morning, stop at noon to make lunch, eat at 14.30 pm and then have dinner around 21.00 at night. These are the times that not everyone can follow or adapt to it. Lastly, everyone uses the military time here so be prepared.

Some see this as great and others see it as terrible, this allows us to enjoy more hours of the sun ... but sleep less. Also, be careful! There are many shops and many businesses that close between 14.00 pm and 16.00 pm for lunch.

• La Siesta

Of course, after eating, not everyone wants to start working again. Therefore, the most traditional thing is to take a half an hour (or more) nap on the sofa or in a bed.

However, this is not so typical of Spain and few people can take it to practice. The working days do not allow you to have all that time to get home, eat and take a nap. Therefore, we leave this luxury for the weekend.

• Las tapas

Spain has bragging rights that we can eat on a terrace of a bar (or several) only paying the drink. For a waiter to come to your table with your drink and give you a plate of nuts, olives, salad, omelet or anything else, is something that can only happen here.

So, do not be scared if the waiter puts a small plate of food on the table. It wasn´t a mistake, it is for you.

• Ser escandaloso

Surely after eating tapas at a bar, you realize that you are starting to speak in a loud tone of voice. Even when a bus or train passes the tone of your voice is used similarly. We tend to speak louder than the rest of Europe. But relax, it is not because we are angry, it is because we do not realize it.

• El aceite de oliva

There is nothing more typical of the Mediterranean diet than using olive oil to season your salad, to cook a steak on a pan or to spread on toast. It is an oil that is used in the Spanish cuisine and that is uncommon to the rest of the world. In fact, Spain is the country that generates the most olive oil and exports it to the world.

Here are 5 of the things that surprise most people when they come to Spain. But we only put 5! There are other typical customs of the Spanish tradition that will surprise you even more, but that’s what makes Spain the perfect destination.

Halloween is approaching and a small controversy is flaring up: have we Spanish-speaking countries betrayed our roots by turning something as profound as All Souls' Day into something superficial?

Let's take it one step at a time: All Souls' Day is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. In many places the 1st is a public holiday so people go out on the eve, and what better way to have fun the night before a holiday than a costume party? Besides, that doesn't mean we're being frivolous: many people who celebrate Halloween also remember their loved ones on the following days.

Controversy aside, it is curious to see how some countries have adapted Halloween to their culture. Let's give you some examples.

In México, of course, the big celebration is the Day of the Dead, but Halloween is also celebrated. It is curious to see how children have adapted trick-or-treating and go from house to house asking not for sweets, but for donations. On 31 October, costume parties are also held, but with little connection to the typical images of the Day of the Dead. The latter, as tradition dictates, is celebrated when it is due.

In Spain it is the case that, in the north of the country and especially in Galicia, a Celtic festival very similar to Halloween, called Magosto, was already celebrated between 1 and 11 November. However, in Spain they have adapted Halloween to the Spanish in an unexpected way: some families solve the "trick or treat" by giving children Christmas sweets such as nougat or marzipan. Many say this is one of the reasons why by mid-October you can already see all kinds of Christmas specialities in supermarkets.

In Argentina Halloween is celebrated as if it were carnival: parties, dances... a simple party to have a good time. For a while there was also controversy related to the adoption of a foreign custom and it was proposed that instead of monsters such as the werewolf or Dracula, American-style beings such as the Anchimalén goblin, the vampire Ehéie or the Mapuche monster Pihuchén would be the protagonists. The proposal - it's a pity - never came to fruition. What does take place every year in Buenos Aires is the Halloween Run, a night-time marathon in which people dress up in costume.

We were very surprised, we admit, to learn that Halloween was already being celebrated in Colombia in the 1960s, although it was a festival celebrated by urban high society. In the 1970s it spread to the rest of the population. By the way, in Cartagena de Indias there is an indigenous tradition reminiscent of trick-or-treating called Tintililillo: children go around the neighbourhoods singing a little song and asking for a few pesos.

In Costa Rica the celebration of Halloween has served, ironically, to revitalise a somewhat forgotten custom, that of the masquerade. It is a festivity that unites the Spanish tradition of the giants and big-heads with indigenous traditions. Such has been the strength with which the festival has returned that in 1997 it was declared by decree that 31 October should be the national day of the traditional Costa Rican masquerade.

The clash between Halloween and tradition is most evident in Peru. Since 1944, 31 October was established as the day of one of the country's best-known traditional manifestations, the "canción criolla"; however, in recent years many Peruvians have dedicated the day to Halloween festivities. There have also emerged supporters of a third way, "Criolloween", which advocates uniting the aesthetics of one and the content of the other.

Halloween has taken hold, but the traditions refuse to go away, giving rise to parties, celebrations and very curious manifestations. Something very, very interesting.

TYPICAL CANDY FROM SALAMANCA: LAS OBLEAS

Make your stay in Salamanca even sweeter by trying one of the city’s most typical candies! The traditional obleas are artisanal and has over three centuries of history behind it. It’s made from natural ingredients: flour, egg and sugar. Although it’s origin, like many Spanish candies, can be traced back to convents, the recipe made its way out of the monastic walls and eventually became part of a normal diet for many families. This is why today it’s common to eat them with breakfast, as dessert or guilty pleasure, or at any time of the day, along with honey, soft cheese, marmalade, chocolate or ice cream.

The creation of obleas is a common topic of conversation in Salamanca thanks to a traditional and family-run company, “Pan de Ángel”, better known as Obleas de Cipérez. The name is derived from a little town, located in the natural park Arribes del Duero, where the family of Fabian Martin has been kneading and baking this special pastry of just 10 grams and 20 centimeters in diameter for over 160 years.

Its design has barely changed since the great-grandfather of the current owner Fabian Martin began his business selling and baking obleas. He and his wife had traveled all around the province of Salamanca, from village to village selling obleas that were even more artisanal than they are now. Back then, they used a cast iron mold, which Fabian Martin still has saved as a memento. Nowadays the process has been automated.

They are excellent gifts to bring back after your stay in Salamanca, especially the candies that are decorated with silhouettes of monuments, such as the two Cathedrals or the iconic Botón Charro symbol.  And, of course, they also have the Martin family name printed on them and the village where they created this delicious product. Take advantage of your stay in Salamanca to discover the obleas, try all of its combinations and discover your favorite – make it a sweet reminder of your stay!

They are eaten for breakfast, as a daily snack and sometimes even after a party. We are talking about the crunchy fried flour stalks dipped in melted chocolate, or Spanish churros.

This Spanish delicacy is composed only of flour, oil, sugar, and salt. Eating churros, with or without chocolate, is an authentic Spanish tradition and is considered a very cozy and social act because, according to the Spanish, it is unthinkable to eat them alone! Take advantage of your stay in the country to learn Spanish and try this authentic breakfast in Spain.

Read this article in Spanish.

Churros con chocolate: a Spanish tradition

Spanish churros are a unique delicacy in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. This dough is made only of flour, oil, salt, and sugar and is usually eaten dipped in melted chocolate. But do you know their origin?

The origin of the Spanish churros is not clear, but it is believed to have its roots in Spain for centuries. There is a popular theory that churros were brought by Spanish shepherds traveling through the mountains. It is said that they prepared a simple dough of flour, water, and salt, and fried it in hot fat to obtain food quickly and provide them with energy for long days of work. This practice would have been inspired by a technique of the Moors, who used to fry a similar dough to make 'xurros' (a variant of churros), during the Arab period in Spain.

Others claim that churros were first consumed in Catalonia in the early 19th century. And there is another theory that Spanish gypsies sold churros at fairs and that this is their true origin.

Not even the Provincial Association of Churro Manufacturers has an explanation of the origin of churros. It is a great mystery, and we may never know exactly where Spanish churros come from....

But, although the exact origin is not known, Spanish churros have become an iconic element of Spanish gastronomy. They are enjoyed all over the country for breakfast, as a snack, as an afternoon snack or in the evening after a party. Churrerías usually open from 6 a.m., so many people who go out to party stop by after going out to eat churros with chocolate. You can also find churros in Spain at fairs or festivals, as well as in the dessert menu of some restaurants.

Wherever they come from, Spanish churros are very popular in Spain. As is typical in the country, you can order a cup of melted chocolate or a café con leche to dip the churros in.

Where are Spanish churros sold in Spain?

Nowadays churros are sold everywhere, but the tastiest ones are still in the churrerías. The churrero, the person in charge of making them, is a true artisan who knows exactly when the dough is perfect to pass it to a churrera, the machine used to shape the churro dough. 

Once the dough is shaped in the churrera, it is poured into abundant hot oil and fried briefly until it acquires a golden color. You can choose whether to sprinkle them with a little sugar or dip them in hot chocolate.

Although if you want to enjoy some authentic churros with chocolate in Spain, you must make a mandatory stop at Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid. This is one of the most popular churrerías in the country. You will recognize Chocolatería San Ginés by its marble floor and its small tables, besides being in the heart of Madrid.

Another very famous one in Madrid is La Mallorquina. Although both places are usually crowded, you can't forget to visit them and try some authentic churros with chocolate.

Don't forget to try this delicacy during your stay in Spain!

Many people do not know that Spain has a wide variety of cheeses. Yet you can find all kinds of different cheeses in Spain. One of the most famous is the Manchego cheese, but Spain has many other different cheeses. Most Spanish cheese finds its origin in the area of Asturias, which is known as a real cheese region.

• Manchego is one of the best known Spanish cheeses and is also widely eaten in the Netherlands.
• The famous cheese region of Asturias hosts an annual cheese market, where farmers from all over the region sell their products.

Spain has a wide variety of cheeses, so you can find many different cheeses, all with very different tastes. Actually, all types of cheeses are made in Spain. For example, you can find the well-known young and old cheese, but also white cheese, blue cheese or extra spicy cheese. Some well-known cheeses from Spain are the Manchego, the Tetilla and the Cabrales. Spanish cheese is made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats or a combination of these three.

Spain's most famous cheese region is Asturias in northern Spain. In this region, small family farms have been making cheese for generations.  What is nice to see when you visit this region is that shepherds still roam the area with their flocks of sheep and goats. The most famous cheese from this region is the Cabrales, a mold cheese that comes from the combination of cow, sheep and goat milk. This cheese owes its special taste to the aging process in limestone caves.  Every last Sunday of August, the area hosts a large cheese market, where cheese farmers from all over the area gather to sell their products.

Manchego Cheese

The most famous cheese from Spain is the Manchego cheese. This sheep's cheese is named after La Mancha and has been made here from the whole milk of Manchega sheep for over two thousand years. Manchego has a rather sweet but mild flavor. The cheese used to be very popular with shepherds, who took it with them on their treks, because it had a very long shelf life. Today, the cheese has an aging period of about two to three months and can be divided into 4 categories. Young Manchego is called "fresco" in Spain, young cured is called "semicurado", cured is called "curado" and old Manchego is called "viejo" in Spain.

Manchego cheese is one of the many Spanish specialties and is used in many different ways. It can be eaten as a tapa, incorporated into a salad or, of course, served on a cheese board, where it is often combined with a paste of quince and nuts. What is special about Manchego cheese is that nowadays it is actually produced all over Spain but no one has ever managed to recreate it perfectly like in La Mancha. This is because the weather conditions in La Mancha are unique. The summers are long, dry and very hot, while the winters are very cold. 

Andalusia is the largest region in southern Spain. The region has 8 provinces, each of which has its own capital city. Well-known cities in Andalusia are Seville, Málaga, Cadiz, Cordoba and Granada. Many Moorish influences can be found in the region because the Moors used to rule here. Andalusia is best known for its warm climate and many hours of sunshine. There are plenty of different things to do; lie on the beach, visit beautiful cultural cities, relax, eat tapas, enjoy flamenco, and of course not to forget: Andalusia has a vibrant nightlife.  The nightlife most characterizes the Andalusian region for its versatility and is akin to the enchanting Arabian atmosphere.  

• Spanish nightlife usually starts after 00.00, after late dinner and drinks, and often continues until after sunrise.
• Because there are many Moorish influences in Andalusia, the nightlife is akin to the romantic '1001 and one night' atmosphere. '
• Andalusia's nightlife certainly has a different atmosphere from the rest of Spain and has something for everyone. Reasons enough to discover Andalusia's nightlife!

In general, nightlife in Spain is very popular and often takes some getting used to for tourists from northern Europe. In fact, nightlife in Spain often continues until after dawn. Spanish nightlife begins with having aperitifs in restaurants and bars, followed by a late dinner. With friends, you then go to a bar or discotheque where there is partying late into the night. For the diehards, there are then bars and clubs that are open all night, or visit an after-hours or morning club. And to finish, the next morning, have a nice breakfast of churros and chocolate.

In Andalusia, nightlife is not very different, but due to the province's versatility, there is plenty to do. For tourists unfamiliar with Spanish or Andalusian nightlife, going out is an odd and perhaps strange experience. People in Andalusia go out late for a drink with a tapa and then continue partying until the early hours. In Seville and Granada the nightlife goes on all year round because of the many Spanish and international students who live there, but on the coast there is more liveliness in the summer. In Marbella and Torremolinos there are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In summer these places are full of tourists which gives a cozy atmosphere.

Andalusia's nightlife is very broad so there is always something for everyone. Inhabiting a flamenco performance in Seville, checking out a student band in cozy Granada, sipping a cocktail at a beach bar with a relaxed surf atmosphere on the Costa de Luz or heading to elegant Marbella where you can spend around 50 euros for a round. For gambling lovers there is also plenty to do in Andalusia, why not spend a night at the casino. Andalusia's nightlife is very much divided into different regions. These regions often have their own age groups and styles, so there is something for everyone!

Games are a form of leisure activity adapted and changed by the passage of time. They are passed on from the older generation to the younger generation, who then pass it on to the next generation, and so on. Just as we all used to play hopscotch, marbles and tag, in Spain there are also various Spanish games that were traditionally played and are still performed daily by young and old to this day. Indeed, Spain is a country with a rich history full of traditions and stories from which many games have emerged. Indeed, games used to go from village to village, with everyone inventing their own version of the game.

• A typical Spanish game and probably one of the most popular card games is the card game "el Mus.
• Popular games widely played in Spain are known all over the world.

Spain even has its own card deck (juego de naipes or cartas de jugar) better known as Spanish card deck. It originates from the fourteenth century. This baraja española (Spanish card deck) normally consists of 48 cards with various historical figures and symbols on them. Of these card games, the most famous game is probably "el Mus. Originally from the Basque country, this card game is one of the most popular card games in Spain. Besides Spain, this game is also played largely in Latin America and a small part of France. It has a history of up to more than 200 years and there are several theories about the meaning and origin of the name.

The name "Mus" may have originated from the Basque language, where musu means kiss. Another theory is that the word comes from the Latin musso and means silent silence. This is the opposite of talk and was used to start the game. Normally played with four players in two pairs with the Spanish deck, the game consists of 40 cards. The deck then does not include eights, nines, tens and jokers. However, the rules of the game can vary greatly from each other as occurs in any card game. The game has four rounds: grande (big), chica (small), pares (pair), juego (game) and the goal of the game is to reach 40 points. It is a verbal game in which the players of the same team always sit opposite each other and can communicate with each other using signals.

Besides the card game, there are many different games for children. The most famous games that have been played since ancient times and are still popular today are: 'oca' (Goose board), 'escondite' (hide and seek), 'gomas' (rubber bands), 'peonza' (spinning top) and 'rayuela' (hopscotch). 'Oca' is a fun board game with numbered squares in a spiral shape. Stories circulate that the first version of this Spanish game was a gift from Francesco I de Medici (Grand Duke of Tuscany) to Philip II of Spain sometime between 1547 and 1587. The game "Gomas" is also a traditional game of Bolivian origin, in which a long elastic band is stretched by two players. A third player must do jumps and tricks in the middle of the elastic band. If a mistake is made, the player must go and another may continue.

Other traditional games in Spain (and also in other countries) are "damas" (checkers), "dominó" (dominoes) and "parchís" (don't make trouble). These games are especially popular among older people, as they can be played while sitting quietly. They are real thinking games and real party games that can keep people occupied for a long time.

The siesta is a world-famous concept and a real tradition in Spain and other warm countries. Even in the Netherlands it is often used as an excuse to get away from it all and close your eyes for a short (or somewhat longer) period of time. Because the term is used so often, there can also be some misconceptions regarding this custom, because what is a real siesta really, where does it come from, and how long does it officially last?

• The siesta originated in the 11th century and over the years has become a real custom in Spain.
• A real siesta lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is a time for the population to rest in silence so that new energy can be obtained for the rest of the day.
• For some tourists it may be a bit annoying, as small stores often close between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. just when they are often walking around the city to explore it.

The origin of the siesta can be disputed for a while. Indeed, there are several stories about this. The best known story is that it most likely originates from the rules of San Benito in the eleventh century. The Romans used to count the hours from sunrise, which showed that for them the sixth hour was noon. In Latin, the sixth hour means, la sexta hora. Therefore, the rule was rest and silence during this sixth hour. All the faithful thus gained more energy for the rest of the day. This custom was then adopted from monastery to monastery, whereupon the population also began to adopt it as a custom and gave it the name siesta. However you look at it, the siesta has been absorbed by the population at a rapid pace and, like flamenco and fiesta, has become one of the Spanish traditions and is an important part of Spanish culture.

Many people often think that siesta lasts longer than one hour, but this, however, is not true. Officially, a siesta lasts only between 15 and 30 minutes and can be seen as a kind of afternoon nap. Here it is customary to rest for a while on a confortable chair with your eyes closed. If this is not possible, lying on your bed is also allowed. The important thing is to be able to relax in complete silence. Among the real Spanish customs, it is not customary and even a little inappropriate to call between the hours of siesta. In fact, this is the time of rest for the Spaniards and also lunch time for them. This can be compared to calling during dinner time in the Netherlands.

In many cities, siesta still applies to shopping hours. To illustrate, stores in Seville close between 2:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. This is certainly not weird or nonsense as some people may think, but around that time it is the hottest part of the day and then it is better to stay out of the sun. Especially in Seville. In fact, there it is better to get out of the sun when it is high summer. In fact, temperatures can easily reach 35 degrees in southern Spain. For some tourists, these shopping hours can sometimes be frustrating, as that is often the time when they go out to explore the city and visit stores.

Over the years, siesta has changed a little bit. As before almost everyone used this afternoon nap, now it is no longer so obvious. Because large multinational companies or other businesses do stay open at noon, not everyone can use it anymore either. In addition, in the north of Spain it is not always so hot and necessary to take a nap to escape the heat. This time is then mainly used to hang out with the family and children.

However the siesta is used, it is a habit that can and will easily be adopted....

St. Nicholas in Spain...?

The feast of the "Three Kings" is an important holiday in Spain. Whereas in Holland all children look forward to the arrival of Sinterklaas, children in Spain look forward to January 5. For on this day, los Reyes Magos, the three kings arrive.

The story of Epiphany has its origins in a Bible story by the apostle Matthew. He describes the story of three Wise Men from the East, who, by following a bright star in the sky, go in search of the newborn King of the Jews. They eventually arrive at a stable in Bethlehem and find Mary here, with her newborn baby Jesus. The three kings - Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar offer Mary and the baby 3 gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

As in the Bible story, the three kings also bring gifts for the children in Spain. Every year children write "la carta a los Reyes Magos," a kind of wish list of gifts they wish for. On the night of Jan. 5-6, children put their shoe on the balcony, under the Christmas tree or in front of the window so the kings can see them clearly. Some candy is also often laid out for the kings and some hay and sugar cubes for the camels. That night the three Kings go around all the houses and the next morning the candy and hay are gone and presents are waiting. But of course if the children have been nice all year, because those who have not been nice initially receive some carbón dulce, sweet candies that look like black coal. These are a warning for naughty children and can be compared to the roes or the sack of Sinterklaas with us in the Netherlands.

On January 5, parades called "la Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos" are organized in many places in Spain. The parade in the Spanish town of Alcoy in Alicante is considered the oldest Epiphany parade in Spain and descriptions of it have been found as far back as 1866. During the parades, the streets are filled with Christmas lights and music and are packed with parents and children. During the parade, floats move through the streets and on one of these floats are the three Kings. Sometimes the Magi are also on camels and horses march in the parade. From the floats, candy is often thrown to the children during the parade and sometimes small gifts. On the day of the entry, all schools are closed and every year Spanish television broadcasts the parade live, each year from a different city.

During the days before Epiphany, you can find specially baked wreaths everywhere, in a round shape and decorated with candied fruit and sugar, called "rosca de reyes" or "roscón de reyes" (the king's ring). Traditionally, this king's wreath is eaten for breakfast on Jan. 6. Often a bean is hidden in the wreath and the person who finds the bean is the king on that day and gets to decide what is done and eaten that day.

Madrid's Puerta del Sol

New York has the glass ball, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Rio de Janeiro has fireworks on the beach and Tokyo has Shibuya crossing. In Madrid, we have the Puerta del Sol—Spain's kilometer zero where all highways radiate from reaching all of the areas of the country. Located in what is Madrid's Times Square, is a stately baroque Post building with a landmark clock tower called the Reloj de la Gobernación or the Clock of the Government in English. When twelve o'clock strikes in Madrid, all of the country tunes in to the Puerta del Sol and listen to the distinctive chimes of the clock striking twelve which is called the Campanadas de fin de año or the last bell tolls of the year. Curiously, the chimes of the stately clock are not the main attraction. Instead the tolling of the bell marks the rhythm for what really matters—eating 12 grapes to welcome in the New Year.

But how did this tradition of eating 12 grapes come into being? It isn't known for sure, but many believe that the tradition dates back to the early 1880s when upper class Madrileños began to imitate the French aristocratic tradition of dining with grapes and champagne on New Year's Eve.  To mock this practice, the people of Madrid gathered at the Puerta del Sol, as usual, to celebrate the New Year in the company of other but with a twist. They would now eat grapes as a derisive gesture towards their upper crust neighbors while they celebrated the end of one year and the entrance to another.

In 1909, the tradition would now become more established and the grapes that are used today were then introduced into the ceremony that we now recognize today. This is because growers in the Vianlopó Valley in the region of Alicante had a bumper crop of grapes that they needed to unload any way possible. Thankfully, the timing of the harvest was such that they would be able to sell their grapes to people in Madrid in need of this fruit in time for New Year's.  An added benefit this grape afforded people, in addition to its availability, was its thin skin which made this grape easier to eat within the 12 bell strikes at midnight.  For those people that are able to eat the 12 grapes before the last bell sounds, they will enjoy a new year full of success and good luck.

Today the grapes are grown specifically for this purpose and they are grown in a very peculiar way. Today these coveted grapes have the protected Denominación de Orígen which strictly regulates how these grapes are grown and handled.  One of the biggest peculiarities of this grape is that it is grown wrapped in Paper bags on the vine. For over 100 years, the best grape clusters are chosen on the vines and wrapped in paper bag that has an opening in the bottom. This was due to a plague of cochylis moths that devasted the grape crop at the turn of the last century. With their crops ruined, a farmer named Manuel Bonmatí Abad decided to try out the paper bag. As it turns out, his invention worked and not only had the bags protected the grapes from the bugs, but they also protected the grapes from inclement weather, birds and (over) exposure to pesticides.

Today, the grapes are still grown in this time consuming and costly growing process but the result is a unique and tasty culinary treat. Curiously, one inconvenience that these grapes have for people searching for good luck on New Year's Eve is that these grapes have three to four seeds  which can complicate the task of trying to eat 12 in a about 15 seconds. The thin skin is helpful but the seeds make the endeavor of eating these grapes in time a difficult task. For this reason there are some shortcuts that people take prior to chime of the bells. The most common trick is for people to peel and remove the seeds from the grapes. A laborious task but effective in helping people get as lucky as possible for the coming year. Another way of cheating the bells is to buy tins with exactly 12 peeled and seed free grapes; this more expensive option is also the most convenient—no cleaning, peeling or removing seeds.

However or wherever you plan on celebrating your New Year's, be sure to have 12 grapes handy and, tune your computer, tablet or smartphone to rtve.es and watch the campanadas live from the Puerto del Sol.