Culture & Practices in Spain

While I have only been in Spain for a few days, I have already noticed that there are many differences between the US and Spanish cultures and practices. Although I am aware of the differences, I am making a conscious effort to appreciate and participate in as much of the culture as I can. I have already learned many things about the Spanish culture just by watching people on the streets, on the metro, at shops, and at the dorms. Most of my observations are from my personal point of view, but they are also legitimate practices in Spain.

There are three major differences I have observed between the culture of Spain and the US (Texas specifically).

1. Meals

In Spain, meals are not only a time to eat, but also a time to socialize and enjoy the company of friends and family. Most meals are made from fresh ingredients and you can only find few fast food places. I have yet to see a drive through fast food chain which is one major difference because in the US you can find a drive through anywhere you go. Meals also are much larger portions than what I am used to eating. They consist of appetizers, entrees, dessert, and coffee. The coffee is also not a 12 oz cup, but it is a small shot of espresso. The meals that I have eaten so far are very delicious and you can taste the love that was put into it. The most obvious difference between meals in Spain and meals in the US is the time in which they are eaten. In Spain, lunch hours are between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. while in the US many people eat lunch between noon and 2 p.m. Dinner is served between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. while in the US most people eat dinner between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This is a difficult practice to adjust to since I am so used to eating on the American eating schedule.

2. Fashion

Style is a major difference in the cultures of Spain and the US. While roaming the streets in Madrid, you will see people dressed in business casual outfits that are nicely ironed and styled to look very classy. In the US, athleisure is the most popular style at the moment. Trends are started by fashion brands that use celebrity endorsements to churn the consumers into following the latest fads. For example, when Kylie Jenner wears biker shorts and chunky white Fila shoes with white socks, trend followers in America see that as the most stylish clothing. From what I have observed in Spain, this is not the case. Classic black dresses, pencil skirts, neutral colors with some pops of color are more common among the people in Madrid. T-shirts, tank tops, and running shorts are probably looked down upon here, while in America it is a casual outfit. Europeans are known for their more respectful style of clothing and I find it very different from the styles I see in the US. Also clothes here seem to be better quality and more beautiful. The shops that I have visited include Primark, Zara, and Lefties. While these are not the fanciest stores I could go to while in Spain, the fashion is already different compared to the US. The sizes here are also more limited to those than the US. In America, there are plus size or curvy sections in every clothing store, while here the largest size of clothing they have is a large. This does not come as a surprise to me as I have thought of Europe to be a more close minded culture when it comes to body positivity and inclusivity. I think in Europe there is still a very strong and specific standard for beauty, therefore it is harder for those who do not fit into the certain sizes available at the stores, to find fashionable and nice clothing. I believe seeing this difference has made me respect American culture of being more inclusive, accepting, and diverse when it comes to body shapes and sizes.

3. Social Interactions

There are some similarities and differences in the social interactions and practices between people in Madrid and in Texas. One particular example is how people in Spain greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. This was also the same in Italy. People usually meet at a coffee shop or bar to catch up and socialize because their home is not considered a place to entertain. This is very different from how the culture of home is because we often invite people over to socialize. We have birthday parties, weddings, dinners, sleepovers, and parties within the comfort of our own home. I have learned that this is not part of the Spanish culture and it is a desirable practice in my opinion. I would much rather be able to have my home space only for my personal use and not for entertaining. I also think this allows for friends to gather in a common public place and then you will be around other people and have a broader group to socialize with. In Denton, many college students do meet for coffee or go grab dinner but I think hanging out at someone's house is more common in Texas than it is here.

Our cultures may have differences but that does not make either one right or wrong. I think there are fabulous things about the culture in Spain that I would prefer over the parts of Texas culture. These are just some observations I have made in my first week here.

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