THE 15 MOST POPULAR TRADITIONS OF SPAIN - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The traditions of Spain are one of the aspects that most differentiate this country from the rest of the world. The particular location of its territory means that the Spanish have both European, African and Mediterranean influences. Therefore, their customs are quite different from those of any other part of the West.

Facing the rest of the world, Spain is a country where parties, good food and a relaxed lifestyle predominate. Words like siesta, paella or bulls are known by people from all corners of the planet; and the constant flow of tourists that our borders receive indicates that our traditions are really attractive.

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In this article we will see a list of the main traditions of Spain. In it, are included some well known and practiced throughout the national territory; but we have also added others that are specific to specific parts of the country.

1- Go for tapas

One of the traditions of Spain that most attracts the attention of tourists is that of going for tapas. This way of eating occurs practically exclusively within the Spanish borders; But its fame has spread throughout the world and more and more visitors want to experience it.

Tapas are not a specific type of food, but a way of eating. Going out for tapas consists of ordering small portions of typical food, such as patatas bravas, tortilla skewers, Russian salad or chorizo ​​with cider. What is eaten specifically depends a lot on the region where this custom is practiced.

In general, in addition, they usually go out for tapas in a group, as a way to socialize and have a good time with friends or family. Tapas are usually accompanied by drinks such as wine or beer, and involve changing bars frequently to try the food from each of them.

2- Bullfights

Without a doubt, one of the most controversial traditions in Spain is bullfighting. With a history dating back several centuries, and hundreds of thousands of followers, bullfighting is undoubtedly one of the first customs that come to mind to anyone thinking about Spain.

Bullfighting is a sporting practice in which, over three acts (called thirds), a bullfighter, with the help of other participants such as the picador or the banderilleros, kills a bull in a certain way. There are some variants, such as the rejoneo or the cuts, which add more variety to bullfighting.

This sporting practice is widespread throughout almost all of Spain, with bullrings in almost all Spanish towns. The most notable exceptions are Catalonia, where bullfighting was prohibited in 2010, and the Canary Islands, where it is illegal to carry out any type of bullfighting act.

Despite having a great historical tradition, bullfighting has less and less followers and social support. However, even today thousands of people continue to flock to the squares to see bullfights, a custom that hopefully will not disappear soon.

3- San Fermín

It is impossible to mention the practice of bullfighting without talking about what is possibly the best known Spanish festival: San Fermín. In this festival, which is celebrated in the city of Pamplona between July 6 and 14, all kinds of cultural and traditional practices are carried out.

Possibly the best known part of San Fermín is the practice of running the bulls. In them, several bulls travel a closed circuit through the streets of the city, while anyone who wants to can run in front of them trying to avoid being hit. However, there is much more to enjoy in this tradition.

The festival of San Fermín is held in honor of the saint from whom it receives its name. For nine days, the streets of Pamplona are filled with people, drink, music and entertainment. The inhabitants of the town are organized into clubs, each one with its own activities and usually with a brass band that animates their tours of the city.

Despite the bad reputation that this festival has developed in recent years, San Fermín continues to be a festival in which millions of people gather to have fun and enjoy it to the fullest. In fact, it is considered to be among the seven most important festivals in the world.

4- Camino de Santiago

Among the most important traditions of Spain, not everything is parties, drinks or food. One of the most significant customs is the pilgrimage to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. Traditionally religious in nature, more and more people take this tour for sporting, spiritual or tourist reasons.

There are many different routes for which to make the Camino de Santiago; but the most traditional is the one that goes from Roncesvalles, in the French Pyrenees, to Santiago, crossing the entire north of Spain. Some of the cities that are visited during this trip are Burgos, León, Pamplona or Logrono.

During the tour, the pilgrims, accredited by a special credential, usually sleep in shelters and carry all their belongings on their backs. The path is marked by yellow arrows, maintained by the town councils of the town, which indicate the shortest way to Santiago de Compostela.

In addition to the French Way, we find the Portuguese (both from the interior and the coast), the North (one of the most physically challenging), or the Vía de la Plata, which starts in southern Spain and runs throughout the peninsula. to Galicia. Some pilgrims also make the extension to Finisterra, which is becoming more and more popular.

5- Siesta

If there is a Spanish word known all over the world, it is undoubtedly siesta. This is the custom of sleeping one to three hours during the hottest period of the day, especially in summer. Although not as popular as it used to be, napping is still an integral part of life for many Spaniards.

Thus, generally between 2 and 5 in the afternoon, many Spanish inhabitants take a break to "take a nap", regain energy to face the rest of the day and escape the embarrassment that can be suffered in many localities.

6- Time difference

If there is something that surprises both Spaniards who travel abroad, as well as visitors who arrive, it is the difference in schedules with the rest of Europe and practically with the whole world. This is reflected both in eating habits and in leisure habits.

Thus, the hours of breakfast, lunch and dinner in Spain are very different from those of practically any other country in the world, where they take place much earlier.

As a consequence, also the working hours or the moments in which Spaniards make leisure plans are different from those of other territories.

7- Party culture

And speaking of leisure plans, one of the traditions of Spain that foreigners like the most is the culture of the party. The nightlife of practically all the big Spanish cities is legendary in the rest of Europe; so much so that places like Ibiza or Barcelona have become "mecas" for young Europeans.

In few other places in the world you can find such a variety of nightlife options, and less so continuously. With bars, pubs and nightclubs, in Spain the number of options for partying is much higher than in almost any other place in the world.

8- Valencian Fallas

Another of the festivals that most attract the attention of both nationals and foreigners is that of Fallas, in the Valencian Community. For several days, most of the towns in this territory adorn their streets with «fallas monuments» of all kinds, usually representing current affairs.

The most important act of these festivals is the cremà, which takes place on the eve of San José's day. On this date, all the fallas monuments are burned except those that have been winners of any award. Thus, during one night the whole street is filled with fire, music, fireworks, alcohol and people.

9- Easter

Despite not being an exclusive tradition in Spain, Spanish Holy Week is among the most important in the world. It is a religious festival aimed at commemorating the passion, death and resurrection of Christ; and it features several acts that span a week.

From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (whose exact dates vary depending on the lunar calendar), in a large number of Spanish towns all kinds of processions, parades and similar events are held to commemorate the passion of Christ.

This festival is especially important in Andalusia, although in practically the entire national territory you can attend events related to it.

10- La Tomatina

One of the most internationally acclaimed Spanish festivals is the Tomatina, which is celebrated in Buñol every August. During this cultural event, more than 20,000 people gather in the streets of this town to take part in a "tomato war" in which the main objective is to launch this food.

La Tomatina began to be practiced 70 years ago, due to a period of tomato surplus that forced the city of Buñuel to carry out a creative activity that would allow them to end the excess. Since then, this holiday has become extremely popular with young Europeans from all countries.

11- Flamenco

Along with bullfighting, paella and siesta, one of the best known Spanish traditions is flamenco. It is a style of music and dance that originated in Andalusia in the 18th century, considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Flamenco includes elements such as traditional costumes, a totally different musical style, and dance techniques such as heels that attract the attention of people from all over the world. Thus, for example, in countries like Japan this musical style is extremely popular.

12- New Years Eve

Virtually every country in the world celebrates in one way or another the end of one year and the beginning of another. However, the Spanish tradition that takes place on December 31 is exclusive to Spain, and is also one of the most important festivals for its inhabitants.

During the last twelve seconds of December 31, tradition dictates that it is necessary to eat twelve grapes to the rhythm of the “bells”, which are generally broadcast by clocks such as the one at Puerta del Sol in Madrid. This gesture supposedly brings good luck for the coming year, and is a very important symbolic act.

13- Carnival

TheOm3ga, from Wikimedia Commons

Despite not being an exclusive celebration of Spain, the Spanish Carnival is one of the most recognized worldwide. This is especially true of some such as Tenerife or Cádiz, which are considered one of the most important after Rio de Janeiro or Venice.

During the last Tuesday before Lent, the streets of many Spanish towns are filled with music, parties, costumes and dances. In addition, all kinds of cultural and leisure activities are carried out around this festival, which receive millions of visitors from all over the world every year.

14- Magi

On the night of January 5 to 6, one of the traditions most loved by the little ones takes place in Spain: the feast of the Three Kings. During this night, the arrival of the three wise men from the East to Bethlehem is celebrated with gifts for the baby Jesus, collected in the Bible.

To commemorate this event, activities such as the traditional Three Kings Parade are carried out, roscón is eaten, and gifts are made, in the style of what happens on Christmas Eve in many other countries of the world.

15- Sport

Finally, one of the traditions of Spain that has brought us the most fame worldwide is the practice of all kinds of sports. Many athletes of Spanish origin have reached the top in their respective disciplines, which has given us great recognition.

Thus, for example, soccer teams like Real Madrid or FC Barcelona, ​​tennis players like Rafael Nadal, basketball players like Pau and Mark Gasol or racing drivers like Fernando Alonso have received all kinds of awards throughout their professional careers. Sports, both their practice and their viewing, are an intrinsic part of Spanish culture.

Themes of interest

Mexican traditions.

Traditions of Argentina.

Traditions of Venezuela.

References

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3. "10 Best Spanish Festivals That Reflect The Country's Colorful & Crazy Side" in: Travel Triangle. Retrieved on: February 08, 2019 from Travel Triangle: traveltriangle.com.
4. "Traditions, customs and festivals of Spain" in: Viaje Jet. Retrieved on: February 08, 2019 from Viaje Jet: viajejet.com.
5. "The 10 Spanish customs that will make you understand the Iberian country better" in: El Mundo Ok. Retrieved on: February 08, 2019 from El Mundo Ok: elmundook.com.