Sun, sand, and passionate flamenco — that’s the Spain tourists see. But stay a little longer, and the picture starts to change. It turns out, not all Spaniards speak Spanish, most spend Sundays at home, and the word “mañana” can drive even the most punctual Brit crazy. Before packing our bags, let’s take a look at what real life is like in Spain.
Peoples of Spain
Formally, all citizens of the kingdom are Spaniards, but this is a much more complex concept. In Spain there are regions where populations consider themselves nations with their own traditions and languages. The largest of these are the Catalans, Galicians, and Basques. The Valencians and the Balearic Islands are no less distinctive.
In these regions local languages hold official status and are used right alongside Spanish. In Catalonia and the Basque Country separatist sentiments have deep roots—with many advocating for independence from Spain. A quick tip: never call a Catalan “Spanish.” They likely won’t appreciate it.
The Spanish portrait has been further colored by other communities: the Roma, the Moors (of Arab and Berber descent) and in recent decades, immigrants from Latin America, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. The result is a modern Spanish society that is wonderfully diverse and multicultural.
What do the locals look like?
If you tried to build an “average” Spaniard, you’d probably end up with someone with dark hair, brown eyes, and olive skin. Both men and women here tend to be short (around 5.58–5.74 feet).
But thanks to Spain’s turbulent, cultural diversity, you’ll also find plenty of fair-haired, blue-eyed locals—especially up north in Galicia. And with modern migration and intercultural marriages, the Spanish look continues to evolve, becoming more diverse than ever.
The spanish mindset: siesta, mañana, and "tranquila"
The first thing a newcomer will notice is the slow life and the unhurried pace of life. Spaniards just don’t do “rushing.” Waiting weeks for a government appointment or a repairman is completely normal. If you dare to complain, you’ll likely get a friendly pat on the back and a calm, “¡Tranquila!” (Take it easy!).
This is where the legendary “mañana” (tomorrow) comes from. Expats often find it infuriating because “tomorrow” can easily mean next week or next month. Sometimes it’s a polite “no,” but more often it’s a genuine philosophy: why rush when it can wait until tomorrow?
Forget asking a Spaniard to work overtime or come in on their day off — it’s a hard no. Personal time is precious and reserved strictly for family and friends.
And yes, Spaniards are famously emotional. Loud conversations on the street, animated hand gestures and a joyful chat with a cashier while a line forms behind them? All perfectly normal. Similarly, they are incredibly friendly to outsiders. They’ll help you find your way, walk you there if needed and will always say hello when entering a shop or an elevator.
Their attitude toward age is also refreshing. A 50-year-old woman is considered young. There’s no rush to build a career—starting one after 40 is perfectly normal. It’s also common to have a first child around that age. And nobody bats an eye at a 35-year-old man living with his parents; it’s just part of the culture.
The main traditions of Spain
- Corrida. For centuries, this was Spain’s iconic spectacle, but today it’s highly controversial. Activists are pushing for its ban due to animal cruelty. While it was declared part of Spain’s cultural heritage in 2013, public pressure has led to bans in the Canary Islands and Catalonia.
- Encierro (The Running of the Bulls). Another adrenaline-fueled and dangerous tradition. The most famous event happens in Pamplona during the July San Fermín festival. Thousands of people in white with red scarves race through narrow streets, trying to outrun charging bulls. The distance is short (about 850 meters), but injuries and even deaths are not uncommon.
- Siesta. Everyone’s heard of the siesta, but it’s not the same everywhere. Only in small towns is everything closed from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. Public places are open in Barcelona and Madrid. On Sundays restaurants, bars, cinemas and museums are usually open, but not all of them and not always. Locals usually prefer to relax at home on Sundays.
- Festivals and Carnivals. Spaniards love a good party. The most spectacular carnival is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, second only to Rio’s in scale. Then there are the “wine battles” (Batalla del Vino) in Haro, where people douse each other in thousands of liters of red wine, and tomato battle “La Tomatina in Buñol”, where over 100 tons of tomatoes become ammunition.
- Family and “Paseo”. Strong family ties are the bedrock of Spanish society. It’s normal to live in a close-knit, large family and often gather together for long lunches. The tradition of a slow, leisurely evening stroll with loved ones is so central it even has its own name: el paseo.
- Flamenco. This passionate, soulful art form is a global symbol of Spain. Ironically, it wasn’t invented by the Spanish, but by the Roma people who settled in the south (Andalusia) in the 15th century. The tradition was so vibrant and powerful that it took root and is now inseparable from Spanish culture worldwide.