If you are planning to move to Spain But there are some things you should know about living in this beautiful country of the European Union. Living abroad is an exciting adventure, but there are some things you should know about the Spanish people and their traditions, and we are here to help you.
1. Residence in Spain
Despite the recent foreign investment in the real estate market, you will still find affordable housing throughout Spain, especially if you plan to rent.
Leases range from six months to a year, making them ideal while you’re getting to know the area.
As for housing, there is a lot to choose from – apartments in multi-level buildings, detached houses, farms, cottages or semi-detached houses. Life in Spain offers a lot of variety!
For those interested in purchasing property in this foreign country, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a lawyer and a building surveyor to ensure the best value for money.
2. Local culture
Spain is a modern country, but unlike other European countries, there are significant differences in culture and manners. Local laws vary as you travel across the country, which can be a bit confusing.
Punctuality is not always important and the Spanish can be rude without intending to be rude. In rural areas, women may be harassed or scrutinized by groups of men.
Most Spaniards can understand English-speaking expats; however, they will be more interested if you speak Spanish – or at least try!
3. They have a good health care system
Health care in Spain is similar to the NHS in the following parameters GREAT BRITAIN citizens. It is called the National Health System (SNS) and is funded by the government. It is available to all Spanish and EU citizens. If you are an expat living in Spain, you will also have access to SNS; however, you will be able to purchase private health insurance if you prefer to avoid public hospitals.
4. Cost of living in Spain
The cost of living is relatively low compared to the rest of Europe, but it can be quite high in big cities. As for the main expenses – food, housing and transport – you will pay less than in other Western European countries; however, the salary in Spain may be lower.
5. Incorrect time zone
Although Spain is the supposed UK time zone, the actual time zone is GMT+1. This is due to the fact that during the Second World War, Francisco Franco – the dictator of Spain – decided that the country should correspond to the Nazi time zone. Germany. And for some reason they never switched it back to what it should be.
6. It’s very late to eat
One of the strange features of Spanish culture is the very late eating times. You might think that having dinner at 8pm is late, but the Spanish will surprise you by inviting you to dinner at 9pm. This happens because lunch comes at 3 o’clock in the afternoon!
Lunch is also not a joke, but an event. You can get rid of microwaveable dinners; in Spain you can count on gatherings with friends, wine and deep conversation.
7. You will have to learn the language
Although English is widely spoken in Spain, learning the local language is probably a good idea. Knowing Spanish will make it easier for you to navigate the roads, order food and ask for directions.
In the city center you will most likely get by with English, but once you get to the countryside outside the cities, you will be communicating with signs!
8. The majority of the population of Spain are Catholics
Catholicism has prevailed in Spain since 1469, when King Ferdinand II married Queen Isabella. This couple was known as the Catholic Monarchs, and the unification of Spain is attributed to them. Although Catholicism existed in Spain even before this unification, for 750 years the Moors, who had Islamic roots, ruled here.
9. There are many national holidays
The Spanish believe in a work-life balance, and this can be seen in the number of national holidays in Spain. Although many holidays are associated with Catholicism, even non-Catholics benefit from the holiday.
Among the holidays unique to Spain are Epiphany, Assumption Day, All Saints Day, Labor Day, Constitution Day, Holy Conception Day and Latin American Day.
10. The Moors left their mark in Spain
As mentioned earlier, Spain was under Islamic rule for hundreds of years before the marriage of the Catholic monarchs.
In 711 AD, the Moors invaded Spain from North Africa, captured the Iberian Peninsula and named it Andalusia (which explains the existence of Andalusia in southern Spain). For the next 750 years, the Moors influenced Spanish culture throughout the country.
Products that are on the traditional Spanish menu appeared thanks to the Moors, for example, paella, rice, alcohol and fried food. The Moors also introduced irrigation, which allowed the cultivation of many Mediterranean crops, such as olives.
11. They have a king
The head of state in Spain is the king, but the prime minister has great decision-making powers. The monarch, King Felipe VI, was crowned in 2014.
Interestingly, the royal family of Spain had a bit of a hiatus between 1931 and 1975. King Alfonso XIII was overthrown in 1931, and only after the death of dictator General Franco in 1975 was the monarchy restored.
12. Spain is known for the production of red wine
In Spain, there are large areas of vineyards that produce first-class wine, especially red. The most famous Spanish wine exported is La Rioja, located in the north of Spain, as well as Ribera del Duera, Cava, Jerez and Humilla. Spain is the third largest exporter of wine, after Italy and France.
13. The Spaniards are bent on jamon
Jamon is similar to gammon – it is a dried bone that is loved all over Spain. For many years the Spanish did not bother to cook pork; they simply smeared it with salt and hung it out to dry. You’ll find jamón no matter where you settle in Spain, and jamón ibérico, made from the Iberian pig, is especially loved by Spaniards and expats alike.
14. They are still engaged in bullfighting
Unfortunately, bullfighting is still practiced in Spain, despite the fact that the inhabitants of the country are increasingly aware of the cruelty of this “sport”. A bullfight begins by angering the bull by mistreating or torturing it. He is then released into the arena, where a toreador (or matador) tries to finish off the bull by thrusting a sword into its back.
Despite everything, the number of visitors to the bullfight is decreasing, but, unfortunately, it is still not banned.
15. Football is almost a religion
The Spanish are great FOOTBALL (soccer, or soccer fans) and the national soccer team was crowned world champions in 2010.
Teams Real Madrid and Barcelona The football club has fans all over the world and has won many European cups over the years.
16. Spain has a wide range of weather conditions
Although Spain is a small country, any Spanish resident will tell you that the weather varies greatly across the country. You can expect beautiful tropical summers and mild winters, but it depends on where in Spain you decide to settle.
In the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, you can expect cooler weather, while the plains of Andalucía are hot deserts. Before moving to Spain, you will need to do your research to make sure you settle in an area with favorable weather.
17. The Spanish love oranges
Spain is known for its export of oranges and the people of the country also enjoy the variety of oranges on offer. Most markets and grocery stores sell oranges ranging from clementines to bitter blood oranges. Orange groves are also a great place to relax, especially when they are in bloom.
18. The earth is full of natural wonders
Spain offers more than white sandy beaches and bustling cities. After leaving the borders of densely populated regions, you will see wonderful natural landscapes. National parks such as Somiedo Natural Park or Cabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park offer beautiful landscapes with mountain peaks or sea views from high cliffs.
19. School education in Spain
All children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school. There are a variety of schools to choose from, including public, receiving, private and international schools.
The academic year begins in mid-August and ends at the end of June. Summer and winter holidays fall on June-July and December-January.
Public schools
Children aged 3 to 18 can attend public school for free. Classes are taught in Spanish and all textbooks and extracurricular activities must be paid for.
Semi-private schools
Semi-private schools are subsidized by the government and have lower fees than private schools. Most lessons are taught in Spanish and follow the national curriculum. Classes are generally smaller than in public schools.
Private schools
Private schools are mainly based on religion, but there are also secular schools. These schools are more expensive, and the most prestigious private schools can be very expensive.
International schools
Most Spanish cities have international schools that follow British or American curricula. The lessons are taught in English, but you should know that these schools are incredibly expensive and difficult to get into because of the limited number of places.
20. Application of Catalonia for independence from Spain
Catalonia, the province in which Barcelona is located, desperately wants independence from the rest of Spain. The people of Catalonia consider themselves Catalan, not Spanish, and speak mainly Catalan. The Catalan flag, unlike the Spanish one, is displayed throughout Catalonia.
In 2017, a referendum was held and 90% of Catalans voted “for” independence from Spain; however, the referendum was declared illegal.
21. 57.5% of Spaniards are Catholic
The Spanish constitution allows freedom of religion, but 57.5% of Spaniards are Catholic. 20% of them are practicing Catholics, that is, they attend church and actively profess their faith. 38.1% of Spaniards are non-religious, and 2.8% are non-Catholic and practice other religions.