Daily Life 

GoinGlobal’s local experts help you understand the character of the people of this country, including history, cuisine, recreation and time management. Below is a brief excerpt from this section:  

People and Values

Although predominantly conservative, Spanish society has always shown radical contrasts. While in many ways it remains a traditional society, particularly regarding religion, minorities and the status of women, in other areas the country has led progressive changes in recent decades. For example, it was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriages and is considered one of most LGBTQ-friendly countries. 

• Personal character and integrity are highly valued traits, as is modesty.

• The family, both nuclear and extended, is the central social unit.

• Like many collectivist cultures, Spanish society deeply values group affiliation – to a family, an organization or a community. However, this does not extend to ideas of greater social responsibility.

• Spaniards can also be fiercely individualistic and distrustful of the government and authority.

• People can be animated and gregarious. They are immediately friendly with new acquaintances but build relationships based on long-term loyalty and trust.

• Personal relationships are very important, both socially and in business, as this helps to establish trust. ​

Time Management 

Life in Spain may be best characterized by its unhurried pace. Everything happens later here, from getting to work to eating meals to falling asleep at night.

Spain is considered a fluid time culture, which places more importance on personal relationships than on deadlines, which are considered flexible. Although often delayed, things eventually get done. 

For project management, it is advisable to commit to an agenda and timeline, but these often do not receive too much attention.

Cuisine and Dining Etiquette

Spanish cuisine is typically Mediterranean in character, with olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers and seafood being common ingredients. It also uses meat and animal products ─ vegetarians and vegans may have a difficult time in restaurants. Typical dishes include gazpacho (cold tomato soup), tortilla (thick egg omelet made with potatoes and fried in olive oil) and paella (rice dish with vegetables, meat or fish).

Spaniards are also fond of bocadillos (long sandwiches generally filled with ham and cheese or other local ingredient combinations) and tapas, small plates of food such as olives, jamón (cured ham), vegetables, meats, cheeses, shellfish and many other traditional recipes served in small portions....

This is just a brief sample of the extensive information in the GoinGlobal Spain Career Guide, which is carefully researched and regularly updated by local career experts.