COSTA BLANCA CULTURE

The Spanish have a natural lust for life and much of this will be spent outdoors as they socialize and generally take things at a slower pace. We have all heard the term ‘manana’ (leave until tomorrow) but this is often exaggerated. The Spanish day is long and they will gladly work at a more gentle pace into the evening rather than be dominated by the hustle and bustle 9-5 factor.

The Spanish love to eat in big groups with families the focal point of most evening meals when they can all get together to mull over the days events. This love of the outdoors has resulted in more bars and restaurants per person than any other Country in the World.

The Spanish family traditions are deep and they will often look for work or assistance from family members rather than go directly to the employers. Generations will normally live under one roof and the property will be handed down from sibling to sibling. Children are adored in Spain so don’t be surprised if they take an instant liking to yours with a ‘hola’ (hello) or maybe a guapa (beautiful) comment. Catholicism is still very prominent and many churches will be packed to bursting on Sundays for every mass though the modern trend has seen a slight decline for people under 35. The religion really comes to the fore during the Easter processions.

Fiestas are very spectacular, colorful events and happen in villages all over Southern Spain most weekends. In the larger towns they may last just for the weekend though they have been known to last a whole week in the larger cities.

The Spanish still attend bullfighting and football is one of their other passions as bars are packed full of supporters on Saturday and Sunday evening. Leisure time is normally taken up by walking, cycling and golf. Musical stage shows and a love of the arts such as Operas are very popular.

The Spanish love of life is still very prominent and can be heard in it’s earnest at the tables of any restaurant and along the paseos on the Costa Blanca long into the warm evenings.