Spanish Life and Culture

Notes on Life in Spain

With just thirty years of democratic government and twenty years in the European Union, Spain is a real success story.

In the mid-1970s Spain was still a relatively poor nation, just emerging from a long period of dictatorship, with most of its major industries and companies in the hands of the State.

In the 21st century the Spanish economy is solidly based on the private sector, and a wide range of political sentiments are represented in Parliament.  Spain has become very cosmopolitan, attracting immigrants from many nations.  And more and more young Spaniards have experience abroad – either while at university, or working abroad in cities like London or Frankfurt.

Spain is not just a successful country, it is a highly social country, and social relations play a major role in the workplace culture.  Interns can expect to go to lunch with colleagues and perhaps out for a drink after work.

Spanish nightlife is legendary, and sleep is considered a bit of a waste of time.  Year-round, but especially in summer, nights go on until dangerously close to the next work day!

The cafeterías serves the same function in Spain as the local pub in England or Ireland:  a meeting place for people of all ages, a chance to talk with old friends and make new ones, read the newspaper, or watch football on television.  In good weather – which often lasts from April through October in Madrid – the café moves outdoors and people sit at terrazas while chatting over a cup of coffee or a beer.

Social activity does not imply low productivity, and Spain’s economy is traditionally among the fastest-growing in the EU.  Unemployment, while still high by US standards, has come down to 8%, about the European average.  And the introduction of the Euro has meant that the rampant inflation of the 1990s is now under control, except in the housing sector.  It seems that all of Europe wants to vacation or retire in Spain (tourism is our #1 industry), and this keeps the building industry thriving.

The Mercedes and BMWs on the streets and the Gucci and Farrutx on the sidewalks hint at Spain’s prosperity.  But Spain is still one of the least-expensive countries of the EU, which students, like all visitors, are sure to appreciate.

Festivals play a major role in Spanish life. Each city and region has its own fiesta, often in honor of a patron saint. Activities associated with fiestas include processions, fireworks, dancing, wearing the regional costume, bullfights, and amusement rides. Madrid has two patron saints, San Isidro and La Virgen de la Almudena.  These are celebrated on May 15th and November 9th, respectively.

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