The Spanish Language

The official language is Spanish, also called Castilian, and is the first language of over 72% of the population. Galician is spoken in the region of Galicia and Basque by increasing numbers of the population of Euskadi, the Spanish Basque Country. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and the closely-related Valencian in the Valencia region. All these languages have official regional status. Other minority languages including Aragonese and Asturian are not officially recognised.

 

Religion in Spain
 

• The majority of Spaniards are formally Roman Catholic, although different religious beliefs are accepted. 

• During the history of Spain, there have been long periods of where different religious groups have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and Christians. 

• Still some traditions manifest more like a cultural event than a religious one. 

• During Holy Week, many participants of the processions wear peaked, black hats as the sign of a penitent and walk barefoot, carrying a burden of some kind. 

• Religious history is apparent in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost museums.

 

Etiquette & Customs in Spain

Meeting Etiquette
 

• When introduced expect to shake hands. 

• Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. 

• Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left. 

• People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when in formal occasion as a general rule. 

• Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person.

 

Dress Etiquette

 

• Business dress is stylish yet, conservative. 

• Dress as you would in the rest of Europe.

• Elegant accessories are important for both men and women.