15 things Spaniards are proud of but the rest of the world despises

Our country is full of tradition and passion for our customs. It's no wonder... as they are part of our culture and make us unique. We all feel proud of our way of life and the aspects that characterize it. Some of these customs are very peculiar and rooted in our history, but those visiting from other countries often disagree with us.

From the food that seems strange, to our lifestyle schedules, through to the amount of alcohol we consume and the way we communicate, there are countless customs we are proud of yet the rest of the world despises. We won't change them for that, but they certainly surprise those who travel to our country.

Spanish meal times are one of the aspects that most surprise and annoy those who visit our country for the first time. Our society's way of life means that meal and dinner times are later compared to the rest of Europe with which we share a continent and some characteristics.

The workday and lifestyle force Spaniards to adapt their eating schedules. In our country, it is normal to eat around two in the afternoon and have dinner around nine or ten at night. This fact discomforts visitors from other countries where meals occur at one and dinner at eight in the evening.

The tone of voice of Spaniards is one of the fundamental characteristics of our society. We don't realize it, but visitors assert that in Spain we shout a lot and are too loud. Our conversations and emotional expressions are notably louder than in other countries.

Speaking loudly does not mean we are angry or arguing; it is a way of communicating with passion and enthusiasm that creates perplexity in some cultures that prefer softer and less aggressive tones and are not accustomed to being loud.

One of the things for which Spaniards are most known is undoubtedly the siesta. This brief rest after lunch is part of our rhythm of life and catches the attention of every person who discovers this Spanish custom.

Not everyone takes a siesta every day, but it is one of our most deeply rooted traditions. This time for relaxation allows us to recharge energy to face the second part of the day, but foreigners consider it unnecessary and label us as lazy and sluggish.

If you stroll through Spain, you'll see benches filled with people enjoying the breeze while chatting about life. You'll also see children playing and running in the squares and people chatting in front of various establishments. This is one of the most Spanish customs that exist, but some foreigners do not fully comprehend it.

In other cultures, it is not so common to gather in the streets to converse; rather, it is done in bars and restaurants or even at home. But when summer arrives, Spaniards bring their chairs out into the street, especially in small towns, and spend long hours talking and enjoying each other's company.

When a traveler from another country visits Spain and wants to go out partying, they are incredibly surprised by the hours. We are used to starting the night out around midnight and finishing around five or six in the morning. In other countries, parties begin much earlier and end much earlier.

Spaniards are very proud of being festive and enjoying life, but some consider that we go out too much and that the hours of celebration should not be so late, and that we drink too much.

The traditional Spanish aperitif taken before a meal is known as vermouth and is one of our society's favorite customs. It is an important part of our culinary and social culture and is the perfect time to spend a moment with family and friends.

This tradition involves gathering to enjoy some tapas and something to drink to open up the appetite before the meal. However, many foreigners do not understand the need to eat something before a meal and consider it a waste of time and money.

Physical closeness is one of the most representative signs of affection in our country. Hugging and kissing when greeting someone is very common in Spanish society and is a great show of our appreciation for relationships with others.

Normally, when you greet someone in Spain, you give two kisses, but this sign can be complicated or impossible to find in other cultures. This gesture seems invasive for those visiting our country who are accustomed to greeting in a more formal manner with a handshake.

If there is something that characterizes Spaniards and reflects their customs, it is honesty. Spanish society expresses what it thinks without fear of being judged and is candid. This annoys some cultures that believe that sincerity is good only in moderation and assert that people living in Spain are rude for being too direct.

It is not a custom as such, but Spaniards take pride in our sincerity and honesty, regardless of what those who visit us may think. Clearly, a dose of honesty is good once in a while and is never done with malice, but with the intention of helping.

The lifestyle of Spaniards is characterized by a relaxed rhythm marked by a reputation for tardiness and the tendency to arrive late. Although this is not one of the customs we are most proud of, leading a life without stress and worry is one of the elements defining the quality of life in Spanish society.

This relaxation reflects our appreciation for enjoying the moment and valuing the flexibility of our daily lives. This fact is one of the most disliked by foreigners, especially those who prioritize punctuality and rigidity in schedules.

Spain is a country deeply rooted in its traditions, which are infinitely respected and encompass a vast array of different celebrations. From religious acts to village festivals, including peculiar activities that take place throughout the country, Spanish celebrations and traditions pass from generation to generation.

For us, they are a fundamental part of our cultural identity; however, for foreign visitors, these acts can be complex and difficult to understand. Many are surprised upon arriving in Catalonia to see a large human tower or visiting Seville to see a virgin being carried on the shoulders of people, but they are part of our culture, and we take pride in each and every one of them.

That Spaniards drink a lot of alcohol is one of the most common remarks made by all those travelers visiting us from other countries. Our relationship with alcohol is healthy, but it can surprise those who are not familiar with our customs. The best example of this is the glass of wine at lunch or the beer during vermouth time.

Although Spain is not one of the countries leading in alcohol consumption, this tradition is part of our way of socializing and celebrating life by toasting with those we love.

Spanish cuisine is varied and rich in flavors and textures. Some of our dishes are famous worldwide, and people from all over the globe travel here to taste our culinary art. No matter how much they may want to imitate some of our delicious preparations such as paella, tortilla de patatas, and many others, they will never be able to equal them.

But there are specific dishes that surprise travelers and they cannot understand how we can eat such foods. Oxtail or rabbit are completely unthinkable for foreigners, while for us they are true delicacies.

Our anthem is famous worldwide for lacking lyrics and consisting only of a musical rhythm. Although for us it is a whole custom and a reason to feel proud, the absence of words confuses those used to hearing a national anthem sung with energy.

Spaniards can hum ours and feel its melody with their hand on their chest, and although many may never understand it, the anthem of Spain is a true marvel.

The linguistic diversity of Spain is reflected not only in its different dialects that add culture and value to our country but also in its expressions and idioms. Many foreigners are surprised when they visit us and discover that in each area of our territory, people speak differently, which can be bewildering for them.

Furthermore, the variety of our language complicates language learning for those who do not know it as we use expressions that many consider nonsensical such as "entering in" or "going down to down."

In countries like the United States, it is very common to add a percentage to the bill for the service intended for the worker's tip, but in Spain, this is not very common. Unlike other cultures, our country does not have a moral obligation to leave a tip.

It's true that when we appreciate good service, we might leave some change, but many foreigners label us as stingy or ungrateful for this reason. International travelers feel confused about this Spanish custom, as it is a gesture rooted in other countries that they apply when visiting us.