Spaniards are known for their open, lively personalities and their love for celebrating life. In Spain they live by their emotions and find positive energy in everyday moments. Compared to Slovaks, they’re more liberal and aren’t afraid to be controversial or stand out.
I had the chance to experience life in Spain myself when I took a job in tourism and services for the summer. The differences I noticed were endless, but some were so striking they deserve their own article. Here are the 8 biggest cultural shocks I faced as a Slovak living in Spain for three months.
1. Divorce
Even though Spaniards are family-oriented, they tend to have more fluid family structures. While the divorce rate in Slovakia is around 28%, in Spain it has climbed to 60%. What’s even more surprising is that half of those divorces occur within the first two years of marriage. It’s not uncommon for people in Spain to marry up to three times in their lifetime.
2. Timing in Life
Slovak women typically get married at around 27, while Spanish women wait until they’re about 33. Spaniards don’t usually plan their children; they believe they’ll come at the right time. Young people often don’t think too much about the future and leave things to fate. Most of the youth don’t pursue higher education or full-time jobs.
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3. Vulgar language
While Slovaks might use vulgar language in everyday communication, we generally know when to hold back and keep it out of polite conversation. In Spain, this is turned on its head. Swear words are used regularly and can express both positive and negative emotions. You’ll hear them in the workplace, in stores, and even on public transport.
4. Siesta in Spain
It’s real, not just a myth—Spaniards really do enjoy their naps! If you thought the siesta, or afternoon nap, was just a stereotype or something only for children, think again. Most employers give their staff an hour or two in the afternoon for a good rest. Many offices even have designated rooms where employees can take a nap.
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5. Sparkling Water
If you ask for sparkling mineral water while on vacation in Spain, you’ll likely be recognized as a tourist. Spaniards don’t drink it, like it nor aren’t used to it. You’ll mostly find it in tourist areas, and it’s rare in smaller, remote villages. For them, there’s nothing better than regular, filtered still water.
6. Nightclubs
In Slovakia, nightclubs are mainly for the younger crowd. It’s rare to see bars full of people from different age groups on a Friday night. In Spain, however, it’s completely normal for colleagues to hit up a club together during the workweek, regardless of their age. Fun knows no age limit there, and younger folks often dance alongside their parents and even grandparents at the same nightclub.
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7. Socializing and Visiting in Spain
In Slovakia, it’s common to visit each other’s homes, enjoy a good glass of wine, and catch up. In Spain, this isn’t a tradition. Spaniards prefer meeting outside their homes, often in lively bars with loud music and socializing in the city centers.
8. Spanish Music
In Slovakia, we listen to a mix of music—Slovak, Czech, English, and even Spanish. Radios play songs in various languages. In Spain, though, the music scene is different. They mostly listen to reggaeton or Spanish-language songs performed by Latin artists. You won’t find many globally famous English hits in their music lineup.
Source: Pexels.com
