The ISA JournalFrom Tapas to Fireworks: My 5 Favorite Spanish Cultural Discoveries

Carter Henderson is a student at Kansas State University and a Featured Blogger. He is studying with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.

I have been studying in Barcelona, Spain, for about a month now. After a month of living in Barcelona and traveling around Spain, I’m finally starting to understand the rhythm of Spanish culture. Here are my favorite things about the Spanish culture:

1. The Dining Experience

Eating out in Spain is a far different experience from that of the U.S., and, frankly, I enjoy it better. Most meals here happen outside, often on lively patios or city sidewalks. Meals also take longer here because people like to take it slow and enjoy their meals. Waiters rarely interrupt you, which adds to the slow, relaxing vibe. Both of these things are appealing to me; I like being outside and enjoying the company of my friends while we eat.

It is also very common for people to drink with nearly every single meal here. Tapas in Spain are huge as well; people like to share meals instead of ordering individually. Also, the seafood in Barcelona is always incredible. Overall, I have come to love the restaurant culture in Spain. Not to mention, the food is extremely delicious and fresh. 

2. They Love to Party

Celebrations and festivals are a huge part of life here in Spain. In every single Spanish city I have visited, I have seen live music and festivals in the streets. Pro tip: Always stop for the free live music. It is always a blast because the music is great, everyone is dancing, and drinks are usually cheap.

June 24 was San Juan the Baptist Day, so we had school off. The night before, thousands of people flocked to the streets and beaches to celebrate. I have truly never seen anything like it. Locals celebrated with music, food, drinking, and a ton of fireworks. Seriously, everyone in Barcelona was out to celebrate that night. I see some sort of festival on a weekly basis here in Spain, which is a very fun aspect of their culture. 

3. Work/Life Balance Matters

The Spanish people place a much bigger priority on life than work. After 5 p.m., they never do any more work. Like I mentioned earlier, in Spain, they love to socialize and party. They also understand the art of slowing down. From long lunches to late dinners, Spaniards prioritize enjoying the moment over rushing through life. It’s a refreshing shift, especially for students from more fast-paced cultures.

4. The Architecture and Art

Art and architecture are such a part of daily life here, they are simply impossible to miss. All throughout the city are spectacular buildings and structures that are built with such incredible attention to detail.

During my time here, I have visited the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Salvador Dalí Museum, both of which were very interesting, with some beautiful pieces of art. From Gothic cathedrals, to Roman architecture, and ultra-modern buildings, the country’s architecture and art aren’t just things you see—they’re things you live with.

5. Life Happens in the Streets

The streets are always lively and full of people at practically every hour of the day or night. People here rarely spend time in their homes. Everyone loves to go out and socialize in the streets, beaches, cafes, bars, etc. In Spain, you are never alone unless you want to be. 

There are a few aspects of Spanish culture that I am not as much a fan of, but overall, I do really like their culture. These are just my five favorites, but there are several more. I have realized that you can’t truly understand a country’s culture until you go and experience it for yourself.