Every country has its own culture, customs and traditions. I have been in Spain for about three months, and I experience cultural differences every day. I am in love with Spain’s culture! There are many cultural differences between the United States and Spain.
One cultural difference I quickly had to get used to was greeting people with two besitos (little kisses) on either cheek. In the United States, I am used to greeting people with a handshake, and as a person with Dominican and Mexican heritage, greeting my family and Latino friends with one beso (kiss) on the cheek. At first it was strange because when I first arrived in Spain and got picked up at the airport in Madrid, I was not sure if I was supposed to give two besos or not when I met a family friend’s husband. It took me about a week to get used to this custom but now it comes naturally. When looking at Spain’s culture it makes sense why they greet with two besos. Spain, compared to the United States, is more laid back, easygoing, friendly and has a strong sense of community. Due to this strong sense of community, people tend to know all their neighbors as well as the owners of the nearby stores. Spaniards also gather with friends and family every day to socialize. The two besos tradition shows the general friendliness of Spanish culture.
