Ashley Konich, Sarah ONeal, Kaitlin Denison, Dan Prenatt

STAPLE FOODS

TABOO FOODS

Bread (Pan)
Olive oil
Herbs and Spices
Wine
Fresh squeezed orange juice
Eggs (Tortilla Espanola)
Paella
Caf con leche
Fish and Seafood
Cheese
Ham (jamn)
Fruits and Vegetables
Nuts & Legumes

There are no foods that are considered taboo, however

when food is offered it is polite to accept it.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is the least

important meal of the day.
It occurs from the time you
wake up until around 10
am.
Many people skip breakfast
but if they do have it, it will
most likely be something
simple and light.
Examples:
Coffee, hot chocolate or
freshly squeezed orange
juice with a toast with jam,
croissant, or pastry.
A common breakfast pastry
in bars are churros.

FOOD PREPARATION METHODS

Spanish dishes are typically prepared in a stew, and
may also be fried, roasted and sauted. It is not
common to broil or bake, although grilling meats on a
metal plate or on a charcoal grill is a method that can
be used.

INTERESTING FACT
Spain is the leading producer of olive oil, walnuts,
almonds, and hazelnuts.
LUNCH

Lunch is the most

important meal of the day.
There are several courses
offered. It starts with a light
first course consisting of a
soup or salad. The second
course is filled with meat or
fish, and a fruit or a pastry
for dessert. Coffee or shots
of traditional liquor often
follows afterwards. The
whole meal is accompanied
by bread, wine and water.
Examples:
Paella & Chicharrn

DINNER

With many workers not

returning home until
around 8pm due to the
break following lunch from
2-4pm, a snack, or tapas,
is common followed by
dinner around 9-10:30pm.
Tapas serve as great bitesized snacks. Spainards
travel from bar to bar in
small groups snacking on
tapas to tide them over
until dinner. Tapas are a
very popular tradition!
Examples:
Patatas bravas & Bean
stew

Buell, B. (2014). The Staples of Spanish Cuisine. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from https://bus.wisc.edu/bba/mybiz/study-abroad/outgoing-study-abroad-

students/blog/2014/02/25/the-staples-of-spanish-cuisine
Don Quijote. (2016). Spanish Cuisine & Eating Customs. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/food/eating-customs
Thyberg, D. (n.d.). Holidays, Festivals, Celebrations & Traditions in Spain. Retrieved April 18, 2016, from http://traveltips.usatoday.com/holidays-festivals-celebrationstraditions-spain-3445.html

SPANISH CELEBRATIONS
Las Fallas, Valencia
A week long festival that takes
place each March in the
Mediterranean city of Valencia. It
includes nonstop fireworks and noisy fanfare.
Massive papier-mch statues mocking Spanish and
world celebrities impede on the city's plazas.
La Tomatina, Buol
A tomato war that lasts for 2
hours on the last Wednesday of
August each year. As with most
other Spanish holidays, street parties and parades
are customary. The local government sponsors the
event by sending in over 88,000 pounds of
tomatoes to be used as ammunition.

Semana Santa and La Feria de

Abril, Seville
One week of eating and Roman
Catholic parades leading up to
Easter. It features masked parades and huge floats
with Roman Catholic figures. This is followed up by
La Feria de Abril. Hundreds of tents and amusement
park rides are set up and is filled with traditional
dress, drinks, food, live music, and fireworks.
Fiesta de San Fermin,
Pamplona
An iconic holiday that
occurs each year in mid-July.
Volunteers, each morning, will sprint in front of a
stampeding herd of bulls following a route to the
city's bull ring.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

When handing an item to another, it is polite to

hand it to them instead of tossing it.
The word "stupid" is very strong and offensive.
Avoid using the Spanish word for stupid.
Spaniards may call you a "gringo" to describe
one who is foreign. It is not meant to degrade.
They greet friends and family with hugs.
Men and women may greet others with "besitos"
(touch cheeks while making a kissing noise)
Bargaining for a lower price in markets, small
shops, and even for taxi rides is expected.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

The hand gesture we use for "come here," (hand

palm up with the index finger extending in and
out) means that you are romantically interested
in the individual. It is considered a solicitation.
To motion another to actually "come here"
extend your hand palm down and move all four
fingers in and out
Watch for the "thief gesture" when traveling on
buses. If standing in the aisles, direct your
attention to the mothers and grandmothers. If a
thief is nearby, they will by place their hand
sideways with all four fingers extended, and then
move one finger at a time to touch the palm.

DINING ETIQUETTE/ TABLE

MANNERS

If one is invited to a Spaniards home, it is polite to

bring chocolates, cakes, or pastries; brandy, liquor
or wine; or flowers to the hostess.
If you are aware that the hosts have children a
small gift for them is appreciated if brought.
Remain standing until invited to sit down; you may
be shown to a particular seat.
Always keep your hands visible when eating with
wrists on the edge of the table.
The host gives the first toast and an honored guest
should return the toast later in the meal.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
Use utensils to eat most food. Even fruit is eaten
with a knife and fork.
If you have not finished eating, cross your knife
and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
Indicate you have finished eating by laying your
knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing
up, with the handles facing to the right.
Do not get up until the guest of honor does.
It is considered polite to decline extra helpings than
to leave food untouched on the plate.
At some markets you won't be considered "cheap"
for suggestion a lower price because it's always
assumed that a reasonable price can be agreed
upon.