Do you know about the traditions and cultural features of the Spanish capital of Madrid?
Dreaming of taking a free tour of Madrid?
Let’s experience the temperamental character and special energy of this city. Read about it next.
Madrid for the locals
Locals have great respect for travelers who try to speak Spanish. Even if they are not very good at it, the tourist will surely attract attention and get the necessary help. Residents of Madrid are characterized by an abundant display of feelings, when meeting with friends, even members of the stronger sex can exchange a kiss on the cheek and greet each other with a strong hug. The Spanish are very friendly and welcoming to visitors, they love their city and are proud that it attracts so many travelers.
Exploring Madrid for the Traveler
Locals have great respect for travelers who try to explore the city’s cultural heritage and get to know it better. The Spanish are very friendly and welcoming to visitors, they love their city and are proud that it attracts so many travelers.
Here’s what you need to know about the city before you travel:
Social and financial status plays a big role for natives. These people of Madrid are very free, proud and attentive to their appearance. Image and reputation are the main aspects of the life of the local population. At the same time, they are very negative about any display of self-confidence. It is not customary for indigenous people to flaunt their wealth and social superiority. Townspeople greet each other with a firm handshake, and close friends or relatives may accompany the greeting with a hug. It is worth noting that during a conversation only close people can call each other by name. Colleagues and work acquaintances address each other by their last name or rank.
- Kitchens and restaurants.
Many restaurants in Madrid offer traditional Spanish cuisine combined with codfish dishes and various meat flavors. But the city also has a fair amount of restaurants specializing in the cuisines of other peoples of the world.
The people of Madrid are particularly fond of the thick puree of pea soup with sausage, peppers and spices, gazpacho vegetable soup, various meat and vegetable soups in the pot, ham and pork, grilled meat previously marinated in summer red with spices.
- Shopping and entertainment.
Madrid, and Serrano Street in particular, is a great place for luxury shopping, with boutiques of various brands and designers centered on Serrano. On the outskirts of Madrid, you can also buy designer clothes at more economical prices in Las Rozas outlets. Overall, Madrid is one of the best places for shopping along with Barcelona. Another positive aspect of the city is the lively nightlife, the Spanish capital is famous for its clubs and never sleeps.
- The culture of markets.
No one pays as much attention to the topic of food as the Spanish. They can discuss endlessly what to have for dinner. And to do that, you have to buy it! And it is very important to know exactly where. Don’t think that local markets are just counters and the usual array of products. On the contrary, they can be compared to a theatrical stage where a daily gastronomic show with special roles is played.
Christmas holidays are a special holiday for the citizens, they are always held with great splendor and attract a large number of tourists. The main popular celebrations unfold in the display of the Plaza Mayor on the map, where the Christmas Fair is held.
All of Madrid’s festivals are timed for religious events. One of the highlights of the national holiday is Holy Week. It is celebrated between Palm Sunday and Easter. At this time, the streets of Madrid are filled with a large number of processions, headed by a statue of Jesus Christ crucified or the Virgin Mary.
Madrid Comunidad de Madrid is a holiday celebrated at the beginning of May. It commemorates the victory of Spanish rebels over French forces during the War of Independence. Lots of fun, fairs, music and fire shows are waiting for tourists at this time on the streets of Madrid.
This guide will help you feel at home in the city and feel the local atmosphere.
There is an opinion among the Spanish that after living in Madrid for at least a day, you will go back because it is a city that knows how to steal your soul. The warm sun that shines all year round and a walk with freetour.com will give you a completely different perception of the world.
You will begin to adopt the way of thinking and the way of living that is preached in this happy place.