In a world where time is money, cultures around the globe seem to differ greatly in their approach to daily life. Nowhere has this been more apparent to me than in the stark contrast between the slow-paced Spanish lifestyle and the hustle-driven American culture.
The Spanish lifestyle tends to embrace a slower rhythm, which initially caused quite a large culture shock to me coming from the frenetic pace of American culture and an education system where everything is timed out. Beyond this lies another distinct difference between the Spanish and Catalan lifestyles, which I’ve found to be particularly prominent in my study-abroad city of choice, Barcelona.
A central aspect of the Spanish’s leisure is a cherished café culture. A typical day begins with a mid-morning coffee break, then a prolonged lunch, and eventually the infamous Spanish siesta—a mid-afternoon break when workers and businesses alike take time to rest or socialize before starting again in the late afternoon.
Another noteworthy aspect has been the multitude of national holidays and celebrations that vary across Spain’s autonomous communities. Here in Barcelona, we celebrated festivities like La Mercé, the National Day of Catalonia, and most recently Constitution Day, which luckily stretched into an ultra-long weekend.
Divergence from Spanish culture has become more evident the more I’ve traveled outside of Catalonia and can be observed in the differences in its distinct language, traditions, architecture, and even local cuisine. Unlike some other autonomous communities in Spain, the warm Mediterranean climate prevalent in Barcelona has formed a thriving outdoor living culture. Streets bustle with outdoor dining, perfect patios for people-watching, and even sponsored street performers.
One of the most interesting facts that I learned this semester has been that musicians who play in Barcelona’s Metro system are carefully chosen by a jury formed by the Association of Street and Metro Musicians BCN, who evaluate their musical skills and abilities to play non-stop for two-hour shifts without repeating songs or inconveniencing commuters.
Even after the sun sets, social gatherings are just beginning to warm up. Late-night dinners are often followed by strolls, known as “paseos,” through the neighborhoods to enjoy the lively evenings.
However, no discussion on Spanish society would be complete without the mention of its passion for fútbol. Barcelona in particular has one of the most devoted fan groups, often sporting the “Blaugrana” (blue and deep red) colors on apparel of all sorts. Walking the streets of Barcelona on a game, day the intense passion and camaraderie are palpable for the beloved home team FC Barcelona.
Now compare this lifestyle with the American lifestyle, where the relentless pursuit of productively sinks into every aspect of one’s identity. Many people are perpetually racing against time to appease a work ethic that emphasizes a constant push for success. Ultimately, the dichotomy between those whose lifestyles echo the philosophical difference of living to work versus working to live.
While Spanish culture has been shown to place a greater emphasis on enjoying daily life, American culture revolves around the pursuit of career and ambition. I believe there is an allure to each lifestyle. This contrast highlights the beauty of cultural diversity throughout our ever-increasingly interconnected world.
Addie Jay is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.