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| Customs and traditions |
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Like their counterparts in Spain, Santander residents often start the evening with el paseo, a leisurely stroll through the main streets or along the paseo maritimo in the coastal resorts.
Much of everyday life is spent in the streets and residents look forward to the celebration of their fiestas which can last for days. Street cafés and bars can accommodate a large capacity of both visitors and residents. As the evening sets in, these places usually begin getting crowded. Most of these establishments open late at night and don't close until late the following day.
Even with the introduction through media of Western culture, Santander residents still retain most of the old customs like handshaking and even kissing on both cheeks.
If invited to a private home, a small gift is appreciated. Flowers are only sent for special celebrations. Away from the holiday resorts, residents confine beachwear to the poolside or beaches. Smoking is widely accepted, even in banks and shops but not on public transport.
Like their French counterparts, Spanish men tend to maintain eye contact with females for longer, although this does not mean anything.
Overall, Santander residents, like their counterparts in other areas in Spain, have adapted to the weather and so work and play hard. Generally though, their lifestyle is said to be slower compared to other European countries.
While being keen on designer clothes, Santander residents put a premium on quality clothes at reasonable prices. Teenage girls tend to wear trousers more than skirts. Denim is definitely 'in'. Teenage boys are keen on designer wear and appearance is important to them. Mature Spaniards dress conservatively. Scantily clad holiday-makers are frowned upon in small villages, especially those far from the coast. One should be particularly careful of dress code upon entering churches. Swim-wear and short skirts are also frowned upon. Away from the holiday resorts residents confine beachwear to the poolside or beaches.
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