Local customs in Barcelona

Each country, city, place has its own local customs and traditions. Sometimes they might be too strange, sometimes too funny. Here is the list of most common customs and traditions in Barcelona.

In many parts of Europe and Barcelona is not exclusion, shopkeepers and cashiers will ask you to show ID when you pay with your credit card, and they can even record your passport number or driver’s license number on their copy of the bill. Therefore, when you plan to go shopping in Barcelona with your credit card make sure you have ID with picture.

In Barcelona nearly all of the smaller neighborhood pharmacies close from 2-4pm or from 1-5 pm. However if you are in dire need of something right away and find the closest pharmacy is closed you should look on the door and there will be a list of other pharmacies that are open. There are also many 24 hour pharmacies one near Sagrada Famila and at least two or three near the Ramblas and the town center.

Women do often go topless on the beaches here it seemed pretty common, so for those of you who aren't used to it, just be aware, and don't stare because no one else does! Actually it is not an entirely Spanish tradition; northern European women started this trend in the 60s when they came to Spain as tourists. In 60s Spain was under rule by Franco, authoritarian and very conservative leader. So the topless trend was evolving over the time and in our days if someone doesn't want to be topless, nobody won’t be surprised.

On Sundays around noon, the Catalans dance the "La Sardana" in front of the Cathedral. The musicians take place on the steps in front of the square and slowly they started playing their Catalan music. The dance seems not to be very difficult as in a few minutes the square was full of young and old as they dance in circles, shifting slightly back and forth, hands linked . This dance is a symbol of the Catalan identity and the circle a symbol of brotherhood and independence. Some of the dancers are wearing old tennis shoes. Join the dance, it's not to difficult!

There is a legend in Barcelona: if you drink the water from fountains near the top of Las Ramblas, you will return to Barcelona some day.