What to wear to a Spanish funeral. And where will the Wake be?

Описание: What happens when you attend a funeral in Spain? If you’re an expat in the Costa Blanca, Murcia, or Alicante, the reality might surprise you.

One of the biggest cultural "shocks" for English speakers living in Spain is the funeral system. From the speed at which they happen to the dress code and the complete absence of a "Wake," Spanish traditions are a world away from what we are used to in the UK, Ireland, or North America.

As a Cultural Insider, I get asked constantly: "Why isn't everyone wearing black?" or "Where is the gathering afterwards?" In this video, I explain why your Spanish neighbours might be shocked by the idea of a "celebration of life" and what you need to know to pay your respects without causing a social blunder.

What we cover in this episode of "The Differences":

The Dress Code Myth: Why black is strictly reserved for the immediate family and why shorts and jeans are perfectly acceptable for neighbours and friends.

The "Wake" Culture Clash: Why Spaniards consider food, drinks, and "nibbles" after a death to be in extremely poor taste.

The 24-Hour Reality: Why Spanish funerals happen so much faster than in the UK.

Cultural Interpretation: How I’ve had to bridge the gap between grieving British families and shocked Spanish locals at the local bar.

Living in Spain – The Differences helps you navigate these sensitive moments with confidence.

[00:00:03] Dress Code at Funerals: While black is the colour of mourning, it is typically reserved for immediate family members in Spain.

[00:00:38] Acceptable Attire: Guests, neighbours, and friends generally wear normal clothes, and it is common to see people in jeans or polo shirts rather than formal black attire.

[00:01:00] The Absence of Wakes: Spain does not have a tradition of wakes. Spaniards consider it in very poor taste to have a party with food and drink immediately following a death, as they do not believe in "celebrating" at such a time.

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