Local Customs & Etiquette in Murcia, Murcia, Spain

All Topics about Murcia All Cities in Spain

1. Murcian Greeting (Saludo Murciano)

A warm double cheek kiss greeting is common among friends and family in Murcia.

Friendly Gesture: It shows a welcoming, friendly attitude towards people.
Social Distance: In the context of COVID-19, it's essential to maintain physical distancing while greeting.
Contextual: Reserve this gesture for close friends and family; a simple handshake is appropriate with acquaintances.

Locals in Murcia eat paella with their hands or a fork, not a spoon. It's also customary to share this communal dish.

Cultural Experience: Learning the proper way to enjoy a traditional Spanish dish adds to your travel experience.
Table Manners: Be mindful of others and don't fill your plate too much, as it can be considered disrespectful.
Food Preparation: The rice should be eaten directly from the pan; if it's served on plates, use a fork and not a spoon.

Traditional Murcian horchata (tiger nut milk) is usually served cold. It's customary to drink it with a glass of water afterwards.

Refreshing Beverage: Horchata provides a refreshing break from the Mediterranean heat.
Tiger Nut Allergy: Check if you have any allergies before consuming it to avoid potential reactions.
Proper Etiquette: Always ask for a glass of water when ordering horchata, and finish the drink before refilling.

During the Feria de Murcia (local fair), locals wear traditional dresses and dance to regional music. It's customary to wear your best attire.

Authentic Experience: Participating in the local festivities allows you to immerse yourself in Murcian culture.
Dress Code: Wear traditional clothes or dress smartly to show respect for the event and its cultural significance.
Respect Local Customs: Respect the customs and traditions, such as dancing the Murcian jota and eating traditional foods during the festival.

When visiting La Merced church, it's customary to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site.

Religious Sensitivity: Show respect for the religious beliefs and customs of locals.
Appropriate Attire: Wear long sleeves, trousers or skirts below the knee, and avoid revealing clothing.
Photography Guidelines: Respect the no-photography signs in some areas of the church for a peaceful experience.

At El Rastro market, it's common to negotiate prices when buying items.

Bargaining Experience: Test your negotiation skills by haggling for better prices.
Know Your Limit: Be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a price that suits both parties.
Respectful Negotiation: Maintain politeness during the negotiation process, and don't push too hard for a lower price.

At Taberna El Parron, it's customary to eat tapas slowly and savor each bite.

Culinary Experience: Enjoying the slow pace of eating tapas adds to your dining experience.
Tapas Etiquette: Order a variety of tapas, and eat each dish before ordering more.
Relaxed Atmosphere: The relaxed environment encourages socializing and enjoying the company of others.

When visiting Cartagena's Roman Theater, it's customary to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate attire.

Comfortable Exploration: Wear comfortable shoes for easy walking and exploring the theater.
Respectful Attire: Dress modestly to show respect for the historical site.
Photography Guidelines: Respect no-photography signs in certain areas and take photographs only when allowed.

At the bullfighting matador school, it's customary to dress smartly and show respect for the tradition.

Cultural Experience: Learning about bullfighting traditions provides insights into local culture.
Dress Code: Wear formal attire, such as a suit or cocktail dress, to show respect for the event.
Respectful Observation: Observe the event with a sense of respect for the tradition and the animals involved.

Traditional Agua de Valencia is usually served in a large glass with ice cubes. It's customary to drink it slowly.

Refreshing Beverage: Agua de Valencia provides a refreshing break from the Mediterranean heat.
Alcohol Content: Be mindful of your alcohol consumption, as it can be strong.
Proper Etiquette: Ask for a straw to avoid spilling the drink, and sip it slowly.

When visiting Monte Arabi Hermitage, it's customary to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site.

Religious Sensitivity: Show respect for the religious beliefs and customs of locals.
Appropriate Attire: Wear long sleeves, trousers or skirts below the knee, and avoid revealing clothing.
Respectful Silence: Maintain a respectful silence within the hermitage to foster a peaceful environment.

During Las Fiestas de la Primavera (Spring Festivals), it's customary to wear traditional costumes and join in the festivities.

Authentic Experience: Participating in local festivities allows you to immerse yourself in Murcian culture.
Dress Code: Wear traditional costumes or dress smartly to show respect for the event and its cultural significance.
Respect Local Customs: Respect the customs and traditions, such as dancing the Murcian jota and eating traditional foods during the festival.

When visiting Cartagena's Naval Museum, it's customary to dress modestly and respect the historical significance of the exhibits.

Historical Sensitivity: Show respect for the naval history and the artifacts on display.
Appropriate Attire: Wear comfortable clothing that is not revealing or offensive.
Photography Guidelines: Respect no-photography signs in certain areas and take photographs only when allowed.

At Mercado Central de Murcia, it's customary to haggle prices when buying fresh produce.

Fresh Produce Experience: Haggling for fresh produce adds to your shopping experience.
Know Your Limit: Be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a price that suits both parties.
Respectful Negotiation: Maintain politeness during the negotiation process, and don't push too hard for a lower price.

When visiting Santa Maria la Real Cathedral, it's customary to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site.

Religious Sensitivity: Show respect for the religious beliefs and customs of locals.
Appropriate Attire: Wear long sleeves, trousers or skirts below the knee, and avoid revealing clothing.
Respectful Silence: Maintain a respectful silence within the cathedral to foster a peaceful environment.