Living in Spain – The Importance of Family
You will soon become very aware of the importance of family life when you buy a house in Spain and start your new life in the Costa Blanca. Family is so much more than just a unit it is the foundation that traditions, values and culture are built upon. The deep-rooted family connection can be seen everyday in Spanish life from daily interactions to elaborate celebrations.
Extended Family
Family beyond immediate members are also integral to the life of most Spanish households with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins participating as part of the family unit as a whole. This stron bond provide an incredibly supportive and caring environment particularly in times of need. Many families remain living closeby so you will notice that this is incorporated into many community events and Fiestas in Spain. If any family members have moved away they will prioritise returning to their home town and being with the all their relatives for any important occasions.
Family Values
Family values within Spanish culture shapes the way people interact with one another returning to a more historical attitude than are apparent in some other countries. The elderly are not just respected, their oppinions are reveared and take very seriously by younger family members. Loyalty to one another and solidarity are prized in Spain these priciples continue through the younger genarations to ensure that family customs hardly change.
Family Celebrations and Commiserations
Joyful occasions form a significant part of family living in Spain, whether it’s a birthday, wedding or religious holiday, or on sadder occasions like a funeral, many generations of the extended family will pull together at these times both in joy or crisis. They provide a support system for each other which strengthens family bonds and help to create treasured memories for everyone involved.
The Role of Women
Family life in Spain revolves primarily aroung the women who are the heart of the home and responsible for nurturing and caring for family members. Although traditional gender roles have evolved in recent years women remain highly valued for their contribution to all aspects of family life. Families have huge respect for the matriarchs of their family and rely on them for their experience, wisdom and council.
Family Life and Spanish Society
In Spain traditional family life influences the who community and Spanish society as a whole. This helps with the strong sense of community you will soon become aware of when you are living in the Costa Blanca, celebrations and religious festivals bring the community and all the families of that town together both with organisation, publicity and generally ensuring that events run smoothly. This way of life lends itself to a great sense of belonging, feeling at home and an enviable quality of life. This support network also helps the community to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
Family Businesses in the Costa Blanca
The co-operation of the Spanish family overflows into their daily working lives and routines with many having a traditional business in their locality ranging from small shops and restaurants to family run hotesl or larger construction businesses, farms and other agricultural enterprises including the important traditional procuction locally of wine and olive oil. The business will be characterised by the family bonds that exsist with strong ties and long term commitment both the organisation and local community with whom they work.
The Future of Families living in Spain
The evolution of Spanish society continues to include the steadfast family values that have exsisted for hundreds of years. Despite modern lifestyles, changing ideologies and external influences that may impact life in Spain the core family values, due to their deep roots, are likely to endure. Embracing these family bonds can only contributed to Spain continuing to thrive as a culturally rich nation.
Conclusion
The cornerstone of Spanish culture is the family, it shapes the way people live, love, celebrate, commiserate and connect with one another. When you understand the significance of family in society in Spain you will be able to appreciate more fully the culture that has enticed so many to aspire to live here. The welcoming, friendly, possibly old-fashioned, sense of community is something that many of us seek when hoping to buy a home in the Costa Blanca.
