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Module 2: Culture & Customs in Barcelona, Spain

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

Identify and feel comfortable with Barcelona's culture Be knowledgeable about dining customs for breakfast, lunch and dinner Understand the various methods of transportation Be able to identify popular attractions, pastimes, shopping establishments, etc.

Welcome to Barcelona!

The following video describes Barcelona, Spain! It will give an overview of the city architecture, night life, restaurants, and hotspots! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSIzl-k4VfE To learn about Barcelonas customs and culture click watch this clip! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cNQ9Mwe4ac

10 Things you Need to Know About Barcelona!

Before jumping into the lesson watch this video to get an overview of some basic facts all Barcelonas residents should know!

http://www.hostelworld.com/videos/153640/10-things-you-needto-know-about-barcelona

Traditional Food & Dining Customs

Meal times are highly respected in Barcelona culture-usually used as a time for social gatherings

Smoking is prohibited in bars and restaurants

Most restaurants open from 1:00-4:00pm and from 8:00-11:00pm Lunch can cost anywhere between 8-15 euros

Tipping is not an obligation but it is common for people to leave a 5% tip if they are satisfied with service
This video will provide you with an overview on food in Barcelona

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=949xmaOescI

For a list of the top 10 best Catalonian dining locations click here:

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/jun/08/top-10-modernrestaurants-barcelona

Breakfast
Strong Coffee is popular-served with hot milk

Espresso with milk can be served (cortado)

Most people just have a croissant (cruasan), doughnut, or ensaimada (a light, sugar-sprinkled pastry) If you want something more substantial, try a roll with cheese or grilled meat or cold cuts (bocadillo) If dining out ask to see the list of combination plates (platos combinados). These consist of a fried egg, french fries, bacon, and a steak or a hamburger A bikini is an old-fashioned toasted hamand-cheese sandwich.

Lunch

Most important meal of the day in Barcelona! Most businesses will shut down from 2:00-5:00pm to allow people to go home and eat with their families- this break time is known as the siesta Typical meal includes:3-4 courses

choice of soup, salad, or vegetables. Then follows the meat, chicken, or fish dish-grilled or in a rich stew or casserole Meat eaters should try botifarras, the locally made sausages Desserts are light: Fruit, yogurt, or a crema catalana (crme brle)

Wine and bread are always part of the meal

Lunch is served from 1:30 to 4pm-typically at 2pm.

Dinner

If you had a heavy or late lunch you may want to go for tapas or a few raciones in a wine bar Dinner is not as popular or heavy as lunch Pa amb tomquet (rustic bread rubbed with olive oil and tomato pulp, served with cheese, pt, or cold cuts) are a popular dish for dinner (see image) Mediterranean food is custom

fish, legumes, and vegetables

pork is also popular

Dining hour is 10:00-10:30pm

Shopping

Fashion is HUGE in Barcelona-shopping is a popular pastime Shops have long hours of operations from 10:00am-2:00pm and from 4:30-8:00pm For high-end fashion boutiques visit: The Portal de l'ngel, Plaa de Sant Josep Oriol, Avinguda Diagonal , For large shopping malls visit:

Les Glries, The Centre Comercial Maremgnumis- American style mall with bars, restaurants, and cinemas El Corte Ingls (see image) Diagonal Mar

Markets

Supermarkets are often considered to be an expensive alternative to the markets when buying food
Carrefour- one of Barcelonas largest supermarkets. You can get a variety of products. Open Monday-Saturday 10:00am10:00pm

Boqueria Market: Outdoor Market offering fresh fruits, vegetables and meats- similar to famers markets in America

Shopping/Markets

To find out more about shopping/markets in Barcelona, check out this clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPVafoFHJU

Transportation

Commutes average around 25-35 minutes and sometimes more and are commonplace
Common for people to walk and bike to nearby locations Watch this video for an overview of Barcelonas most convenient transportation options

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImnDaJLTdoM

Customs

Football (soccer) is huge in Barcelona! One of the most popular pastimes and attractions is the Camp Nou stadium

Home to F.C Barcelona football team (as known as Barca

Europe's largest stadium-can hold 99,000 people! For tickets to a F.C Barcelona game visit http://www.fcbarcelona.com/

Customs Continued
Sardana: also known as the "Circle Dance" is a Catalan custom that represents pride. The dance is typically done in popular spots on Sunday afternoons.

Click here for a video demonstrating the Sardana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4huqjRkBR0c

Attractions

Parc Gull: home to the famous Salamander sculpture. Holds some of the best views of the city. Barceloneta: voted the best beach city in the world by National Geographic Beaches are a huge form of entertainment in Barcelona! Sangrad Familia For more information on the attractions in Barcelona, watch this clip! http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=Qq-OkOL7JgU

Congratulations
You have completed the Culture and Customs Module for week two!
Please complete the assessment for this module to test your knowledge on the information provided.

References

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/barcelona/760363
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187497c70191/Barcelona:Spain:Best.Shopping.Areas.html http://studiesabroad.com/programs/country/spain/city/barcelona /cultureCorner/transportation http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-barcelona/ http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/English/_3Ngb8YjSpL3vfHw N34ed5Eioj86xRej8PgnbyKBzU5uC_s7OX4m2BaeUOtqr9g61 HQByWEgmfB0fOtjIqBJcwxx8iK7uYMTp8swwBZLmIpGNLH6vcIY wFlGbRidyk7K