Diario ABC
Una italiana que vive en España, sin palabras con un gesto cotidiano que hacemo…
En una de sus últimas publicaciones explica cuál ha sido el choque cultural más grande hasta el momento
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Madrid's Greeting Etiquette: An Italian Expat's Humorous Culture Shock
Madrid, Spain An Italian expatriate, Giulia Giovannella, residing in Madrid for a year, has shared her most significant cultural shock since moving to the Spanish capital: the local greeting customs. In a recent video, Giovannella detailed her surprise at the prevalent practice of greeting strangers with two kisses on the cheek, even upon initial introductions. "They don't go with a hand to say 'hello, nice to meet you'," Giovannella explained, "they go directly to greet with a kiss." She described this as a stark contrast to Italian customs, where a handshake is typically reserved for first meetings. The frequent physical contact, particularly in professional environments, has caused her considerable embarrassment. Giovannella further highlighted a subtle yet impactful difference: the direction of the cheek kisses. While Italians, or at least she herself, are accustomed to initiating the greeting from right to left, Spaniards typically start from left to right. This often leads to awkward encounters, with Giovannella humorously noting, "I constantly risk kissing people on the mouth." She advised newcomers to Spain to be aware of this cultural nuance. For those from other nationalities, she jokingly suggested resorting to hugs. This personal account sheds light on the subtle yet significant cultural variations that can impact daily interactions for expatriates.
