Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Barcelona, Spain or Barcelona Catalonia. In case you aren’t aware, Catalonia is a separate region in Spain and although it’s been a part of Spain for centuries. However, a separate culture and language remains in this area which includes Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. Since we’re here, I thought it would be a good time to talk about the five ways you can piss off a Catalan. Of course, this is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but hopefully it will help you see a few of the differences from Spanish to Catalan culture.
#1 Call a Catalan Spanish
If you really want to insult Catalan culture, call a Catalan Spanish. Despite all being part of the same country technically, the Catalan people are proud of their heritage and embrace the differences from Catalan to Spanish culture.
#2 Tell them Moritz Beer is German
To assum Moritz Beer is German is an honest mistake, as a lot of Europe beer comes from Germany and Spain isn’t generally known for beer. However, the Moritz beer you’ll see all over Barcelona and elsewhere is not from Germany, it’s from Molins de Rei, just outside Barcelona. This Catalan beer is supposedly the only beer in the world with labels written entirely in the Catalan language.
#3 Imply that Madrid Nightlife is Better than Barcelona
Nightlife in Spain is practically a religion, so naturally there is a strong rivalry between Spanish cities for the best nightlife. Spaniards, and Catalans, have the uncanny ability to stay out well past sunrise at nightclubs and beach parties, but if you prefer Madrid nightlife over Barcelona nightlife, you might want to keep that opinion to yourself. At least until you are safely out of Catalonia!
Watch: The Don’ts of Visiting Barcelona
#4 Comment on their Spanish Skills
You may hear a Catalan speaking a poor version of Spanish and make a comment, not realizing that they are actually speaking Catalan, not Spanish! It’s similar, but Catalan is actually closer to French and Italian than Spanish.
Read: Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language
#5 Predict that Real Will Win the Clásico
While nightlife is almost a religion in Spain, football is a religion in Spain and Catalonia. The majority of Catalans root for FC Barcelona. El Clásico refers to any football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. So, to suggest to a Catalan that Real is going to win El Clásico will not be received kindly.
Hopefully you don’t take this post too seriously, but if you do find yourself in Barcelona or Catalonia, maybe you’ll understand Catalan culture a bit better. For more travel tips and destinations, check out these blog posts and videos:
