How to be a Sevillano in 5 Easy Steps

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Hey there future Sevillano wannabees. If you’ve read my other posts, then you know I’ve already got you covered with things to do and see in Seville, and I can also help you find the best things to eat to satisfy any craving.

Now you’re almost all set for your trip to Seville. With these 5 easy steps, you’ll be a Sevillano in no time! Or at least you can fake it ’til you make it.

1. Get with the Times!

Spain is 6 hours ahead from where I live, so it was difficult getting used to such a big time difference from everyone back home. Speaking of time, all the clocks in Spain are set to military time, so you need to learn what it means when you’re meeting a local for lunch at 15:30.

The eating schedule is also very different in Seville. Breakfast is very light, maybe just coffee and a piece of toast. Then, there’s often a second breakfast about an hour later. Lunch is typically much later that what we’re used to. My host family ate lunch at 3:30, which means I ate lunch at 3:30, even though I was on the brink of starvation by 1! They also don’t eat dinner until 9 or 10 at night, and don’t even think about going out before midnight! Most places like bars and discotecas don’t hit their peak until about 2:30 in the morning. Now I’ve always been a firm believer that the early bird gets the worm, but when I was living in Seville I had to become a night owl.

Another thing to get familiar with is the siesta. From about 2-5 in the afternoon many places, especially the smaller family-owned businesses, close for a few hours so they can rest or eat lunch with their families.

2. Sevillanos don’t drink sangria GASP

THIS SHOCKED ME. Finding out Spaniards don’t really drink sangria made me question everything I’ve ever known. Believe it or not, sangria is really just a drink for the tourists. The locals opt for a similar drink called pinto de Verano. I can definitely see why because I think it’s better! So if you want to blend in and be a Sevillano, skip the sangria.

3. What NOT to wear

Nothing says: “Hi, I’m from America” like flip flops, sweatpants, and university clothes, especially any Greek life apparel. One day I wore all of this just to run out for errands for a few minutes. Random men behind me shouted AMERICANO until I looked, and they proceeded to just shout “OBAMA” at me… If I had been dressing like a Sevillano, I could have avoided this.

Also, athletic apparel and sneakers are practically nonexistent unless going to the gym or for a run.

Overall, people in Seville dress nice, and their fashion choices are a lot bolder than what we typically see in the U.S. They aren’t afraid to mix patterns or bold color choices, so this is the time to experiment with ensembles that you might’ve been too afraid to wear back in the States!

4. The Best Things Come in Small Packages…Right?

In Spain, there is NO personal space. They are known for kissing people they just met, so really, what did I expect? EVERYTHING is smaller – the streets, elevators, even the food! Coffee is stronger so it’s served in very tiny portions (think shot glass size), and one of the most popular things to eat here is tapas which – you guessed it – is very small portions of food. You’re supposed to order a bunch of different ones and share them all amongst your group. For a great guided walking tour of the city’s best tapas, try a food tour! They’ll show you exactly what a true Sevillano likes to eat.

When in Seville, leave your personal bubble at home, and get comfortable with being a little uncomfortable. You can come across as rude and as a definite outsider if you do things like back away when people stand close to you.

5. Habla Español!

Many people in Seville don’t speak English, so even just knowing some basic phrases in Spanish will make your life MUCH easier. Those who do speak English will often take one look at foreigners, especially blonde-haired chicas like me, and immediately speak to us in English. Surprise them with Spanish! Making the effort goes a long way, and people are more willing to help you when you make an effort to assimilate to their culture by speaking in their native tongue. Plus, it’s great to see the wonderstruck look on their face when you catch them off guard with their own language.