Living in Valencia I have never seen anyone walking about in a flamenco dress, I don't know any bullfighters, not everyone you see is a foreigner, the place doesn't close down in the winter and we don't only rely just on tourists to have anything resembling an economy. Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain and it is a totally first world, modern, thriving city on the Mediterranean coast.

We have world class communications in terms of public transport, roads, rail and even dare I say it air routes. Culturally, you can find cinema, theatre, music, fiestas and even plus sized Italians shouting at each other, aka Opera. Food is superb, Michelin starred restaurants dot the area along with more traditional fare and the obligatory paella joints and we have a plethora of fusion joints. Medical care is great, every town has great public facilities in terms of parks, sports centres, cultural centres and events and the people live in something called a society where we look out for each other and others. When something bad happens, everyone pulls together to help and we believe that nobody should be left behind.

Spain's economy is the sixth largest in Europe and the 15th in the World and this year was the one that in percentage terms grew the most out of all of the Western Economies. Inflation is low, jobless numbers continue to fall though they are comparatively high here as everyone is counted in the numbers and wages are rising as the government put in place large percentage rises in the minimum wage in the last few years in order to deal with people having to work various jobs to get by.

It's not a bad place to live at all.

However, go onto any Facebook group of people planning to move to Spain or even take a quick look at some of the messages we get at Valencia Property from people looking to move here and the misconceptions are huge. Now you may not believe some of these because you don't get to see a lot of what we do but in the last few years we have been inundated at times with some of the following, especially on Expats in Spain groups. Let's just look at a few.

Spain is a culturally rich and diverse country, but like many nations, it's often misunderstood by outsiders. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about Spain and its people:

1. Spain is All About Flamenco, Bullfighting, and Siestas

Reality: While these elements are part of Spain's cultural heritage, they are far from representative of the entire country. Flamenco is mostly associated with Andalucia and Andalucia isn't all of Spain. Bullfighting is increasingly controversial and not widely embraced, particularly among younger Spaniards. Siestas are less common than people think, especially in modern urban areas where work schedules are demanding but hey let's make sure we keep this one going, I personally love it.

2. Spaniards Are Always Late and Laid-Back

Reality: While the pace of life in Spain might be more relaxed compared to some countries, punctuality and work ethic vary greatly depending on the region and context. Spaniards value personal time but are also hard-working and industrious. As a Brit living here for over 30 years I still can't get used to arriving somewhere late and it does seem to be a national pastime just to piss me off but when we talk about work the Spanish are generally punctual and they get the work done. What they won't do easily is what they shouldn't do but seems to be expected in other countries, especially the States, which is work outside of work time. There is a time and place for work and that's at work. We work to live not live to work.

3. Spanish Cuisine is Only Tapas and Paella

Reality: Spanish cuisine is highly regional and diverse. While tapas and paella (Valencia) are well-known internationally, other dishes like pintxos (from the Basque Country), fabada (Asturias), gazpacho (Andalusia), and cochinillo (Castile) are equally beloved. Each region boasts its own culinary identity. Even the truly awful Cocido Madrileño has its fans (They are idiots, but it has its fans)

4. Spain Has a Warm, Sunny Climate Everywhere

Reality: Spain's climate is incredibly diverse. The north, including Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, is lush and rainy (Yeah the bits north of the mountains), while the south enjoys hot, dry weather. Winters in Madrid and other inland areas can be amazingly cold and try Teruel during a cold snap to be reminded of what Siberia might be like in December.

5. All Spaniards Speak Spanish the Same Way

Reality: Spain has several co-official languages, including Catalan, Basque, and Galician, in addition to regional dialects like Bable and whatever that Andalusian Spanish accent is. These languages and dialects reflect the country's rich cultural and linguistic diversity.

6. Spain is One Homogeneous Culture

Reality: Spain is a nation of regions, each with distinct identities, traditions, and histories. Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, for example, have unique languages and a strong sense of regional pride. In fact every region, autonomous community, city, town and village is extremely proud of their heritage and the differences that make them unique, however they are also proud of what unites them within their communities and country.

7. Spaniards Only Party and Relax

Reality: While Spain has a vibrant nightlife and festivals like La Tomatina, Las Fallas and La Feria de Abril, Spaniards are also deeply family-oriented and value education and hard work. However, yes they party and party hard, after all, why not? Alcohol is relatively cheap and plentiful and is not viewed with suspicion, cafes, bars and restaurants abound and it has one of the best nightlifes in the World, it starts late and finishes even later.

8. Bullfighting is Universally Loved

Reality: Bullfighting is a divisive topic in Spain. While it remains a tradition in some areas, many Spaniards oppose it and advocate for animal rights. In fact in the age groups under 65 there are very few lovers of bullfighting outside of the traditional area of Andalucia. It is losing popularity year by year and not just because of animal rights, it's also downright boring, not something the Tik Tok generation revel in.

9. Spain is Poor or Less Developed Compared to Other Western European Countries

Reality: Spain is a modern, developed country with strong infrastructure, a high standard of living, and contributions to arts, sciences, and sports everywhere as wqe mentioned earlier. GDP may be less than the States and hugely so but the quality of life in Spain far outweighs the States. GDP is a poor predictor of wellbeing. Time and quality of life along with societal values much more so.

10. Everyone Eats Late at Night

Reality: While dinner is typically later than in other countries (around 9-10 PM), not everyone follows this schedule, particularly in rural areas or among older generations. It's probably Valencia where this comes from as you cannot book a table at a restaurant before 8.30 or sometimes 9pm but when people are working until 8pm then it's no surprise.

Let's Not Forget the Facebook Random Weirdos Though

Does Spain have debit cards? Can you find a dentist in Spain? Will I need to bring my car over? Does it get cold? Can you recommend me a dog walker in Spain? Can I go for a day out in Madrid from Cadiz? I am visiting Spain for four days will I need more time to see it all? Can I have a dog in my house? Where is the best place for me? Do I need air conditioning? Where in Spain is the best place to get Mexican food? Can you recommend a financial advisor? And the truly wonderful but sad, I want to move to Spain but don't want to pay taxes. How can I do that? (Just pay your taxes and live in a wonderful place)

Surely, but surely, these are people on a wind up!

Conclusion

Spain’s diversity and regional differences make it a country that can’t be easily summarized by stereotypes though everyone will continue to try and do so. It’s always worth exploring beyond the clichés to truly understand Spain's rich culture and way of life. And we are going to mention more of those now because one of the reasons we love living in Spain is the fact that there are plenty of holidays. 2025 is looking like this (And yes, lots of holidays is a cliche but it's also true so not a misconception).

Holidays in Valencia for 2025

In Spain, we have some of the same holidays as other countries, but there are also quite a few days that are traditionally Spanish. In addition, there may be special local holidays per region or city/village. In this section of this week's blog you can read what the holidays in Valencia are for 2025.

Bear in mind that on these days a lot is closed when it comes to shops and businesses, and that in some places it can be quite a party (read loud music and fireworks).

1 January - Año Nuevo

As in many countries, New Year's Day is a day off in Spain.

6 January - Tres Reyes

A bit like St Nicholas, the three kings arrive in the city of Valencia by boat and then ride through the city in a parade, handing out sweets. In the evening, there are presents for the whole family. The Parade is on the 5th and the presents arrive that night so the holiday is the 6th.

22 January - San Vicente Mártir

Saint Vincent de Martir (meaning martyr) is the patron saint of the city of Valencia. For five centuries, he was seen as the most important martyr of the West, making Valencia the terminus of the most important pilgrimage in all of Europe. 22 January is the date when this saint is venerated in Valencia which means an extra day off which always catches us by surprise.

19 March - Dia de San Jose

19 March also marks the end of Las Fallas, Valencia's biggest festival, which starts on the last Sunday in February. From 12-19 March, there are big statues all over the city and lots of fireworks. The holidays are the 15th to the 19th. Every day at 14.00 from the 1st of March you can "enjoy" the mascletá on the plaza de ayuntamiento.

18 April - Viernes Santo

Good Friday is a day off here. Think pointy chests, big statues of Jesus, sad music, drum rolls etc. Impressive. You can find more information via this website ( in Spanish): https://www.semanasantamarinera.org/)

21 April - Lunes de Pascua

Easter Monday is a day off here. Since Good Friday is also a day off, many Spaniards go away on this long weekend and then add an extra week off onto the end of it or maybe two before and after.

1 May - Día del Trabajador

Labour Day, like in many other European countries, is a day off here.

23 June - San Juan

The (longest) night of 23-24 June is a thing in most coastal towns. Fires are made which you jump over and at 00.00 you have to jump over the waves seven times and get to make a wish. Yes it's THAT exciting.

15 August - Asunción de la Virgen

On this day, the ascension of Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus, is celebrated. This just goes to show that Spain is a Catholic country because according to Catholic tradition, at the end of her life, Mary was taken up into heaven with body and soul. This was instead of dying. Another holiday that catches people out because most people are on holiday from the 1st to the 31st of August and a holiday within a holiday seems strange.

9 October - Día de la Comunidad Valenciana

This day celebrates that on 9 October 1238 when Jaume I recaptured the city from the Moors, who had held it since 711. On the day, there are parades, and lots of marzipan is eaten. Men and women give each other this sweet treat when they ‘like’ each other.

12 October - Fiesta Nacional de España

‘Día de la Hispanidad’ or ‘Fiesta Nacional de España’ is celebrated all over Spain. This day is entirely dedicated to Spain and the Spanish empire, which was established after Columbus' discovery of America in 1492. Madrid hosts a huge military parade where more than 4,000 military personnel participate. What is nice is that the museums are freely accessible on this day, which unfortunately can cause long queues. With the 9th and 12th being holidays if the weekend falls between there is a darn good chance of that famous Spanish Puente being enacted and a five day holiday is taken.

1 November - Todos los Santos

This is All Saints' Day. What you can see is that Halloween, which is celebrated on 31 October and which has come over from America, is gaining popularity, especially among young people. But on November 1, the cemeteries light candles for the departed. It's not quite Mexico's day of the dead but yeah, holiday!

6 December - Día de la Constitución

After Spain was under Franco's despotic rule for just under 40 years, a new constitution was introduced after his death on the 20th of November 1975 and approved on 6 December 1978 and Spain became a democracy again. We celebrate getting rid of Fascism whereas other countries vote for Fascists.

8 December - Inmaculada Concepción

Here we have another Catholic holiday to deal with (Thank your own favourite imaginary deity for pointless Catholic fiestas), namely the Immaculate Conception of Mary, who was born 9 months later on September 8.

As the 6th of December is also a day off, most Spaniards here take a few days off in a row (the famous bridge).

25 December - Navidad

In Spain, they only officially have the day off on Christmas Day. As schools are closed during the week of Christmas until 6 January, this is a period when many Spaniards have time off. Christmas Eve (24th) which precedes Christmas Day is an important night for many Spaniards and many restaurants are closed as people are with family and/or go to church.

Is that enough for you? Don't forget weekends, local fiestas, days when the weather looks as if it might be bad, hot days, cold days... you get the idea.

Property of the Week

As apartments go, you can’t really beat a Penthouse with Terrace, unless its a Penthouse with two large terraces. One faces East, one faces West to enable cross ventilation throughout the apartment and also provides sun and shade depending on the time of day and whether you want to work on your tan or sit in the cool. Set on the top floor of a Condo complex complete with Swimming Pool, Gardens, Playground and Padel Court, here you have all mod cons for a comfortable lifestyle but none of that gardening, chlorine clean and ongoing maintenance, an ideal arrangement for most.

So what else do we find in this excellent property? Totally exterior with natural light there are three large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a good sized living space with a modern open plan kitchen, a study/office/library annex and the often asked for but seldom found Laundry Room, popular with those from across the pond. Access to the terraces is on all sides and there is absolutely no work required to move in and enjoy this amazing home.

Add to the equation two garage spaces and a large storage unit for the Bikes, SUP boards, prams and belongings and you have the perfect home for a busy family in a tranquil area of the city of Valencia. It really does tick every box and one lucky family will be living here, will you be them?

Last Chance For Our Xmas Giveaway and Quiz

Last week we sent out our Xmas quiz and since then answers have been... dribbling in. maybe we set the bar too high, maybe the prize wasn't tempting enough, maybe people were too full of festive cheer but here it is again. Remember, take a look at the VP collection of most excellent property descriptions and then answer the questions on the quiz to win. Read more at the last post and get involved.