Local Customs
Opening hours, weather quirks, public holidays, and local customs — this section covers all the things no one tells you (but should). Consider it your cheat sheet for smoother living in Montefrío.
Live like a local | Stay one step ahead.
01
Daily Rhythms
▸ Siesta Time
Most shops and services close between
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Plan errands for the morning or later evening — it’s normal!
▸ Late Nights
Late Meals Dinner often starts around 9:00 PM or later. Expect lively plazas until midnight in summer months — even on weekdays.
02
Shopping Habits
▸ Market Days
Montefrío’s local market is on Friday and some Mondays — a weekly social and shopping tradition. Fresh produce, local cheeses, clothes, and household goods.
▸ Sunday Closures
Most shops, including supermarkets, are closed on Sundays. Plan your food and drink shopping ahead.
03
Food & Drink Culture
▸ Tapas Traditions
Tapas often come free with your drink — especially beer or wine. It’s normal to order drinks and see what food comes with it first.
▸ Menú del Día
A set 3-course lunch offered at most restaurants on weekdays. Usually very affordable and excellent value — popular with locals.
▸ Coffee Etiquette No “coffee to go” culture — people sit and enjoy. Café solo (espresso), café con leche (milk), or cortado (small amount of milk). Additionally, some places may not even offer lids on their to-go cups
04
Social Etiquette
▸ Greetings & Physical Touch
A kiss on each cheek (starting with the left) is the standard greeting — even on first meetings, especially among women. A handshake is more common between men unless they know each other well.
▸ Volume & Warmth
Conversations are lively, expressive, and warm. Don’t mistake loudness for rudeness — it’s part of the charm.
05
Celebrations & Events
▸ Montefrío’s Feria (Mid-August)
The town bursts to life for its annual Feria in August. Expect processions, flamenco, pop-up bars, churros stands, fireworks, and locals dressed to the nines. Nights run late, and the entire town joins in.
▸ Semana Santa
Holy Week is a deeply spiritual and beautiful event in Montefrío. Processions wind through the streets in silence or accompanied by solemn music. Even if you’re not religious, it’s moving to witness.
▸ Romería
Montefrío also celebrates a Romería (pilgrimage) with traditional dress, horse parades, and picnics in the countryside — usually in May. It’s a great window into Andalusian rural life and hospitality.
06
Everyday Life Quirks
▸ Builders Work on Their Own Clock
Time is fluid in Montefrío. Builders and service providers may say “mañana” — which might mean tomorrow, or just not today. It’s not rudeness; it’s the relaxed pace of rural Spanish life. Patience (and a sense of humour) goes a long way.
▸ August: Everything Slows Down
August in Montefrío is hot — really hot — and the town collectively shifts into slow mode. Many people leave for holidays, take time off, or adjust their hours to avoid working in peak heat. Don’t expect much to get done this month — it's the unofficial pause of the year.
▸ Olive Harvest Halts Everything
Come late autumn into early winter, it’s olive-picking season — and it’s a big deal. Many local builders, business owners, and workers have their own fincas (farms), and they’ll be out harvesting for weeks. Expect delays, rescheduled work, and phones answered with, “I’m up the hill in the olives.”
▸ Festivals Trump Everything
Don’t expect much to get done during a fiesta week. Offices may close early, deliveries might be delayed, and everyone’s focus shifts to celebration — and rightly so!
07
Family, Elders
& Community
▸ Family Is Everything
Multi-generational families are the norm. You’ll see abuelos walking kids to school, cousins working in the same business, and family gatherings in every bar on a Sunday. There’s a deep respect for elders, and being part of the community means embracing that rhythm.