America is known to be the melting pot of different nationalities along with the traditions that come along with that. As I traveled throughout Europe and North Africa I learned a few traditions that the United States hasn’t quite picked up yet, but could be worth a try!
In Madrid, Spain the entire city shuts down from 3 o’clock until 5 o’clock in the summer in order for the residents to get in a well-deserved nap after a busy day of sun and working. It also allows them to be more well- rested for the night of socializing ahead of them.
Although this is popular throughout most of Europe, Spain also demonstrates a special interest in recycling. At the supermarket, shoppers must pay for each plastic bag they use in order to help deter the use of unneeded use of plastic. Madrid has also set up drive-thru recycling centers on many popular streets to encourage people to recycle even trash they just have in their cars.
Spanish people have a special social trust on each other that Americans tend to lack. At public parks and playgrounds parents let their children socialize with children and adults they may not have ever met. They trust each other even to the point where a stranger offering a treat or candy to someone else’s child is nothing odd or rare. Senior Caroline Kiddie said, “it’s really weird that Spain does that. Here in America that would be a huge deal and parents would call the cops, not allow their kids to just eat a strangers food!”
The French also have some habits that aren’t as common in the US. Over in France, big breakfasts are something no one would dare to miss. Parisians take the time to settle down and enjoy a delectable morning meal of coffees, croissants, crepes and fruit, no matter how busy they might be. In America most people tend to be in a hurry in the morning and thus they skip breakfast altogether. Senior Melissa Gentile said, “trust me, if school started a few hours later I would be on that breakfast movement. We just don’t have the time and it’s not really a priority here.”
If a couple were to walk down the street all over each other on the streets of Boston, many heads would turn and glares of judgement would be shot towards them. This isn’t quite the case in France. PDA (Public Display of Affection) is just part of the everyday schedule. The French don’t see it as “gross” or “annoying,” they just see happy couples who care about each other. They might think a couple didn’t actually like each other if they saw them on an outing without a kiss or even a hug.
Morocco in North Africa may be a developing country, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some fascinating culture. People from around the world go to visit the famous markets of Marrakech. At these markets, tourists, as well as natives, can try their luck haggling. This gives customers a chance to pay what they think they should for certain goods. Some may unfortunately overpay, but some lucky ones might pay even less than they should. In the end, you may never know which one you are doing, but you do feel like you paid how much you think you should have, unlike the US where prices are set.
Across the world, many new and different traditions can be found. Whether these help a county or hurt it is entirely up for debate. The only thing these traditions show are how unique the world and all its cultures truly are.