Another "Abrazo y beso" question

Question

I know the general question came up recently, but I have another. When I was in Venezuela, the "abrazo y beso" (hug and a kiss) was the common greeting among people of the opposite sex. Usually a typical air kiss near the cheek and your basic back hug. Women also greeted each other this way. But men never did. It was always a handshake.

Tonight I'm watching an episode of "Comando Actualidad" from Spain, and all the men are doing the abrazo y beso. How common is this around the world?

Verygood/ Interesting question :) - FELIZ77, Oct 14, 2010

Answer 1

En España en general no es habitual el abrazo y el beso entre hombres, solo darse la mano. Solo se abrazan si hace mucho tiempo que no se han visto y si son muy amigos. Lo de darse un beso solo entre familiares.

Sí, creio qu sí. He estado a España de vacaciones muchas veces y pasaba tiempo ahí especialmente en la región de Cataluña cerca de Barcelona y he observado la misma cosa......de hecho tengo amigos que tengan un hotel en Pineda de mar y me dan abrazos e - FELIZ77, Oct 14, 2010

y besos con las señoras porque ahora soy un buen amigo del familia. Pasaba tiempo en su hotel por lo menos 3 o 4 vezes - FELIZ77, Oct 14, 2010

Answer 2

I've spent alot of time in Spain and I don't remember any of the huggy kissy stuff amonst the men, however I was in Galicia which is up north where they're very conservative and I can't say that I remember it either around Madrid. Now in Argentina It seems to me it's more common. I don't remember ever seeing it in any other south American country and I've been to most of them. I haven't been to Venezuela for two years and I've heard that it's gotten alot worse there unfortunately because of Chavez and Co.

I lived in Venezuela for 2 years in the 1970's. It was the best place in Latin America to live. Now we won't even go back there for our high school reunions. We hold them in Miami. From the best to the worst in one presidency. - KevinB, Oct 14, 2010

I have close friends in Medallín and they hate that clown Chavez. When they killed Mono Jojoy (FARC leader) we had party to celbrate. Also we've spent time on Las Islas Rocas and I wonder what's left there. - Bob-Dressler2, Oct 14, 2010

Mono Jojoy was a real piece of work. Now Spain has evidence that Chavez government officials have been training ETA terrorists in Ven. And Chavez wants to know why the Venezuelan flag wasn't in the parade in Spain. - KevinB, Oct 14, 2010

Answer 3

While I was in southern México I noticed that men who were greeting friends did the "handshake and half hug with the other hand" kind of thing.

They call that a "bro hug" around here

Answer 4

I think that in south america the abrazos y besos is just among women, and women and men no among men, they greet eachother solo con un saludo de mano .

Answer 5

While I was in southern México I noticed that men who were greeting friends did the "handshake and half hug with the other hand" kind of thing. No kissing. However, if it was not an acquaintance or friend, only a handshake was exchanged.

Women and men who were meeting me for the first time gave me a polite, superficial kiss on the cheek.