In Spain, is it usual to greet someone with a kiss on the cheek when you first meet?

Question

I am in Spain right now. I was recently introduced to someone and they pecked me on the cheek. Is it usual to greet a person with a kiss when you first meet?

Answer 1

Yes, we kiss and hug and touch all the time, unlike other countries it is the norm, even for people we don't even know, so if you don't enjoy it, you will have to go with the flow

It would be considered incredibly rude to draw back and not offer your cheek.

At least it's not like some parts of the Czech Republic where it's normal for friends of friends to kiss each other on the mouth! Imagine my shock the first time a friends boyfriend did it! - rabbitwho, Sep 7, 2011

Same here Heidi ya gotta love it ! - pacofinkler, Sep 7, 2011

Answer 2

Only if their name is Ray , then it is open slather.

Answer 3

Where I am now they touch each others cheeks with their cheeks but don't actually kiss them. I guess it's more hygienic.

Of course it's very hard to get used to someone coming into my personal space like that let alone remembering what to do so if I manage not to automatically pull away in terror without thinking I always do the wrong thing and kiss the cheeks.

jeje, I can imagine that - 00494d19, Sep 7, 2011

Answer 4

Here in México between men and women and between women it is not at all uncommon, Among friends it is the norm. I love it!

Answer 5

I think that is one of the things I really love about the Spanish culture, every time I go to see my Spanish friend I am always greeted with kisses on the cheek, and hugs when I leave ,it always makes me feel welcomed.

Answer 6

Here in the netherlands we kiss on the cheek 3 times from left to right I once met a man in france and he told me that instead of 3 times they do it four times

Answer 7

Definitely on the cheek and not on the lips, after all it might be a male you are greeting.

Answer 8

I guess so. It's very usual.