October 1st, 2005 | The lowdown by Marion Wise

Small Town Spanish Culture in Alcala

Families, young people, and elderly couples stroll leisurely up and down the packed street, not heading anywhere in particular, just enjoying the company of loved ones and relishing in the cool evening air that follows a hot summer day. Most of the shops on Calle Mayor are closed, but the tapas bars are full of early evening guests.

Plaza de Cervantes is even more crowded than Calle Mayor. On these summer evenings, all of the local bars have outdoor seating set up in the plaza for families and friends to do nothing more than relax, sip calimoxo (a wine and Coca-Cola mix) or sangria, and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Small town Spanish life in Alcalá shows off true Spanish culture: the friendly, open Spaniards who lead a peaceful, pleasant lifestyle in the only town they?ve ever lived in because, why would you leave when everyone you love is all around you?

This is Spanish life at its best: these little reminders that it?s not about the hustle-and-bustle, get-it-all-done, workaholic attitude so typical of American city life. Spaniards aren?t like that; things will get done when they get done, with their ?no pasa nada? attitude (similar to ?don?t worry about it!?).

It?s so relaxing and peaceful here; like their Mediterranean counterparts (the Italians) Spaniards value good food, but above all else, they value good company. That?s why so many people wander the streets and relax in the plaza every evening, all summer and all winter. Spending time with family and friends doing the little things ? walking, talking, eating, drinking and learning to life live moment by moment, instead of rushing through and waiting for the next big adventure ? that?s what it?s all about.