Making friends in Spain as a Spanish-speaking newcomer from Latin America

Terms used

• Intercambio — An intercambio is a language exchange meetup where people practise each other's languages.
• AMPA — The AMPA is the parent association at a Spanish school.
• Asociaciones de vecinos — Asociaciones de vecinos are neighbourhood associations that organise local activities and speak for residents.
• Cofradías — Cofradías are religious or traditional brotherhoods that run local festival activities, especially processions.
• Peñas — Peñas are social clubs of friends, often tied to festivals or local teams.
• Fallas — Fallas are neighbourhood groups, mainly in Valencia, that organise the spring festival.

Key rules

• Your community: Latin American associations and migrant-support groups are a good first base, but keep a second circle with Spaniards.
• Directness: Blunt replies from Spaniards are usually normal style, not rudeness.
• Regular activity: Joining the same weekly activity through Spanish-language channels works better than one-off events or expat groups.
• Time: Spanish friendships often deepen slowly, so plan for months of persistence.

Use your community first, then widen your circle

Meeting people from your own country is a good start, not a trap. It gives you advice, familiar food and people who understand the move. Just don't let it be the only circle you have.

Large Latin American communities live in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, Murcia, Sevilla and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Colombians, Venezuelans, Peruvians, Ecuadorians, Argentines, Hondurans and Cubans are among the biggest groups. Madrid has strong Ecuadorian, Colombian, Peruvian and Venezuelan communities. Barcelona has Colombian, Peruvian and Argentine ones.

Look for country associations such as Rumiñahui (Ecuadorian), Asociación Colombia Nos Une and Casa de Argentina. Migrant-support groups such as CEAR and Cruz Roja can also put you in touch with people and practical help.

The gaps that shared language hides

You speak Spanish, but Spaniards may hear you differently, and you may hear them differently too.

• Words. Coger means "to take" in Spain, but it is vulgar in parts of Latin America, so know which meaning you intend. You will also hear vosotros (the "you all" form), vale (okay), tío (mate, guy) and different names for everyday items. Pick them up as you go.
• Directness. Spaniards often sound blunt, with less formal courtesy and softening than you may expect. Usually it is not rudeness. Answer in the same plain way and don't take it personally.
• Rhythm. Meals are late, bars are where people meet, and groups often split the bill. Join in on those terms.
• Slow friendships. Many newcomers find Spanish friendships take longer to deepen. Some also meet stereotyping or discrimination. Experiences vary by country of origin, so don't assume yours will match anyone else's.

Reach Spanish friends

Spaniards tend to build friendships through circles they already have. The way in is regular, repeated activity in the same place, found through Spanish-language channels rather than expat groups. Expect it to take months, so keep turning up.

Settings that mix newcomers with locals:

• Language exchange meetups (intercambio)
• Sports clubs and gyms
• Amateur choirs
• Hiking and climbing groups (grupos de senderismo)
• Volunteering (voluntariado) with local NGOs
• Neighbourhood associations (asociaciones de vecinos)
• Parent associations (AMPA) at your children's school
• Cultural and civic centres run by your town hall
• University or adult-education classes
• Local festival groups such as cofradías, peñas or fallas

Pick one or two and commit to them weekly. Availability varies by city and town, and it is better where associations are active. Your town hall can tell you what runs near you.

The questions below cover common worries, such as which words to avoid and why people seem blunt.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the word coger with Spaniards?

Yes, coger is an everyday verb in Spain meaning to take, but it can sound vulgar in parts of Latin America. Spaniards will not hear it as rude, so you can relax when you hear it. Words like vale (okay) and tío (mate) are also very common.

Why do Spaniards seem so blunt compared with people back home?

Spaniards are usually more direct and use less formal softening than many Latin Americans, so a blunt remark is rarely meant as rudeness. Try answering in the same plain way. Friendships can also deepen slowly, so a lack of warmth at first is not a rejection.

Which settings help me meet Spaniards and not only people from my own country?

Regular activities at the same place work best, such as a sports club, a hiking group (grupo de senderismo), a choir, volunteering (voluntariado) or your neighbourhood association. Join through Spanish-language channels rather than expat groups. Spaniards often build friendships through existing circles, so keep going for several months.

Where can I find other Latin Americans when I arrive?

Madrid and Barcelona have the largest communities, and there are also big ones in Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, Murcia, Sevilla and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Madrid is strong in Ecuadorian, Colombian, Peruvian and Venezuelan communities, and Barcelona in Colombian, Peruvian and Argentine ones. Country associations such as Rumiñahui, Colombia Nos Une and Casa de Argentina, and support groups such as CEAR and Cruz Roja, are a good start.