Customs in the United States

One of the things you like most about traveling to different countries is the fact of knowing what customs are in other parts of the world, some being very similar to the Spanish and others totally opposite. That is the great wealth that any culture has, its customs and traditions in different aspects, such as food, family, behavior ...

I would like to dedicate my article today to the main ones USA traditions, my favorite country and where there are many traditions, so I will focus on some of the most relevant in the most important or curious topics. Take note:

marriage and family

Although there are many couples who do not marry, the truth is that in the United States it is one of the highest marriage rates in Western countries. Weddings are a function of religion that their spouses profess, the average age being 26 years for men and 24 for women. Still, one in three American children is born to an unmarried couple, and single-parent families have increased dramatically.

Food and drink

Even though Americans feed a lot on fast food (hamburgers, fried chicken or pizza), they also eat food from anywhere in the world. Basic in their diet are potatoes, pasta, bread and rice. The portions served in restaurants are huge, so much so that two people who are from there can eat from the same plate without being hungry. The alcoholic drinks They are prohibited for those under the age of 21, and many adults do not drink them for religious reasons. At lunchtime, they usually hold the fork with the hand they write with, just the opposite of here.

social habits

When two people meet, the most common is shake hands and smileBut if you are meeting a friend or a friend's relative, you can give two kisses too. Very close friends and family tend to hug each other when they meet. Calling someone "Sir or Madam" and their last name shows respect. Americans don't talk to each other very closely, but they do touch the person they are talking to by patting the back or grabbing the arm. Must be very punctual In appointments, and if you are not going to be on time, you must warn so that the other person does not take offense. If you are invited to lunch / dinner in a house, the usual thing is to bring flowers or wine.

Leisure

They dedicate many hours of leisure to the main sports: basketball, soccer (American, ours is called soccer), baseball and ice hockey. It is very common to see a lot of people in all the parks practicing various sports any day of the week, plus there are numerous clubs for other activities, especially in schools.

Parties

The most special days nationwide are January 1 and the anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King, civil rights leader assassinated in 1968 and who receives his tribute on the third Monday of January of each year. The third Monday in February is President's Day, in which everyone who has presided over the country is honored. Of course, you cannot miss July 4th, Independence Day American and the biggest celebration of the year. That day you will see outdoor grills, snacks, fireworks, concerts and a host of activities.

On November 11, Veterans Day, tribute is paid to all those who fought in the war for the United States. One of the most celebrated days now in other countries is Halloween, in which adults and children dress up to ask for candy and terrorize everyone who is around. Another very important day is Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday of the month of November. The last most important days of the year are the Christmas season, which usually begins after Thanksgiving.

25 American Cultural Norms / Customs (April 2024)