Traditions play a fundamental role in every country. As a Spaniard living in Czechia, I was surprised by the importance of both coffee and beer in daily life. At the same time, I realized that this is not so different from what happens in Spain.
Coffee and beer culture thrives in both countries, although people experience it in different ways. In Spain, coffee often accompanies quick breaks or informal social gatherings, reflecting a faster pace of life. In the Czech Republic, however, people treat coffee as a more relaxed and consistent ritual. Beer tells a different story: while Spaniards also enjoy it socially, people in the Czech Republic integrate it more deeply into everyday life, almost as a daily tradition.
In both countries, these beverages go beyond simple consumption. They create moments of connection, reflect social habits, and reveal important aspects of cultural identity.
Coffee tradition
For many people, having a coffee every morning forms part of their daily routine.
In the Czech Republic, the tradition of coffee dates back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. At that time, pharmacies sold coffee for its stimulating effects, often recommending it to help convalescents recover more quickly.
Even today, people still consume a coffee substitute known as kávovina. This drink, made from plant-based ingredients such as roots or grains, offers an alternative to traditional coffee and reflects older consumption habits that remain part of the culture.
In Spain, coffee arrived in the 18th century, largely influenced by Italian traditions. Although it did not gain immediate popularity, it gradually spread and became more culturally significant by the end of the 19th century.
Today, coffee plays an essential role in everyday life in Spain. People often treat it as a social and informal moment or a quick pause during the day. They typically enjoy it at key times, such as breakfast, mid-morning, or after lunch, using it as an opportunity for small talk or a short break from work.
Beer tradition
From my point of view, both countries share a strong appreciation for beer.
In Spain, beer culture runs deep. People enjoy it in a vibrant, social way, closely linked to bars, food (especially tapas) and good company. In recent years, beer festivals and fairs have grown in popularity across the country. This fact reflects a growing interest in beer as more than just a casual drink.
At the same time, the beer scene continues to evolve, with more local producers entering the craft beer market. However, industrial beers still dominate overall consumption.
In the Czech Republic, beer forms part of everyday life. People naturally connect it with tradition, and local habits reflect this strong bond. Traditional pubs, known as hospoda, serve as key social spaces where people gather regularly.
The country also produces world-famous beers such as Pilsner Urquell. Brewed in the city of Plzeň, Pilsner Urquell is widely regarded as the world’s first pilsner. It has earned numerous awards and continues to attract global recognition for its quality and rich historical legacy. In recent years, beer tourism has also become an important part of its cultural identity.
Although both countries value beer highly, I see a clear difference. In Spain, people treat it mainly as a social complement to food and gatherings, while in the Czech Republic, it plays a central role in everyday life.
This contrast shows how the same drink can both shape and reflect two distinct cultural identities.
As we have seen, traditions related to coffee and beer play an important role and form part of their national culture. From my own experience, I was surprised to discover how similar the Czech Republic is to Spain, especially when it comes to traditional food and drink.
Have you ever noticed similar traditions across different countries? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Let me know in the comments!
Source of Photo: Canva
Source of the Text: The history of coffee in the Czech Republic, The origin of coffee in Spain, Land of Beers, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Madrid, Pilsner Urquell Beer, The 10 Best Lager Beers in the World
