Working hours
In Spain, working hours are split up morning hours (from 9 to 14) and afternoon-evening hours (from 16.30 to 20). Nevertheless, the administration offices, banks and school normally work on an unbroken shift (8 to 15).
Shopping hours
Tourism is the main income in Baiona. Accordingly, the shopping activity is one of the most remarkable in the region. There are lots of specialised high quality shops. They are open from 10 to 14 and between 17 and 21. During summer time the working hours are increased: some shops go on working until midnight and some others do not close at lunchtime.
Meal times
Galicia -and the rest of Spain- follow different meal times from the rest of Europe. Breakfast is light and then, at noon, people usually have a snack, a habit closely connected with outdoors socialising.
Main meal of the day (and more lingered one) is lunch, taken between 14 and 15 (yet, restaurants would usually admit orders until a bit later). Dinner, lighter than lunch, is normally had between 21 and 23. At the weekends dinner times get later, as it is quite common dinning out.
Show and amusement hours
Shows
Cultural institutions in Baiona organise shows all year long, though it is during summer time when the number of events increases. Visitor can enjoy an interesting and high programme.
Traditionally held shows in Baiona to highlight: The Arrival Play, in which about fifty villagers play a role. It is performed during the Arrival Medieval Festival (first weekend in March).
Snack Bars, pubs and discos
At weekends and during vacation periods Baiona enjoys a wonderful nightlife. Night amusement areas -pubs and discos frequently sailing-style decorated- provide a nice, cheerful and safe environment.
Social manners in Baiona
Deeply rooted customs in Baiona, not only for villagers but also for visitor, are walking by the sea, chatting away in the cafés terraces or having a walk in the forests or local parks.
Besides, people usually meet for a noon snack, a late afternoon coffee or an early evening "tapas" (titbits) before dinner. After that and nearly every day, people often go to a café or a pub to have a chat or dance until midnight.
Because of the hustle and bustle of modern life, Sunday has become the resting day when the whole family joins together for lunch.
During summer and vacation periods Baiona is full of visitors who bring a 24-7 merriment feeling to the town.
Typical dances
In Baiona there is a 400-year-old dance called "Swords Dance". The dance is performed by local fishermen in A Anunciada holy day, patroness of the town, and the Holy Virgin Carmen day, patroness of fisherpeople. The origin of the dance dates back to the ancient sailing guild, historically link to this royal village. Participant dancer can be up to 50 men who perform different dancing figures carrying swords.
Other dances performed in festivals and events are ribeiranas and muiñeiras, folkloric dances Galician-typical. One or more pairs of loose dancers roll to a 6/8 rhythm from the most typical Galician folkloric instruments: bagpipe, drum and tambourine. Celtic in its origin, the name of this courting dance comes from the parties formerly held in the mills, where men and women used to dance and flirt while waiting to grind. In fact, "muñeira" means "miller girl".
