Just like in the summer, Spain becomes a popular refuge for British tourists in the winter when they try to swap the grim weather for more comfortable temperatures. As the winter season approaches, the Southern European country attracts many looking to enjoy Christmas festivities and New Year’s Eve abroad.
According to BristolLive, last winter nearly 6.8 million UK visitors arrived in Spain — making the UK the top foreign tourist source for the period. But an expat is warning that a common British habit could land many in serious trouble, resulting in fines of up to €3,000 (£2,580) and making tourists appear disrespectful to locals.
James Smith, a British expat who has lived in Spain for over a decade and runs Learn Spanish with James, said that while it is common to walk around with pints at UK festivals, in Spain this falls under ‘botellón’, or street drinking, which is illegal in most Spanish cities.
He said: “I’ve watched tourists get stopped by police during Three Kings’ Day celebrations, completely shocked that something so normal back home can land them with a massive fine here.
“Spanish winter festivals are some of the most welcoming and fun celebrations you’ll ever experience. The streets come alive with music, parades, and incredible energy. But respecting local customs is what ensures Brits feel part of the celebration, not outsiders looking in.
“It’s simple: enjoy the bars, soak up the atmosphere at terraces, and leave your drinks where they belong. You’ll have just as much fun, save yourself a fortune in potential fines, and locals will appreciate that you’ve taken the time to understand their culture.
“Trust me, once you experience a Spanish festival the right way, you’ll never want to do it any differently.”
James explained that the confusion arises because Spain has a lively outdoor drinking culture. Many tourists see people enjoying drinks at terrace bars and assume it’s acceptable to walk around with alcohol. In reality, there is a key distinction: drinking is permitted in the outdoor areas of licensed establishments, but carrying your own drinks through public streets is not allowed.
He added: “I’ve seen British tourists try to argue with police, saying they didn’t know it was illegal. Unfortunately, ignorance of the law isn’t a defence, and officers have heard every excuse. The fine still stands. Spanish people take their festivals seriously, as they’re important cultural celebrations. When tourists treat them like a typical British night out, carrying drinks through the streets, it marks them as outsiders who don’t respect local customs.”
Spain’s strict rules on drinking in public streets originate from issues with the botellón culture. In the early 2000s, groups of young people would gather in public squares with large quantities of inexpensive alcohol, often causing noise, litter, and occasional disorder.
James urged British tourists to look at what locals do and copy that, instead of drinking on the streets.
“Three Kings’ Day is like Christmas Day for Spanish families,” he said.
He added: “Imagine if tourists came to the UK and treated Christmas services or royal celebrations like a boozy street party – you’d probably find it disrespectful. The same applies here.”