One of the things that you will take notice of first-hand when you visit Latin America is the different types of greetings that exist. One of the most compelling one is the famous «kiss on the cheek» that everyone does. Now, questions may arise, such as: Why do people do it? What should I consider before doing it, and in what contexts?
In this blog you will learn all you need to know about this kind and lovely tradition in Latin America.
What is cheek-kissing/ kiss on the cheek?
Cheek-kisses are a common greeting in Latin America that happens when two or more people see each other, I always say that this is the «casual» and «latin american» version of shaking hands.
This is a normal greeting in countries such as: Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay and some others, but this greeting does not originates from Latin America. This greeting originates from Europe, specifically from Spain, as they controlled and settled in Latin America one thousand five hundred years ago. In this period, they brought Spanish language and all their traditions, including cheek-kissing as a greeting.
Since this is a normal greeting, it can be done man to man, man to woman and woman to woman, it does not imply anything about the nature of the relationship, just like shaking hands.
The steps for the greeting with a kiss on the cheek:
When you see someone you know, as a friend, acquaintance or a friend of a friend, instead of shaking hands, you approach the other person’s cheek and softly touch his cheek. Take in account that we also repeat this greeting when this person or you are about to leave.
In what contexts?
We greet this way with family members, friends, a friend of a friend, some work colleagues and some classmates, in other words, you can do this with people that you already know or at least a little bit.
Since this greeting is not formal, if you are in a hospital or in the office with your boss or someone in a higher position, you shall shake hands or just keep distance saying ‘Hola’.
Family reunions and Friends gathering:
In a family reunion or a friends’ gathering you should greet everyone in this way, even if it means greeting over 20 different people.
I know it can be a little annoying, but this is something that we consider important. If you will meet your girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s family for the first time, this is extremely important to do. You may need to overcome your shyness!
Considerations and specific situations:
We also have some specific situations that this greeting is expected, as already mentioned, the first time meeting your partner’s parents, family reunions, close friends, weddings, celebrations and a date.
If you are on a date with a ‘Latina’ or a ‘Latino’ you should always greet them with a kiss on the cheek, because if you don’t, you will be extremely ‘cold’ to your date. Remember that this kiss on the cheek is not really a kiss, as I mentioned above.
For travelers:
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