Should I be concerned about my safety in Spain?

Question

I plan on visiting Spain next summer and I recently read about the rascist rants that are hurled towards blacks at soccer games. I'm a black-american female and I think Spain is a gorgeous country and have always wanted to visit it, but I'd hate to worry about somebody making monkey noises at me if I'm walking down the street or trying to attack me. Do I really have anything to worry about? I'd appreciate any kind of info from everyone.

Answer 1

Soccer always shows the most extreme side of the human being,but we (the Spaniards) are not racist in general (of course, there are racist ones as well) but we're used to coexist with people of different races due to inmigration, so, that's nothing new!!!

It depends on every person, aren't there racist in the US or in the UK??? Unfortunately, that's widespread all over the world.

In short, Spanish people are mostly polite and friendly, including with people of other races or skin color, so... definitively you don't have to worry about.

I hope you like my country!!! Have a nice vacation!!

Answer 2

I spent a year in Spain as a student. I don't recall any of  the African-American students in our program [or the other programs] having negative experiences like that. They and the rest of us came back with very positive concepts of Spain and its people.

Enjoy your visit to Spain; I am certain you will be glad you went!

Answer 3

God no! I´m Spanish,I live here in Spain and never seen anything like this! You´ll be perfectly save love!Do not worry at all.There´s a lot of black people around,and are respected! Some of my friends are black and have never had a problem here.You can perfectly come without any problems.

Have a nice stay in my country.

x*x

Answer 4

You have nothing to worry about.  I doubt that even in the fury of a fútbol game would you get into any physical trouble.  Surely, there are no real problems, since bunches of the best players on the best teams are from Africa!

As a tourist, you should be accepted readily...they are a truly warm, open and welcoming people, and besides (i know this sounds crass)  your money is the same color as anyone esle's.  Be friendly, and you will be received well.

Be aware, however, that the noises thing...not monkey noises, but sort of rude (by our standards) personal comments may be "hurled" by older men standing about on street corners, but that's because you're an attractive young woman...won't have ANYTHING specific to do with being black.  (they do it to all women...it's called "pirorpeando" and it's sort of a combination of compliment, invasion of privacy and control issue...very complex...just ignore them).  

Also be aware that there ARE a large number of illegal aliens coming from Northern Africa, and there are similar problems to the ones we in the Southwest have with the Mexicans...prejudice, feelings that they are stealing jobs, lazy, shiftless, thieves, etc. True or not, these ideas exist in a lot of people's minds...but then, that is the illegals, which you surely won't look like, because they don't really dress like americans.  

Learn a few basic phrases, if you haven't yet.  No matter where you go, that pleases the locals, and gets you better treatment.

Enjoy your trip.  Spain IS a gorgeous country, and the people are terrific!  email me if you need any details on what to do, where to go, what to see...

Answer 5

I haven't witnessed any racism either in the Alicante or Malaga area. You will feel perfectly safe. There are obviously parts of cities that you shouldn't be walking through alone at night, but I feel perfectly safe in the middle of Malaga at 2am. The only crime you may be unlucky enough to encounter is pickpockets. Have a great holiday.

Answer 6

Spain is very safe.. Don´t worry..

Take care.,

Bcn_mimosa from Barcelona..

Answer 7

No no no no!!

Nothing to worry about at all, to be honest with you Racism at football games in  Spain is extremely rare, to be honest it is more common in French football, the fans there are animals.

And you have to remember that you have your football idiots.... and your normal people lol. Walking down the street you will not get any problems or remarks made what so ever, so do not worry about it at all, i have been to many parts of Spain and i am yet to ever encounter any sign of trouble or danger. (although i have seen my fellow Englishmen drunk and acting the fool) but other than that you will be safe, and have a great trip ;-)