Spanish superstitions, spirits and sweeping!

Like Brits, the Spanish are fairly superstitious by nature, but what brings good or bad luck can be quite different…

In the UK we’re all too familiar with Friday the 13^th, right? However, in Spain, it’s Tuesday you’d avoid – especially next Tuesday the 13^th. Oops!

In Spain, even everyday chores can come with a supernatural health warning. Sweeping the floor after sunset is traditionally considered bad luck because you might sweep away your prosperity too.

So, if you reach for the broom after dark, expect a disapproving look from your Spanish neighbours.

Then there’s the ‘mal de ojo’, or evil eye, when an envious glance is believed capable of causing illness or misfortune. Protection comes in various forms, from the familiar blue eye-shaped amulet to the more unusual cleansing ritual of passing an egg over the body to absorb negative energy.

And beware the bells! Ringing them at night, particularly during thunderstorms, is said to invite wandering spirits. Consequently, many Spaniards prefer to leave the bells silent after dark — presumably since a peaceful night is preferable to unexpected supernatural visitors.

But then we Brits aren’t THAT superstitious are we – pause – er, just how many of you were taken in by that spoof item on Nationwide way back in the 70s that spaghetti grows on trees?

Thanks for messages to my website below. Delighted you also enjoy my novels — invited for inclusion in the prestigious Book Riot’s 2026 Read Harder Challenge!

Nora Johnson’s 15 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl in Red’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.