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A shop window is decorated to advertise the "rebajas" (sales) in Spain, which began on January 7th.
Here in Spain there are two major sales per year (known as rebajas in Spanish): one is set in January and another is set in July/August. During these sales, people pretty much go crazy trying to buy up anything and everything that they could possibly need — at a bargain price, of course. Think of it as a month-long version of the USA’s well-known “Black Friday.” Long lines, shot nerves, and more than one overwhelmed, crying store employee are all common traits of the rebajas of Spain.
As a foreigner I don’t really understand where Spaniards get the money to buy things during these sales. You see, the winter sales begin on January 7th, which just so happens to be the day after the infamous Three Wise Men visit children’s homes to bring them presents (like Santa Claus in the States). In the USA, most people are pretty much broke after Christmas from buying all the gifts. In Spain, on the contrary, people go out and “shop till they drop” the day after Wise Men Day, their biggest gift-giving holiday. Logical from an economic standpoint? Not for me, at least.
In any event, if you’re Spanish and you’re looking for a deal during these rebajas, I wish you the best of luck. If you’re not Spanish, well, I guess you can save your money this January.
Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com
The problem with the money, as I understand, comes after these “rebajas” days, when the people has to buy food or pay a mortgage.
ITA with Ryan, the problem comes after the sales. In general I think people buy too much stuff in the “rebajas” because everything seems cheaper so they buy things that they don’t really need. I’m spanish and don’t usually go to “las rebajas”, most of the stuff is gone and what’s left are random sizes. I only buy stuff like a good pair of jeans or a winter coat, things that I really need and are not at risk of being out of style next winter. Even if the discount in these items is not too high (maybe 20% top)at least you save some money in a piece of clothing that you really need.
@Rebeca and Ryan – Ah, I see…. so the problem comes after the rebajas. Very interesting. I have to agree with you, Rebeca, I would buy something I really needed during the sales, but I would not buy things just because they seem cheaper. I think a lot of people do tend to “buy because it´s a bargain.”
Yes, Rebajas is in full swing. I like the one before school starts at the end of the summer, but I agree, I’m out of extra cash right now. I also like having sales more often than twice a year, but oh well…did get two school scarves yesterday, unfortunately, they WEREN’T on sale…hahaha
@Ashleigh – You bring up an interesting point with the two sale a year comment. It is true that there are only two “rebajas” a year; however, stores use other language throughout the rest of the year to mark things down. For instance, they’ll say that they have a great “oferta” or they’ll tell you that this item is a “promoción.” Of course, those other markdowns aren’t as big as “rebajas” are. (They’re also not as chaotic).
Sounds like it might be a good time for tourists to visit Spain during these rebajas? I mean, obviously you can’t take a whole lot of stuff back home on the plain, but you might be able to score some really great deals on some smaller items.
[...] off. One thing I have to say about Spain in July: deathly heat + air conditioned stores + crazy rebajas sales = LOTS of shopping! It’s safe to say I will come back with an entire new European [...]
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[...] in Spain falls mainly in Bilbao) reasons. Also, once January hits and Spain’s annual “rebajas” sales hit EVERY store, it will be almost impossible to avoid a little spree here and there. [...]