10 things only people from Granada know: Expressions, traditions and local secrets
Contenidos
- 1 Expressions and Traditions That Make You Feel from Granada
- 1.1 1 – You say “Graná” instead of “Granada”
- 1.2 2 – You occasionally let out a “Foh”
- 1.3 3 – You order a “Milno”
- 1.4 4 – The “-ico” ending is part of your vocabulary
- 1.5 5 – Going out for tapas is second nature
- 1.6 6 – You know the “barrio de los greñúos”
- 1.7 7 – You’re surprised to pay for tapas elsewhere
- 1.8 8 – You’ve searched for your house from the Torre de la Vela
- 1.9 9 – You understand “malafollá”
- 1.10 10 – You end the night at Café Fútbol
Expressions and Traditions That Make You Feel from Granada
Every city has its own expressions, onomatopoeias, and unique words. That sense of belonging goes far beyond language — it’s also conveyed through food, drinks, traditions, celebrations, and festivals.
You don’t need to be born in a place to feel part of it. If you’re from Granada or have spent a long time here, you’ll instantly recognize these unmistakable signs of local identity.
1 – You say “Graná” instead of “Granada”
Who needs to pronounce every syllable? The eastern Andalusian accent means that from Zaidín to Albayzín, passing through La Chana and El Realejo, locals simply call it “Graná.”
2 – You occasionally let out a “Foh”
“Foh, compae…” expresses discontent or apathy. If you hear a Granadino say it, it probably means they’ve just received bad news or are facing something unpleasant.
3 – You order a “Milno”
While others ask for an Alhambra 1925, Granadinos go straight to the point: “Una Milno.” Portuguese author André França even mentioned it in his book Graná contá en ná, a charming work that celebrates the city’s symbols.
4 – The “-ico” ending is part of your vocabulary
Bonico, pequeñico, trocico, ratico… In Granada, diminutives with “-ico” are everywhere. You’ll also hear words like salaílla, mititilla, or expressions such as “apollardao” and “enjaretao.”
5 – Going out for tapas is second nature
With every beer comes its tapa. From Albayzín to Paseo de los Tristes, and from La Chana to Plaza Bib-Rambla, there’s no such thing as a bad tapa in Granada — every corner delivers.
This photo of Bar 20 d’Tapas is courtesy of TripAdvisor
6 – You know the “barrio de los greñúos”
Only locals know this refers to the Realejo neighborhood. One theory links the nickname “greñúo” (long-haired) to the curly hair worn when the quarter was predominantly Jewish.
7 – You’re surprised to pay for tapas elsewhere
In Granada, tapas are free, and two of them are enough to make a meal. Generous portions and top quality have earned them their well-deserved reputation.
This photo of The Alhambra is courtesy of TripAdvisor
8 – You’ve searched for your house from the Torre de la Vela
Climbing this Alhambra tower and spotting your home among the city views is almost a rite of passage. Just like taking in the breathtaking scenery from the Mirador de San Nicolás.
9 – You understand “malafollá”
It’s not bad temper, but rather a unique sense of humor — direct, sharp, and sometimes sarcastic. For many, it’s an endearing local trait, though not every Granadino has it.
This photo of Café Fútbol is courtesy of TripAdvisor
10 – You end the night at Café Fútbol
Chocolate with churros in Plaza Mariana Pineda after a night out is a timeless classic. If you also know that the best piononos are from La Ysla, that the last Sunday of September is Día de la Virgen (best enjoyed with torta de la virgen), and that a Maritoñi with Puleva is the perfect year-round snack — you’re one of us.
