giri

“Guiri” is a term used in Spain to refer to tourists or foreigners usually from northern Europe and the UK. More specifically it is used to describe the naturally snow-white visitors who come to Spain to get sunburn, drink as much cheap beer as possible and complain loudly in their own language that they don’t like the “funny” food.

However, the term can be used with affection, and it seems that the Spanish themselves have to admit that they too can have something of the “guiri” about them (see photo and read more on Jorge’s blog: http://jorgeserranor.blogspot.com/2008/08/solo-pasa-en-dinamarca.html).

Guiris are easily spotted in Valencia, especially during the summer and in either of the squares near the cathedral or, of course, on the beach during the hottest part of the day.