Greetings and Partings

Greetings in Nicaragua depend on the nature of the occasion and on gender. Women usually kiss each other on the cheek; men and women also kiss on the cheek. Men shake hands although younger men may also slap each other on the shoulder. When introduced, one is expected to give the person a kiss or a handshake. When arriving at a party, one should greet each guest individually even if there are many. In a business setting, a handshake will suffice. Partings tend to be spoken goodbyes without handshakes or kisses.