Why They Are Called 'Maños'

People from Zaragoza are colloquially called 'maños' (meaning 'hands' in Spanish), a nickname with a surprisingly specific origin that traces back to the city's medieval butchers' guild and a peculiar marketing technique involving raw sheep's legs being slammed against marble counters to attract customers.

The historical origin

The most widely accepted explanation dates to the 16th century, when Zaragoza's central market — the Mercado Central — was one of the busiest in Aragon. Butchers working in the market needed a way to attract attention in the crowded, noisy space. Their solution was distinctive and effective: they would take a leg of lamb or mutton (called a 'mano' in the local Aragonese dialect, because the leg ends in what resembles a hand) and slap it hard against the marble butcher's block. The resulting sound was a sharp, distinctive thwack that cut through the din of the market and signalled to customers that fresh meat was available.

This practice became known as 'dar la mano' (giving the hand), and the butchers themselves became known as 'maños'. Over time, the term broadened from the butchers to all residents of Zaragoza. The connection between the city and the 'mano' identity became so strong that by the 18th century, the nickname was firmly established in the local vernacular.

The sound of the 'mano' being slapped on the counter — the 'golpe de mano' — became a sort of unofficial soundtrack of the old market. Older residents recall hearing it into the early 20th century, long after most visitors had forgotten its origin. Today the practice has died out, replaced by modern marketing, but the name lives on.

Alternative theories

Like any good folk tradition, the 'mano' nickname has multiple origin stories. Some historians suggest that the term comes from the medieval custom of sealing commercial agreements with a handshake — 'dar la mano' in the sense of striking a deal. Zaragoza was a major commercial hub in the Crown of Aragon, and the city's merchants were known for their word and their handshake. A 'hombre de mano' (a man of the hand) meant a trustworthy trader.

Another theory points to the 15th-century silk and textile trade. Zaragoza was an important centre for silk production, and the skilled hands of the city's artisans were legendary. The 'maños' of Zaragoza were the hands that wove the finest silks in the kingdom. This explanation is less supported by historical evidence but persists in popular culture, partly because it is more flattering than the butcher origin.

A third, more poetic theory connects the term to the hand-shaped formation of the Ebro River as it passes through the city. The river's meanders, when viewed from above, vaguely resemble an open hand. Locals who live within this 'hand' of the river became 'maños'. This is almost certainly a romantic invention rather than a genuine etymology, but it is a charming idea that has found its way into tourist folklore.

Usage today

Today, 'mano' is used with affection by Zaragoza locals and is widely recognised across Spain. You will hear it in phrases like 'soy un mano de pura cepa' (I'm a true mano through and through) or 'esto es cosa de manos' (this is a manos thing). The official demonym 'zaragozano' is used in formal contexts — newspapers, official documents, and news broadcasts — but 'mano' dominates in casual conversation, social media, and local branding.

Walking through the city, you will see the term on T-shirts, fridge magnets, and tote bags in souvenir shops. Local businesses incorporate it into their names: there is a 'Cerveza Mano' craft beer, a 'Taberna del Mano' on Alfonso I Street, and an annual 'Fiesta del Mano' that celebrates Zaragoza's identity with music, food, and, of course, grills full of lamb.

The butcher legacy in modern Zaragoza

The Mercado Central — the very market where the 'mano' tradition began — is still one of the city's most vibrant spaces. Built in 1903 in a striking modernist iron-and-glass style, it houses dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialities. On Saturdays, the market is packed with shoppers, and the atmosphere is as lively as it was five centuries ago. Although you will no longer hear butchers slapping meat on marble, the market remains the best place in Zaragoza to experience the city's food culture firsthand. It is also where you will hear the most authentic Aragonese dialect, peppered with local expressions that date back centuries.

Other Spanish city nicknames

Zaragoza is not alone in having a colloquial nickname. The tradition of alternative demonyms is deeply rooted in Spanish culture:

• Madrid: 'Gatos' (cats), supposedly because 11th-century defenders of the city climbed walls like cats during the Reconquista.
• Barcelona: 'Culers' (Catalan for 'arses'), a jocular reference to a 19th-century football spectator who sat on a fence and showed his backside to the street.
• Valencia: 'Xufas', from the Valencian word for the tiger nut used to make horchata, the city's signature drink.
• Bilbao: 'Botxeros', from the Basque word for the traditional boats once moored along the Nervión River.
• Seville: 'Nazarenos', a reference to the penitents in the city's famous Semana Santa processions.

Each nickname tells a story about the city's history, economy, or character. The 'mano' of Zaragoza — rooted in the honest, physical work of the city's butchers — is one of the most down-to-earth and authentic of them all.

If you want to experience true 'mano' culture first-hand, combine your visit with an evening of Aragonese Jota music and dance, where the spirit of Zaragoza is expressed through song, or browse through our guide to fun holidays in Zaragoza for more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Why They Are Called 'Maños'

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