What is the nationality of Sancho Panza?

Sancho Panza is Spanish.

Sancho is a fictional peasant from La Mancha in Miguel de Cervantes’s Spanish novel Don Quixote. He becomes Don Quixote’s squire after accepting the promise of rewards, including the possibility of governing an island. His practical outlook contrasts with his master’s romantic and often delusional view of the world.

Sancho’s nationality is reflected in his speech, background, customs, and abundant use of Spanish proverbs. He is married to Teresa Cascajo and has children, including a daughter commonly called Sanchica. His surname, Panza, refers to a belly or paunch, matching the character’s earthy, comic presentation.

A common mix-up is treating Sancho as a generic European sidekick rather than a specifically Spanish character. Don Quixote’s setting, language, social world, and traditions are deeply rooted in early modern Spain, especially the region of La Mancha. Sancho’s “sanchismos”—comic sayings and proverbs—also give the novel a distinct popular Spanish voice.