The Impact of Siesta on Dinner Time in Spain
Living in Greece for several years, I've observed a striking phenomenon that is echoed in Spain, southern France, Italy, and Portugal: during the hottest months from Easter to October, businesses and shops close down for a few hours around noon until 4 or 5 PM. This practice, known as a siesta, has a profound impact on daily routines and dining habits, particularly the timing of dinner.
The Origin and Nature of the Siesta
A siesta is a pause in midday work for rest, typically for sleeping, often taken between 2 and 4 PM. The practice stems from the hot climate, which makes it difficult for people to function efficiently in the afternoon. As the sun beats down, the heat inside buildings becomes oppressive, and people naturally find themselves lethargic after their midday meal.
Siesta and Its Effects on Daily Routine
By 1 PM, the tradition of drawing shutters and windows becomes a common sight. People, including shopkeepers and office workers alike, retreat out of the sweltering heat into courtyards or open windows to catch the breeze. This break is not just about cooling down; it’s also an opportunity to recharge and often leads to brief naps, a practice deeply ingrained in the culture of these countries.
The Delay in Dinner: Not a Result of Siesta But a Consequence of Heat
Though many attribute the delay in dinner to the siesta, the real culprit is the heat that makes one's appetite diminish. Indeed, the intense heat can significantly reduce one's desire to eat, leading to fewer meals being consumed during the midday hours. Despite the siesta, people still need to fuel themselves for the activities that come later in the day. Thus, dinner time remains relatively consistent, often occurring around 7 or 8 PM as the evening cools down.
Contrary to the popular belief, the siesta does not push dinner hours into the night. Instead, the lack of appetite due to the heat causes fewer midday meals, leading to a later start to dinner. Moreover, by the time it's dark and the outdoor temperature has started to drop, people resume their dining and social activities, enjoying a full evening out, even as late as 10 or 11 PM. Children, in particular, may have their playtime extended into the night as the cooler hours provide a more enjoyable environment for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
In essence, the siesta in Spain and neighboring countries is a cultural adaptation to the oppressive heat. While it does have an impact on daily routines, it is the heat itself, rather than the siesta, that postpones dinner. The desire to enjoy a more pleasant dining experience, despite the hot weather, ensures that dinner times remain closely aligned with the cooler evening hours.
The siesta, therefore, serves as a break in the day that helps individuals and communities manage the midday heat. It underscores the resilience and adaptability of cultures to environmental challenges, and its influence on dinner times reflects a hands-on approach to maintaining a balanced lifestyle in a heat-dominated environment.