Why Do Foreigners Believe Spanish People Eat Late?

It's a common misconception among those who are not from Spain that the Spanish people have a habit of eating very late. In fact, the same can be said about people from other countries such as Argentina and Russia, where the concept of a late dinner is also common.

Why the Belief?

The stereotype of the Spanish dining schedule is often perpetuated, and it does have some merit. For instance, Dima Vorobiev, in a well-written piece, highlighted the Argentinean tendency to eat late and be characterized as nocturnal types. Similarly, this cultural practice is also observed in other Mediterranean countries, including Spain.

The behavior is often attributed to a combination of cultural and historical factors. One of the primary reasons is noblesse oblige, which translates to the obligation to behave in a manner becoming one's social class or noble status. This notion translates into the expectation that one can and should take their time enjoying meals, often well into the night.

Cultural Aspects

There is a significant cultural component to this phenomenon. In Spain, going to bed late is a norm, aligning with the overall atmosphere. The weather, particularly in the summer, further contributes to this habit. For example, it's not uncommon to call a cousin in the Netherlands and find them already asleep while it's still the middle of the night in Spain, bustling with activity.

Urban and Tourist Areas

Nowhere is this more evident than in the cities and tourist areas, especially in the southern regions. In Madrid, for instance, lunch is often enjoyed between 14:30 and 15:00, with dinner starting at 21:00 and sometimes even later. This shift in meal times is a relatively recent development; previously, older people in rural areas would still have lunch around 13:30 and dinner around 20:00 or 20:30, which was later than in Central Europe but not as late as in Spain today.

Historical Context

The reasons behind this change are multifaceted and not entirely clear, but two plausible explanations stand out:

The work schedules of civil servants, who typically work from 8:00 to 15:00. During Franco's dictatorship, many people had two jobs to support their families, often taking one job in the morning and the second in the evenings, leading to a later dinner.

Time Zones and Cultural Practices

Time zones also play a role in the perception of late dining. Spain operates on GMT 1, but due to its geographical positioning, it often feels like it's GMT 2 or even GMT 3, making late-night dining seem more prevalent than it actually is.

Are Other Europeans Late Eaters Too?

Some might argue that Nordic countries like Sweden also have late eating habits, and there is a sense of camaraderie in this. However, it is important to note that while the pattern is similar, the reasons behind it can vary.

Conclusion

While the stereotype of Spanish people eating late is a widespread misconception, it is indeed a cultural norm that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Spanish society. Whether it's due to cultural practices, historical events, or geographical factors, the late-night dining tradition continues to be a fascinating and unique aspect of the Spanish lifestyle.