Yes, traditionally people in Barcelona have taken a siesta in the early afternoon as part of their daily routine, although this tradition is becoming less common in modern times.
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Yes, traditionally people in Barcelona have taken a siesta in the early afternoon as part of their daily routine. The practice of taking a siesta dates back centuries and is rooted in the warm climate of Spain, allowing people to rest during the hottest part of the day. However, with the modernization of Spain, the tradition of siesta is declining in cities like Barcelona. According to a survey by the Spanish National Statistics Institute, only 16% of the working population in Barcelona continues to take a siesta.
Despite this decline, the tradition of siesta is still alive in many parts of Barcelona, with small businesses and shops often closing from 2 pm to 5 pm in the afternoon for a siesta break. The city also has a number of parks and plazas where people can be seen napping and relaxing during the siesta period.
According to a report by The Guardian, “Experts say the siesta may have health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes by helping to lower blood pressure.” The report also cites a study by the University of Athens, which found that daily napping potentially reduces coronary mortality by a third.
However, not everyone agrees with the practice of siesta. In an interview with Time magazine, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said: “The truth is the habits of Spaniards aren’t being very efficient. Spaniards have to work more hours and better hours.”
Here is a table showing the siesta schedule of some cities in Spain:
| City | Siesta Schedule |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 2 pm to 5 pm |
| Madrid | 2 pm to 5 pm |
| Seville | 2:30 pm to 5 pm |
| Valencia | 2 pm to 4 pm |
| Granada | 2 pm to 5 pm |
Overall, while the tradition of siesta in Barcelona is declining in modern times, it remains an important part of Spanish culture and daily life. Whether it has health benefits or not, the siesta is something that Barcelona and Spain as a whole will always be associated with.
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The length of the Spanish siesta varies from person to person, with some taking short naps of 5-10 minutes and others opting for longer ones of an hour or more. Many Spanish speakers prefer sleeping in bed during the siesta, while others prefer the couch. The siesta is highly valued in Spanish culture, providing benefits such as increased energy and productivity in the afternoon. However, the only downside is potentially losing time that can be regained through the evening. Speakers recommend a nap of an hour or less for rest and rejuvenation, cautioning that sleeping for too long can interfere with falling asleep at night. Overall, the siesta is considered a cherished aspect of Spanish culture.
There are also other opinions
The siesta – which means "a midday or afternoon rest or nap" – has become a big part of Spanish culture. Many businesses in Barcelona and other parts of the country still shut down every day so that siestas can take place. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you should prepare yourself for plenty of siestas.
Here in Barcelona, locals start work around 9 or 10. They then take a relaxed 90 min-2 hour lunch which is not timed nor with a strict time-card. Then go home for “Siesta” from around 2-5pm.
Siesta is traditionally an afternoon nap and more typical in the southern parts of Spain. In Barcelona, many small businesses do close after lunch and before dinner (approx 5-8 pm). That is to allow the shopkeepers to run errands or go home for a bit before re-opening.
Yes, I don’t know anyone who is lucky enough to have "siesta" in Barcelona. And we locals laugh loud when someone refers the closing at midday as "siesta time" Most shops in the city center don’t close at midday anymore.
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The "siesta" can refer to the nap itself, or more generally to a period of the day, generally between 2 and 5 PM. This period is used for sleep, as well as leisure, mid-day meals, or other activities.