Spanish stores close at 2pm for a traditional midday break called “siesta,” allowing workers to have lunch and rest before returning to work later in the day.
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Spanish stores close at 2pm for a traditional midday break called “siesta.” Siesta is a time for workers to have their lunch, rest and escape from the heat of the day. This midday break can last from 2 pm to 5 pm, depending on the region of Spain.
According to the Spanish Tourist Board, “Siesta is a cultural tradition based on the idea of slowing down during the hottest hours of the day. It originated as a way for farmers to avoid working in the midday heat and has evolved into a tradition that applies to all Spaniards.” In some regions, siesta is still a sacred practice, while in others, it has become increasingly uncommon due to changes in Spanish working patterns.
The origins of the siesta practice can be traced back to the ancient Romans, who took a midday break called “meridiatio.” Later, Spaniards adopted this practice influenced by the heat and climate of the Iberian Peninsula.
Interestingly, siesta is not unique to Spain, but it is also practiced in other countries with hot climates, such as Greece, Italy, and some Latin American countries. This practice of midday rest has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including increased alertness and productivity. However, it has also been criticized for interrupting the workday and contributing to a shorter overall workday in Spain.
In conclusion, the siesta tradition in Spain is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the country, and its influence can be seen throughout Spanish society, from business practices to daily routines. As Cervantes wrote in Don Quixote, “Sleep is the best cure for waking troubles.”
Table: Countries that practice midday rest
| Country | Practice Name |
|---|---|
| Spain | Siesta |
| Greece | Mesimeri |
| Italy | Riposo |
| Costa Rica | Siesta |
| Philippines | Siesta |
Associated video
This video summarizes a conversation between a customer and shop assistant in a clothing store. The customer is interested in trying on a pair of black jeans and a red wool sweater and asks to also try on blue shoes, eventually paying with a credit card. The customer states that they are “just browsing” and leaves the store at the end of the conversation.
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These factors explain why one of the many Spanish customs involves taking a nap after lunch. This means that most businesses and stores close between 2 and 4 p.m. so employees can go home, eat, and take a rest from working during the hottest part of the day.
Siesta in Spain – Siesta is the time of day in Spain where shops, offices, banks and most other businesses close and their staff has a long lunch or a short sleep. Siesta begins around 1pm (it’s different in different areas of Spain and can be as early as midday and as late as 2pm), so smaller shops will close then and reopen between 4-5pm.
Siesta in Spain – Siesta is the time of day in Spain where shops, offices, banks and most other businesses close and their staff has a long lunch or a short sleep. Siesta begins around 1pm (it’s different in different areas of Spain and can be as early as midday and as late as 2pm), so smaller shops will close then and reopen between 4-5pm.
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Spain’s famously late mealtimes are due to the fact that the country has been geographically in the wrong time zone since World War II! During all that time, Spaniards have eaten at the same time they always have in regards to the position of the sun in the sky.
It seems one person is getting a night of good sleep! As if sleeping late isn’t enough, we are also big fans of the phrase “a quién madruga, Dios lo ayuda” (who gets up early, God helps him, this sounds better in Spanish).