The usual rhythm of life in Spain can be a little confusing for someone discovering it for the first time by moving there.
Living in Spain also means enjoying the night and its activities. Spaniards go to bed late, and mostly live through the night, enjoying the climate, the nightlife and the social life, visiting friends and family.
This rhythm, very different from those of other countries, has been described by many outside observers as symptomatic of a Spanish cultural exception.
The famous "siesta" or siesta, is also part of the art of living in Spain, during vacations or weekends.
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Mealtimes in Spain
The notable differences, with the French rhythm for example, start at around 11 a.m., at which time, whether at work or at home, Spaniards will typically take a half-hour break to have breakfast, as they will usually only have had a coffee early in the morning when they get up. The working day starts between 8 and 9 a.m., but this long break is the first "anomaly".
Lunch is usually taken in the middle of the afternoon (around 2:30 or even 3 p.m.) and can last a good 2 hours - another big break in the day, which only exists in Spain. Work then resumes at around 4:30 or 5 p.m. and finishes much later than elsewhere in Europe, often at 8 or even 9 or 10 p.m.
Spanish gastronomy
Spain, a country of many specialties and local products exported all over the world, leaves no one indifferent, least of all gourmets. To take full advantage of regional delights and ancestral recipes, you'll need to follow the local rhythm of life. Once you've got used to it, you'll be happy to adapt to the local way of life. On the menu for lunch at teatime and dinner at a time when the rest of Europe is falling asleep is a varied and tasty Mediterranean cuisine. Each region has its own specialties, but you'll find colorful spices such as saffron, an essential ingredient in paella, and cinnamon, which flavors Catalan creams. Catalan extra-virgin olive oil, the country's emblematic ingredient and the world's leading producer, can be found in many dishes and salads. Citrus fruits and vegetables bursting with Iberian sunshine come in all shapes and sizes to delight every palate. Beyond tapas, you'll discover Catalan Coca, Andalusian Gaspacho, Salmorejo, Madrid Cocido, Empanadas, Asturian Fabada... and many other delicious specialties. Indulge yourself with Jamón Serrano and the precious Pata Negra.
Working hours in Spain
In the globalized world of work, the famous siesta relegated to the weekend has given way to staggered working hours and a work rhythm that differs from other European countries. With their special extended mid-day break, Spaniards shift all their activities, and the same applies to TV programs. Whether it's films or live matches, these don't usually start until 10pm or even 10:40pm, just when the first half of the evening's programming ends in Spain! As you can see, Spaniards are unquestionably late-nighters and, ultimately, light sleepers. An IPSOS study showed that they sleep only 6.8h/night on average, and that 63% of them go to bed between 11pm and 1am. This doesn't mean they're late risers: according to the OECD (2020), they work more hours per year than the average French or German! In Spain, an employee logs 1,577h/year, in France 1,402h/year and in Germany 1,332h/year...