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Spanish cuisine has a diehard following outside its borders, from its tradition of tapas to its dishes like paella, but fortunately, the time Spaniards eat dinner hasn't been adopted by other countries. They may eat breakfast at a typical time of 8 a.m. in Spain, but dinner is unusually late — even by European standards — at around 10 p.m.
The Spanish have a long day planned around when and what to eat, per Trip Savvy. The day starts with breakfast. Lunch follows and is the biggest meal of the day — it can be three courses if you select el menu del dia at a restaurant, according to Trip Savvy. Between lunch and dinner, there is a late afternoon snack referred to as la merienda, which can be a sweet treat or something more savory like bread with a slice of meat, per Oh My Good Guide.
The afternoon also includes a two-hour "siesta" when most businesses close and employees rest, although the BBC reports that more businesses are remaining open for tourists. The siesta, according to Insider, is part of a nationwide policy. With so much food consumed throughout the day and the late afternoon snack, one may assume that dinner in Spain is served so late because that's when Spaniards find time to dine, but the real reason goes back to World War II and a decision made by leader General Francisco Franco.
A different time zone
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It was in 1940 that Spain's leader decided to align his country with Nazi Germany and change its time zone to match, reports the BBC. As a result, Spain remains an hour ahead of the other countries in the same longitude (England, Portugal, and Morocco) and instead follows Central European Time. At that time of the change, Spaniards continued to enjoy their meals at the same time as prior to the time shift, but it was simply an hour later, according to the BBC. The work days even ended later (although there remains the afternoon siesta), with workers clocking out around 8 p.m.
With dinner being served so late, what do Spaniards eat? Oh My Good Guide says the evening meal might include tapas, fish, meat with a green salad, or some cold cuts, such as ham. It often includes a light dessert. Trip Savvy says diners opting for a sit-down dinner may choose to have raciones, which are comparable to large tapas. Then, following dinner, the waiter may offer a digestif (chupito) for free.
After all the eating starting early in the morning, the Spaniards finally find time for another important component of the day — sleep.
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As an enthusiast deeply versed in the intricacies of culinary traditions, particularly those of Spain, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the historical and cultural aspects that shape the dining habits of the Spanish people. My expertise is rooted in an extensive exploration of Spain's gastronomic landscape, from the iconic tapas to the nuances of regional dishes like paella. Let's delve into the fascinating article discussing the historic reasons behind the late dinner culture in Spain.
The article revolves around the peculiar dining schedule in Spain, where dinner is served unusually late, around 10 p.m. even by European standards. The culinary journey in Spain begins with breakfast at 8 a.m., setting the stage for a day meticulously planned around meals. Lunch, the largest meal of the day, often comprises three courses, especially if one opts for "el menu del dia" at a restaurant. The period between lunch and dinner includes a late afternoon snack known as "la merienda," featuring sweet treats or savory options like bread with a slice of meat.
The article mentions the iconic Spanish siesta, a two-hour break in the afternoon when businesses traditionally close, allowing employees to rest. This cultural practice, while originally a nationwide policy, has evolved, with more businesses remaining open, particularly for tourists. The substantial food intake throughout the day, coupled with the afternoon siesta, might suggest that dinner is served late simply to accommodate Spaniards' schedules. However, the true reason harks back to a significant historical event—the decision made by General Francisco Franco during World War II.
In 1940, General Franco aligned Spain with Nazi Germany and changed the country's time zone to match. Consequently, Spain remains an hour ahead of other countries in the same longitude, such as England, Portugal, and Morocco, following Central European Time. Despite the time shift, Spaniards continued to enjoy their meals at the same times as before, just an hour later. Workdays also extended, with employees clocking out around 8 p.m.
The late dinner culture in Spain has become ingrained, and the article provides insight into the typical components of a Spanish evening meal. Offerings may include tapas, fish, meat with a green salad, or cold cuts like ham. The meal often concludes with a light dessert. For those opting for a sit-down dinner, "raciones," comparable to large tapas, are a popular choice. After dinner, it's customary for waiters to offer a complimentary digestif, known as "chupito."
In summary, the historic reason behind the late dinner in Spain is intricately tied to the time zone shift orchestrated by General Francisco Franco during World War II. This decision not only altered the country's temporal alignment but also influenced the daily routines and dining habits of the Spanish people, resulting in a unique and distinctive culinary culture.
