When you ask some people what they know about the Spanish culture, most say “siesta”. La siesta is a Spanish staple that many Spanish practice. Taking a siesta happens right after lunch also known as the hottest part of the day during the warmer months. But does one actually sleep? Most people use this time as more of a relaxing time. On the other hand, the older population does tent to take advantage of the time to sleep. If you work, how do you partake in la siesta? Throughout the years most cities and towns in Spain have had small neighborhood stores such as fruit and vegetable store, deli, meat, bakery to name a few. These stores are normally family owned. Most of the stores open from 8:30 a.m to 2 p.m and then open again from 5:00 or 5:30 p.m to about 9:00 p.m. So why the break? Store employees get to go home, eat some lunch with their families and have a siesta.

You might be wondering, why close at 2 p.m and not a noon? In Spain, as well as other Hispanic countries have a meals later. Breakfast tends to be around 9 or 10 in the morning, while lunch may be eaten between 1 and 3 in the afternoon. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day so when you eat dinner almost by the time that you go to bed between 8 to 10 you are able to eat a light meal.

Think about the meals and the schedule that you have during your daily routine. Would you be able to do a Spanish eating schedule?