Understanding Spain’s Late Night Dining Culture

If there’s one distinctive aspect of Spanish culture that stands out to tourists, it’s the tendency for activities, particularly dining, to occur later than in many other countries.

Restaurants in Spain typically don’t open until around 8pm, and even then, they don’t fill up properly until around 9pm. In fact, it’s not unusual for dinners to extend to midnight and beyond. Interestingly, there’s no word for “evening” in Spanish, and the tarde (afternoon) can last until 6 or 7pm when it’s still uncommon to dine out.

Recent Critiques of Dining Habits

Moreover, Spain’s Second Vice President and Labor Minister, Yolanda Díaz, recently criticized the nation’s dining habits, arguing that it’s unreasonable for restaurants to remain open until 1am and for work meetings to continue until 8pm. She emphasized the significant difference in schedules between Spain and other European countries during a meeting with Spanish tourism leaders. Díaz stated, “It is not reasonable for Spain to be a country where we convene meetings at 8 in the evening or keep restaurants open at 1 a.m.” Furthermore, she suggested that this late-night lifestyle could negatively impact the mental well-being of hospitality industry workers. However, her comments received backlash, particularly from the president of the local Madrid government, Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Ayuso defended Spain’s vibrant nightlife on a social media platform, asserting, “Spain is different. We have the best nightlife in the world, with streets full of life and freedom. And that also promotes employment.”

Why Does Spain Dine Later?

Spain’s late dining hours can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the workday in Spain often extends longer into the evening compared to most European nations, with businesses commonly closing for a few hours in the afternoon. Although, according to the European Commission, Spaniards work an average of 37.8 hours per week—close to the EU average of 37 hours—the scheduling remains quite flexible. Many businesses, including shops, frequently close between 2pm and 4 or 5pm, allowing Spaniards to take a two- or three-hour lunch break for their main meal before resuming work, typically finishing around 8pm. Consequently, by the time they return home, prepare dinner, or get ready for a night out, it’s usually already past 9pm, shifting the entire day’s schedule. Additionally, weather plays a crucial role in Spain’s late-night dining culture. In the summer heat, which can be stifling, many wait until after sunset, around 9:30pm, to dine comfortably.

This dining schedule also varies across the country. For instance, in Andalucía, noted for its hot summer temperatures, bars and restaurants typically remain open until 1am. Conversely, in the cooler Basque Country, establishments often close by 11pm. Furthermore, it’s interesting to note that Spain is technically in the wrong time zone. Based on its geographical location, Spain should share the same time zone as Portugal, Ireland, and the UK; however, this was altered during WWII when Francisco Franco aligned the country’s time with Germany.

Perspectives on Work-Life Balance

The late dining schedule sparks mixed reactions among locals and expatriates alike. Some enjoy the vibrant late-night culture, while others advocate for adjustments to align with the rest of Europe for enhanced work-life balance and improved sleep quality. Mireia Goula, a Catalan from Barcelona, mentions, “I think it’s fine for restaurants to stay open until 1am on the weekends; why not?” However, she opposes the late timetable during the week, stating, “If we wake up and start work at the same time as other Europeans, then we should finish at the same time too.” She feels that the late schedules lead to insufficient sleep. Dan Convey, a Briton residing in Spain, expresses that Spain’s late-night bar culture is more civilized compared to the UK. He states, “It’s a lot better going out to a tapas bar or restaurant until 1am rather than having to go to a nightclub because there are no other options open.” This culture encourages moderation in alcohol consumption, as it is always accompanied by food. Consequently, a good work-life balance holds great importance in Spanish culture. Most socializing occurs around dinner tables or in restaurants, emphasizing community and connection. Even though long lunch breaks and afternoon siestas have been phased out in many companies, dining times appear unlikely to change soon. Most Spaniards take pride in their late-night dining traditions and likely won’t consider having dinner at 6pm anytime soon. With rising summer temperatures, could dining times even extend further into the night?