Immigration must know Spanish lifestyle habits: Spaniards are famously known for their love of siestas. In Spanish, the term "siesta" literally refers to the time period from noon to 3 PM.
The tradition of siesta among Spaniards began after the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. At that time, years of war left the people impoverished, and many had to hold multiple jobs. To ensure they had enough energy to continue with their next job in the afternoon and evening, people gradually developed the habit of taking a siesta. However, it is said that the custom of napping had existed in the southern regions of Spain long before, one example being that after Columbus discovered the New World, this tradition spread to the Americas with the Spanish colonizers.
Although not only Spaniards take naps, only they have turned it into a tradition and a culture. Despite medical experts recommending that nap durations be limited to 20 minutes to half an hour, Spaniards often nap for one to two hours. The famous Spanish writer and Nobel Prize laureate Camilo José Cela even regarded napping as a serious and sacred matter, stating that one must "put on pajamas, say a prayer, and prepare a urinal" before taking a nap. Many companies and government institutions in Spain designate the time from 2 PM to 4:30 PM as nap time. Most businesses also close during this period and reopen only after 5 PM.
However, the fast-paced modern lifestyle has gradually led some Spaniards to abandon the habit of napping. In recent years, the government, companies, and many health advocacy organizations have begun to promote the benefits of napping. A group of siesta supporters from the northern Spanish city of Santander established the "National Siesta Friends Association of Spain." In October 2010, they held the first national siesta competition in Madrid. In the competition, judges score participants based on their time to fall asleep, sleeping posture, and attire, with the highest-scoring participant receiving a prize of 1,000 euros.
According to the association's president, David Blanco, after lunch, the blood supply required by the digestive system increases, reducing the blood flow to the brain, which naturally leads to feelings of drowsiness. Therefore, a short nap in the afternoon is a healthy lifestyle that aligns with physiological needs. Additionally, napping helps relieve stress and enables people to better face life. The purpose of the association's siesta competition is to help people rediscover the benefits of napping and promote a more scientific approach to it.