Global Dinner Habits: Eating Late to Adapt to Hot Climates
Do you ever wonder why dinner is served so late in some parts of the world? This phenomenon is not just a quirky part of some cultures; it's a practical response to hot climates. In this article, we explore why certain cultures delay their dinner hour until later in the evening when temperatures have dropped.
Understanding the Impact of Climate on Dinner Times
Most commonly, cultures from very hot climates choose to eat dinner later in the evening. This habit allows people to consume their meal when the worst of the heat has passed, making the experience more pleasant and hygienic. For instance, in northern Africa, where temperatures can reach extreme highs, families often go out for a walk with their children until 10-10:30 PM, letting them play in the cooler hours. Italian families, on the other hand, tend to have their children play outside during the hottest part of the day, making dinner later in the evening a healthier option for everyone.
Light Lunches in Warm Environments
In warm countries with high temperatures, people typically eat a light cold lunch consisting of salad and fruit. The idea is to avoid heavy meals that can make one feel lethargic in the heat. Then, they wait for dinner until the temperatures have dropped a bit. This pattern is particularly true in places like Spain, where dinner is served between 7:30 PM and 9 PM. In neighboring Portugal, dinner is a bit earlier, typically around 6:30 to 8 PM.
Regional Dinner Times in Depth
Portugal and Spain are often discussed when it comes to dinner times. In Portugal, dinner is a bit earlier compared to Spain, which tends to push dinner back to around 10 PM. Living in Portugal, I have maintained a similar schedule, even when I lived in Spain. School schedules and cultural habits pushed my lunch time to around 1:30 PM to 3 PM, becoming more aligned with Spanish norms. However, even in Spain, dinner is still later than in most European countries.
Personal Experiences in Different Climates
My experience living in Barcelona with Spanish girls shows a different perspective on dinner times. In their apartments, dinner was served past 10 PM, a time I consider quite late. I, however, tend to start my dinner preparation around 7:30 PM-8 PM, which is considered quite early for them. During festive occasions like New Year's Eve or Christmas Eve, my Spanish friends start eating past 10 PM, showing that even in times of celebration, dinner is served later.
Cultural Contrast: Portugal vs. Spain
Portuguese and Spanish cultures share a similar timeline in terms of work schedules, but there is a notable difference in when they eat their main meal of the day. Despite the strong agrarian culture and political contrasts, Portuguese people tend to eat later than Spaniards. This is partly due to the climate, as it's hotter in Portugal, especially during summer. Interestingly, in both countries, there is an afternoon snack between 5 PM and 6 PM, known as "merienda" in Spain and "lanche" in Portugal, before the main dinner.
The Universal Dinner Hour: A Timezone Dilemma
Timezone differences can further complicate dinner times, especially for countries with a significant time difference. For example, New York and Barcelona are 6 hours apart. Despite the difference in time, many Americans and Spaniards are having dinner at the same time. This is because while it is 5 PM in New York, it is 11 PM in Barcelona. It's fascinating to consider how time and daylight affect everyday habits, from work schedules to dinner times.
Conclusion
The timing of dinner in different cultures is not just a matter of habit but a strategy to cope with the environment. Eating late at night allows people to enjoy meals in more comfortable conditions, especially in hot climates. This cultural practice highlights the importance of adapting to the environment and how time—a concept so fundamental to our lives—can vary significantly across the world.