What Does La Siesta Mean? | Spanish Rest Tradition Explained
What Does La Siesta Mean? | Spanish Rest Tradition Explained What Does “La Siesta” Mean? The phrase “la siesta” comes from Spanish and literally means “the nap” or “rest.” It refers to the midday break when people pause work or daily activities to relax, eat, or sleep. The tradition is most famous in Spain, but variations of the siesta exist in many Mediterranean and Latin American countries. Origins of La Siesta The word siesta derives from the Latin phrase “sexta hora” (the sixth hour of the day, around noon). Historically, it was the time when farmers and workers stopped laboring under the hot sun, ate lunch, and rested before returning to the fields. Discover: la siesta meaning, Spain siesta origin, Spanish culture siesta. How the Siesta Works in Spain Traditionally, siesta takes place in the early afternoon, typically between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. During this time: Shops and businesses in smaller towns may close. Families gather for a large lunch at...