As the more autumnal and wintery months approach, it’s time for Spain to save on daylight and change the clocks, as happens every year around this time. So, we’ve decided to delve into what this means for people in Spain, the history of Spain’s time zone, and how it will affect our online Spanish classes!
When does it happen?
Daylight Saving Time occurs on the last Saturday night of October every year. This year, it will take place during the night of October 26 to 27, when the clocks will be set back.
What does it mean?
Well, firstly, Daylight Saving Time in Spain means we all get an extra hour of sleep! It’s perfect for resetting your sleep schedule or catching up on any work you may be running behind on. Additionally, we’ll have more daylight during the morning, which allows our bodies to operate more efficiently in sync with their natural circadian rhythm.
Why is Spain in the CET/CEST time zone and not GMT/BST?
Given that Spain shares its longitude with the UK, Morocco, and Portugal, it might come as a surprise to many that the country still uses CET (Central European Time), the same time zone used by most of Europe. This decision dates back to the era of General Francisco Franco, who aligned Spain’s clocks with Nazi Germany’s time zone as a gesture of solidarity, since Germany had occupied France and Belgium at the time.
Why is this relevant today?
Some believe that this historical choice is why Spain has such a late schedule, with people getting up late and going to bed even later. It’s common for Spaniards to have lunch between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, and dinner no earlier than 9:00 pm, often followed by going to bed at late hours. This schedule is seen as uniquely Spanish, and something they take pride in. However, it contrasts sharply with the natural position of the sun and the schedule followed in the UK, where meals and sleep happen at more “reasonable” hours.
Not only does this time zone misalignment disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, but it also doesn’t align with the natural daylight hours. There have even been campaigns and discussions advocating for Spain to change its time zone to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), matching that of the UK, as some believe it would boost productivity and allow for more personal leisure time.
Experts, including those at ARHOE (the Spanish Association for the Rationalization of Spanish Schedules), argue that aligning Spain’s time zone with its geographical reality could have significant benefits. Studies show that Spaniards sleep an hour less than the European average, which can impact their overall well-being.
Exploring this idea further, some question why Spain should maintain the same clock as countries much further east, such as Poland or Hungary. However, as with any debate, there are counterarguments. Many people believe that changing Spain’s time zone would disrupt the Spanish lifestyle, which is so distinct and cherished by locals.
How will this affect our online Spanish lessons?
Since Daylight Saving Time in Spain will take effect from October 27, our online Spanish lessons will be adjusted according to the new time if you are living outside of the EU. If this applies to you, you might need to reschedule your class to align with the new Spanish time and our teachers’ availability. You can reach out to Mar Rodríguez at mar@entrelenguas.com for more information or assistance in making this adjustment.
Harry Ellis
Marketing Department
