Spanish tradition ‘Sobremesa’

Catherine McGeer

I N Spain, eating is not just a necessity but a beloved pastime. The country’s gastronomy holds a special place in its cultural heritage. Central to this culinary tradition is the practice of spending hours around the table after a meal, known as ‘sobremesa’. It is a cherished custom that epitomises the Spanish way of life.

The beauty of sobremesa lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether the conversation revolves around the events of the week, the latest gossip, or even the sometimes­dreaded topic of politics, sobremesa is an integral part of the Spanish heritage. Its magic lies in the way it effortlessly blends the pleasures of good food and lively discussions.

The Romans began the concept, following their lavish feasts, they would enjoy spectacles of artistry, featuring acro ­ bats, dancers, actors, and poets. These post ­ meal entertainments added to the splendour of sobremesa. During medieval times they continued this tradition, it was also during this era that the tradition of spending time before lunch emerged, ultimately influencing the practice of tapas in Spain.

Today, sobremesa remains an integral part of Spanish culture, embodying the values of social connection, unhurried enjoyment, and appreciation for good food and company. It is a time for families and friends to gather, sharing stories, engaging in spirited discussions, and relishing the simple pleasures of life. where he would be fed whole raw fish in the way that penguins are.

When visiting Spain, immerse yourself in the magic of sobremesa. Embrace the lingering conversations, the laughter, and the joy that comes from taking the time to savour the experience.

Alfred actually believed he was a penguin. He has requested to be buried in the Antarctic, dressed in his penguin suit with a gravestone in the shape of a penguinpreferably, when he is dead! Then he believes he will be reincarnated as a penguin. Most men accept that they are not penguins, but some do identify as women.

Unlike Alfred David, not all obsessives are eccentric. Many people are obsessed with their practice of veganism, yoga, spiritism and religion ­ all noble concepts. But their obsession often makes them intolerant towards those who don’t embrace these interests. This obsession can lead into fanaticism and as a result, they alienate others from their beliefs. Others are obsessed with dress, punctuality, tidiness, drinking, stalking, gang membership and racism.

Then there are the fanatics. The fan who hates Manchester United so much that he attends all their matches praying for them to lose is more a fanatic than an eccentric. His fanaticism is simply negative. And those whose lives revolve around a pop group, a sports figure, a social cause or a political figure (either positive or negative)? They are a far cry from our precious eccentrics.

I’M getting old. Well actually I am old. I don’t like the ageing process, but of course it’s better than the alternative. All sorts of things start happening to the body and in some cases stop happening. On a recent visit to my doctor she told me that I should stop eating chocolate, stop smoking, stop drinking, stop eating red meat, stop having fried food, cut down on my dairy products, walk four miles a day and stop having sex …. I asked if this would make me live longer and she said ‘No but it will definitely feel like it!!’

The other day I was trying to do something on the computer. By the time I’d logged on I’d completely forgotten what it was I was going to do. What’s that all about? I walk in to rooms, look round and walk out. Not a clue why I went in. I stand there like a doughnut looking around for some inspiration, but nothing. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been driving somewhere then realised that I’ve gone past the turning because in my head I’m going somewhere else! Please tell me it’s not just me.

Today I was looking to hire a car so I went on to Hertz online and all I had to do was put in my username and password and I was all set. Was I heck? Could I remember my password? I thought I did. I tried it three times then got locked out. I got a message saying I now had to change my password. I spent the next hour trying to do that, but it all got too complicated as they wanted my driving licence number and credit card details.

Driving licence was fine but I couldn’t remember what credit card I had on their file. I tried three which were wrong and then I got locked out of that screen! I’ll call them tomorrow if I remember. I have so many pin numbers and passwords it’s impossible to remember them all and you are always told don’t write them down, so I hide them on my phone and code them. Then I forget the code! I have decided to change my password to ‘incorrectpassword’ so if I put it in wrong or forget it at least when that pops up I’ll have half a chance of remembering it.

When you get old, I’ve decided, two things happen to you. One is that your memory starts to go and the second ... err, err, mmm can’t think of it at the moment. I’ll get back to you on that one.