Catherwood LibraryILR School

The traditional Spanish work day reflects long cultural traditions involving afternoon siestas and slow moving days. The Spaniards average work day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. with a siesta or long lunch in the mid afternoon. A new campaign, by the Fundacion Independiente, is attempting to change this tradition and align the Spanish work schedule with the 9 to 5 routine used by the European Union. Change has already taken place in some parts of Spanish society, as long commutes to work make going home for a siesta impossible and as stores and shopping centers have started to copy their European counterparts to be competitive.