Why do the Spanish not like the sun very much?

Question

I noticed that many Spanish would choose to stay out of the sun.........but why?

Answer 1

From my experience of travelling to Spain on holiday over 7 times now, I would say that the many of the Spanish-speaking people love the sun and enjoy sunbathing but are usually wiser than the English speaking people and stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day!

They have the Siesta time when they stay in the shade during the hours of 11/12am -2/ 3 o'clock pm but you will still see them on holiday enjoying a drink in the shade with their family or they will be indoors having a siesta in the cool shade of their home if they have to work during the rest of the day.

The Spanish are used to having the sun as Heidi says and do not need to be out in the sun all the time. Of course the tourists: British and others not being so used to the sun may get sunburnt in their enethusiasm to make the most of the weather

I hope this answers your question lol

Natives: please correct any inaccurate cultural information

haha so right - sam_walsh, Jun 6, 2011

Answer 2

Not wanting to increase their chances of getting skin cancer could be a good reason. Also, wanting to avoid skin ageing and having a face like a leather handbag? Sunstroke, heatstroke?

Have you heard the old saying:

"Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun"?

Hi there Sally, I couldn't resist having a look at the replies to this post. I didn't know the "saying" you quoted, but I do remember Joe Cocker's album :) - nonombre, Jun 6, 2011

aging is probably the American spelling for English learners. (aging, ageing both in dictionary) - 0074b507, Jun 6, 2011

aging should sound like nagging without the "n" :) - ian-hill, Jun 6, 2011

There is a reason for doubling the g in nagging. . .it's like the difference between waging and wagging. - lorenzo9, Jun 6, 2011

True - ian-hill, Jun 6, 2011

I started with aging, actually, but my English spellcheck corrected it! ;) - galsally, Jun 7, 2011

Answer 3

Stay out of the sun???? Surely you've never been to the beach.

Answer 4

If you sit in the shade you don't get burnt and you 're comfortable, you tan anyway so it isn't necessary to be in direct sunlight. People who live in sunny climates know that.

The Brits learn the hard way!!

Very true, Birdland :) - FELIZ77, Jun 6, 2011

Answer 5

I guess it is a case of everything in moderation.

Unless we are talking about mad dogs or Englishmen / women on holiday. Then it is sun- sand-sangria and dare I say it here ...... sex.

Jaja, :-P - Destroyed99, Jun 6, 2011

Answer 6

Strange question

Answer 7

It's scorching! The Spanish are skin smart, and know to avoid exposing themselves to all those UVA/UVB rays!

Answer 8

If you've ever felt the burning sun of Spain (or any other region similar), you can see why they avoid the sun. Only Australians go out in the fiercest suntime (and get skin cancer). Mad dogs and Englishmen indeed.

Answer 9

Well, we have a lot of it, so...jeje,

Answer 10

I was just about to post,

I hope Lazarus sees this thread.

I know how much he prefers our climate to that of Spain.

lol, yeah, he sure does - 00494d19, Jun 6, 2011