Are Spaniards vampires? Shutters, bars & balconies – WIS023

Do Spaniards like the dark despite Spain being one of the sunniest countries in Europe? Maybe you can have too much of a good thing! Spain has between 2,500 and 3,000 hours of sunshine in an average year, compared with just 1,600 in countries such as the United Kingdom.

In this episode I ponder the Spanish obsession with window blinds and why Spanish homes are often dark with the lights on during the day. You’ll hear the ritual of slamming shop shutters up and down during the day, on the street where I live in Madrid you could set your watch by it. Another observation I touch on, why do so many Spanish homes have ugly bars on all the windows? And why to Spaniards hardly ever use their balconies? Well, except for smoking and having a good nose…

According to Juan Carlos Barajas, sociologist and author of the website Sociología Divertido, Fun Sociology, “Catholic ethics imply a greater concern for what will be said, for showing irreproachable conduct according to what is socially expected of you, for doing your dirty washing inside,”

“So you have to put up a barrier – shutters and curtains that separate your house from the outside so you can do what you don’t want others to see you doing.”

“Shutters and curtains that separate your house from the outside so you can do what you don’t want others to see you doing.”

This episode was inspired by this article in El Pais newspaper:

Why are Spaniards the only people in Europe obsessed with window blinds?

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WHAT IS WHEN IN SPAIN?

The When in Spain show is a weekly podcast show, recorded in Madrid (and other parts of Spain) where l talk about my ‘warts and all’ observations and insights on life and culture on the Iberian peninsular.

I cast an eye on everyday life, people, places, politics, culture and history and attempt to give an honest opinion from a Brit who has a love-frustration relationship with Spain. I shall attempt to dispel or indeed confirm Spanish stereotypes through my ramblings and see if I can delve into the Spanish psyche.

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WHO THE HELL IS WHEN IN SPAIN?

I’m Paul Burge, former BBC journalist, Hispanophile and Manchego lover. A Brit, born in Oxford and living in Spain for almost 5 years. I currently live in the centre of Madrid.

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CONTACT wheninspain1@outlook.com