Today is March 1st, which means pretty soon Sevillanos and other Spaniards can finally put away their winter clothes and stop sweltering in the 20℃ (68 ℉) heat while wearing puffer coats, heavy scarves, corduroys, and boots. I don’t actually know that they are sweltering, but oftentimes in the winter I find myself, on the balmier days, carrying my coat and wearing only a t-shirt and jeans while those around me are bundled up as if they are going on an Arctic expedition.
I first heard about the phenomenon that “Spaniards dress for the season, not for the weather” last winter, when I commented about seeing people in fur coats, hats, and gloves in early December, even though most days were still in the 20s (℃). My own children wear only shorts and t-shirts all year long – I stopped even buying them long pants and long-sleeved shirts years ago – and they definitely get strange looks and comments as they bop on down the street. One waiter at a restaurant on our youngest’s route to school commented to our son’s dad that it cracks him up seeing our boy cheerfully walking along in his summer clothes while everyone around him is bundled up for a blizzard. Meanwhile, our boys find great amusement in seeing how warmly dressed others around them are, even on the warmest winter days.
It is possible, especially here in Sevilla, that the Spaniards truly are cold. After all, they just spent 5+ months with temperatures in the 40s (over 100℉), so when the temperature is literally half of what it has been, they could legitimately need sweaters, parkas and gloves to be comfortable. Perhaps after a few years here, I, too, will feel the need to bundle up when the calendar turns to December. Also, to be fair, it can be quite cold in the morning and the evening, making coats and yes, even sometimes hats and gloves necessary.
Still, I’m sure many people are happily storing their winter coats, sweaters, pants, and scarves and pulling out the lighter clothes of spring and summer.
Happy Spring!
If you’d like to enjoy the changing seasons in Spain, email us to find out how to get here by summer!
