I Don’t Think the Spanish Do Mondays
2 min read
Spanish Mondays don’t quite exist in the way I’ve been taught to expect – what I assumed would be a productive, organised start to the week quickly gave way to closed shops and an unhurried rhythm that, rather than frustrate me, made perfect sense. It raises the question of what Monday really is, and why we’re expected to leap from rest straight into urgency and availability, as if we’re machines rather than people. Here, there’s a quiet refusal to rush or provide instant access to everything, and it resonates deeply, because I’ve never fully believed in the myth of Mondays either. Maybe I’m not Spanish, but I understand the logic – and I trust a culture that doesn’t unquestioningly submit to that pressure.
I don’t think the Spanish do Mondays.
Or at least, not in the way I’ve been taught to.
I left the house this morning thinking I was being organised. Productive. Early enough to “get things done”. Only to realise – half the place is closed.
Market? Closes at 2 pm.
Some shops? Not open.
Others? Open in a way that feels…optional.
And instead of being annoyed, I found myself thinking:
Yes. This makes sense.
Because what actually is Monday?
Who decided it needed to be this abrupt return to structure, pressure, urgency?
Why does everything have to be available, open, responsive – immediately – after two days off that barely function as rest?
Valencia, Spain
There’s something about the way things move here that feels like a quiet refusal.
Not dramatic. Not political in an obvious way.
Just…no.
No, we’re not rushing.
No, everything doesn’t need to be open.
No, you don’t get full access to everything just because the week has “technically” started.
And I realise – this is probably why it feels like my kind of place.
Because I’ve never really believed in Mondays either.
Not in the way they’re sold to us.
That sharp pivot from “rest” to “perform”.
That expectation that your body, your brain, your energy should just…switch on.
As if you’re a system, not a human.
Maybe I’m not Spanish.
But I understand the logic.
And honestly?
I think I trust a culture that doesn’t fully believe in Mondays.
What do you think...?
