This article analyses a phenomenon in the Hispanic everyday life - the custom of taking an after-lunch nap, known worldwide as siesta. Etymologically, the word siesta originates from the Latin word sexta [hora] (sixth [hour]) and the custom of siesta comes from The Rule of Saint Benedict. It was Saint Benedict who laid down the rule of quiet time in the afternoon after the sixth hour, in Roman times. The expression sexta hora was used to denominate the noon as the warmest part of the day. La siesta is one of the strongest Spanish traditions, and most probably, one of the easiest to embrace as a foreigner, because it brings a sense of calmness and tranquillity in everyday life. The word siesta can be found in many other languages which shows how popular this custom really is. In this paper we are trying to investigate if this Spanish custom is disappearing due to the busy modern way of life. From the perspective of interculturality, we are interested in the question if having a siesta represents a stereotype, and if this custom is still part of teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
