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How British customs shaped Menorca: five traditions that still endure today
From teatime to gin, discover the lasting British influence woven into Menorcan culture and lifestyle
Menorca, arguably the most peaceful of Spain’s Balearic Islands, carries a unique cultural blend that reflects its fascinating past. Throughout the 18th century (1708-1802), the island frequently changed hands between Spain and Britain, leaving behind a distinct British footprint that remains visible today. Beyond the stunning architecture and historical sites, many everyday customs introduced during British rule still form part of Menorcan life, giving the island its charming and singular identity.Here are five British traditions that Menorcans have embraced and adapted through the centuries.
1. The taste for tea
While much of Spain prefers coffee as the morning and evening go-to drink, Menorca has a notable love for black tea, especially in the afternoon. This tradition traces back to the 18th century when the British brought tea culture to the island. It is often enjoyed alongside local treats such as carquinyols, crunchy almond biscuits, or pa de pessic, a light sponge cake that makes merienda (or afternoon teatime) feel a little more special. This afternoon tea ritual remains a clear nod to Menorca’s Anglo-Saxon heritage.
2. Bow and sash windows in architecture
Wandering through the old town of of Menorca’s capital, Mahón, it’s hard to miss the charming bow windows and sash windows that lend the buildings their unique character. Introduced during the British period, these elements brought both aesthetic and practical features to Menorcan homes. The design allows for better ventilation and natural light, and today, they continue to lend a distinctly British character to the island’s charming old buildings, especially stately buildings. Many of these houses still retain their original facades, quietly echoing Menorca’s colonial past.
3. Menorcan gin: a local spirit with British roots
Gin, of course, is quintessentially British, and its production on Menorca dates back to the days of British soldiers stationed on the island. When imports were scarce, locals began distilling their own gin, giving rise to the famous Mahón gin. Still crafted by hand using traditional methods, this distinctive spirit is often enjoyed in the local cocktail pomada, a refreshing mix of gin and lemonade, especially popular during patron saint festivals. Gin has truly become a symbol of the island, blending it’s British origins with its own Menorcan identity.
4. Punctuality and timekeeping
While much of Spain runs on a relaxed schedule, Menorca exhibits a surprisingly British mentality when it comes to punctuality in more formal settings. This habit likely stems from the administrative influence of the British during their rule. Alongside this, some Old English expressions still pepper local speech, particularly in rural areas, although they are becoming less common over time. Locals also often refer to someone as having l’hora anglesa (“the English hour”) to jokingly describe those who arrive on time - a light-hearted nod to the more punctual habits instilled during British rule.
5. Rural furniture and lifestyle
In many Menorcan country homes, you’ll find furniture that reflects British Georgian simplicity and practicality. Solid wood tables, plain dressers, and fireplaces with high mantels recall 18th-century English styles adapted to local materials. The layout of these homes typically features a central living room with separate bedrooms, alongside well-tended gardens often planted with flora introduced from Britain. This lifestyle influence remains a charming legacy of Menorca’s colonial past.
All of these enduring customs just go to show how history lives on in the small details of daily life, making Menorca not only a beautiful island to visit but also a place rich in cultural fusion. Whether it’s sipping tea, admiring architecture, or enjoying a glass of gin, the British past continues to add a unique flavour to Menorcan tradition.
Image: Unsplash
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