Merienda

Merienda is a typical late-afternoon light snack in Spain, consumed between 5:00 and 6:30 PM. It is especially important for children, so the meal can be anything from sweet breads, pastries, fruits, and yogurt, to savory sandwiches with cheese, chorizo, or ham. Nobody is worried that the snacks will ruin the appetite for dinner because it usually isn't served for at least another 3 hours. The origin of the word merienda stems from the Latin word merenda, meaning to win, obtain, or deserve, referring to the fact that the snack is something special and a sort of a prize or a treat. It is common to see Spanish people enjoying merienda in parks and playgrounds, especially because it is not a formal meal. In recent years, there are also numerous bars and cafeterías in Spain serving merienda and introducing the meals in their daily menus. The most popular choice is usually bocadillo, a sandwich served with a wide variety of toppings such as tomatoes, olive oil, chocolate spreads, cold cuts, or tuna.