The Guiri’s Guide to Tardeo

Last Updated on March 11 , 2024 by acrossthewaterwithchelsita

If you’re a foreigner living in Spain, you might have heard of tardeo or even been invited to one but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about. So what exactly is tardeo? Let’s investigate and find out more about this Spanish tradition.

What does tardeo mean?

Tardeo is a fusion of two Spanish words: tarde (afternoon/evening*), and tapeo – (going out for tapas). Just like sobremesa, tardeo is one of those Spanish words that doesn’t have a one-word translation in English. But basically we could say it means having a daytime night out. 

*Culture shock: The Spanish concept of “afternoon” might be different to what you’re used to. In Spain it’s not uncommon to refer to any time up to 2pm as the morning, with the rest of the day, including evening hours referred to as “la tarde”. 

Now, you might be wondering what’s so special about tardeo if it basically means going out with friends for a drink any time after lunch? Isn’t that exactly what Brits do on weekends away? Isn’t it just another word for “day-drinking” then? I’d argue no. Whereas “day-drinking” has naughty,  alcohol-fueled hen-do connotations, tardeos are generally more relaxed, as excessive imbibing isn’t an integral part of it.

Where did the tardeo originate?

There’s no consensus about where it all started. Some say Murcia, others say Albacete or Alicante… but most will agree that it started somewhere in the south of Spain. Regardless of its true origins, you can now find revellers across the country living it up from lunchtime onwards. This is especially true for the over 30s crowd and morning birds who are thankful for its earlier end time.

I’ve been invited to a tardeo. What can I expect?

Lucky you! You’ve made friends in Spain! If someone invites you out for a tardeo, it’ll probably involve the following elements:

• eating copious amounts of delicious tapas
• daytime drinking
• music
• dancing
• good times with friends

Your tardeo might take the form of hitting a tapas bar, followed by a bar crawl, before going to a night club that opens at 5pm. It could also involve eating and drinking at a live music event on the street or maybe the beach in coastal areas. Every city has a different way of doing it so go in with an open mind and get ready to have some fun!

The pros and cons of daytime partying

While most people would agree that spending your Saturday having fun with friends is a solid weekend plan, tardeos aren’t without their detractors. Here’s why:

It seems logical that an earlier start equals an earlier finish, but that isn’t always the case. You might have so much fun that you stay out even longer and booze more than usual, with obvious consequences for your wallet and wellbeing the next day. 

Another real problem with tardeo is noise pollution. Many Spanish cities regularly exceed the safe noise limit for human health, so merrymaking even earlier in the day can prove a headache for local residents. 

But for the vast majority, earlier start times do translate to earlier end times, allowing you to make the most out of your Sunday without feeling like a sleep-deprived zombie – a cherished bonus for anyone who needs to get up early the next day!

The second benefit is that it boosts the local economy. By bringing nightlife to the daytime, restaurants, bars, and events organisers can attract those who want to party but not at the expense of disrupted routines. Extending regular opening hours by offering special discounts and events has helped businesses to cash in from this new form of going out.

Verdict: Would I recommend tardeo?

Despite the danger of your party escalating well past your intended cut-off time, I would say the vast majority of tardeo-goers enjoy themselves and behave responsibly. I also personally really appreciate tardeo for making it possible to have a night out with friends and be in my pyjamas by 10pm. A sad but true story of a once young and energetic person who has become and absolute grandma since turning 30.

As long as you’re not a nuisance to the neighbours, I say tardeo is a solid Saturday plan you should try at least once! 

Where to go for tardeo events

While many major Spanish cities organise events, I’ve only experienced the ones in Mallorca. So if you’re lucky enough to be living on or visiting the largest Balearic island, here are my suggestions:

For daytime revelling you can’t go wrong in the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, Palma’s culinary and nightlife hotspot. Many revellers start by eating some tapas in the locals bars and market hall before going to clubs like Sala Luna, Social Club, and Kaelum (Facebook, Instagram).

As the first and arguably most popular tardeo venue on the island, Kaelum deserves a special mention. With a rooftop terrace and a downstairs disco, it´s a top choice for dancing from 5pm to a wide range of music including 80s and 90s classics played by special guest DJs. In the summer months when many clubs don’t offer tardeo events, they also organise tardeo parties on the beach with different themes such as 90s music and hippy parties.

Bonus round: How to use “tardeo” in a sentence

Incorporate tardeo into your vocabulary. Here’s some ways I’ve heard it used in Spanish and English:

«Mañana me voy de tardeo con mis amigas.» = “Tomorrow I’m going out for a tardeo with my friends.”

«¿Vienes al tardeo este sábado?» = Are you coming to the tardeo this Saturday?”

«Su terraza es perfecta para tardear» = “Its terrace is perfect for a tardeo.”

What’s your experience?

Are you a fan of tardeos? How’s tardeo done in your city? Got any great tips and suggestions that fellow tardeo-ers should know about? 

Let us know in the comments!