Sobremesa

Sobremesa is a social practice found in many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures. It refers to the period after a meal when people stay at the table to continue conversations, share news, and enjoy beverages such as coffee, tea, or liqueurs. The term literally means “on top of the table,” underscoring the idea of lingering and sociable interaction as the meal concludes.

The duration and form of sobremesa vary by family, region, and occasion. It can last from several minutes to hours, especially during family gatherings or holidays. Conversations during sobremesa may cover daily life, stories, culture, or politics, and may be accompanied by dessert or a digestif in some contexts.

Geographic scope and cultural significance vary. Sobremesa is a well-established feature in Spain and Portugal and in many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and others, though practices differ by locale. In some urban settings, sobremesa may be brief due to busy schedules, while in rural areas or during festive occasions it remains a central social ritual. The tradition is sometimes highlighted in hospitality, tourism, and culinary writing as a marker of relaxed, social dining.

Etymology and usage vary slightly by language. In Portuguese, sobremesa can refer to both the post-meal conversation period and the dessert course, while in Spanish it more commonly denotes the lingering social time after a meal, though some speakers use it more loosely.