Britons who visit Spain, or even expats who have been living in the country for years, often wonder why all the windows have shutters – something which is not seen in any other European country. What’s the reason behind it?
For Spanish people, shutters are as essential as the doors or walls of a house.
Although they are very practical to avoid the sunlight – as Spain is one of the countries with the most hours of light per year – there is another reason which has to do with their personality.
In many countries, some houses have no blinds or even curtains, something Spaniards will find strange.
Privacy is something Spanish people value more than anything and it has been part of their culture for many years.
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“Here there are still deeply rooted traditions of the Arab culture, of living inside the house and having the beauty inside, like the patios, and looking through the lattices,” explained Jurgens.
Therefore, the Spanish are very cautious and value their privacy a lot.
Although Spaniards are known for being sociable and open, they prefer to preserve certain aspects of their life for themselves.
Mark Bibby Jackson from TravelBeginsAt40, however, revealed another reason.
“In Lanzarote they also help to inform you how close to the coast you are.
“For all the inland towns and villages on the island have green shutters, doors and woodwork, while along the coast you will also find blue shutters and doors, indicating that you are close to the sea,” Mark explained.
“You are more on the street, you know your neighbour more. From that greater coexistence derives a great interest in knowing the life of others and less interest in others knowing their own; therefore you have to put up barriers ”, explained sociologist Juan Carlos Barajas.
“You have to have a switch, blinds and curtains that disconnect your house from the outside to do what others do not want them to see,” he added.
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