Spring forward Fall back: The clocks go back this weekend in Spain
In the early hours of this Sunday (October 29th), the clocks go back, signifying the shift to winter time. At 2:00am on Saturday night or Sunday morning, you need to reset your clocks to 1:00am, meaning an extra hour of sleep or late-night partying for those who are inclined, plus you don’t want to be an hour early for work or miss a flight!
This seasonal change will not only alter sleep patterns but also have implications for daylight hours because as of Sunday, it will get lighter earlier in the morning and darker earlier at night until they go forward again in March.
The fate of these biannual time changes remains uncertain. In a 2008 public consultation, a staggering 80% of nearly 5 million European citizens voted to abolish it, leading the European Commission to declare 2019 as the final year for time changes. However, the lack of consensus among EU member states prevented this plan from becoming a reality.
Spain, in compliance with Article 5 of Royal Decree 236/2022, publishes the upcoming time change dates in the Official State Gazette (BOE) every five years. Due to this, the last scheduled time change in Spain is on 25th October 2026, and whether it will continue beyond that date is a matter of ongoing debate and discussion.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Time Changes in Spain:
As Spain prepares to turn back the clocks this weekend, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Advantages:
1 Energy Saving: The primary purpose of time changes is to reduce electricity consumption by making the most of natural light during peak hours. During daylight saving time, the need for artificial lighting in the evenings diminishes, leading to significant energy savings.
2 Better Utilization of Natural Daylight: Daylight saving time results in brighter evenings, encouraging outdoor activities and enhancing well-being by providing more natural light during leisure time.
3 Benefits for Commerce and Tourism: Extended summer evenings boost participation in shopping, dining, and tourist activities, positively impacting the local and regional economy.
4 Reduced Traffic Accidents: With more natural daylight during peak traffic hours, proponents argue that the time change can contribute to a reduction in evening traffic accidents, potentially saving lives.
5 Enhanced Coordination with European Countries: Spain's time change aligns with other European Union countries, streamlining cross-border activities and improving overall time management.
Disadvantages:
1 Potential Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Critics argue that the time change can disrupt peoples' circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances and challenges in adjusting to the new schedules.
2 Difficulty Adapting to New Timetables: Some people may find it challenging to adapt to the altered time schedules, affecting their daily routines and activities.
3 Debate over Real Energy Savings: Opinions differ on the actual energy-saving impact of the time change, with ongoing debates about its effectiveness in this regard.
In recent years, discussions have emerged regarding whether Spain should permanently adopt daylight saving time or winter time. These debates may influence future legislation on the subject within the country, as citizens and policymakers weigh the pros and cons of this long-standing practice.
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