Picture Mexican food. Americanized versions of Tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas served in the Masters’ Cameron Mann Dining Hall might come to mind. However, for new international sophomore Maria Viniegra from Mexico City, Mexico, the most memorable aspect of Mexican food is sobremesa, where “the table is treated as a sacred place”.

  Sobremesa, translated to “upon the table,” is distinguished in Spanish culture. This word describes a common practice across the Hispanic world: people have long conversations at the table after a meal. It originated from the bountiful three-course Spanish lunch so that the food could be digested before people went back to work. 

Tables cleaned, desserts served, a cup of warm coffee or tea in hand, a table surrounded by friends or family — this setting lasts from 30 minutes to two hours. During sobremesa, the conversation held at the table ranges from daily plans to heated debates. 

Viniegra emphasized sobremesa’s ability to bring families together. She shared, “[Mexican culture] is a culture that cares about connecting with your family, and the best way to do that is at the table when you’re eating with them and you get to enjoy a nice meal.” While other cultures may bond with families around the table occasionally, some Hispanic cultures formalized it into a tradition that knits families together. 

On Kristi Ross’ blog, a U.S. student studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, she explores sobremesa as a way to slow life down. She writes, “During sobremesa, I’m able to forget about my endless to-do list and live in the present….A life painted by hurry is a life not lived.” 

Learning about this prominent tradition that shifts the schedules of millions shifted my paradigms. It dawned on me the number of people who rush out of the [Masters] dining hall as soon as they finish their meals. 

Viniegra observed, “In the U.S., I feel like there is not that time set apart to be able to enjoy food in this [sacred, bonding] way. Here, when I’m with friends from other cultures, we usually stay in the dining hall the longest.” 

Here is my takeaway from Mexican Cuisine: Stay a moment longer at the table — to build connections and love, to slow down the bustle of life, to simply sobremesa.