La Sobremesa

Estar en sobremesa or Tener una sobremesa means "chatting after having meals (wether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner)". You can also say "Echar la sobremesa" (this is a bit more informal though). If you've read some past entries (like "Echarse un fucho"), you'll see that we Mexicans use the verb "echar" for many things.

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When we stay in Calpulalpan, we have 'sobremesas' very often, because we generally go to that town during the weekend, "puentes" ("bridges" - long weekends; I'll explain this in the future) or holidays.

So because of those free times, Mexicans have more 'wasting-time' (ocio - pastime): we forget schools or job, and the week-stress too. A day like this is eternal and there are more chances of having sobremesas.

Sobremesa después de la cena (Sobremesa after dinner). Calpulalpan, Tlax. Foto: Daniel Orizaga

Sobremesa styles are different according to each family's habits: you may read a chapter of a book and talk about it, you discuss about politics or philosophy, you talk about funny anecdotes happened during the week, you tell your experiences in your last holiday-trip, or you just talk about whatever you want.

It's important if you have non-relative-people there (I mean, friends or sth.). Generally, when this happens, sobremesas are much longer and the conversation is about the guest. And of course, the family-members' manners change (they're kind and speak 'smartly').

No doubt, in every sobremesa the essential drink is COFFEE... or tea, but it's less common.

My recommendation: when you visit a Mexican family, don't ever speak about religion or politics, because that could bring a strong discussion that usually becomes a word-fight. Just be cool, sobremesas are for fun!