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What Is La Hora Latina?
Unlike in the United States, the concept of time is very relaxed and flexible in Latin countries. These countries place a great deal of emphasis on personal obligations; therefore, a 30–60-minute delay should not be a cause for concern. When setting appointment times for social events, people will usually inquire "la hora latina?" This indicates "Latin time," which means 30-60 minutes later than the agreed-upon time. Punctuality is not generally observed in informal settings, but it is expected in formal and professional settings.
What is the reason for tardiness?
As parts of the world develop, transportation and communication are not as reliable as they are in more developed countries and larger cities. It is often impossible to avoid delays. It is common for people in Spanish-speaking cultures to be forgiving of lateness because everyone is subject to the same delays. At times, punctuality may even be considered rude. If a friend invites you to their house at 1:00 PM, they may not be expecting you to arrive until 2:00 PM!
When is la hora latina not acceptable?
Although acceptable in social situations, la hora latina is not used in the business world, in political environments, or in school settings. For example, Monterrey, the business center in northern Mexico, really minds the clock. If you have an appointment at 2:00 PM, it is expected that you arrive by that time. Additionally, in larger cities in Latin America, la hora latina is less common.
Read the following article (or do your own search for "La Hora Latina") about punctuality and the concept of time in Spain and Latin America. What are your thoughts on la hora latina?
