In Spain, the traditional folding hand fan, or abanico, has become a ubiquitous accessory, spurred by the country's scorching summer heat. From crowded subway cars to sun-drenched plazas, the abanico offers a surprisingly effective breeze with a flick of the wrist, providing a portable solution to the punishing temperatures affecting Western Europe.
This summer's relentless heat waves have seen the fan embraced by people of all ages. Rainbow-colored abanicos were a common sight during Madrid's Pride celebrations in July, and individuals carry them to public transport, concerts, and music festivals. Ana Feliu, a 20-year-old, stated that her paper abanico, gifted to her at a Valencian festival, is a summer essential she carries everywhere. David González, 53, noted that while initially feeling self-conscious due to the fan's traditional association with women, he now admits its practical purpose and its ability to "brighten my day."
Historians trace the folding fan's arrival in Europe to Portuguese maritime trade with Asia in the 15th and 16th centuries. By the mid-17th century, the Spanish painter Diego Velázquez depicted a woman with a fan in his work. As hand fans gained popularity in European courts, Spain developed its own industry, with Madrid becoming a significant production center and Valencia emerging as the fan-making capital by the 18th century.
During the 1800s, the abanico was so integrated into Spanish aristocratic society that it was used for discreet communication, known as "the language of the fan." The fan also traveled to Latin America, and by the 19th century, flamenco dancers began incorporating it as an expressive prop, influenced by Cuban music and dance styles. This association with flamenco further cemented the fan's status as a quintessential Spanish symbol. Carmen Torres, a flamenco dancer, explained that the fan evokes the heat and humidity of Cuba while simultaneously allowing for "seductive, coquettish" expression.
Javier Llerandi, whose family has sold abanicos at Madrid's Casa de Diego shop for over 150 years, stated, "We live from the heat." The shop offers fans crafted in Spain, ranging from simple wooden designs to elaborate hand-painted pieces made with mother-of-pearl. Prices vary widely, from around 30 euros ($35) for basic models to as much as 6,000 euros (nearly $7,000) for high-end creations, depending on materials and craftsmanship. Llerandi also noted that the fans are popular with tourists and are more reliable than portable electric alternatives, whose batteries can run out.
Even at souvenir kiosks, plastic fans with printed designs are sold for a few euros and are also experiencing strong sales this summer. Similarly, Juani Duran sells wooden hand fans with traditional floral designs for five euros near a Madrid bullfighting ring, where they serve as a fitting accessory for spectators. "You'll usually find a hand fan in any woman’s pocket — and in some men’s, too," Duran said, adding that while not always of the highest quality, they are effective for getting through the summer.