School’s out. This week saw the last day of the academic year 2008-09, up and down the Spanish shores, including here in Mallorca. The occasion was celebrated with aplomb and Fin de Curso festivities, such as the one shown here organized last night by the Col·legi Públic de Sant Alfons in Felanitx, Mallorca.

Many foreigners on this island believe that Spanish pupils and students have a better deal than others. One could easily have that impression if one only looks at the long Summer break that Spanish students can now look forward to. Just under three months off; no wonder they are sighing with relief. But not quite so. If you compare British, Italian, French, German and Scandinavian academic school years with the Spanish equivalent, you will be surprised to find that each one of those nations subjects their young ones to exactly the same number of days spent at school, give or take a day or two, as the Spanish and as each other. The difference is not in the numbers of holiday days, but how these holidays fall and how they are grouped together. The reason for such a long Summer holiday break is purely down to the weather. It is hotter during the Summer in Spain than it is in Britain, Germany or Scandinavia. Just check your thermometer.

The photo was taken in Felanitx, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: June 19th, 2009. The time was 21:22:28.