Spain should be considered one of the most advanced countries in the world as it boasts one of the most important inventions men have ever made, La Persiana, the window blind. 

All joking aside, this little household accessory is a miracle worker, especially on those mornings you want to sleep in and not be disturbed by the sunlight.

History

Although Spain is a big admirer of the window blind, La Persiana, it is not its creator. 

The blind origin story is a great example of the ingenuity of the human race. Our ancestors used to place strips of wet cloth on their windows to block out the sun. This also worked as a rudimentary air conditioning system. This idea was adopted in the middle east from 1100 to 1500 BC by Persia (ergo the name Persian in Spanish).

The Chinese also realized the usefulness of the window blind. Only they would tie bamboo stalks together to protect their windows from the sun. It wasn’t until 1700 that this concept was brought over to Europe by merchants trading in the orient. The window blind eventually became a status symbol and all the best homes would have them adorning their windows.  If you want to read more about the window blind and why it became such a important feature in the Spanish culture check out my blog on LA PERSIANA – SPANISH WINDOW BLIND

Then in 1769,  the first patent for Venetian blinds, (which are those blinds made of wooden slats placed into a frame, and opened and closed using a string) was given to an Englishman. This was the official start of the different styles of blinds we can now find all over the west today.  It was also during this time that Spain began to produce their own style of blind unique to the Iberian peninsula and very difficult to find anywhere else outside of Spain, Persianas Esparto. 

These Blinds represent a culture that existed here during the 18th century of artisans and farmers. The majority of the Spanish population was not in a position to afford luxury items such as the fancy window blinds adorning the windows of upper-class societies. However, they did have a need for such items. So they began to use a material they had at their disposal, esparto.

What Is Esparto?

Esparto grass is a thick-coarse grass, native to arid areas. It can be found in several locations around the Mediterranean, such as Italy, Greece, Spain, and Northern Africa. Esparto grass was originally used to make a variety of everyday objects such as baskets, mats, brooms, harnesses, and ropes and one of the more popular ones was the soles of shoes. Once the idea of window blinds came into play, they were also used for that as well. 

Why Esparto

The plant was both easy to grow and abundant in several regions of  Southern Spain due to this, locals would use it more readily and it gave them an opportunity for a side hustle (second job). They would work the plant and weave it into daily-use objects they could later sell in the bigger cities. This helped support many small farming towns’ economies in Spain for several generations. Despite the popularity of the product, demand started to slow down as plastic became more readily available.  

A New Era For Esparto 

That being said, the esparto blind has made a comeback in popularity in recent years, due to their practicality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. 

The Esparto blind is useful all year long. The main purpose of the blind has always been to protect from the sun. It can be placed both inside or outside the house providing shade on those terribly hot days. Thanks to its porosity it allows for just the right amount of sunlight and breeze to pass through but not the heat of the sun’s rays.  Added bonus, esparto can also be watered down with a hose, so like our ancestors, it can also be used as an air conditioning system. 

It is also useful in the winter as it helps protect from rain and wind and due to its natural fibers, it isolates the house from the cold humidity that grips southern Spain during the colder months.

One of the biggest benefits of these blinds is that they are ecological; no chemicals or treatments are needed. These blinds are charming and lovely to look at. They also give that old-school traditional Andaluz (southern Spanish) feeling to a home. The handmade braided pieces of grass leave a remarkable final product. 

Local Shop

If you are interested in seeing how the esparto blinds are made you can watch a local Jerezano make products with esparto material by hand at this 100-year-old shop Esparteria y Persianas Povera, located here in Jerez de La Frontera. 

C. Porvera, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz