As Western Europe experienced intense heat waves this summer, a traditional Spanish accessory—the abanico, a folding hand fan—has seen a resurgence in popularity across Spain. Compact and easy to carry, the abanico folds open into a semicircle and produces a strong breeze with just a flick of the wrist, offering a practical response to soaring temperatures.

From crowded subway cars in Madrid to sun-drenched plazas and music festivals, both locals and visitors of various ages have embraced the abanico as an essential tool for coping with the heat. During Madrid’s Pride celebrations in July, rainbow-colored abanicos were particularly prominent, highlighting their cultural and symbolic relevance beyond mere functionality.

Ana Feliu, a 20-year-old from the Valencian Community, said she carries her abanico everywhere during the summer months. “This one is my favorite because it’s the biggest, but I have many more,” she said near the Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, where temperatures were forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) later in the week. David González, 53, acknowledged initial hesitation using the abanico due to its traditional association with women, but he appreciated the fan’s practicality and cheerful appearance.

Historians trace the abanico’s introduction to Europe through Portuguese maritime trade with Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. By the mid-17th century, the fan had found its way into European art and society; the Spanish Baroque painter Diego Velázquez depicted a woman holding a wooden abanico in his work “The Lady with a Fan.” Spain developed a robust fan-making industry, particularly in Madrid and Valencia, which became the country’s production centers by the 18th century. Advances in printing during that period lowered production costs and helped popularize fans further.

In addition to functionality, the abanico acquired societal and cultural significance. By the 1800s, it was emblematic of aristocratic fashion and served as a tool for nonverbal communication, with women using “the language of the fan” to discreetly express emotions such as flirtation or disapproval. The fan’s influence extended beyond Spain, reaching Latin America, where it became integral to flamenco dancing, symbolizing both sensuality and cultural ties to regions with hot, humid climates.

Javier Llerandi, whose family has sold abanicos for over 150 years at Casa de Diego, a wood-paneled shop in central Madrid, noted that heat waves drive much of their business. The shop offers a wide range of fans, from simple wooden designs priced around 30 euros (approximately $35) to intricate hand-painted pieces made with mother-of-pearl, which can cost up to 6,000 euros (nearly $7,000). Foreign tourists visiting the city are among the buyers, drawn to the abanico’s reliability compared to battery-operated portable fans.

At more affordable price points, souvenir kiosks throughout Madrid sell plastic fans embellished with printed designs for just a few euros. Juani Duran, who sells wooden hand fans with traditional floral patterns for five euros outside Madrid’s bullfighting ring, highlighted how the elegant accessory complements the formal attire typically worn by spectators at these outdoor events.

With summer temperatures continuing to challenge residents and visitors alike, the abanico remains a practical, culturally resonant, and increasingly visible presence in daily life across Spain.