The history of fans in Spain
Fans have been around for a very long time. Indeed they were popular with the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, not only to keep cool but as a way of fighting off insects. The first reference to the fan being used in Spain is in the 14th century in the Chronicles of Pedro the First of Aragon.

A feather fan was included in the gifts from Christopher Columbus to Queen Elizabeth after his first trip to America. As time passed by, fans became not just a practical item but an object of beauty with distinctive meanings. All manner of materials have been used in the making of fans, from rich linen and lace to feathers, palm fronds, other leaves and fine silks. Nowadays there is a mass market for fans and not only can you still buy hand-made fans but mass produced, cheaper versions too. The cheaper fans are often made of cardboard or paper with a plastic framework. They make a great souvenir and you will find them all over Spain.

The design of Spanish fans

The design of the average fan is a complicated one yet most are made on the same principals. Most folding fans are made of lightweight materials. The material or 'slips' are fixed to a framework of 'sticks' that meet at the 'head' of the fan. The material folds in a concertina fashion when closed. There is a guardstick on each side of the fan that protects it when folded. Spanish fans can be plain in colour, mixed colours, fancy lace with cut-outs or printed/painted with fancy images.