While tapas and meriendas share a similar concept, they are actually two very different things. Merendar means “to snack” and meriendas are just that—a light snack, usually in the middle of the afternoon. Traditionally, meriendas were served to children after school. However, the custom has evolved into a part of daily life for adults as well. Tapas, on the other hand, compare more closely to a pre-dinner appetizer. There are several legends about their origin, from using bread to keep flies out of a glass of sweet sherry to requiring pubs to give food to soldiers to keep them from getting drunk—the custom remains the same regardless. Tapas are savory snacks eaten before dinner, which is typically a light meal, and usually paired with wine.