Brian's Spain Domain: Recent Episodes
Brian's Spain Domain
Today we are going to talk about two figures in recent Spanish history. One is the recently retired bullfighter Morante de la Puebla and the other is a former monk, turned cathedral-builder, who died a few years back, but whose legacy lives on to this day. His name was Justo Gallego. Listen and learn more. … Continue reading Talkin’ Spain: Morante and Justo
One of Madrid’s patron saints is a the Virgin Mary of the Almudena, the centerpiece of a legend which supposedly took place in 11th century. It’s a story that’s hard to verify but it certainly has been a resilient one. Learn more about it and the tradition. Become a part of the Spain Domain community. … Continue reading The Almudena: Madrid’s Local Holiday
The origins of parliamentary government in Europe can be traced back to the early twelfth century, when the Kingdom of León, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, convened what historians recognize as the first parliamentary assembly that included representatives of the common people. This pioneering event marked a fundamental step toward the development of … Continue reading The Cortes de Leon: Europe’s first parliamentary government
Doña Urraca of León, also known as Urraca I of León and Castile (1080–1126), occupies a singular place in the history of medieval Spain. She was the first woman to rule the kingdoms of León and Castile in her own right, a remarkable achievement in an age when female sovereignty was rare and often contested. … Continue reading Women in Spanish History: Urraca I of Leon – Europe’s first queen?
A common annual event that many motor vehicle owners have to endure is the ITV car inspection test. It’s 20 gruelling minutes of thoroughly examining the vehicle’s condition to ensure that it is road-worthy and safe enough to be used for the next 365 days. Failure means frustration and success is met with a sigh … Continue reading Talking Spain: The ITV car inspection
Once upon a time the U.S. militray had small communications and LORAN locating station up on the northwest coast of Spain, in the region of Galicia. It was up and running from 1961 until 1991, when the Americans abandoned it. It has since suffered from the effects of coastyal weathering and neglect. Few people know … Continue reading Estaca de Bares: the forgotten American military site on the coast of Galicia
Margarita Salas (1938–2019) was a pioneering Spanish scientist and one of the most influential molecular biologists of her time. A disciple of Severo Ochoa, she introduced molecular biology research to Spain and made groundbreaking discoveries on DNA replication. Beyond her scientific achievements, Salas championed the role of women in science, leaving an enduring legacy as … Continue reading Women in Spanish History: Margarita Salas
Meninas de Canido is an urban art and muralism project that, inspired by Velázquez’s famous painting “Las Meninas”, transforms the Ferrol neighborhood into an open-air gallery, filling its streets with hundreds of reinterpretations of the classic, but with a vindictive and cultural approach to revitalize the area and counteract its abandonment. Listen and learn more. … Continue reading Canido: The colors of urban revival
“El Oso y el Madroño” in English translates to “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree“. It is the official symbol of Madrid, represented by a bronze statue in the Puerta del Sol. The statue depicts a bear standing on its hind legs, reaching for the fruit of a strawberry tree. The bear and strawberry tree … Continue reading Talkin’ Spain: Madrid’s Oso y Madroño
Clara Campoamor Rodríguez stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Spanish feminism and democracy. As a politician, lawyer, writer, and relentless advocate for women’s rights, Campoamor’s legacy is cemented by her pivotal role in securing women’s suffrage in Spain during the Second Republic. Campoamor was much more than a suffragist—she … Continue reading Women in Spanish History: Clara Campoamor
Here’s the last part of a quick trip we took to a corner of Aragon, near the mountain Moncayo. We visited the Veruela Abbey, and the towns of Trasmoz and Agreda. We also tell you a little about the 19th century writer Gustavo Adolfo Becquer and the mystical writer Sor María de Jesus. Listen and … Continue reading Talkin’ Spain 3: Moncayo, Veruela Abbey, Trasmoz, Agreda
Hi everyone. Here’s a little more about a recent trip through parts of Aragon. Here, we continue with Huesca, Castle of Loarre, Zaragoza, Borja (famous for the bothced Ecce Homo painting) and the town of Tarazona and some of its remarkable heritage there. The cathedral restoration was particularly interesting. Listen and enjoy! Become a part … Continue reading Talkin’ Spain 2: More Aragon. Huesca, Loarre, Borja (Ecce Homo), Tarazona
Belchite is a small town in the province of Zaragoza and was the setting of a bloody battle during the Spanish Civil War. After the war, Franco decided to turn it into a living reminder of the enemy’s terror by forcing the population to abandon the town and move into a new one built literally … Continue reading Belchite at Peace
José Canalejas was one of the most forward-thinking leaders in Spain of the early 20th Century. Unfortunately for him, the turbulent political climate of the times earned him many enemies, including the anarchists, who were especially supportive of violence. Here is a famous picture of the prime minister just minutes after he had been assassinated. … Continue reading WHY IS THE PICTURE HISTORIC 2
One of Spain’s hottest tapas in the last couple of years is the torrezno, basically fried pork belly, which is a sinful delicacy, typical in the province of Soria. Now it’s nearly ubiquitous. It’s paradoxical because you’d think healthy eating trends would be shifting people away from such temptations. But they’re big, real big, and … Continue reading The Miracle of Torreznos
The final years of King Alfonso XIII’s reign (1923-1931) were dominated by a coup and the formation of a military government led by General Miguel Primo de Rivera who would rule Spain under a dictatorship. This was an attempt to keep Spain from spiraling out of control, while at the same time help it to … Continue reading Spanish History 101, ep 41: Primo de Rivera
The southeast of Spain is popular for its Mediterranean beach weather and attracts domestic and international tourism throughout the year. We are talking about the province of Alicante and especially the region of Murcia. Like most parts of Spain, winemaking is also carried out. In these parts the grape variety of choice is Monastrell, which … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle, Ep. 22: Monastrell Wine
The photograph in this podcast is most likely the earliest snapshot of a terrorist attack (a bombing in this case) in history. It captured the moment when a bomb was going off in an attempt to assassinate King Alfonso XIII and his new bride on their wedding day, May 31, 1906. Learn more about what … Continue reading Why Is This Picture Historic?
The first quarter of the 20th Century saw Spain develop on one hand but struggle to maintain stability on the other. The economy improves, generally, but social issues and workers’ movements increase. In addition, Spain gets bogged down with a complicated war in Morocco and democracy gives way to authoritarianism. The faux democratic system known … Continue reading Spanish History 101, Ep 40: Alfonso XIII (1902-1923)
The Spanish ended this year’s Olympics with a total number of medals similar to what they have been reaching in the past 30 years, which makes a case for their consistency. There had been hope they would break the all-time record of 22, but they fell short. All the same, there were many great moments … Continue reading Spain Olympic Games Roundup
After 6 crazy years of Spain suffering from huge political identity crisis, the Bourbons return and the political situation stabilizes under a faux-democratic process known as turnismo, or turnismo pácifico. Industry grew and the country developed, but tensions were still high thanks to workers movements and nationalism. On top of that, the Spanish-American War saw … Continue reading Spanish History 101, EP 39. The Bourbon Restoration 1 (1874-1902)
The year is 1964. Spain is hosting the Eurocup finals, which it will win. Lurking in the background is a small group of anarchists plotting to assassinate the dictator. One of them a Scotsman named Stuart Christie? What’s the plan? How does it play out? What does it have to do with soccer? Listen and … Continue reading Franco, Football and the Scotsman
On December 21, 1983, the Spanish national football team needed to win its final game of the qualifying round to go through to the Eurocup tournament in 1984. But victory wasn’t enough. They had to beat their opponent by 11 goals. Malta may have seemed like an easy side to crush, but at halftime, the … Continue reading Miracle on Grass: Spain 12 – 1 Malta
Or soccer team, if you prefer. Spain’s Selección has seen it all. Up until 2008 they were the perennial underachievers of world football. Then came the dynasty, the fall, and the rersurgence. Today they play a very different game and are in top form again. Listen and learn how both the team and our perspective of their … Continue reading 30 Years of Spain’s National Football Team. An emotional rollercoaster
This is a six-year period is known as the Sexenio Democrático, and it was a frenetic stretch of more changes than most countries would ever want to experience, only to end up practically the same as when they started. Normally our episodes cover longer periods, but this is so intense, so packed full of activity, … Continue reading Spanish History 101, A stab at Democracy. 1868-1874
In the 1960s, the Spanish government under Francisco Franco carried out an initiative to build the bomb and a nuclear arsenal. Why? Did it succeed? Why or why not? Listen and learn more. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click … Continue reading Proyecto Islero: The story behind Spain’s nuclear weapons plan
Every year for about a month, the most important bullfighting tournament in the world takes place in Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring. There was an event almost every day. This year the arena filled to the brim almost every day, but the bullfights themselves were generally subpar, compared to last year. We went to one and … Continue reading The San Isidro Bullfights 2024
Up until recently, the Godello white grape variety was generally unknown in most parts of Spain, let alone the rest of the world. These wines are made in the northwest of the Spain, but the most celebrated versions come a small region in Galicia called Valdeorras. You can also find Godellos from Bierzo and Monterrei. … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle: Godello White Wines
This is one of Spain’s quintessential summertime dishes. Refreshing and restorative, it’s the perfect answer to those draining hot estival days. Its evolution has gone a long way since its origins. It fact, there seems to be little in common. But there is, amnd we’ll take a look at these things as well as the … Continue reading Gazpacho
We are now looking at the middle of the 19th Century when Spain slowly but fairly steadily begins to evolve into a a constitutional monarchy, where parliament and prime ministers (and not monarchs) determine national and foreign policy. Meanwhile, Queen Isabel II is busy occupying her time with her countless lovers. It’s a very confusing … Continue reading Spanish History 101, EP 37: Isabel II (1833-1868)
I’ve never done a film review to date, but this time we decided to look at a recent documentary that has come out featuring Hispanic America and the legacy off Spain on it. It’s the second in a series bent on reversing the infamous Black Legend which has affected Spain for decades. It’s an attractive … Continue reading FILM REVIEW: Hispanoamerica
Legend often had it that the last victim of the Inquisition was a teacher named Cayetano Ripoll, but technically that wasn’t true. It was a blind nun from Seville known as the Beata Dolores. In 1781, she earned the dubious honor of being the true final victim. The circumstances were especially tragic. Listen and learn … Continue reading The Beata Dolores: the Inquisition’s true last victim
A schoolmaster in Valencia, Spain, named Cayetano Ripoll is often cited as the last reported victim of the Spanish Inquisition when he was hanged in 1826 for heresy. It’s not entirely accurate, but not off-base either. What is unquestionable is that he was a defender of free-thinking and paid the ultimate price for it. Listen … Continue reading The Last Victim of the Inquisition! Sort of!
The end of the Spanish War of Independence resulted in the departure of Napoleon’s troops and the return of Fernando VII as king, one of the most controversial and despised monarchs in Spanish history for his repudiation of the constitution and his general incompetence. On top of that, Spain’s empire all but disappears. Listen and … Continue reading Spanish History 101, EP. 36. Fernando VII
This is the final episode on our look at wines from La Mancha. Today we focus on wines several other minor regions, many of which have been around for generations selling their wine anonymously but today are marketing some excellent wines. They aren’t always easy to find, but they are certainly worth exploring! Listen and … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE, ep. 20: More on La Mancha wines
The Napolean and his troops have moved into Spain to head for Portugal, but they’ve decided to stay. Spain, at the time France’s ally, doesn’t take kindly to that, and a war to get rid of invaders breaks out. On paper it should have been a cake-walk for the French, but the tenacious Spanish resistence … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 35: The Peninsular War
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of that fateful March 11th when ten packpacks full of explosives went off almost simultaneously in four different commuter trains in Madrid at the height of rush hour. The result was a massacre of unthinkable proportions. 193 people were killed and nearly 2,000 wounded, some maimed permamently. It was a … Continue reading Remembering the 11M Madrid Train Bombings
If this story weren’t strange and tragic enough enough as it was, three weeks after the discovery of a heinous triple murder in small town in Spain, a twist in the plot has stunned the nation as the confessed killer loses control again and commits another atrocious crime. This time while in jail. Listen and … Continue reading True Crime Update: more on the Morate de Tajuña murder case
This is the story of a wine king struggling to keep up with the times. Still one of Spain’s biggest wine producers, this large region from La Mancha has suffered some setbacks over the years and now is faced with trying to turn it around. Listen and learn more. You can subscribe to our podcasts … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE, 19: D.O. Valdepeñas
Spain has experienced a period of growth and progress under king Carlos III, but his son, Carlos IV, will let that quickly slip away as his ineptitude during a time of major political and social turmoil in Europe, will compromise Spain’s situation. And before we know it, Spain will be occupied by Napoleon Bonaparte. Listen … Continue reading Spanish History 101, ep. 34: Carlos IV and Godoy
Often just called “El Madoz”, this herculean work edited by Pascual Madoz was comprised of 16 huge volumes that covers, at least in theroy, each and every municipality in Spain and its then overseas possessions. Completed in 1850, it took 16 years to put together, which is not that bad considering the time and the … Continue reading The Amazing Madoz Geographic Dictionary
The recent death of graphic artist Francisco Ibañez meant a farewell to the creator of one of Spain’s most legendary comics, Mortadelo & Filemón. It’s not the only strip, though. Spain has a long and rich history in graphic art stories and today we are going to take a quick look at some of what’s … Continue reading A Brief History of Spanish Comics
Rosé wine has been on the up and up over the past decade. Spain is one of the world’s biggest producers and exports more than any other country. Today’s episode tells about which Spanish regions specialize in rosados. Listen and enjoy! You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE Ep. 14: Spanish Rosés
Today’s episode looks at the current politcal situation in Spain as they different groups try to pool together enough votes to form a government. So far, there is little on the horizon. We provide an end-of-summer heat weather summary. Then we devote most of the episode to the historic Women’s World Cup victory by Spain’s … Continue reading The Latest From Spain 6 (AUG 31)
The 17th Century is a pivotal moment in Spanish history. Spain retains a position of near supremacy, but decline is on the way. King Felipe III and King Felipe IV prove themselves incapable of maintaining the momentum of Spain’s rise to stardom. They rely heavily on their personal favorite advisors known as “Validos” whose decisions … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP28: Felipe III & IV
It’s the middle of August summer holidays, and a long weekend for many as the country explodes with summertime fiestas on August 15 and the days leading up to it. All over the nation, towns party until dawn. We’ll also give a very brief update on the post-election situation and focus on a tribute to … Continue reading THIS WEEK IN SPAIN 5 (Aug. 15)
Hello everyone! Today we wrap up our series on sherry and focus on the long and illustrious history of this wine, the fame it has enjoyed, the tougher times it has endured and how it stands today. This is a lengthy one, but necessary to help understand the complexity of this wine and its past. … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE, ep. 13: Sherry Wine 3
This week we take a look at Spanish election results and aftermath. We’ll also talk a little about the heat as well as about the recent death of the legendary Spanish cartoonist, Francisco Ibáñez, creator of Martadelo and Filemón. Listen and enjoy! You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or … Continue reading This Week in Spain 4 (July 31, 2023)
A few months ago we talked about the recently planted “oldest” tree in the city of Madrid, a 600-year-old olive tree moved to the Retiro Park from a village outside the capital. We also discussed the oldest tree in the region of Madrid, a ancient yew tucked up in the mountains of Madrid. Looking to … Continue reading Old Trees. A follow-up
Felipe II (Philip II), probably most famous for his ambitious attempt to invade England with his Armada, is one of the most important rulers in the history of Spain if only because he led the country when it was basically at its height as a global power. We look at all the challenges he had … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 27. Felipe II
This week we continue to look at the Spanish election coming up, but also take some time to talk about a famous wedding and the San Fermin running-of-the-bulls. Listen and enjoy! You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our … Continue reading This Week in Spain (July 15, 2023)
Spain is growing as a nation in Europe, but at the same time it looks for alternative ways to do business with the Far East. The far-reaching decision to finance Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic would turn out to be one of the most important events in history. It would also give Spain a gigantic … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, Ep. 26: The Age of Discovery
The weather heats up and inflation cools down. And general elections loom. Listen and find out the latest going down in Spain. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button or check us out at Patreon … Continue reading This week in Spain (June 30)
In his episode we continue to talk about the incredibly versatile world of sherry wine. Today we move on to the sweet sherries, which have traditionally proved very popular with the international crowd. It seems like to choices are endless. So take a listen and enjoy! You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE ep. 12: Sherry Wine 2
It’s the early decades of the 16th Century and Spain has gone from a handful of small kingdoms to an emerging world power. The first global empire. For 40 years, one man, Carlos (Charles) V, will launch a vision of universal monarchy as well as contend with numerous enemies who see him as nothing but … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101 (ep. 25) – Carlos V and the Universal Monarchy
This week the atmosphere in Spain has been like the weather of late; turbulent and stormy. Election results in Spain have indicated a change in the political winds and a surprise snap national election has been called for July 23. The weather has been equally crazy, with the good news being that much needed rainfall … Continue reading This Week In Spain 1 (6/4/23)
Just recently an olive tree was planted in the Retiro Park and dubbed the oldest tree in Madrid. How is that possible? Why has it rekindled a debate as to what is the oldest tree in the city? What is the current situation of the tree population in Spain’s capital? Listen and learn more. You … Continue reading Meet Madrid’s Brand-new Oldest Tree!
The most famous wine in Spain from a historic perspective has got to be sherry. It’s been around for time immemorial, and the oldest winery goes back as far as 1650. It has also been traditionally it’s most international. And yet it has to be one of the least understood of Spain’s wines and that … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle – D.O. Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Part 1
This past weekend millions witnessed for the first time in 70 years (and in their lifetime, for that matter) a coronation in the United Kingdom. Naturally, that includes using real crowns and everything! Probably the most recognizable headpiece is the Imperial State Crown, worn by Charles on his way to Buckingham Palace. In the center … Continue reading The Black Prince Ruby: The Spanish origin of the famous crown jewel
With the increasing effects of climate change looming, and a deep drought continuing to drain Spain of its water supply, classic Spanish sayings and idioms find themselves in danger of being rendered obsolete. Listen and learn more! You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support … Continue reading Spanish Sayings In Danger
We’ve reached the end of the 15th Century and the reign of the Fernando and Isabel (known as the Catholic Monarchs). They exchanged wedding vows, joined forces and policies for their respective kingdoms (Aragon and Castile) and in many ways took the first major step towards unifying Spain. This is hands down one of the … Continue reading Spanish History 101, Ep. 24: Fernando and Isabel and the Great Turning Point
Some wine regions feel like classics from the minute they begin to exist. Ribera del Duero is one of those regions. A land which was seen wine for over 2,000 years, many producers were thinking about giving up in the 1970s. But in 1982, the D.O. was created, and now this is one of the … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle 10: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Semana Santa is a major holiday week in Spain, and the tradition of Semana Santa religious processions is as popular as ever, if not more. Hundreds of thousands of people, dare I say millions, will stand for long hours along the streets to watch the brotherhoods in hooded garb solemnly march by as they accompany … Continue reading The Resurrection of Semana Santa
We are closing in on the eve of a major moment in Spain’s history: its unification and the Discovery of the New World. But before that happens, the two biggest kingdoms at the time, Castile and Aragon, experience periods of intense instability. There’s no time for boredom here as they struggle to keeps things together. … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101: the 15th Century
I recently read some articles about the same subjects I featured in a couple of episodes. One is about a famous wine heist that took place in Caceres in November of 2021; and the other retold the infamous story of a mid-air collision between a B-52 and a refueling plane that resulted in the avcidental … Continue reading Follow-up episode: More on stolen wine and A-bombs!
If I were to tell you that John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, and one of the wealthiest and most dashing individuals in England, not only once claimed the throne of Castile in late 14th century but actually tried to the take kingdom over, would believe me? Well, you should, because it really … Continue reading King John of Gaunt of Spain?
If you haven’t already tried it, it’s time you gave wines from Toro, especially red wine, a go. These are classics from Spain. Some even assert they were the first to reach the New World. They are bold and full of personality. The name, which actually refers to a town, aptly describes their boldness. In … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE 9: D.O. Toro
In 1369, King Pedro I came face-to-face with his archrival, his stepbrother Enrique, and the two gambled the future of Spain on the outcome of a duel fought with daggers. The image you see apparently depicts the moment of truth. The winner would go on to found one of Spain’s most famous royal dynasties and … Continue reading Death of a King, birth of a dynasty and a Spanish expression
Castile and Aragon are both rising to the top as the most powerful and most successful kingdoms in Spain (before it was called Spain). But it’s a tough century for everyone with the Bubonic Plague and the Hundred Years’ War ravaging Europe. To make matters worse, a civil war and endless fights for succession. Nothing … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP 22: The 14th Century
This is the grandaddy of them all in terms of prestige and status as the premier wine region of Spain, at least in a modern sense. It has been the most visible face in the winemaking sector of this country since the 19th century, which certainly says a lot considering Spain boasts scores of wine … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle: D.O.Ca. Rioja (Combining the old and the new)
For just over 800 years, this wonder of Gothic architecture has played a central role in Castilian and Spanish life. It’s a unique member of Spain’s more than 90 major churches in that it has elements of both Spanish and northern European features. It’s the only cathedral to be a UNESCO World Heritage site on … Continue reading The Cathedral of Burgos
Here’s a different look at Madrid. In the 1950s, when the Torrejon Air Force Base was built and American military forces arrived, both personnel and their families moved into a neighborhood in the north of Madrid. The picture you see with the yellow rings shows you when it was just built and in the middle … Continue reading THE EDIFICIO COREA: An American colony in Franco’s Madrid
Some of the oldest and most venerable higher learning institutions in Europe (and the world, for that matter) are located in Spain. Many were founded as this country was initiating a rise to world power. Swords to engage in warfare with their traditional enemies the Moors were now being substituted for pens to take on … Continue reading SPANISH UNIVERSITIES
As Christmastime winds down, there is just one more holiday left before it’s time to take down the holly and drop a few pounds after weeks of celebrating. The Three Kings’ Day, January 6th, is the day for gift-giving and eating roscón cake and toasting with sparkling apple cider, known as sidra. Sidra is inextricably … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle 7: Sidra, Spain’s Cider
If you thought the situation in Spain would getter any easier to follow, think again!!! It continues to to be murky as we are often not talking about just one kingdom, but many at the same time. The different kingdoms and regions progress. Of them all, Castile and Aragon appear to be coming out on … Continue reading Spanish History 101, Ep. 21: The 13th Century
This is not just an image of 18th Century Spain, but rather a section of a nativity scene sculpted and designed in the Neapolitan barroque style. Few things at this time of year are as widely displayed as the nativity scene, known mainly as a “belén”, which is the Spanish word for “Bethlehem”. You can … Continue reading FAMOUS SPANISH XMAS TRADITIONS: The Belén (Nativity Scene)
The holiday season is the peak moment of the year for sparkling wine as people toast with popular sparkling wines like champagne, prosecco and, naturally, Spain’s very own “cava”. Produced mostly in the region of Catalonia, not far from Barcelona, it is also made in other parts of Spain, and the range is amazing. In … Continue reading LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE (6): Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine
The 12th Century and Spain is still a land of half a dozen kingdoms vying for control and a score of Muslim principalities known as taifas. Throw in an invasion or two by the Moors and what you have is unimaginable instability. Little by little, the Muslims are beginning to lose their grip on Al … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 20: 12th Century and the Plot Thickens
It may seem counterintuitive to think that the region of Madrid, with its massive capital and built-up bedroom communities, would in anyway be a place for bodegas to make wine, but the reality is quite the opposite. Wine-producing has been going on here for centuries, and after overcoming a rough streak in the middle of … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle: Wines from Madrid
November 9th is a holiday in Madrid and it’s in honor of the Virgin Mary of the Almudena, one of the two patrons of the city. It’s a very old tradition and a very old figure in the history of the city. Listen and learn where we get the name from and some of things … Continue reading The Almudena: Why is Nov. 9th a holiday in Madrid?
1609 marked the beginning of the famous witch trials in the city of Logroño. Many of the accused were from a small town of Navarra known as Zugarramurdi. They are also known as the Basque Witch Trials. Unlike other countries in the north of Europe or in colonial America, witchcraft was viewed with skepticism in … Continue reading The Zugarramurdi Witch Trials: Spain’s Salem
It’s the 11th Century and the situation in the Iberian Peninsula is as chaotic and uncertain as ever. Power struggles, civil wars, fratricide, invasions; it seems as if nothing is under control. Not for anyone. But it makes for some pretty exciting, albeit, confusing history. Listen and learn more. Enjoy! You can subscribe to our … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 19: The 11th Century and the Madness Goes On
We know that in the 1960s and 1970s certain products, namely cigarettes, were often unabashedly sold as something nearly harmless, if not beneficial for conditions like asthma. But who would have guessed that booze, like beer and sweet wine, were sometimes marketed as ideal for children for nutritional and dietary reasons. Two drinks, Quina Santa … Continue reading Cordials for Kids: the bizarre story of alcoholic drinks that were given to minors to whet their appetite.
Easily one of Spanish’s most international words, and one which the Spanish themselves still say all the time, the origin of “olé”, just where it came from, has been the center of debate for many years. Theories have been posed and debunked many times over. Where do academics stand now? Listen and learn more! You … Continue reading ¡Olé! The mysterious origin of one of Spain’s most international words
No long ago the wines from this small region were relegated to supermarket service with little future of any substance to look forward to. At least as a region worth respecting. But that suddenly got turned around and, almost out of nowhere, Bierzo wines, captained by the reds made with the Mencia grape, have bcome … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle (4): D.O. Bierzo
Muslim Spain, Al Andalus, is at the height of its splendor as the Calipahte of Cordoba. Meanwhile, the Christian regions to the north try to stabilize. But infighting on both sides make things difficult. The great military Almanzor emerges as the terror of the Christian kingdoms. These are times of uncertainty for the Reconquista period … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP.18: The 10th Century
We’ll start our wine region review with a visit to what just may be the white wine capital of Spain, D.O. Rueda. Not that there aren’t other regions with fantastic white wine, but I think we’d be hard pressed to find one which has taken the market by storm the way Rueda has. It’s one … Continue reading Let’s Open a Bottle (3) – D.O. Rueda
We are now right smack in the middle of the Middle Ages and many regions are ready to establish kingdoms and move south to push out the Muslims. These kingdoms and other territories will draw the regional map of modern Spain. To understand this period is to understand Spain today. In this episode we have … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 17: Rise of the Kingdoms
Unusual and extreme weather seems to be the news of the summer around the globe in 2022, and Spain is proving to be no exception as it is enduring a very long dry spell and high temperatures, even in places that were traditionally immune to this kind of weather. Despite the arid times, the fact … Continue reading A Brief History of Droughts in Spain
Before we dig in and start talking about some specifics, we thought we might get some basic information about wine in Spain to help you get by, and help you buy. We’re talking about the wine regions (D.O.’s, etc.) and the general types of wine you can get. We’ll even touch on the the different … Continue reading Spanish Wine EP. 2: The basics
Spain’s iconic mini glass of beer, the caña, an outright classic when out and about for tapas, has become nearly an endangered species. Is it possible? Reports assure it is. What’s the cause behind this cultural crisis? Listen and find out. Enjoy! You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon. Apple and Castos. Or … Continue reading What’s happened to the caña?
In today’s episode we take a look at the first stage of the Muslim occupation of Spain. After several decades of confusion, Al Andalus becomes the Emirate of Cordoba, and even though division and infighting continue to hinder progress, the territory slowly becomes more organized and Cordoba turns into a major cultural center in Europe. … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 16: The Emirate of Cordoba
Muslim Spain, Al Andalus, is at the height of its splendor as the Caliphate of Cordoba. Meanwhile, the Christian regions to the north try to stabilize. But infighting on both sides make things difficult. The great military Almanzor emerges as the terror of the Christian kingdoms. These are times of uncertainty for the Reconquista period … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101: 10th Century
Years ago I wrote two books about Spanish wine and its major tranformation since the 1970s. That was twenty years ago and I can assure you that the revolution is still going on and it’s quite possibly more dynamic than ever. This is a new series by Brian’s Spain Domain. We want to share its … Continue reading SPANISH WINE: An ongoing revolution
It’s a long weekend here in Spain and that’s because August 15th is a public holiday. It’s also when the most fiestas are celebrated in the entire year. Some 1,200 parties will energize nightlife throughout the country. From big cities like Madrid to the tiniest hamlet, music and revelry (as well as a religious act … Continue reading FIESTAS IN SPAIN: The mid-August fiestas
Every year in early August the Spanish take flight from the cities and head for the coast or the mountains or anywhere that takes their minds off their routine lives and the heat. Their aim: summer vacation. And it usually kicks off with “Operación Salida”, or Departure Day. Before the journey was a nightmare, long, … Continue reading Operación Salida: Departure Day
In today’s episode we take a look at the first major kingdom to arise during the famous Reconquista period, when the different regions of Spain, mainly Christian regions, began to ever-so-slowly push back the Muslim presence. The Kingdom of Asturias is sometimes seen as the cradle of modern Spain, and even though that would be … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP 15: The Kingdom of Asturias
As we struggle to endure this endless heat wave in Spain this summer, we seek relief from one of this country’s most well-known dishes: gazpacho. Refreshing and nutritional., it’s the perfect way to keep cool and healthy at the same time. But this recipe has undergone a lot of changes since its origins. And you’ll … Continue reading A Brief History of Gazpacho
This week marks the 25th anniversary of the assassination of Miguel Ángel Blanco, a 29-year-old local councilman who was cruelly killed 1997 by the Basque terrorist group ETA, despite nationwide pleas to spare his life. The senseless murder triggered a response of pain and disgust so great it essentially announced the beginning of the end … Continue reading Miguel Ángel Blanco: the day we stopped being afraid of ETA
At the height of Beatlemania, the Fab Four from Liverpool flew into the heart of Spain, still under the firm grip of a fascist dictatorship, to perform their only concert in Madrid. The date was July 2, 1965. They would play the next day in Barcelona. Greeted with excitement, skepticism and Flamenco dancing, their stint … Continue reading The Day The Beatles Came to Spain
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Spain’s admission into the NATO alliance, and to commemorate it, Madrid is hosting the organization’s summit. And it couldn’t have come at a more delicate time, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made it one of the tensest moments in its history. Even so, despite Spain’s participation … Continue reading Spain and NATO: A brief history of a love/hate relationship
Summer in Madrid, and in Spain for that matter, can be a trying time for those who struggle with non-stop oppressive heat. There are many ways to cool off and keep hydrated, but in today’s podcast we are focusing on a couple of typical drinks (soft drinks) that are popular in Spain, and one that … Continue reading STAYING COOL IN SUMMERTIME SPAIN
One of Madrid’s oldest and most traditional fiestas takes place every June at the church of San Antonio de la Florida, where each year women seeking a partner partake in the curious ritual of placing their hand in a basin full of pins and seeing how many stick to it. The number predicts the amount … Continue reading Spanish Fiestas: San Antonio de la Florida in Madrid
On May 28, Real Madrid won its 14th Champions League Cup, breaking its own record and widening the gap between it and the next team with the most cups, AC Milan, with 6. This wasn’t Madrid’s finest team, but it managed to pull it off, thus contributing to the belief by some that this team … Continue reading Real Madrid and The Champions League: History of a match made in heaven
How much do you want to bet? I bet you never knew that the 1960s classic, Black is Black, was made famous worldwide by the Spanish rock group Los Bravos? Surprised? I sure was when I first learned about it. It was the first Spanish international hit and it wouldn’t be the last. Spain hasn’t … Continue reading Spanish Songs that were International Hits
The Moors managed to conquer most of the Iberian Peninsula in a relatively short time. But for the first few decades, that dominance was more nominal than real, as constant infighting would hamper the efforts. At the same time, the people in the lands along the northern coast of Spain – which had resisted the … Continue reading SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 14: Muslim Consolidation and the First Signs of the Reconquista
More than an invasion, the arrival of the Muslims, popularly called the Moors in Spanish history, came about probably as a result of a number of circumstances that made it perfect for them to go in and take control of the Iberian Peninsula. Was it deceit? Betrayal? Ambition? A combination of the three? It’s not … Continue reading Spanish History 101. Ep. 13: The Muslim “Invasion”
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a famous celebration associated with Mexico, but in the region of Madrid, the 2 de Mayo is an annual holiday. The painting in the podcast was done by Goya and it powerfully depicts the horror of the executions carried out during the famous uprising against Napoleon’s troops … Continue reading Fiestas in Spain: Why do the People of Madrid Celebrate “2 de Mayo”?