December 2021 – Brian's Spain Domain

Isn’t it time we stopped calling Juana la Loca “Loca”? (Part 2)

In this episode we take a much closer look at Juana’s life, especially during her infamous trip around Castile with her deceased husband’s coffin, and we analyze the facts to understand what was really going on. Juana was most likely the object of a horrible smear campaign whose effects are still being felt today, as well as the victim of conniving political power-plays, which compounded any existing mental health issues. Her life was tragic enough as it was. Does she really have to have her reputation go down in history with the cruel moniker “la Loca” (the Mad)? We think not, and we invite people refer to her as Juana I of Castile from now on. Enjoy!

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History of the Sorteo de Navidad (Spain’s Christmas Lottery)

Every December 22, much of Spain braces itself for a 3-hour televised event that few people in the the world would associate with this festive season: a chance to make their Yuletide just a little bit cheerier by winning the annual Christmas lottery. This is a tradition that goes back over 200 years, believe it or not, and it is estimated that over 75% of the adult population in Spain plays; and with a total payout of 2.4 billion euros, many consider it the largest in the world. More than a celebration of gambling, it’s a deeply-rooted custom that not even the Spanish Civil War could stop. Learn more about its history in this week’s podcast. Enjoy!

You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, check us out at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

Isn’t It Time We Stopped Calling Juana La Loca “Loca”? (Part 1)

Juana I of Castile was the last sole monarch of the Castile, and she was the first to rule over Castile and Aragon (unofficially Spain) in the history of the country. And yet, she barely governed and is really only famous for the name associated with her: Juana la Loca. Joanna the Mad. But was she really as insane as they say? Or was she the victim of relentless fake news from power-hungry family memebers around her? Check out this podcast and learn more.

You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, check us out at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP 6 – Spain and the Punic Wars

When it comes to the Punic Wars, the series of conflicts between Rome and Carthage and one of the most influential wars in the history of Europe, most people logically think of Hannibal, the genius military leader of the Carthaginians and his intrepid crossing of the Alps. Few people realize that he launched his legendary campaign from Spain (Iberia, back then), and that the Spanish territory would be the site of countless battles. In fact, the outcome of this conflict, especially the Second Punic War, would change the course of human history forever, and usher in 600 years of Roman presence in this land. The impact can still be felt to this day. Listen to this latest episode on the history of Spain and let us know what you think. Enjoy!

You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, check us out at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain