July 2022 – Brian's Spain Domain

SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP 15. The Kingdom of Asturias

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 inaccurate, there is no doubt that its role in those early medieval years was crucial to the deveopment of Spain. Listen and learn more. And enjoy!

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A Brief History of Gazpacho

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 probably be especially suprised to discover the last ingredient to be incorporated. Listen and learn more! And, as always, enjoy!

Miguel Ángel Blanco: the day we stopped being afraid of ETA

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 of ETA as an organization. Listen and learn more about this tragic and yet pivotal moment in Spain’s recent history.

The Day The Beatles Came to Spain

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 in Spain was a snapshot of Spanish society during the 1960s, as well as an omen that big changes were about to happen to the country in the not so distant future. The concert itself was unremarkable, musically speaking, but just about everything else about the event was extraordinary. And the fact that it even happened at all was nothing short of a miracle. Listen and leran more. Enjoy!