April 2023 – Brian's Spain Domain

Spanish History 101, Ep. 24: Fernando and Isabel and the Great Turning Point

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 most important and influential periods in Spanish history; and to add to that, we have the discovery of the New World. What more can we say? Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

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Let’s Open a Bottle 10: D.O. Ribera del Duero

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 most popular and revered regions in Spain, dazzling the nation and abroad with full-bodied elegant red wine. Listen and learn more!

The Resurrection of Semana Santa

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 images of the Passion around the town. But does that reflect an immense show of faith, or are these events looked at more culturally than spiritually? Listen and learn more. Enjoy!