Archive - Weird Spain

A Communist Takeover on Valencia's Calle Colón

A group of Marxist revolutionaries with an axe to grind have turned a grand but empty building into a hostel and food bank

Apr 21, 2021 •

March 2021

23-F: Gunfire in Spain's Parliament and Tanks On The Streets

On the 23rd of February 1981, gunfire erupted in the Congress of Deputies as a group of armed rebels attempted to do away with democracy and install a…

Mar 4, 2021 •

February 2021

Marinaleda: A Communist Utopia in Andalusia

In Spain's deep south, one small village has decided to do things differently, and has been practicing rural communism for the last 40 years.

Feb 10, 2021 •

December 2020

The Valencian Monastery Where Time Stands Still

Secluded within a valley in the Serra Calderona, stands a monastery with a 700-year history, whose monks are experts at self-isolation.

Dec 7, 2020 •

November 2020

The Island Which Changes Country Twice A Year

Every summer and winter for the last 361 years, France and Spain have been passing a small, unpopulated island back and forth between them.

Nov 19, 2020 •

Anyone For Rat and Eel Paella?

Some of Spain's most cherished foods have origins in times of scarcity, and some surprising original ingredients.

Nov 2, 2020 •

October 2020

España 2000: Spain's Fascist Movement Is Backed By Money and Pedigree

España 2000 aren't just a bunch of loud thugs, they are well-organised and well-funded by their shadowy backers.

Oct 19, 2020 •

Eduardo Inda and Pablo Iglesias: Bound By Hatred

The rivalry between a right-wing journalist and left-wing politician has spilt into the courts, with each accused of going to illegal lengths to bring…

Oct 12, 2020 •

September 2020

The Darkness of Francisco de Goya

How the evolution of Francisco de Goya's art reflected the disintegration of his country and his own descent into insanity.

Sep 28, 2020 •

The Mystery of Spain's Chinese Bars

A large number of Spain's most traditional local tapas bars are now run by members of the Chinese community. Why?

Sep 21, 2020 •

The Adventures of Franco's Children

While the dictatorship has gone, Franco's descendants refuse to leave the stage.

Sep 14, 2020 •

Ghost Villages: La España Vacía

While Spain's urban centres become ever more crowded, its villages are quickly emptying. Some have no residents left.

Sep 7, 2020 •

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