Dawn

Dawn

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Catholic Church may be going through difficult times but here in Spain it continues to show the spirit that’s kept it going for more than 2,000 years. As of this week, you can buy virtual candles in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - either by going to the relevant web page or by sending a text message from your mobile phone. Your ‘candle’ will ‘burn’ for between 11 and 31 minutes, depending on what time of the day it is. Though you may have to go on the waiting list, if demand is high. In Candle Limbo, I guess.

There’s one aspect of bullfighting which for me has never been in any doubt – the bravery of the matadors. Spain’s leading proponent of the art – José Tomás – was badly gored in Mexico over the weekend and was allegedly only minutes from death in what’s been described in the Spanish press as a Third World medical facility. But my guess is he’ll be back in the ring before too long. Mad but impressive.

Driving from Oporto airport on Sunday morning (prior to doing this again today), I noticed signs for an imminent fiesta in the Miño/Minho-side town of Melgaço. This was billed as A Festa do Alvarinho y do Fumeiro. I recognised, of course, that Alvarinho is the Portuguese equivalent of Albariño but was lost with Fumeiro. Surely not a fiesta of wine and smoking? Smoked fish perhaps? My Galician friends haven’t been of much help – suggesting only the possibility of a barbecue–type event – and neither has an internet dictionary search. So I’d be grateful for help from any Portuguese reader.

Finally . . . Here’s a musical recommendation for all those Gallegos around the world suffering morriña because they’re away from their pueblo back home. It’s Arthur Alexander singing “Detroit”. OK, this city isn’t exactly Galician but you’ll recognise the sentiments.You’re unlikely to get this on the internet but Spotify has a number of versions, including one by Tom Jones and a better one by Solomon Burke, who came to Pontevedra two or three years ago for our summer Blues Festival. And was a big hit, in every sense of the word. Then there’s Dolly Parton’s stab, which fare warbles along. Take your pick. None of them matches the original by this talented but neglected songwriter and singer.

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