Portsmouth Hispanic Society

Flamenco is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the region of Andalusia, and also having historical presence in Extremadura and Murcia. In a wider sense, the term is used to refer to a variety of both contemporary and traditional musical styles typical of southern Spain. However, its style is uniquely Andalusian.

Mike's talk will examine the rather surprising origins of Flamenco in the fifteenth century, how it has evolved, and the justification for its inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. The evening will of course include mention of some notable performers and examples of their art.

Unfortunately this month's scheduled presentation on The Camiño de Santiago, or the Way of St. James in English, will be aired at a future meeting. However, the society is presenting a Spanish Armada extravaganza! First off is a documentary from the Our History channel titled The Untold Story Of The Spanish Armada, which explores this epic event in British history in great detail, including historical background, Tudor boat building technology, the meteorological impact on the the invasion fleet and the eventual route of the rout.

Have you ever wondered what would have been the consequences had the invasion been successful? Well, a BBC Knowledge documentary, created in association with the University of Portsmouth School of Languages, explores that scenario in part two of this veritable Armada feast.

Juan Gilabert Jofré, also known as Fray Jofré, was a member of the Christian religious Order of Mercy and the founder of what is claimed to be the first psychiatric care institution in Europe.

In February 1409, as he was on his way to the Cathedral in Valencia, he saw two young men brutally attacking a madman. After rescuing the injured victim he preached a memorable sermon that urged the establishment of a charitable institution to care for and treat the mentally ill and other outcasts. This initiative made Spain the most advanced country in the treatment of the alienated at the end of the 15th century

Diane's talk will look at the life and times of Fray Jofré and how it was that he came to found the ‘Hospital de Innocents, Folls e Orats’ in medieval Valencia, why it was revolutionary at the time in terms of viewing and treating the insane, and the profound importance this foundation has had on the history of medicine.

Full details about the society's Christmas Party will be posted in the near future.

More information about this presentation will be available soon. Keep checking the website for updates.

Frigiliana, situated about 71 kilometers east of Málaga, has a long history. The name Frigiliana is thought to have Roman or Greek origins. In 711 the Muslim conquest began, bringing the region under Islamic rule and the introduction of agricultural innovations, including hydraulic systems of irrigation channels and reservoirs still in use today, as well as new crops like sugarcane. In 1569 Frigiliana was taken by Christian forces during the Reconquista and repopulated with Old Christians from Granada and Valencia.

For four days at the end of August each year, Frigiliana hosts the Festival of the Three Cultures (Festival de las Tres Culturas), celebrating the region's historic confluence and co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions. Jan's presentation will give you a flavour of this festival drawing on her personal experience of visiting the area during the event.

Details of this evening's presentation will be posted in the near future.