Federico Garcia Lorca, perhaps Spain's most famous poet, was gunned down in Granada in the opening days of the Spanish Civil War (1936) by Franco's nationalist troops. However, it is in the last few years that the controversy has really raged; namely because Garcia Lorca's body was deposited in a mass grave, without proper burial or identification. But in the past few years, researchers have located his body, and the plan was to dig him up, and provide him a proper burial.Sounds great, right? Well, his family didn't think so. They have fought vigorously to let him lie, even filing court papers mandating that no entity disturb the sacred burial place. But now, the Spanish Civil War-era grave believed to hold the remains of the acclaimed poet will be dug up in two to three weeks, an official said Monday, in the most high-profile step yet in a drive for Spain to address atrocities committed against civilians during that ruinous conflict.
What does any of this have to do with Paella? Surely, having been born and raised in Granada, Garcia Lorca's poetry was inspired by orchards, olive oil, sun-filled skies, dry hills, and Paella.
Empieza el llanto de la guitarra.
Se rompen las copas de la madrugada.
Empieza el llanto de la guitarra.
Es inutil callarla.
Es imposiblecallarla.
Llora monotona como llora el agua,
como llora el viento sobre la nevada.
Es imposible callarla.
Llora por cosas lejanas.
Arena del Sur caliente que pide camelias blancas.
Llora flecha sin blanco, la tarde sin maсana,
y el primer pajaro muerto sobre la rama.
Oh guitarra!
Corazon malherido por cinco espadas.
(-Federico Garcia Lorca . . . La Guitarra).
Great blog. I have enjoyed visiting it every now and again. I make paella every month or so. Im anxious to try some of the variations on paella that I have seen here. Keep it up. Love the photos.
ReplyDelete