chabad canary islands chabad canary islands

All areas outside Cumbre Vieja are safe to visit, as they were not affected by the lava. Arrival to London airport , the capital of Britain. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary. Area 2,875 square miles (7,447 square km). Theres so much to do. When we cook in hotel kitchens, we use our own knives, cutting boards, pots and pans, cooking implements and disposable metal trays. Cuba is a multi-ethnic nation, with people of varying racial and national backgrounds. It includes the islands of the archipelago of the West Indies and the area running from Florida westward along the Gulf coast through Central America and then eastward across the northern coast of South America. This second group of Jewish immigrants was able to defy the Spanish and Portuguese not only by continuing to preserve their Judaism in secret but by marrying Old Christians who ended up converting to Judaism. We require our hotels to allow us to work in the kitchen and to supervise the cooking and there are many hotels that are not willing to cooperate. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Fax: +34 1 564 5974. And if you're visiting some of the bigger islands namely Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote you'll find the requisite plush resorts. Jewish Europe doesn't endorse the Kashrut of the establishments listed on the website. Well stroll through Santa Ana Square and admire the city hall and picturesque alleyways, along the Triana pedestrian street, and along the promenade along the sea and in the harbor. Chabad-Lubavitch establishes a new center on Spanish territory near Morocco Walking down the street just before Rosh Hashana in Puerto de la Cruz, a city on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, Anna saw a Chassidic-looking man walking down the street. Despite centuries of unrivaled Jewish success, this Golden Age came to an end in 1492 with the promulgation of the Alhambra Decree, which presented the Jews with the options of conversion to Catholicism, exile or death. One of them, though, did share with us that his late wife who was a physician used to visit communities in the remote area of San Mateo and learned that some of its inhabitants light two candles every Friday night. A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm your reservation. 2023 World Jewish Congress. In addition the ship boasts: a magnificent hall for performances, music and singers, casino, bars, luxury restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and of course an active entertainment team every day. Moreover, many individuals, who were part of the Old Christians, sought to disengage and liberate themselves from the grip of the Catholic Church, joined these communities and converted to Judaism, Unfortunately for these Jews, the Inquisition soon caught up with Canarian Islands and lasted three centuries. Because we are not ready to compromise on kashrut, we may not always be able to use a five star hotel. In 1992, King Juan Carlos in a symbolic gesture also repealed the expulsion order and in 2015, the Spanish Parliament voted to offer citizenship to descendants of Sephardi Jews. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. If you have more information, please share it. Hello, I just stumbled upon this page and thought you might like it. It may be 40F and raining on Teide, approximately 12,000 feet above sea level, and 74F and sunny down below. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Africa.Since the Canary Islands were taken over by Spain after the Expulsion of 1492, the first Jewish immigrants to the Canary Islands were *Conversos from Spain and Portugal seeking refuge from the Inquisition and persecution. Updates? The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate. For dinners, we serve either fish or meat (usually chicken) as our main course. - Tenerife. Restaurants and lounges surrounded by panoramic views In areas where meat is not available nor readily acquired, we will have fish. https://www.britannica.com/place/Canary-Islands, CRW Flags - Flag of Canary Islands, Spain, Official Tourism Site of Canary Islands, Spain, Canary Islands - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Fuerteventura Island, Canary Islands, Spain, Garajonay National Park, Canary Islands, Spain. Today we will tour the city and visit the Jewish Museum, which offers a wonderful display of Jewish tradition and Jewish life during the period of the Inquisition. Intriguing places and breathtaking views of the Canary Island and Madeira aboard a kosher luxury vessel - Lanserote, La Palma de Gran Canaria, Tenerife. 12 million visitors a year cant go wrong. Canary Islands, Spanish Islas Canarias, comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Spain, consisting of an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the nearest island being 67 miles (108 km) off the northwest African mainland. After the Moors were finally driven out of Granada in 1492, the monarchs moved to complete their reconquest through the expulsion of Spanish Jewry. Todays a day to relax and enjoy all of the ships magnificent facilities. The Jewish presence in the Iberian Peninsula, known in Hebrew as Sepharad, dates back to the Roman period. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. This cruise focuses on the Canary Islands and combines intriguing places and breathtaking views: volcanic mountains, and lava rocks that created a huge variety of natural formations, dense forests, cliffs, picturesque fishing villages and verdant meadows. The tiny community of 1,000 on the island of 11 million people is robust, has a strong sense of identityand is very different from the Jewish community before the 1959 revolution. Travelers arriving from the US to the Canary Islands, or from the US to the Spanish mainland for tourism purposes, must be. In the synagogue there is a display showing the integration of Jews in the towns famous textile industry and in various other industries. Air-conditioned bus for all tours and transfers according to plan Rabbi Noam and Chava Rosen will be moving just before Chanukah to establish Chabad of Tenerife. Spanish diplomats extended their protection to Eastern European Jews, especially in Hungary, because many Jews claimed Spanish ancestry. When you want to island hop, a plane is a reliable and efficient way to get around. From there well continue to Porto, the capital of the north, the second largest city in Portugal and its most important port. Our detailed Cookie Policy can be found here. Best Things to Do in Canary Islands #1 Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) #2 Playa de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) #3 Parque Nacional del Teide (Tenerife) See Full Ranking List Tours & Sightseeing Whale and. I travel frequently to the Canary Islands and have done so often during the coronavirus pandemic. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. We will continue to the Botanical Garden and see the vegetation that was brought to the island in centuries of Portuguese colonialism. We will tour the islands capital of Santa Cruz an ancient port city with colonial buildings. Plan your vacation accordingly. Chabad of the Canary Islands - Tenerife About Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. This is why the islands are so apt for surfing. Although we do our best to keep the website updated, establishments listed on Jewish Europe are not guaranteed to be still operating or Kosher. The peace treaty between Spain and England, signed in 1604, gave rise to the trade of wine and sugar from the islands and drew many Crypto-Jews from Lisbon, Bordeaux and Amsterdam. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). We will visit a small part of the Cauva de los Verdes, a 17 km long lava cave, after which well descend to another part of the volcanic cave of Hamos de Aquo. Fax: +34 91 391 57 17 2001-2022 Menachem Lazar. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. At their closest point to the African mainland, they are 100 kilometres west of Morocco. And on the island of La Gomera, some of the locals still speak their native language, Silbo. The Rosens are the glue that makes us all come together. We will stroll through the quiet streets of the town, between ancient buildings and conservation sites, and walk up to the impressive 12th century fortress a Templar monastery that dominates the city. Overall, the population of Spain in 2022, by gender and autonomous community shows that the Canary Islands were the seventh largest autonomous community in Spain when ranked by population with. Though many Jews chose to leave rather than convert, many of them still practiced Judaism in secret, a tradition that survived for centuries in Spain. Please select which sections you would like to print: Alternate titles: Islas Canarias, Islas Canarius, Research Scientist, Instituto de Economa y Geografa, Madrid, Spain. JewishBelgium.com | Jewish Gibraltar | Jewish Hungary | JewishItaly.org | Jewish Luxembourg | JewishSpain.org | JewishSwitzerland.org | JewishUnitedKingdom.com Canary Islands Spanish (a distinct dialect of Spanish) is spoken in the Canaries, and certain archaic words peculiar to the archipelago show Portuguese influences. Incorrect password. The most beautiful ship in the world: Queen Elizabeth. In that year a grape disease caused by phylloxera (a plant louse) attacked the vineyards, and viticulture was soon largely replaced by cochineal production. Learn More I would like to. Well continue to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. You'll find every cuisine imaginable on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. More Jews arrived from Morocco in the last century and even had a synagogue in Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the islands. The Canary Islands are popular with European travelers, but may not be on the radar of U.S.-based travelers thanks to their far-flung location closer to Africa than Spain. as well as other partner offers and accept our. The man holding the Torah was trembling, Doron Peretz, an Israeli ex-pat living in Tenerife with his family for two years,tells Chabad.org. We will walk through paved alleys and hear about the community that lived here before and accepted Christianity by royal decree. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Tenerife, Synagogues The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. By the end of July 1492, with the Alhambra Decree, between 200,000 and 250,000 Jews were compelled to convert to Catholicism. On most of our tours, you will be accompanied by two of our staff members- one a guide for the tour who is knowledgeable about the places you are visiting and will accompany you throughout the day and the second, a person who will deal with the logistics of the tour and provide kashrut supervision in the kitchen. If you are looking for a community to connect and learn, Chabad of Tenerife is for you. The 'ZAKHOR' Center of Studies for the Protection and Transmission of Jewish Heritage is located in Barcelona. Cancellation for any reason from the moment of registration and up to 90 working days (inclusive) * prior to departure of the trip the passenger will be charged $ 97 registration fee only The couple will be moving to Tenerife together with their daughter in time forChanukah. A spectacularly beautiful ship, classical, built to give all its guests the experience of a royal palace. The cochineal industry declined (because of competition from synthetic dyes) in the late 19th century and was replaced by the cultivation of bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits. Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Morocco, all seven islands in this archipelago flaunt enviable strips of shoreline that roll out into aquamarine waters. They simply have no desire for us to be meddling in their cooking process nor are they happy about our bringing our equipment into their kitchens. Sunburn is the most likely risk you'll encounter when traveling to the Canaries. Payment in full is due 60 days before departure. Advice needed for Canary Islands - which island? . He decided to do something about it, calling Liebersohn in Barcelona and suggesting that they work together on establishing a local center. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Well continue to Hervidros de Aqua where well walk along a strip of cliffs created by the lava, and we will arrive at the fishing village of El Golfo that is located next to a unusual and remarkable natural phenomenon: a lake of green water, black lava sand and blue ocean waters. Do not bring any valuables to the beach, or if you do, make sure someone is attending them at all times. We will climb to the heights of St. Georges Castle overlooking the city and then descend along the winding alleys of the ancient Alfa district, which also includes the Juderia region (the Jewish quarter). Only time will tell, I* It is noteworthy to mention that Crypto-Judaism pre-dates the Spanishand Portuguese Inquisitions. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to. Bar complex Community & Family. From 1868 until 1968, Jews could live in Spain as individuals, but could not practice Judaism as a community. It is located 100kms (62miles) west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. Half board kosher throughout the trip and supplies to prepare sandwiches for lunch. Lanserote, La Palma de Gran Canaria, Tenerife. Bring your own Kosher food, nothing locally. Spanish neutrality in World War II allowed 25,600 Jews to use Spain as a getaway, with Franco allowing Jews to use the country as an escaping route. Israel and Spain did not establish diplomatic ties until 1986, when Spain recognized the State of Israel. Travelers arriving from the US to the Canary Islands, or from the US to the Spanish mainland for tourism purposes, must be fully vaccinated. The World Jewish Congress is the Representative Body of over 100 Jewish Communities Worldwide, Special Envoys & Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA), International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP). Well drive up to the foot of the Tyda volcano, the highest mountain in Spain (about 3,720 m in height, covered most of the year with a snow dome) to admire spectacular volcanic landscapes. Of course, the Canary Islands are packed with visitors year-round especially from other European countries that don't see quite as much sunshine. Other Countries: JewishArgentina.net | JewishAustria.com | JewishFrance.org | JewishGermany.org | JewishGreece.org| JewishIsrael.info | JewishJapan.net | JewishNetherlands.com | JewishSlovakia.org | JewishPoland.net | JewishUkraine.org Well visit the synagogue and the newly opened Jewish museum, and if we are lucky we will meet some members of the local Jewish/Marrano community. Well begin in the ancient part of the city between narrow and steep alleys that earned it a mention as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and visit traditional wine houses and antique wooden boats, from where wine was transported to destination ports. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. The Rosens will be working under the auspices of Rabbi David Liebersohn, director of, Chabad-Lubavitch of Barcelona, who has been coordinating visits to the islands by Chabads Roving Rabbisfor decades and is responsible for expandingChabad-Lubavitchin Spain. Kosher Meals in Tenerife. A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. The FCJEs Consejo Rabnico Superior de Espaa - Superior Rabbinical Council of Spain (CRSE) oversees the supervision of Kashrut and the organization of the rabbinate. The populations of Tenerife and Gran Canaria grew rapidly relative to those of the other islands in the 20th century. In addition, it has a unique display dedicated to the subject of the Marranos. And in September they arrived! And if you find yourself on Lanzarote, you should also sample some wine the region's grapes are grown in volcanic ash, and labels like Los Bermejos have received high praise from wine experts. Telephone: +34 917 82 9500 The FCJE runs Radio Sefarad and TV Shalom. This religion would largely replace the Canarian aboriginal religion through the prohibition of the latter and syncretism. Theres so much to do. Take a dip in the pool or play some tennis, sit at the bay window while reading in the library, marvel at the art works in the gallery, share a cappuccino with friends in the coffee shop, enjoy a massage in the spa, score a few wins in the casino, go to the movies or take in a show. Donate Connect Get Involved Learn Online By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies. An experienced, professional tour guide from Shai Bar-Ilan In Barcelona, the Sephardi and Ashkenazi communities pray in separate synagogues in the same building on the high holidays. Omissions? TV with DVD In Spanish North Africa, Jews reside in Ceuta and Melilla. But we'd argue that the Canaries are as much about the four natural parks as they are about beaches and resorts. Bermuda and the Bahamas are included even though our Bahamian friends remind us that their islands are located in the Atlantic. Eventually, we met some other Israelis and Spanish-speaking Jews., They were elated to hear ofChabads plans, and the other Island Jews have been very supportive, says Doron. Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. She lives in Israel and has recently published her first novel, "On A Wing From The Holy Land." It should be very successfulTenerife is the Florida of Europe and many of the tourists are Jewish. The original inhabitants of the Canaries were the Guanches (see Guanche and Canario); now assimilated into the general population, they were a Berber people who were conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century. It was so sad., The next thing she knew, we were sitting around a table with 35 people forRosh Hashanah. Chabad of the Canary Islands - Tenerife About Us Photos Challot and Wine Order Form Tourist Information Friday Night Shabbat Dinner Purim in TenerifePesach at Chabad Purim Party Chabad Tenerife Passover Seder RSVP-Tenerife Programs Donate AboutSearchContact Welcome to Chabad! During the cruise we will visit some of the islands, notably Tenerife, the largest and most popular, rich in green landscapes on one side, while on the other side well find brown beaches and volcanic scenery. Inspiration & Entertainment The island is the fourth largest island and the oldest since it was created 180 million years ago. It is not uncommon to meet residents of the Islands who, when asked what a Jew is, respond by saying: It is one who murders Palestinian children. It is not surprising, therefore, that many Jews here live in mistrust and uncertainty, Lastly, like many other communities in the Jewish world, the numbers of this one are also dwindling due to immigration and assimilation. When it comes to ground transportation, all of the airports offer some combination of taxis, car rental agencies and buses. Travel, health and basic cargo insurance, International flights www.bat-zion.name. Under the Franco regime, Jewish communities in Madrid and Barcelona kept a low profile. Even as the FCJE unites Orthodox communities from different parts of the country and represents Jewish interests to the government, many local communities have their own relationships with the local governments. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. It's slightly warmer in the summer when highs hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter which island you visit, the sun can be very strong, so pack sunscreen. In 1936 Gen. Francisco Franco used the islands as the first base of the Nationalist revolt, going from there to Spanish Morocco. An average of 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, with July being the sunniest month with 308 hours and December with 181 hours, tells its own tale of good weather.Winters are generally warm enough to take advantage of the fabulous beaches . This Torah hadnt been used in 30 years. When an older Israeli gentleman was honored with reciting theHaftarah, reports Peretz, he couldnt get through it, breaking down in tears. In 1945, Barcelona became a refugee center, aided by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. We use local fresh fruits and vegetables, and we use milk products when they are permitted. This morning we will anchor in La Palma de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria Island and one of its most important ports. The congregation right after the conclusion of Yom Kippur. All Rights Reserved. We saw them as we were walking in a neighborhood wenevervisit, she continues. Following the defeat of Germany in 1945, the Spanish government tried to destroy all evidence of cooperation with the Nazis. After Shabbat services, Kiddush and lunch, well take a walking tour of the area near our hotel. Most of the towns fame came from the most impressive Juderia, the Jewish quarter, in Portugal. Years of persecution had taught Jews that they could be baptized and still practice Judaism in secret. I usually check the requirements on the Canary Islands tourism bureau website, which works with the government to update visitors on the rules and regulations for entering. Other communities can be found in Alicante, Cadiz, Marbella, Majorca, Torremolinos, Valencia, Canary Islands, Oviedo and Seville. We will also visit Lanzarote with its rich and breathtaking volcanic scenery; Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands and the island of La Palma. Most of present day Jews of the Canary Islands are newcomers; primarily from Morocco and other North African countries. Cookies allow us to understand how you use this site and improve your experience. We will visit the district of Belem, (Bethlehem in Portugues) a quarter built on the waterfront and where the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is buried. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Tips for shipboard service providers only $ 140 (paid directly to the ship on board) The performance of the trip is subject to the conditions and responsibilities as they appear on the website But as the years went by, the community struggled to stay afloat. History, monumental architecture and religious and secular art are reflected in the ancient remains from different periods. Here well visit the Roman remains in and around the town. Pop. Cancellation for any reason from 29 working days to 11 working days (inclusive) * prior to departure of the trip the traveler will be charged $ 2500 + $ 47 Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on entry and exit requirements. Passengers aged between 12 and 17 must have a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival. | Donate | Feedback With United's new nonstop service from Newark (EWR) to Tenerife South (TFS), though, these islands are much easier to reach and much more accessible for American travelers. In many destinations we have our own dishes and silverware. We usually serve hard boiled eggs and sometimes scrambled eggs or omelets. Make sure to slather on the sunscreen and hydrate with water, whether you're at the beach or in a national park. Cuba at different times has seen immigrants arrive who were Amerindian, European, African, and Asian. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The recent arrival of Jewish families from Latin America, where Reform and Progressive Judaism are popular, has contributed to changing religious traditions amongst Spanish Jews. Over these three days well have time to relax and enjoy all of the ships magnificent facilities. It is our aim to provide the finest hotel possible in each area we visit. I highly recommend checking the page regularly to ensure you'll be fully prepared. Email: fcje@fcje.org The eastern group comprises Lanzarote, Fuerteventura Island, and six islets surmounting a single submarine plateau, the Canary Ridge, that rises about 4,500 feet (1,400 metres) from the ocean floor. Whilst we do not display any advertising on the WJC website, allowing marketing cooking may allow other sites to see that you have visited our site. It is composed by 7 main islands and 7 smaller islands and islets. The Canaries use the Spanish currency of the euro (1 EUR). Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Other Cities: JewishParis.org | JewishPrague.org | JewishVienna.org | JewishWarsaw.org |. The main course at dinner is preceded by soup and salad and accompanied by freshly prepared vegetables. In case of change, cancellation or malfunction related to flights, cruise or transportation, the responsibility for these rests with the service provider Jewish day schools exist in Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga and several Spanish communities run Sunday schools and Talmud Torahs. The first wave of Jewish immigration to these islands dates back to the end of the fifteenth century. If discovered still practicing Judaism, these Conversos, or New Christians popularly called marranos (pigs) by the non-Jewish population were jailed and burned at the stake. The next group of canaries to settle in Cuba was in the last third of the 16th century. Emergui, Valerie Amram. Those were mostly New Christians also known as Crypto Jews *who were forced to abandon their faith and adopt Catholicism while remaining firm and devoted to Judaism during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. From sea level to about 1,300 feet (400 metres), plants characteristic of hot, arid tracts can be found, and better-watered or irrigated tracts yield crops of bananas, oranges, coffee, dates, sugarcane, and tobacco. Evening entertainment not included in the detailed plan Federacion de Comunidades Judas de Espaa (FCJE), Tel: +34 91 700 12 08 I cannot find it on this website, but I am sure if you contact tehm they will be able to help you. Locals in the Canaries speak Spanish, but you'll find that their accents sound more South American than Spanish. Rounding up to the nearest euro in a taxi and leaving anywhere from 7 to 13 percent at a restaurant should be sufficient. Cancellation for any reason from 89 work days to 30 working days (inclusive) * prior to departure of the trip the passenger will be charged $ 1500 + $ 47 Theyre wonderful people, sweet, giving, and dedicated. The deep whistle sound of the Silbo language supposedly carried quite a long way across the island, so natives could communicate from a distance. JewishBelgium.com | Jewish Gibraltar | Jewish Hungary | JewishItaly.org | Jewish Luxembourg | JewishSpain.org | JewishSwitzerland.org | JewishUnitedKingdom.com The Federacion de Comunidades Judas de Espaa (Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain) is the Spanish affiliate of the World Jewish Congress. Well drop anchor today on the island of La Palma, the greenest of the Canary Islands and third largest in terms of population. Although the Jews did not enjoy full equality, this period, often called the Golden Age of Spain, saw Jews garner significant influence, especially in philosophy, medicine, business, and government. There was nothing, no community framework. Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the main ports of call during the peak tourist season, which falls between December and March. The Catholic religion has been the majority since the Conquest of the Canary Islands in the fifteenth century. Accompanying persons between 12 and 17 years old are exempt. While we remain docked at Madeira, well spend Shabbat aboard ship, with Shabbat services, scrumptious Shabbat meals, lectures and shiurim. Winds are generally high year-round, too. The autonomous community was established by the statute of autonomy of August 10, 1982. However, the clear majority of the Jews who took refuge in Spain later left for other countries because they were only offered transit rather than residency visas. From about 1,300 to 2,400 feet (400 to 730 metres) the climate is more Mediterranean, and cereals, potatoes, and grapes are the main crops. A significant portion of these are Spanish-speaking Jews who returned to Spain after centuries of exile in northern Morocco. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. At the moment, however, there are no direct flights from the U.S. to the Canary Islands. After breakfast we will travel to Trancoso, which was an important Jewish center in the Middle Ages. Upgraded and decorated theater before sunset | +0 GMT Make this my default location Shabbat begins Use default for this location minutes before sunset Shabbat ends Astronomical calculation Dont take stones, they might be dry lava (pumice) from the volcano and will eat through clothing ( This happened to a KWB staffs mother!). If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Today, an estimated 13,000 (affiliated) and 50,000 (resident) Jews live in Spain, concentrated in the provinces of Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga as well in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. December highs are about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. We set sail at 16:00. In 1479, the union of the two principal Spanish dynasties through the marriage of Isabella de Castilla to Fernando de Aragon started the process by which Spain was not only unified but also purified through the religious Reconquista. Part of this effort was led by the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1481, which tortured and burned numerous converts who were accused of secretly practicing the faith of their fathers.