Homage to Shakespeare 2013

Jerez is making final preparations for the VIII annual homage to Shakespeare in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of Sherry. As usual, the ceremony will take place in the Parque Gonzalez Hontoria, where there is the one and only monument to him in Spain. Sponsoring this year's event are the town council, Gonzalez Byass, Genatur, the wonderful Jerez Siempre and the musical conservatory Joaquin Villatoro. It is hoped that the Consejo Regulador will also participate.

The programme consists of a floral offering and toast beside the monument, a reading of his poetry in Spanish and English, music and a theatrical presentation. The event is organised by the Cine Club Popular de Jerez, whose president is Jose Luis Jimenez Garcia.

Shakespeare recommended Sherry in many of his works, and it was immensely popular in Elizabethan England. Falstaff was a great Sherry lover, and here follows one of his many tributes to it-

"It illumineth the face, which, as a beacon, gives warning to all the rest of this little kingdom, man to arm; and then the vital commoners, and inland petty spirits, muster me all to their captain, the heart; who, great and puffed up with this retinue, doth any deed of courage; and this valour comes of Sherris."