aquella vs. esa

Question

In a short piece from Carlos Fuentes "sobre la Revolución mexicana" I hear: "Porque aquella era la primera vez que se veían."

Does "aquella" refer to "la primera vez"?

But of course it must. Whatever was I thinking and why should I have not understood this immediately. Is this what is means to be a beginner?

Thanks to the forum for just "being here" !! (Oh..but do respond if I´ve got it wrong!)

Answer 1

Yes, you've got it right. And aquella is used rather than esa in order to convey the distance in time.

Answer 2

I am thrilled to read that I did not have it wrong! and grateful, too, for the explanation of "aquella" which helps me better understand the piece. I think I have heard it now about 100 times - enough to have practically memorized it. It is nice to know what it means!

Le doy las gracias.