Spanish Loops

There are phrases that define a city, and then there are phrases that become a destiny. In this new chapter of Spanish Loops, Francisco and I invite you to travel through one of the most powerful and recognizable expressions in Spain: “De Madrid al Cielo.”Where does this sentence come from? Who first dared to pronounce it? And why has it survived centuries, revolutions, monarchs, artists, and dreamers? In this episode, we unveil some legends behind the phrase, tracing its origins to the heart of the history of Madrid, where pride, irony, and ambition melts into a statement that promises there is nothing higher after experiencing the capital.We explore how this idea shaped Madrid’s identity and how it is still alive today, symbolically reflected in the two flags that represent the region. From the crimson red and seven stars of the Community of Madrid, echoing the sky over, to the historic bear and Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo) of the city itself, every element tells a story of power, resilience, and aspiration.This is not just a linguistic curiosity. It is a cultural manifesto. A declaration of love, rivalry, and belonging. “De Madrid al Cielo” explains how Madrid sees itself and how it wants the world to see it.Are you a lover of history, legends, urban symbolism, and hidden meanings behind famous sayings? This chapter is made for you. Put on your headphones and let Madrid lift you, because after this journey, you may finally understand why, from Madrid… there is only the sky. Above us all.

Breaking news!! Stop what you're doing! Today, Spanish Loops, hosted by the brilliant Jorge and the ever witty Fran, aka, both of us… are dropping a chapter that’s not just another cultural detour from Spain to the world, no, no. This week, we two take a soulful splash into what we ourselves are thankful for in these utterly convulsive times we are living in, and we share powerful wishes for the new year that hit deep, resonate far, and shake off the noise like only real talk can.Forget the usual: this episode is gratitude honesty with a global heartbeat. We unpack the moments that make us pause, smile, and keep going… health, connection, creativity, resilience, and community. And then, with courage and clarity, we mean to look forward, offering heartfelt wishes not just for ourselves, but for all of us navigating uncertainty with hope.This isn’t fluff. It’s reflection. It’s human. It’s real talk for listeners who want meaning, connection, and clarity in a world that often feels upside-down. Tune in on Instagram Reels, Spotify, YouTube clips or full audio, this episode is designed to stop the scroll, warm the heart, and spark conversation.So hit play, tune in, and lean into this unique moment with Spanish Loops, because gratitude and hope. Always worth a listen.Fran and Jorge.

Hey Chicos! It’s Jorge and Fran! Welcome back again to Spanish Loops, the show where we loop you into the culture you love. This week we discuss something totally fascinating: Nobility titles in Spain.Yep, we’re talking kings, dukes, counts… and all that royal jazz with a Spanish twist.So first up: what are these titles anyway? From Rey/Reina (King/Queen) at the top down through Duque, Marqués, Conde, Vizconde, Barón… and even up to Señor, there’s a whole rank ladder.And Fran keeps reminding me: “Jorge, this isn’t Game of Thrones, these are real historical roles!” And you know what? He’s right.We’ll break down why these titles still exist. Spoiler: they’re mostly ceremonial now but loaded with history and prestige. Some families have held theirs for centuries, passing them through bloodlines like heirlooms. We also get into how you actually get one, inheritance vs. royal grant… and whether you can buy one (short answer: nope, not in any legit way).Listen as we unpack lineage, privileges, and the quirks of modern Spanish nobility, from aristocratic family dinners to titles that sound fancy but don’t come with castles or crowns anymore.Tighten your earbuds, amigos because we’re about to loop you all the way up the noble ladder!

Get ready for an unforgettable journey as The Essence of Southern Spain tour arrives in Cádiz, a timeless coastal jewel with roots that stretch back over 3,000 years. I’m Jorge, and alongside my co-host Fran, we scratch this ancient city’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and mouth watering gastronomy. From its legendary Phoenician beginnings to the stories hidden in its sun washed alleys, Cádiz is a place where every corner seems to whisper tales of the sea, of sailors, and of culture that helped shape Spain itself.Join us as we stroll through the historic heart of Cádiz, with me and Fran sharing local insights, architectural gems, and the pulse of everyday life. We’ll explore the old plazas, hidden corners, coastline, hop between seaside cafés, and uncover why this city’s spirit feels both ancient and alive. You’ll hear about Carnival traditions, local festivals, and the incredible seafood culture that defines Cádiz, from fresh tapas to iconic dishes like pescaito frito and Tuna fish. (Their second religion).Consider this episode your passport to the soul of Southern Spain. So plug in your headphones, follow along with us, and let Cádiz’s seaside charm and enduring history captivate your imagination.

S3, Ep : 18. Exploring Spain’s Romerías and pilgrimages through tradition, culture, and Journey.Hola Chicos! Big news!I’m super excited to announce this new chapter of Spanish Loops today. In this episode we cherished some rituals of Spain: the vibrant, festive Romerías and the more solemn, spiritual Pilgrimages. We explore how each is rooted in centuries of Spanish Catholic tradition, how they shaped communities, and why they still resonate today in our pueblos and cities.Expect stories from Andalusian fairs, the bustle of romerías with flamenco and flowers, contrasted against the quiet faith-filled journey of pilgrims on ancient routes like Camino de Santiago. We'll unpack how these rituals reflect Spain’s identity blending celebration and devotion. It’s a look at heritage, faith, culture and belonging.If you love tradition, history, travel, or spirituality or just want to understand why Spain’s festivals feel so alive, this chapter is for you. Share it with friends. Let’s spark conversations, awaken memories, and maybe inspire a pilgrimage or a romería visit of your own.See you in the next loop.

Hola!, and welcome back to Spanish Loops. As always we bring you the human stories hiding behind history, and today’s chapter is a cracker: Ramón Franco, the daring aviator and paradoxical brother of General Francisco Franco. Ramón shot to fame after commanding the 1926 Plus Ultra transatlantic flight, a feat that made him a celebrity and symbol of modern Spain. But Ramón’s politics and personality couldn’t have been more different from his sibling’s. He publicly clashed with the Primo de Rivera dictatorship, embraced republican and left-leaning causes in the 1930s, and lived a life full of bold gestures and sharp contradictions. This episode unpacks his achievements in aviation, his fiery confrontations with establishment figures, and his brief but intense political career during the tumultuous years of the Second Republic. We also examine the tragic, contested circumstances of his death: Ramón died when his seaplane crashed on October 28, 1938, at a time when his brother was rising to supreme power during the Civil War, a family rupture with resonances that last to this day. Tune in as we weave data over a fresh narration to tell the story of a man who defied expectation and became one of Spain’s most unforgettable, and misunderstood, historical figures. Listen, reflect, and decide what history should remember today.

Welcome back to Spanish Loops, where this week you are taken into a place that any traveler never see, yet every restaurant, bar, and seafood stall in Madrid depends on it. It’s one of the biggest fish markets in the world, second only to Tokyo’s. Yes, right in the heart of Spain, hundreds of Kilometres from the coast, lies a seafood empire that feeds millions every day.We’ll take you behind the scenes of this fascinating world where trucks roll in before dawn, where chefs and retailers handpick the freshest catch, and where tradition meets high-speed logistics. You’ll discover how this market was born, why it became the seafood heartbeat of Madrid, and how it reflects the Spanish passion for fish, freshness, and flavour.Spaniards eat more fish per capita than almost any other Europeans, and this place makes it all possible. It’s not just a market, it’s a window into Spain’s way of life, its relationship with the sea, and its unshakable commitment to good food.So, tune in and join Jorge and Fran as they explore the stories, the smells, and the spirit of Madrid’s own “ocean in the city.” You’re about to discover why, when it comes to seafood, Spain truly lives by the tide.Buen provecho!

Hello Chicos and welcome to another exciting edition of Spanish Loops, your passport to the culture, stories, and heartbeat of Spain. This week, we open the doors to one of the most famous noble families in the world "La Casa de Alba", the House of Alba.We’re talking about a lineage that’s been shaping Spanish history for centuries, from the royal courts of old Castile to the modern palaces of Madrid. These are people whose family tree is tangled up with kings, queens, artists, and adventurers. Inside their walls you’ll find priceless art collections, historical manuscripts, and a legacy that has endured through wars, revolutions, and the passage of time.Today, we take you on a journey through the fascinating story of the Fitz-James Stuart dynasty, from its medieval origins to its present day heirs. We explore how the family influenced Spanish politics, supported the arts, and became one of Europe’s most recognizable noble names.But this isn’t just a history lesson. You’ll also hear about the modern face of the Alba family, how they’ve opened their palaces to the public, embraced cultural projects, and kept their traditions alive in the 21st century.So grab your headphones and join Spanish Loops for this captivating program about La Casa de Alba, where the past meets the present, and history truly comes alive.Listen now on your favourite podcast platform or watch us in YouTube!!

Welcome to the latest chapter of Spanish Loops, a mouth watering splash into tapas culture in the south of Spain. In this episode we trace tapas from humble tavern lids to a national obsession: the legends (from King Charles III “bite with your wine” tale to seaside slices that kept sand out of drinks), the social rituals, and how small plates became thesocial glue of Andalusian nights. We explain the layered history and regional variations that make tapas more than food. They’re edible stories that foldculture, politics and conviviality into every tiny plate.Granada earns a special episode length spotlight: often called a tapas paradise, bars in Granada famously still serve complimentary small plates with many drinks, creating a bar crawl culture where each stop feels like a mini feast and surprise. We profile classic Granada bites and sit down with local hosts to map the best barrios for free tapas and unforgettable pairings. Jaén and the olive-oil rich provinces get their due: from rustic montaditos topped with local aceite to jewel-like frituras, tapas here pair perfectly with a couple of cold beers or a glass of local wine, the kind of place where a short stop becomes an evening. We also unpack tapas’ disputed origins: from medieval “covers” to royal edicts, and why tapas evolved as both practical and political fare across centuries.Expect immersive scenes: clinking glasses, sizzling plate sounds, the whisper of olive oil, and locals teaching you to order like a pro: “una caña y una tapa”, while the hosts debate their favourite hidden bars. The narrative balances history and travel tips so listeners learn where to taste, how to order, and which tapas pair best with beer or a young red. Perfect for food-loving travelers, culture curious listeners… Buen apetito Amigos!!

Hola Chicos!Jorge and Fran here with Spanish Loops, and today we’re slipping into something silky: Spain’s legendary spas and “Balnearios”. From steaming thermal springs tucked into ancient villages to ultra-chic coastal resorts, Spain’s water culture blends Roman roots, medieval rituals, and modern wellness tech into purerelaxation. There are historic bath houses where locals still soak like they did centuries ago, we chat about the rituals that made these places famous. Expect stories from Mondariz to Archena, insider tips on how to book quiet mornings, and a peek at coastal balnearios where sea air doubles the detox. Think mosaic pools, steam rooms with old stonework, and sunset plunge pools plus practical low-cost spa ideas for a weekend reset. Chase wellness history, plan a romantic getaway, or mix heritage, luxury, and local flavour. Tune in for laughter, nudges toward mindful self-care, and our top balnearies favourites.Press play, breathe in, and let Spain’s healing waters wash your stress away.Subscribe, leave a review, and send us your balnearies stories. Follow Spanish Loops and get ready for warm water, soft music and good conversation.Hit play and join us now. Enjoy.

Good morning, good afternoon or good evening, wherever you are in the world. This is Spanish Loops, and today we bring you the story of a cathedral that has puzzled architects,historians, and visitors for decades: Madrid’s very own Cathedral of the Almudena. Now, imagine this: a project that began with grand ambition in the late 19th century, yet didn’t see its official inauguration until 1993. That’s right, more than a century of waiting, redesigning, and political storms. Why? Because the Almudena was not just about stone and mortar. It became a mirror of Spain’s shifting identity, a tale of monarchy, republic, civil war, dictatorship, and democratic rebirth.Under Franco’s regime, the cathedral became a symbol tangled with politics and national pride. Money ran out, styles clashed, and plans were rewritten again and again. The result? A building that looks part Gothic, part Neoclassical, and part modern patchwork. Critics call it confusing; others see it as a living timeline of Spanish history carved in stone.When Pope John Paul II finally consecrated the cathedral in 1993, Madrid celebrated not just the completion of a long awaited temple, but the endurance of a city’s faith and resilience.In this episode, Jorge Román and Fran Glaría peel back the layers of controversy, architecture, and politics to reveal the true saga of Almudena. It’s not just about a cathedral..., it’s about Spain itself.Tune in on Spotify, catch us on YouTube, share the journey on Instagram, and see how one building tells the story of a nation.

Hola! This are Jorge Román and Fran Glaría, your passport to the hidden stories behind Spain’s stone and stained glass. Today on Spanish Loops we are talking to a subject that is as old as civilization and twice as dramatic: what makes a churchdifferent from a cathedral, a basilica, or an ermita? From humble chapels tucked into cliff faces to awe striking cathedrals that declared a city’s power, we will trace the architecture, the titles, the rituals, and the politics that turned simple worship spaces into symbols of pilgrimage, prestige, and yes, the occasional palace sized ego!We’ll stroll through time, Roman foundations, medieval firestorms of reform, Renaissance showmanship, Baroque theatricality and pull apart the real reasons, a place gets called a basilica versus when a bishop sits in a cathedral’schair. You’ll meet the hermits who birthed ermitas on lonely crags, the popes who handed out basilica status like royal favours, and the clever civic leaders who built cathedrals to put their town on the map. Expect human stories: miracles, rivalries, secret chapels, and the odd scandal that reshaped whole neighbourhoods.Are you a curious traveler planning your next Spanish loop?Do you love a good origin story? Do you want to sound brilliant at church tours? This episode is for you. We’ll give you the quick ID points how to spot a cathedral from a basilica in under thirty seconds plus the cultural context that makes every stone matter.Tune in, subscribe, and share because these buildings don’t just hold prayers, they hold the history of us. Now let’s walk inside and listen to the stones.See you next week!

Hey Chicos,It’s Jorge and Fran from Spanish Loops, and today we are rolling out a blockbuster: The life, grit, and legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez. The Spanish powerhouse who helped to shape the early United States. If you’ve heard the Revolution told only through Boston and Philadelphia, buckle up. We’re headingsouth to New Orleans, the Mississippi, and Pensacola, where Gálvez played chess while others played checkers.This episode gets into bold raids on British forts, secret supply lines down the Mississippi, and a swagger filled amphibious assault that flipped the Gulf Coast map. Gálvez wasn’t background noise, he was a headline. Governor of Louisiana, field commander, strategist, and the guy whose “Yo Solo” spirit turned the tide when cannons and courage had to speak louder than politics.We will connect dots the textbooks gloss over: Spain’s money, muskets, and ships; diverse regiments of free Black soldiers, Indigenous allies, Canary Islanders, and criollos; and a victory at Pensacola that slammed the southern door onBritish plans.We’ll also track Gálvez’s fingerprints on American trade, thebirth of the Gulf Port network, and why his portrait hangs in the U.S. Capitol today.So hit follow, drop a review, and share this with the history buff who swears they have “heard it all.” You haven’t, not like this. Ready? Press play and let’s loop the past into your present with the story of Bernardo de Gálvez,  the underrated architect of American Independence. And hey, if you’re watching on YouTube, tap subscribe and bell. On Instagram, save this episode, share, and tag a friend who loves surprising history.See you soon!

Hola Amigos and welcome back to the show. We are Fran and Jorge and today we are opening a chapter that Spain still feels in its bones: ETA. How a clandestine group turned terror into a political gambit, shaking streets from San Sebastián to Madrid and beyond.We will rewind to the last breath of Franco’s dictatorship, when the country was brittle, fearful, and ripe for sparks. ETA stepped in with bombs and bullets, targeting civilians, cops, judges, politicians or/and anyone they thoughtsymbolized the State.And the Basque Country wasn’t the only stage. The pain traveled. Families across Spain learned what it means to glance under the car, change routines, and live with apermanent “side eye” on the world.But here’s the twist: decades later, the gunfire started to fade and speeches got louder.A pivot from underground violence to ballot boxes, from fear to messaging. Did politics tame the beast, or just shift the battlefield?We are not here to sensationalize. We’re here to humanize survivors, negotiators, journalists, and everyday people who carried keys, memories, and grief. We’ll unpack ceasefires, crackdowns, and the slow grind of reconciliation.Expect sharp context, clear timelines, and no romantic myths. Just facts, voices, and the uncomfortable questions: What makes a movement abandon terror? What helps ademocracy heal without forgetting?Stick around. By the end, you will have a cleaner map of how Spain moved from sirens to debates and why old echoes still are bouncing around today.This is Spanish Loops, hit follow, rate the show, and let’s begin.

Hola Amigos, and welcome back to another episode of Spanish Loops, where history comes alive with our unmistakable voices. This week, we take you into the extraordinary life of a woman who refused to stay within the lines drawn for her time: María Eugenia de Montijo, the Spanish noblewoman who rose from the sun washed streets of Granada to the dazzling courts of Paris, ultimately becoming the Empress of France.In this new chapter, we follow her from her early years, where curiosity and determination already shaped her destiny, to the whirlwind romance and political ascent that placed her side by side with Napoleon III. But beyond the titles and the ceremonies, we explore the sharp mind, the progressive spirit, and the unmistakable charisma that made Eugenia a force of modernity in an era desperate for change.And because you know, we never leave you without a bit of noble gossip, we are pulling back the velvet curtain to reveal the scandals, rivalries, and whispered intrigues that surrounded this iconic figure. From fashion to politics, from diplomacy to drama, María Eugenia’s life offers a full amount of stories worth looping into.So tune in, turn it up, and let’s travel back in time together... Spanish Loops style.

Hola! This is Jorge from Spanish Loops, and I’m so excited to welcome you to today’s episode. This week, Fran and I are touching a topic that is a bit differentfrom our usual, but I promise it’s just as fascinating.We’re talking about none other than Pablo Picasso, but not just the genius artist we all know. No, today we’re exploring the man behind the paintings. The real Picasso, the one with all his loves, mistresses, and complex relationships.Look, I’m sure you’ve heard the stories, but today we want to get into the nitty gritty. Picasso was brilliant, yes, but also an incredibly complicated person. His personal life was just as intense and dramatic as his art. From his tumultuous love affairs to his deep, almost obsessive relationships with the women in his life, he definitely didn’t fit the mould of the calm, cool artist we might imagine.And here’s the thing: understanding his personal life is key to understanding his art. The passions he experienced, the heartbreaks, the betrayals, the egos… it all foundits way onto the canvas. We are really excited to share this side of Picasso with you today. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something that gives us a deeper look into one of history’s most fascinating figures.Sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Picasso, the man, the artist, and everything in between. We can’t wait for you to hear it!

Hello friends, and welcome back to Spanish Loops, your go to podcast for cultural lessons into Spain’s rich history and how it shapes our modern life.In today’s episode, we rewind to the early days of Spanish television. A time when TV meant black and white screens, rabbit ear antennas, and a strong dose of hope.Under Franco’s dictatorship, television broadcasting wasn’t just limited. It was a bold act of state control, with RTVE (Radio Televisión Española) holding the reins of what could and could not be aired.But from these restricted beginnings, something magical grew. We will walk you through the pioneering moments of TVE, the country’s first state run channel, and trace its evolution into the colourful, diverse Spanish media landscape we know today.We will also talk about the game changing arrival of private Spanish TV channels in the 1990s, like Antena 3 and Telecinco, and how they changed everything: from programming styles to viewer freedom. Fast forward to the present, where streaming services in Spain offer an a la carte TV experience tailored to every taste.And yes, Fran and I share heartfelt memories of their first TV sets at home remembering those magical moments of gathering around the screen, eyes wide open.Let’s tune in together to this podcast for a small dose of nostalgia and technology.Subscribe and share!

Hola! Welcome back to Spanish Loops, your weekly dose of Spain with a twist and today, we're diving c*j*nes first into the spicy world of Spanish expressions!Yes, you heard right. This week’s episode is all about that one bold, magical, untranslatable word: c*j*nes. It’s not just anatomy, my friends: it’s attitude, emotion, frustration, pride… even surprise! Depending on the context, c*j*nes can either offend your abuela or crack you up laughing.We’ll break down how Spaniards sprinkle this word into daily speech like a seasoning. From ¡me importa un c*j*n! to ¡tiene un par de c*j*nes!, we’re translating these colorful expressions into English, while keeping the flavor intact. Warning: some phrases might make your English teacher blush but hey, culture isn’t always PG, right?So, buckle up for a language ride where words carry…, well, weight. If you are a language curious, a traveler, or just someone who appreciates a darn good expression, this episode will leave you saying, “¡Qué c*j*nes!” New episode out now. Only on Spanish Loops. Subscribe, share… and bring a laugh with you!

Hola! And welcome back to another episode of Spanish Loops where we get deep into the heart of Spanish culture, history, and the untold stories behind the landmarks youthought you knew.This week, we are heading off the beaten path (again), and it’s worth it. Right in the heart of Madrid, just a stone’s throw from the Prado and the Reina Sofía Museums, lies one of the city’s most overlooked treasures: the National Archaeological Museum, also known as The MAN. A true hidden gem in Madrid for history lovers and fans of ancient Spanish art.Now don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t just any museum with dusty old relics. The MAN, (standing for National Archaeological Museum) is home to one of the most stunning pieces of Iberian sculpture ever discovered: the iconic Dama de Elche.With haunting eyes and intricate detail, it’s not just the star of the museum. It’s a window into the prehistoric art of the Iberian Peninsula.But that’s not all. Inside these walls, you’ll discover a treasure bunch of pre-Roman artifacts, along with objects from the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. If you are into Spanish archaeology, cultural tourism in Spain, or looking for underrated museums in Madrid, this one is for you. So, grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s explore the archaeological treasures of Spain. As usual on Spanish Loops. Subscribe for more!

Hello, hello, and welcome back to Spanish Loops! Your weekly journey into the heart of Spain’s living culture! And this week we’re going high… literally! Today, we are heading to Catalonia to explore one of the most breath taking, gravity defying traditions in all of Spain: Los Castellers. These human towers, real people climbing on top of each other up to ten stories high, have been rising into the skies of Catalonia for over two centuries. And believe us, they are so much more than just a show.We will dig into the history of this daring practice, tracing it all the way back to the 18th century. We'll talk about the colles castelleres, the passionate local teams who train year around, the deep sense of community and trust, and of course what it feels like to be at the top of a human tower with thousandscheering you on.That is why the Castellers have become a UNESCO recognized tradition, and why, even today, these towers symbolize unity, strength, and balance in every sense of the word.So, buckle up, stay grounded, and get ready to look up… way up. This is Spanish Loops, and we are climbing into Catalonia’s cultural heartbeat… one tier at a time.Do not forget to subscribe and share!!