S3, Ep: 11. Exploring Andalusia: A Journey Through Tapas Traditions.

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 hola!This is Jorge and Fran again back on Spanish Loops, the podcast where stones, myths, and history collide. Buckle up, because in our next episode, we’re unravelling “The Hand of Irulegui”.A recent archaeological marvel from the Basque lands, glowing like a beacon in the darkness of our linguistic past. This isn’t just a statue or relic, it might be the missing clue to where the Basque language came from. Could it be that thissymbol, half myth, half history, holds the key to understanding who the Basques really are?We’ll take you from dusty excavation sites to the living culture of today, talking while chasing the whispers of Irulegi. What does this hand-shaped inscribed artefact tell usabout language roots, tribal rituals, mythology, and possibly even how ancient Basque words came to life? We’ll explore competing theories, the controversies, and what it could mean for Basque identity, not just for scholars, but for anyone with Basque blood, heritage, or curiosity.Expect nothing and all. The secrets from this stone are still hidden somewhere in an excavation, and the moment the artefact's patterns come into view, the breathing hush of hypothesis, clashes interpretation. Subscribe, share, and get your questions ready…, because the Hand of Irulegi wants to speak!

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 there, amigos, and welcome back to Spanish Loops!If you joined us last week, you know we took a delicious walk through Madrid’s sweet tooth, pastries, churros, and more. Well, this week, we’re heading east to the Mediterranean breeze and Gothic vibes of Barcelona, where sugar meets tradition in the most irresistible way.Barcelona’s sweets aren’t just desserts, they’re history you can taste. We virtually taste the panellets, those little almond and pinenuts bites that rule the city on All Saints’ Day, and the legacy of turrón that Catalonia claims as its own. You’ll also discover how chocolate became a Barcelona obsession. This city didn’t just adopt it, it turned it into an art form! And, of course, we’ll talk about coca de Sant Joan, the festive pastry that lights up midsummer nights with sweet, colorful joy.What makes Barcelona so special is how every sweet carries a story: a festival, a season, a family recipe passed down through generations. In this episode, we’ll share where you can find the best bites today, while peeling back the history that shaped them.So, whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or just love cultural traditions, this chapter is for you. Put the kettle on, grab a spoon, or maybe a fork and let us take you through the sweet side of Barcelona. Spanish Loops are ready to roll… are you?

Ladies and gentlemen, travelers and food lovers, welcome back to another irresistible episode of Spanish Loops! This week, Fran and I drive you through the sugary world of Madrid’s sweet tooth. That’s right, this city isn’t just about art, nightlife, and tapas. It’s also about centuries of tradition baked into every pastry that graces its cafés, bakeries, and neighborhood streets.Imagine strolling through Madrid month by month, guided by a calendar of flavors. In January, it’s the royal crown of Roscones de Reyes. Come spring, torrijas take the spotlight, fried golden and dripping with honey. Summer cools us with lighter bites, but by fall, marzipan steps up. And December? A kingdom of turrón, almond filled perfection that tells you Christmas has truly arrived.But hold on, because there’s one sweet indulgence that never checks the calendar: chocolate con churros. Picture a steaming cup of thick, velvety chocolate, so rich it practically hugs the spoon, paired with crisp golden churros, hot and ready to dip. From early mornings at San Ginés or Chocolateria 1902 in the fourth generation to midnight cravings in tucked away cafés, this is a Madrid ritual that never goes out of season.And yes, we’ll reveal the best places to buy authentic turrón, from family run shops to gourmet boutiques, so your sweet souvenirs travel as far as your heart desires.So tune in, lean back, and let Spanish Loops tempt your taste buds. Because Madrid’s sweetest secrets aren’t just for the locals..., they’re for every traveler ready to take a bite out of Spanish tradition!Sweet apetite!!

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! It’s Jorge and Fran from Spanish Loops, sneaking again into your earbuds like a surprise tapas plate at midnight: witty, chilled, and absolutely unmissable. We’ve got a killer episode lined up. This global anti tourism wave that is crossing Europe.And about Spain, especially in the sunny but mad Catalonia and the Canary Islands. Think less of a vacay checklist and more locals saying, “Wow, who invited all these selfies?”Picture this: water pistol armed residents chasing off tourist hordes like it’s some kind of benign, spray and dash flash mob…, pure surreal vibes. It’s less “here’s your sangria” and more here’s a sticker that reads “Mass tourism kills the city.” You’ve got Catalans and Canarians basically sending a warm but firm “not now, thanks” to cruise ship style visitor overload.And get this, locals are trending “touristification sucks” in real life. They’re saying: “Don’t hate the traveler, hate the structure that’s turned our streets into themed park backdrops.”Its activism turned into playful theatre, with flares, banners, and cardboard cruise ships parading down Venetian alleys like some post-tourism performance art.So, if your next scroll is on Instagram or YouTube, stick with us. This episode is equal parts cheeky roast and heartfelt plea for sustainable, cultural and respecting travel. Hit that follow tab for more jokes, espresso shots, and maybe a water pistol sighting or two.“¡Vámonos!”