S3, Ep : 22. From Madrid to the Heavens: The Phrase That Defined a City

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 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!

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!!