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!!

Hey what’s up loop-lovers!

These are your celebrity friends tuning in, and we are so stoked to introduce the latest episode of Spanish Loops, just in time for the spooky season!

This week, we get into the ghostly corners of Spain and some haunted legends, eerie personal experiences, and why the Iberian Night has a story to tell.

From the shadowy alleys of old towns to whispered folklore by candlelight, they’ll serve up chills, thrills, and that authentic Spanish horror vibe.

If you’re into ghost hunting, supernatural stories, or just love a good scare with a glass of vino, this episode is totally made for you.

And yes we’re talking high-octane: Spanish ghosts, haunted Spain, spooky legends from Spain, paranormal tales in Spain, you name it.

Expect goosebumps. Expect “did that just happen?” moments. Expect the unexpected.

So, plug in your earbuds, turn the lights down low, maybe pull the curtains, and join us on this spectral journey. Because when the moon rises and the wind whispers through thecobblestones… the stories come alive.

Catch you on the flip side. Stay spooky!

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.