Ah Spain!

On today’s Poco a Poco, we discover the Spanish dance that’s often mistaken for flamenco: Sevillanas. From the famous Feria de Abril in Seville to the music, footwork, and traditions of Andalusia, we explore what makes this traditional Spanish folk dance so special. Learn how Sevillanas differs from flamenco and why knowing a few steps can help you connect with Spanish culture in a whole new way....

Join Tania and Gaetano on Ah Spain! Podcast for a chat about autumn in Spain, seasonal traditions, and the everyday quirks of expat life in Valencia. We talk about changes to Valencia’s annual Halloween celebrations, Christmas circuses arriving in town, and the struggle to find pumpkin spice and pumpkin purée in Spain. We also discuss finding moments of calm in the kitchen and the ongoing dramas o...

In this Perspectivas episode, we welcome back Andrew Anderson from VoteFromAbroad.org to talk about the importance of voting as the U.S. midterm elections approach. For Americans living abroad, making your voice heard can take a little extra planning, and knowing how to vote from overseas is essential. We discuss why these elections matter, what Americans living in Spain need to know, and how to m...

In this episode of Poco A Poco, we talk about cartujas, Spain’s mysterious Carthusian monasteries and the unusual way of life behind their walls. What exactly is a cartuja, why were these monasteries built in such secluded places, and what makes the Carthusian monks different from other religious orders? We chat about the history, architecture, traditions and unexpected connections that make cartu...

What does Spain smell and sound like? In this episode of Ah Spain! The Podcast, we talk about the everyday sounds and smells of life in Spain, from the ones we love to the ones we still haven’t quite warmed up to—and the ones we’ve simply gotten used to. From strangely floral-smelling toilet paper to fireworks going off any day of the week, these are the little sensory details that become part of...

Join Ah Spain! as we head to the Tabernas Desert in Almería, the only true desert in Europe, where dry riverbeds, rugged badlands and mountains create a landscape that looks more like the American West than southern Spain. In this Poco A Poco episode, we talk about why this unusual corner of Andalusia became a favorite location for Spaghetti Westerns and major films including The Good, the Bad and...

We are back from our summer break with an exciting look at the vibrant world of traditional Spanish festivals! In this episode, Tania shares her firsthand insight into what life in a pueblo is like when these cultural celebrations take over local towns for days—and sometimes even weeks. We chat about the unique traditions that define these events, from competitive paella cook-offs to high-energy b...

Thinking about moving abroad? In this encore episode, we break down the top 10 things you need to do before making the big move to Spain. From sorting out visas and healthcare to downsizing your belongings, planning finances, and finding the right housing, we’ll cover the essential steps to make your transition smoother and less stressful. We also talk about preparing emotionally, building a suppo...

In Spain, "poco a poco" means little by little—but it’s also a pretty good explanation for how life works here. In this episode of Ah Spain Podcast’s Poco a Poco series, Tania and Gaetano talk about why Spaniards seem to have a completely different relationship with time, patience, and getting things done. From everyday life and bureaucracy to settling into Spanish culture and life in Spai...

We are in the final week of summer, and we are both in a mad dash to get everything accomplished before our children head back to school. So sit back and enjoy our encore episode of “What We Know About Schools”. If you are hinking about moving to Spain with kids? Or just curious how schools work here? In this episode, we untangle the quirks of Spanish education—from public, private, and concertado...

When Spain’s summer heat becomes too much, we escape into movies and television, talking about new releases, family favorites, and the latest things we’ve been watching. From Netflix and other streaming services to new movies and old favorites worth watching again, we share what we like, what we don’t, and the shows and films that keep us entertained. We also talk about one of the best things abou...

Ever wonder why Spain has so many streets called Calle del Doctor… ? From Madrid and Barcelona to Valencia, these street names tell stories about the doctors, scientists, and healthcare pioneers who shaped Spanish history. In this Poco A Poco episode we chat about why physicians became such popular street names, how Spain’s changing politics led to streets being renamed, and some of the fascinatin...

Valencia is a ghost town, the pueblos are setting off fireworks, and it is entirely too hot to be outside. Thankfully we both have air conditioning this summer! In this episode, Tania and Gaetano have a meandering chat about the beautiful, boring chaos of August in Spain. We touch on random topics keeping us alive this summer: figuring out how to find local news on our smart TVs, surviving interna...

In this episode of Poco a Poco, join Tania and Gaetano as we talk about the Correfoc, one of Spain's most spectacular fire traditions. We chat about how the medieval Ball de Diables evolved into today's thrilling Correfoc, why it became an important symbol of Catalan cultural revival after Spain's return to democracy, and how this unforgettable display fills the streets of Catalonia an...

Summer 2026 is officially here, and Tania and Gaetano are touching base on how we are spending the season with our families. On this episode of the Ah Spain Podcast , we talk about our recent travels, from cruising through Norway to exploring London. We share how we unexpectedly became die-hard fútbol fans just in time to watch Spain win the World Cup. Plus, we chat about the joys of rebajas and t...

In this lively and entertaining encore episode of Ah Spain! Tania and Gaetano chat about 10 quirky Spanish superstitions that are still alive and well across the country today. From lucky grapes at New Year’s to the mysterious powers of Tuesday the 13th, they explore the strange, surprising, and sometimes hilarious ways superstition is woven into everyday Spanish life. You’ll laugh, learn, and may...

Ready to explore the historic heart of Madrid? In this Poco A Poco episode, we look at the origins and evolution of El Rastro, Madrid’s oldest open-air flea market. We discuss the surprising history behind its name, the early days of tanners and rag-pickers, and its growth into a cultural landmark. You'll hear about how the market is organized today, from the bustling stalls of Plaza de Cascor...

Ah Spain Podcast hits 100! In this milestone episode, we look back at our unforgettable journey and celebrate how far we've come as expats, immigrants, podcasters but lets just not call us influencers.… This week, we explore the wonderful joys of living in Spain, sharing how the local culture allows us to give our children independence we never would have felt comfortable giving them in Americ...

Craving a taste of home or hunting down that one elusive ingredient to recreate your favorite global dish? In this episode of the Ah Spain Podcast , we explore how we satisfy our international cravings while living in Spain. Because tracking down specific ingredients here is rarely a one-stop-shop experience, we share the thrill of the hunt and how we navigate the landscape to find exactly what we...

In this episode of Poco A Poco, instead of looking at brushstrokes or cubism, we are mapping Pablo Picasso’s life through Spain. We look at his childhood roots in Málaga and La Coruña, his teenage years in Barcelona. Even though he ended up spending the majority of his life in France, Spain was always where his heart was. We discuss how Madrid became the home of his masterpiece Guernica. Along the...

What happens when the vacation ends and real life sets in? In this episode of Ah Spain! , we’re pulling back the curtain on the true realities of moving abroad—because once the honeymoon phase wears off, you’re still living your life, no matter what country you're in. This isn’t just a dreamy guide about moving to Spain; it is an honest, practical toolkit for anyone moving anywhere in the worl...

Can you actually conquer Valencia’s massive art scene in just twenty-four hours? In this Poco A Poco episode, we’re mapping out a perfect walking line through the Ciutat Vella , starting at the edge of the old town and winding all the way from classical grandeur to edgy, avant-garde modernism. We’re taking you underground to walk on glass above 2,100-year-old Roman ruins, stepping inside a "Mi...

Are you planning a move to Spain and wondering if your favorite kitchen gadgets will survive the journey? On today’s episode of the Ah Spain Podcast , we explore the realities of Spanish electricity and the adjustments that come with European kitchen appliances. We break down exactly what potencia (electrical power capacity) means for expats and why calculating your energy usage matters before you...

Ready to cool down the Spanish way? In this episode of Poco A Poco , we explore the refreshing world of the Granizado, Spain’s legendary summer slushie. We’ll take you on a journey from its ancient Moorish roots to the bustling modern cafés, revealing how a 16th-century Spanish doctor’s scientific breakthrough changed frozen desserts forever. Discover the distinct differences between an American s...

Ready to demystify the Spanish legal system without losing your mind? In this episode of Perspectivas , we look into the misunderstood world of Spanish notaries with special guest Roger Mulet from the Notaria Ricardo Monllor Gonzalez in Valencia. If you assume a notary in Spain is just a quick, low-cost signature stamp like it is in the US, this conversation will give you a local’s insight. Roger...