Spanish Loops

Welcome back to another episode of Spanish Loops, where we dig into the heart and soul of Spain's hidden treasures. This week, Francisco and I are taking you on a journey through Madrid's lesser-known, yet utterly fascinating museums. You know how it is when we travel, we often hit up the big-name spots: the Prado, Reina Sofía, maybe the Royal Palace. But have you ever considered the charm and int...

Hey there, Spanish Loopers! Welcome back to another vibrant episode where we dive deep into the heart of Spain's rich traditions. We as your host, today we're heading south to the enchanting city of Córdoba. Now, if you've ever strolled through Córdoba in May, you know the city transforms into a living museum of color and fragrance. It's all thanks to the Festival of the Patios, a...

Hola Loopers! We’re back with another brand-new episode and this one It’s gonna save your wallet… literally. Travel has become part of our everyday lives. From jaw-dropping monuments to world-class museums, there's a whole planet out there waiting to be explored. But wherever there are crowds and cameras, you’ll also find… pickpockets. Yep, the sneaky side of travel nobody talks about enough....

A profound silence has fallen across the world today as Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, has passed away. In his final months, his health visibly declined, bringing an end to a papacy marked by transformation, compassion, andbold leadership. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his path to the Vatican was anything but traditional. Entering religious life lat...

Hey hey, travelers!  We've got a surprise drop for everybody today, and trust us, you  don’t  wanna miss this one. This episode is an  exclusive , Chicos! That’s right, our  2026 tours are officially LIVE! , and you're hearing it here first!  We’ve been cooking up something  really special  behind the scenes, and now it’s time to let the cat out of the bag...  kinda . We’re talkin’  Franci...

What’s up, Loopers?? It’s your favorite voices in your earbuds, and we’ve got some spicy news for you this week! We just dropped a brand new episode of Spanish Loops , and let me tell you, this one’s got rhythm, soul, and a whole lot of passion. We're diving much into the History of Flamenco , and who better to guide us than Ana , our amazing guest who lives and breathes this art form.  Ana’s...

Spain is a country where coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life.  But if you think ordering a simple “coffee” will get you what you want, think again. Every region has its own way of serving that perfect cup, and today on Spanish Loops, we immerse you into the rich world of Spanish coffee culture. From the classic  café solo  (a strong espresso) to the creamy  café con leche , knowing what...

Hola amigos!, welcome back to Spanish Loops!  Today, we're digging into the life of Miguel Servet, a 16th-century Spanish polymath.  Born around 1511 in Villanueva de Sigena, Aragon, Servet was a theologian, physician, and humanist. He had a knack for languages, mastering Latin, Greek, and Hebrew early on. His academic journey took him to Toulouse for law and later to Paris for medicine.​ Servet's...

In this episode, we get into one of Spain’s most mind blowing festivals: Las Fallas of Valencia!  Every March 19th, the city transforms into a massive, fiery celebration of art, tradition, and community. We’ll take you through the origins of Las Fallas, which started with Valencian carpenters burning leftover wood to honour Saint Joseph. Over time, these humble bonfires evolved into towering, intr...

Hola Spanish Loopers! We’ve got a brand new episode dropping, and trust us, you do NOT want to miss this one. March is all about celebrating the power, resilience, and brilliance of women, and we’re taking this opportunity to spotlight some incredible women from Spain who are making waves across the globe. From shaping world economics to commanding royal influence and dominating the entertainment...

Hey everyone, and welcome to a brand-new episode! This week, we're diving very deep into the shifting global panorama, analysing the latest moves from the Russian government, the new dynamics in the White House, and how Europe is responding to these ongoing challenges. First up, the concept of a unified European army takes centre stage. With the U.S. adopting a more reserved stance on internat...

We're back with another exciting episode, and this time, we're taking you on a journey to the vibrant city of Oporto, Portugal! Join our very own Francisco as he shares his personal experiences and insider tips about this charming coastal gem. In this episode, we'll explore:Historic Landmarks: From the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to the picturesque Ribeira district, discover the stories b...

Hola, Spanish Loops family! This week, we bring you an incredible journey of heritage, resilience, and rediscovery. Meet Maricar Donato, a proud descendant of Salvador Rivero, a Spanish man from Málaga who set sail in the late 1800s, seeking a better future in the Philippines. There, he built a life, fell in love, and started a family—one whose branches have since spread across the world, from the...

Hola, Spanish Loops family! We are back with another thought-provoking episode, and this week, we debate into something that affects all of us when we travel... tipping!  Ever wondered why tipping in Spain is so different from many other countries? Well, get ready for a lively debate as we break it all down. From the casual “keep the change” culture in Spain to the expected 15-25% gratuity in Amer...

Alright, folks, buckle up because this new chapter is a wild one! We’re diving into a part of Spain that’s  not  in Spain… well, technically it is, but it’s in North Africa. Confused? Don’t worry, they break it all down for you! This time, the program takes us into the fascinating and complex history of Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish cities sitting right on the coast of North Africa. These places...

This week in Spanish Loops, we talk about the quintessential Spanish culinary tradition known as the "Menú del Día." Established in 1965 under a law enacted during Francisco Franco's regime, the Menú del Día was initially introduced as the "menú turístico", (tourist menu) to promote tourism.  This legislation mandated that restaurants offer a fixed-price midday meal, ensuri...

This week, we’re discover the amazing rise of Zara, the crown jewel of the Inditex Group. Back in 1975, Amancio Ortega started this venture in A Coruña, Spain, as a tiny dressmaking workshop. Fast forward a few decades, and his vision turned it into one of the biggest names in fashion, a true rags-to-riches tale of grit and innovation. These days, Zara leads the fashion game with its fast-fashion...

In this week’s episode of Spanish Loops, we develop a portion of the fascinating historical connections between the Crown of Castilla and the guerrilla wars against the Ottoman Empire in the 1600s. The 17th century marked a critical point in European history, with the Ottoman Empire’s expansion posing a significant challenge to Christian kingdoms. The Crown of Castilla played a pivotal and critica...

Hola, Spanish Loops listeners! Get ready to pack your virtual bags because in our latest chapter, we're diving into the breath taking Canary Islands. A paradise with a story as fascinating as its volcanic landscapes. We’ll journey back in time to uncover the islands’ rich history, from the days of the indigenous Guanches to their annexation by Spain in the 15th century. We’ll explore the myths sur...

In our latest episode, we journey to the heart of Andalusia to explore the Alhambra of Granada—a masterpiece of Moorish architecture and a symbol of Spain's rich cultural tapestry.  Perched atop the hill, the Alhambra began as a modest fortress in 889 AD and was transformed into a majestic royal palace by the Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar in the 13th century.  This palatial city flourished as...

Hola Spanish Loopers! Thrilled to announce the latest episode of the "Spanish Loops" podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo Jorge and Fran. This week, they're diving into a captivating discussion about their two favorite cathedrals in Spain. While they keep the names under wraps to awaken your curiosity, you can expect an engaging exploration of Spain's rich architectural heritage. Whether you're an a...

Ladies and gentlemen, Chicos y Chicas, podcast enthusiasts, and curious minds from around the world, let's welcome to a brand-new episode of the electrifying Spanish Loops podcast! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the quirky, unique, and utterly fascinating world of Spanish Christmas traditions, where humor, history, and culture blend in perfect harmony. That's right, friends! We’re peeling back...

Be ready for a captivating new episode of Spanish Loops! This week, Jorge and Fran dig into the fascinating world of Spanish Royalty, sharing the dramatic tales of former King Juan Carlos I. Known as a charismatic leader and a pivotal figure in Spain’s transition to democracy, his political legacy became overshadowed by love affairs and financial debates. His personal choices ultimately led to his...

Step into a world of history, faith, and the irresistible aroma of cookies! This week on our podcast, we explore the fascinating tradition of monastic cookies made by nuns in convents across Spain. From the secluded cloisters to bustling convent bakeries, discover why these women of faith began baking, how their recipes have been passed down for centuries, and the touching stories behind their cra...

Hola Spanish Loopers!  New episode! Francisco and Jorge are taking us on a lush, leafy journey through their favorite parks in Spain. We’re starting off in Granada with the stunning Alhambra gardens, talking about their roots and how they tie into the magic of the Alhambra complex.  Next stop: Madrid’s iconic Retiro Park, where we’ll explore the infamous statue of Lucifer, yep, the only public sta...