Spanish Loops

Let’s dive into history with the latest episode of Spanish Loops! This week, join us as we unravel the gripping tale of Napoleon's invasion of Spain. Immerse yourself in the dramatic events that unfolded during this tumultuous period, exploring the clash of empires and the indomitable spirit of the Spanish people. Uncovering untold stories, strategic manoeuvres, and the profound impact of Napo...

New podcast! Spanish Loops proudly presents a new chapter devoted to the legendary Ernest Hemingway, a writer whose love affair with Spain is as profound as his impact on literature. In this episode, we dig up into the complexities of Hemingway's life, exploring the synergy between his experiences in Spain and the narratives that emerged from his mind. Hemingway's passion for Spain is a ce...

City Specials. Today León. Once, of the very important and big Legions from the Roman Empire, stablished in one of the most fertile areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Crucial site and border line to the Muslims when they invaded the Peninsula. A must stop in The Camino de Santiago and the land of a very peculiar drink. Listen to what to do if you go there, hotels, restaurants. sites... Have fun!

November is the month when the Nobel prizes are granted. In this episode, our friends share with you some Spanish born awarded personalities. Not so many in total, but extremely proud of them. They introduce four out of the seven Spanish awarded. Two of them winners to Medicine, and the other two, to Literature. A brief introduction to them honouring the Spanish flag among the others in that prest...

Why does Spanish Loops makes a chapter about a French city? Well, beautiful Biarritz is part of the former Basque Country or Kingdom of Navarra in the old days, and the city has kept the essence of the Basque culture. As an area, anything related to Basque, they stand as one, even if there is a country border and three different languages, Spanish, Basque and French. Our friends describes what to...

Another year, another Halloween!! In this fun episode, Jorge and Fran explains why that tradition is not as popular in Spain and why at some other places around the country is celebrated in a very different way. Also the origins of this ancient celebration mentioning some facts unknown to many of us. WOOOOOOOW, AND ENJOY!

New chapter on Spanish Loops! In this episode, we're diving deep into Spain's approach to mental health care. Spain is considered to be in the top list of countries in the world with a better life expectancy. The road to get here has not been easy, especially after this world pandemic we all have suffered and the geo-political situation nowadays. Join us for an eye-opening journey as we sh...

The title of this episode might sound Greek to you. The importance of the new laws made in that city aimed to establish guidelines for the treatment of indigenous peoples encountered by Spanish explorers and settlers, including the prohibition of indigenous enslavement, emphasizing that native populations were rational beings with natural rights deserving of humane treatment. Looking at this from...

Many diasporas happened during Spanish history. In this chapter our friends focus into the Basque culture and Spanish influences in today's life in the States. There are many facts that drove masses of emigrants to cross the Atlantic to find a better life. Many of those facts are going to shock you in how much has influenced part of the culture at the western side of the Ocean. Some personal h...

An ancient city founded as such by the Romans and with so much history in the country before Spain became Spain. The Queen Isabel The Catholic was crowned Queen of Castilla, one of the most impressive shaped Royal Palace, the location of the citadel, and her landmark, the Aqueduct. Learn all you need to know about this magnificent city with our friends Fran and Jorge. Listening to their tips and b...

The capital of Catalonia is Barcelona. But Catalonia is much more than the city. Four provinces embracing a culture coming back from Centuries ago. In this Chapter, we have a very special guest. Our colleague Mariona Prats, local guide in the region. She take us into the heart of it with traditions, history, gastronomy, heritage and much more. We are privileged to have her in this one to make us s...

Before releasing Chapter ONE HUNDRED, Francisco and Jorge had the idea of remembering the baby steps in this waves`s world. A little bit of re-mastering on the very first chapter, but not taking away the essence of their naiveness in those days. How could they imagine they would be broadcasting this long, improve their recordings, sound editing, and many more things. This is the prequel of a celeb...

Welcome, dear listeners, to another great episode of Spanish Loops ! In this week's chapter, our hosts are honoured with the presence of a special guest who's sure to captivate your hearts and minds. Introducing the remarkable Catherine Bakewell. With a profound passion for writing, languages and cultures, Catherine has embarked on numerous targets, choosing at a very early stage in her li...

Based on public data and information released by the national and international media, our friends explains the facts that led a group of people to pretend the secession from Spain. Believe or not, it did not start in Spain. A part of the history glued to many centuries of culture, wars, political ideology and many more fascinating facts. With all the love to their loyal listeners and the upgrowin...

Besides wine and beer, probably the most common aperitif in Spain is vermouth. A fortified wine, not indigenous from Spain, but so popular that there is a ritual and a time for it. A gathering with friends, prior to lunch, or why not, just by yourself with a small nibble, is the perfect excuse for a break and a nice time. Learn the history and let us know your inputs. Salud!

In this controversial chapter, our friends explains the origins and evolution of something that started 2 millenniums ago as a sport, and now is part of the culture in many countries of the world. One of the most beautiful wild animals in the world is the focus of this podcast where a man, can dominate and order what to do... or not. Please, listen carefully to the disclaimer at the beginning of t...

What is happening TODAY in Spain? In this "almost live" episode, our friends are sharing what is happening in this corner of the world with updated news in some aspects. Royalty, (gossip guaranteed), sports, weather, and by all means politics. After the general elections Spain had a couple of weeks ago, them both believe the need to share their thoughts with you all. Enjoy your time list...

July 25th was Saint James day. Spain is a secular country and most of the traditions comes from religious homage. Is a big day in Spain. Into the Catholic world, is the Patron Saint of this country. Legends, historical traditions, borders and geo-political strategies have marked the myth and facts of this Saint to what it is today. Our friends give us their perspective based in facts and popularit...

In this final series chapter, our friends Fran and Jorge let us know how life evolved in Spain once the Civil war was over. WWII was rumbling on early stages, pressures to the dictator from the fascist Germany and Italy at the time, expecting to have favours returned, while the population was struggling to survive with families divided due to the conflict. Them both also share with us personal sto...

After last week´s episode, our friends teach us the developing of those three devastating years. Battle after battle, while population suffered tremendous attacks and thouthands of civilians were assesinated, tirany was gaining territories in a horrific way. It all ended when the goverment surrended for the sake of no more killing of innocent people. It was the begining of four decades to forget a...

Chapter 1 out of 3. Fran and Jorge inform us how this country was involved into a civil war. In this Prelude chapter, they introduce us into all aspects around the facts involved in the process to the tragedy lived by that generation. Politics, citizens' unhappiness and wealthy people all mixed in a maze with an explosive (and sad) dive into the History of Spain. Send them any questions you ma...

Mankind has faced along centuries several hard times regarding health. From the Black plague, Colera, Spanish Flu... About this last one, did you know it had nothing to do with Spain? Find out about this curiosity and where it started with our two friends, Jorge and Fran in this new episode of Spanish Loops! Happy listening!

Although the fans are not originated in Spain, they have become world famous for their designs, handiness, style, and the most important, they are considered as "portable air conditioning". From the real origins, till today, going through facts that made them popular among the society and later on to everybody, including men. Some fun facts, personal histories, and a secret "languag...

Fran and Jorge, Jorge and Fran. Them both want to share with you in this chapter their two favourite trips they did and made an impact in their lives. They certify the world out there is to be seen for those who have the chance and opportunity. Each trip in this podcast has their own point of view due to the differences in cultures visited. Obviously, them are very personal but they decided to sha...

As a portion of land that hosted many cultures along history, Spain's today's legacy is so immense, no one can ignore the cultural and DNA print in our lives. One of the big impacts left through the centuries was the large number of Jewish people as part of the population, among other cultures. Jorge and Fran do their best to explain briefly what happened with them in different time frames...