Ever heard of the Basque Christmas gift-giver who replaces Santa Claus? 🎅

In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, I talk with Aitor Pisos, a Spanish teacher from Bilbao, about Olentzero, one of northern Spain’s most unique holiday figures.

We explore who Olentzero is, why he’s connected to coal, how he’s traditionally portrayed, and the modern celebrations featuring children’s letters, Basque carols, and lively Christmas Eve parades.

Ready? ¡Vamos!

📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
https://latinele.com/who-is-olentzero-basque-christmas/

🌐 Connect with Aitor: 
Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/ElProfesorAitor
Sitio web: https://www.elprofesoraitor.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElProfesorAitor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elprofesoraitor/

✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

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✈️ Planning a trip and want to pick up the language fast?

In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, I chat with Lindsay from Lindsay Does Languages about smart ways to prepare before you travel.

We talk about what to focus on when time is short, how to make the most of your learning, and why a little language can go a long way when exploring a new country.

Perfect for travelers who want quick, practical tips to boost their confidence abroad. 🌍✨

📝 Study the episode along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog 👇
https://latinele.com/language-learning-tips-for-travelers/

🌐 Connect with Lindsay:

👉 Lindsay's website: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com 

👉 Free Vocab List: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocablist

👉 Language Life: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll

✈️ Ready for your next Spanish adventure? Get our FREE SPANISH ADVENTURES COMPANION to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos! ⬇️

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If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

Who was the real Don Juan, and what does he have to do with ghosts and All Saints’ Day? 👻

In this episode, Marco chats with Spanish teacher Paloma García to explore the origins of the legendary womanizer, his role in Spanish culture, and why his story is traditionally told on November 1st.

Get ready for a mix of history, literature, and a touch of the supernatural en español. ¡Vamos!

📝 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog 👇
https://latinele.com/story-of-don-juan-in-spanish-culture/

🌐 Connect with Paloma 👇
💻 Website: https://www.sicomprendo.net/
🎁 Subscribe for a gift from Paloma: https://www.sicomprendo.net/cadeaux-de-bienvenue/

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If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

⛪ What secret connects Quito’s Basílica del Voto Nacional with the end of the world?

In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, we explore the capital with local teacher Andrés.

From the lively Plaza Grande to Ecuador’s unique flavors—like cuy and the surprising meaning of merienda—this journey is packed with culture.

And of course, discover why the Basílica is one of Quito’s most fascinating and mysterious landmarks.

📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️ 
https://latinele.com/quito-ecuador-spanish-listening/

Join us for history, food, and fun curiosities that will bring Quito to life in Spanish!

❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

🇨🇱 What’s it really like to live in Chile? 🇨🇱

In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, we chat with Spanish teacher Gianella Solari about Chile’s culture, food, and traditions.

Is it true that making close friends in Chile can be a challenge? 😳

Gianella shares her perspective and how finding a community through sports or language exchange can open doors.

We’ll also dive into Chile’s delicious gastronomy—from sopaipillas to pastel de choclo—and explore the country’s biggest celebration, Las Fiestas Patrias, where food, music, and the cueca take center stage.

Ready to explore Chile? ¡Vamos!

📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
https://latinele.com/chile-culture-and-gastronomy/

Reach out to Gianella ⬇️
📩 Subscribe to her newsletter and get additional Spanish resources https://gianellasolari.com/
✉️ Email: [email protected]

❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Listen to Spanish for The Camino on all major listening apps. 

📚 Discover Spanish through story. Get a FREE chapter of "Mi Primer Camino" and get ready for your next aventura 👇
https://www.spanishforthecamino.com/mi-primer-chapter

Spanish for the Camino is available on all major listening apps ⬇️

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcast 

Listen on Audible

¡Buen camino! 👋

___

Soon more episodes of Basic Spanish Conversations, Stay tuned! 

Hasta la próxima, 

Marco


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/basic-spanish-conversations--6124549/support.

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🎤 Why is Julio Iglesias all over Spanish-speaking memes every July?

In thIis special July episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, Marco dives into the world of internet memes featuring Spanish singer Julio Iglesias.

📆 You’ll learn who Julio is, why his face appears every July.

We’ll also hear what Julio himself thinks about this meme tradition. What could his thoughts be? 🤭

A light and cultural way to practice your Spanish and learn a bit of humor from the Spanish-speaking internet!

📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
https://latinele.com/why-julio-iglesias-is-a-july-meme/

❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

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Can a millennial decode Gen Z Spanish slang? 🤨

In this fun episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, Colombian teacher Jessica, a proud millennial, takes on the challenge of guessing the meaning of words and expressions used by Gen Z.

Will she keep up or get totally lost in translation?

A great episode to learn modern Spanish slang and see how language changes across generations.

✉️ Learn a new word every week. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.

❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✉️ Learn one Spanish word a week—straight to your inbox! Subscribe free, unsubscribe anytime.

In this episode, you’ll discover La Huldra, a mysterious and seductive forest creature from Norway 🇳🇴

What does this have to do with Spanish?

This episode was created by a Spanish learner just like you!

Sunniva, from Norway, shares one of her country’s fascinating legends—en español

A perfect blend of language learning and cultural storytelling. ¡Disfruta!

❓ Episode questions and their answers 

1️⃣ ¿Cómo es la apariencia de la Huldra?
La Huldra es una mujer joven y muy hermosa, con el pelo largo y dorado. Tiene una cola de vaca o de caballo, y a veces también orejas de lince.

2️⃣ ¿Cómo puedes protegerte de ella?
Para protegerte de la Huldra puedes decir “el nombre de Jesús” o rezar el “Padre Nuestro”. El sonido de las campanas de la iglesia también ayuda a los que han sido atrapados.

📚 Study along with the TRANSCRIPT and don't miss any details.

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What’s that bitter drink everyone shares in Argentina? It’s called mate! 🧉

In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, Marco chats with Argentine teacher Melany Di Leva about this unique South American infusion.

A fun, cultural episode perfect for Spanish learners curious about real-life traditions in Latin America.

💬 Connect with Melany from Easy Argetine Spanish ⬇️
Website: https://easyargentinespanish.com/
Get Melany's Quick Guide to Argentine Pronunciation

🏝️ Pre-order our course Go Places with Spanish at a special early bird price. Don’t wait — the price will go up soon! ⬇️
https://latinele.uteach.io/courses/spanish-for-travelers

If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/basic-spanish-conversations--6124549/support.