Learn Spanish and Go

We dive into the fascinating world of avocados, from their ancient origins in Mesoamerica to their modern global popularity. We share personal stories about growing up with avocados, our favorite dishes like chilaquiles, ceviche, and guacamole, and even reveal some of our secret ingredients for making guacamole at home. Along the way, we explore the meaning behind the word “aguacate,” the story of the famous Hass avocado, Mexico’s role as the world’s top avocado producer, and how this fruit became a worldwide obsession. You’ll also learn fun cultural facts, different names for avocados across Latin America, and practical tips for choosing the perfect ripe avocado at the store.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the history and cultural importance of avocados in Mexico and Latin America.
• Discover different avocado varieties, including Hass, Fuerte, and Criollo, and how they differ.
• Get tips for picking ripe avocados and hear our favorite ways to enjoy them in Mexican cuisine.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 257 – Palabras del Náhuatl que Forman Parte de tu Vocabulario | Nahuatl Words That Are Part of Your Vocabulary
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In the second part of our series about Mexico’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, we dive deeper into some of the country’s most fascinating traditions and cultural expressions. We talk about the Totonac Indigenous Arts Center in Veracruz, the world of charros and charrería, the famous Talavera pottery of Puebla, romantic bolero music, and massive community celebrations like the Romería of the Virgin of Zapopan and the Passion of Christ reenactment in Iztapalapa. Along the way, we share personal stories, cultural observations, and the things that surprised us most while learning about these traditions, helping you better understand the diversity and richness of Mexican culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about several of Mexico’s UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural traditions and why they are culturally important.
• Discover how traditions like charrería, Talavera, and bolero music continue to be preserved and passed down through generations.
• Explore how religion, community, music, craftsmanship, and indigenous knowledge all play an important role in Mexican identity.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 318 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I
• 317 – ¿Qué es la UNESCO y Por qué Importa Cuando Viajamos? | What is UNESCO and Why Does it Matter When We Travel?
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We take you beyond landmarks and into the living traditions that define Mexico’s cultural identity. We explore UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage like Day of the Dead, the Voladores de Papantla, traditional cuisine, and mariachi—breaking down their deeper cultural, spiritual, and historical significance beyond what most people see on the surface. By the end, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how these traditions are preserved, why they matter, and how they continue to shape communities across Mexico today.

Key Takeaways:

• Intangible cultural heritage focuses on living traditions like rituals, music, and food that are actively practiced and passed down through generations.
• Iconic traditions like Day of the Dead and mariachi have deeper cultural and historical roots beyond their popularized versions.
• Preserving these traditions helps protect indigenous identity, language, and community connections in modern Mexico.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 319 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte II | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part II
• 317 – ¿Qué es la UNESCO y Por qué Importa Cuando Viajamos? | What is UNESCO and Why Does it Matter When We Travel?
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You’ve probably seen the “UNESCO World Heritage Site” label while traveling—but do you actually know what it means? In this episode, we reveal the surprising truth behind UNESCO, from how places earn this prestigious title to the hidden responsibilities that come with it. We also share real examples from our travels in Mexico, uncover lesser-known types of recognitions (yes, even food and traditions!), and explain why this global system plays a much bigger role in culture, tourism, and even protection during war than most people realize.

Key Takeaways:

• UNESCO protects more than landmarks—it also preserves traditions, knowledge, and cultural practices.
• Becoming a UNESCO site involves a strict process and long-term responsibility, not just prestige.
• UNESCO recognition helps protect global heritage while promoting cultural pride and meaningful travel.

Links And Additional Resources:

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We take you through Zacatlán de las Manzanas in Puebla, a lush highland town surrounded by forests, ravines, and cool mountain air. From its rich apple industry—turned into cider, pies, breads, and more—to its vibrant cultural identity shaped by the Pueblos Mágicos program, this town is full of unexpected discoveries. We also share our experience riding a local tram tour that revealed historic landmarks, canyon viewpoints, and the fascinating Callejón del Hueso with its legendary stories and iconic vitromurals. These massive mosaic artworks tell the story of Zacatlán’s creative transformation, blending international influence with local artistry. Along the way, we also explore its food, scenic views, and relaxed atmosphere that makes it a refreshing escape from city life. If you’re looking for a destination near Mexico City or Puebla that combines nature, culture, and authenticity, this episode will show you why Zacatlán deserves a spot on your list.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Zacatlán de las Manzanas is one of Mexico’s most unique and scenic Pueblos Mágicos
• How apples shaped the town’s culture, economy, and everyday life
• The story behind its famous vitromurals and the cultural transformation they represent

Links And Additional Resources:

• 003 – Pueblos Mágicos de México | Magic Towns of Mexico
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We talk about how a simple conversation about Santi’s zodiac sign made us realize we had never explored horoscopes on the podcast before. From growing up with horoscope segments on TV in Mexico to seeing how common they are in media, we reflect on their cultural presence and why people find them so appealing. We also break down the basics of astrology, explore the traits of each zodiac sign, and discuss whether horoscopes are just fun entertainment or something people take too seriously when making decisions about relationships and life.

Key Takeaways:

• Horoscopes are deeply embedded in everyday culture, especially in Latin America.
• Astrology can feel accurate because descriptions are broad and relatable.
• It’s important to enjoy horoscopes without letting them define your choices or future.

Links And Additional Resources:

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We take you inside the dramatic Semana Santa celebration in Iztapalapa, where the Passion of Christ is brought to life in a way that’s both emotional and incredibly realistic. We talk about how this tradition started nearly 200 years ago during a cholera outbreak and how it has grown into a massive event recognized by UNESCO, attracting millions of spectators each year. Along the way, we share our thoughts on how religion and culture often overlap in Mexico, what it takes to participate in this intense reenactment, and why even younger generations are still drawn to it today.

Key Takeaways:

• Semana Santa in Iztapalapa is a powerful blend of religious devotion and cultural tradition.
• The Passion Play is highly realistic but carefully staged to balance impact and safety.
• Participation is a huge honor that reflects community pride, identity, and dedication.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 209 – La Feria Más Bonita de Comala – Ponche, Pan y Café | The Most Beautiful Fair of Comala – Ponche, Bread, and Coffee
• 156 – Semana Santa y Pascua al Estilo Mexicano | Holy Week and Easter’s the Mexican Style
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May talks about the novel El Murmullo de las Abejas by Sofía Segovia, a beautiful and emotional story set in Linares, Nuevo León, during the early 1900s. We explore the life of Simonopio, a mysterious child with a deep connection to nature, and how his presence shapes the Morales family through times of revolution, land reform, and the Spanish flu pandemic. Along the way, we share why this novel is so memorable, how it blends history with subtle magical elements, and why it’s a great recommendation if you want to improve your Spanish while learning more about Mexican culture and storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about a beloved Mexican novel that combines history, family drama, and magical elements.
• Discover how real historical events like the Mexican Revolution and the Spanish flu influence the story.
• Get inspired to practice Spanish through books that are engaging, emotional, and culturally rich. 📚✨

Links And Additional Resources:

• 268 – Cien Años de Soledad | One Hundred Years of Solitude
• 242 – Pedro Páramo | Pedro Páramo
• 221 – Como Agua para Chocolate | Like Water for Chocolate
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We share simple and practical ways you can create your own Spanish immersion at home, inspired by ideas from our friend Babbs, who has joined several of our immersion retreats in Mexico. We talk about activities like narrating your daily life in Spanish, cooking using Spanish recipes, and finding small real-world opportunities to practice speaking—even if it’s just asking a question at a restaurant or market. We also explain how teaching someone else, trying a “Spanish day,” and adjusting these activities to your level can help you improve faster. Plus, we address common challenges like feeling shy, not having someone to practice with, or thinking you don’t have enough time—and how to overcome them. By the end, you’ll have realistic strategies to surround yourself with Spanish and build confidence little by little.

Key Takeaways:

• You can create Spanish immersion at home by narrating your daily activities and using the language in everyday situations.
• Multisensory activities like cooking in Spanish help you remember vocabulary and make learning more natural.
• Small, consistent habits—even just a few minutes a day—can build confidence and significantly improve your Spanish over time.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 227 – De Bombero a Bilingue: El Camino de Babbs | From Firefighter to Bilingual: Babb’s Journey
• Overcome your fear like Babbs did and sign up for Spanish Immersion Retreats
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We dive into how Arabic influenced Spanish vocabulary through centuries of cultural exchange during the time of Al-Andalus. We share a personal story that sparked our curiosity, explore patterns like the “al-” prefix, and break down common words you probably didn’t know came from Arabic—like almohada, azúcar, and ojalá. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these connections in everyday Spanish, but also gain a deeper appreciation for how languages evolve and reflect history across cultures.

Key Takeaways:

• Thousands of Spanish words come from Arabic due to centuries of coexistence in the Iberian Peninsula
• Recognizing patterns like the “al-” prefix can help you identify Arabic-origin words
• Language is a reflection of history, shaped by cultural exchange and human connection

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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Support the show