These popular, brimmed, straw hats are actually from Ecuador. Also known as sombrero de paja toquilla (toquilla straw hat), these hats are hand-crafted using a traditional palm-leaf weaving technique passed down from generation to generation in Ecuador.

So, why are these sombreros called Panama hats? The answer is linked to the construction of the Panama Canal. And on this week's episode of Spanish on the Go we'll tell you all about it.

🎧 Turn up the volume and hear the mind-blowing story of el sombrero de Panamá, or more accurately, el sombrero de Ecuador!

Pour yourself a refreshing glass of orange juice and get ready to hear the fascinating story of California's "Orange Gold Rush".

Long before California became part of the United States, the Spanish settlers and Jesuits missionaries started planting the orange seeds they brought with them from the Old World.

Soon, California had a booming citrus industry so massive that it gave its name to the very famous Orange County.

Grab your headphones, click play and learn how las naranjas españolas de California changed the history of the Golden State!

It started with a bell in the dead of night and a powerful cry of ¡Viva México! that sparked a revolution. 🔔✊

On this episode of Spanish on the Go, we're travelling back in time to the very moment where a brave group of Mexican people in the town of Nuestra Señora de Dolores changed the course of Mexican history forever.

🎧Relax, grab your favorite drink, put on your headphones and learn:

🔸Who were the conspirators that set the revolution in motion.

🔸What were their claims against the Spanish government.

🔸Why every year thousands of Mexicans gather to reenact the powerful Grito de Dolores with cheers of ¡Viva México!

Are you ready to dive in and improve your Spanish listening skills? Just click play!

Fish soup for breakfast? Yes, strange as it may sound, el encebollado is one of Ecuador's star dishes and a fool-proof cure for el chuchaqui (hangover).

With a perfectly-balanced mix of fish, spices, yuca, peppers, garlic, onions, and various toppings or side-dishes, starting your day with a delicious bowl of encebollado will give you the energy boost you need to conquer any obstacles that come your way. 💪

🎧So grab your headphones because on this week's brand-new episode of Spanish on the Go we're sharing all its secrets with you.

¿Te gusta la comida mexicana? Then sit back, relax and listen to the story of el nopal, a delicious ancestral ingredient tied back to the very core of Mexican people and their cultural identity. 🌵

Valued for its high-water content and rich nutrients, this species of cactus – also known as prickly pear- has many medicinal and industrial uses as well.

🎧 Here are some amazing facts about nopal that you'll learn on this episode of Spanish on the Go:

🔸Gift of the Gods: hear about the mythological origins of nopal. 🔸Superfood: discover its astounding health benefits. 🔸Source of riches: find out how a tiny parasite that lives on this cactus made the Spanish Empire extremely wealthy. 🔸And so much more!

👉 Ready to dive into the fascinating history of el nopal and improve your Spanish at the same time? ¡Vamos a escuchar!

🎧 New episode! Travel back in time and practice your Spanish!

Are you fascinated by mystery and ancient legends? On this episode, we dive deep into the heart of pre-Columbian Mexico to uncover its most astonishing mythological creatures. 🐍🦅

In just 12 minutes, you will learn:

🔸Why the Feathered Serpent Quetzalcóatl is the most important deity in Mesoamerica. 🔸How the little mischievous Aluxes can play tricks on strangers or protect those who leave them offerings. 🔸The dark secrets of the shape-shifting Nahual and the terrifying Ahuízotl.

👉 Press play and expand your mind (and your vocabulary)!

Rage and Tenderness: The Bold World of Oswaldo Guayasamín

Take a listen to the legendary Ecuadorian artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín. In this episode, we'll discover the soul of an unstoppable creator. One who beautifully captured the pain, anger, and deep tenderness of Latin America.

Get comfortable! Today, we dive into the life of a man who rose from poverty armed only with a paintbrush, massive talent, and unbreakable principles and fought against the social injustices of a whole continent.

Are you ready for a brand-new episode of Spanish on the Go? Click play and let's dive in!

Picture this: you're on a road trip with amigos along California's world-famous Route 101 and you start noticing bells with signs that read -in Spanish- "El Camino Real".

¿Qué es esto? Today on our Spanish Podcast we're telling you the real story of El Camino Real that connects 21 Spanish missions from San Diego to Sonoma and the clever marketing strategy that put this road -literally- on the map.

Are you ready for a new episode of Spanish on the Go? Listen now!

Costa Rica is one of the world's five Blue Zones, specifically, the Nicoya Peninsula region. Here –on average- people can live over a 100 years. To achieve this marvel the residents of rural Nicoya know that the key to a long, healthy and happy life is to live quite simply.

Click play to learn more about Nicoya's slow-paced lifestyle and the valuable lessons we can learn to enjoy an extended, stress-free life.

Aguacate, palta, avocado, no matter what we call it, this delicious fruit is present in the meals of millions of people around the world. El aguacate was first domesticated and farmed by the Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America thousands of years ago. Rich, creamy and colorful, el aguacate has numerous health benefits and it's a commercial success to the point of being called 'Green Gold'.

Click play now to hear how avocados took the culinary, financial and digital worlds by storm, one guacamole at a time!