Mushuk Nina is an ancient ritual that takes place in Ecuador during the Spring Equinox. For many cultures around the world, Spring is a time for rebirth and for indigenous people of the Ecuadorian Andes the appropriately named Mushuk Nina -'New Fire' in Quechua- also marks the beginning of their New Year. Every March 21, people gather to light a symbolic sun-powered fire and share it with the community while dancing and consuming foods provided by the blessings of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Inti Tayta (Father Sun). Click play to learn about this ancestral Andean festival that signals a blooming spiritual and physical new beginning!

Known for her powerful voice, loud outfits and infectious personality, Celia Cruz is one of the most prolific and beloved Cuban singers in history. She started her road to fame in her native Havana mastering popular Afro-Cuban musical styles like rumba, bolero, son cubano and guaracha. Celia and her beloved husband were forced into exile after Fidel Castro rose to power. Once in the United States, she conquered the music world as the Queen of Salsa and became a strong defender of the arts, culture and social justice causes. Click play to hear about the fascinating life, career and legacy of Celia Cruz, the one and only Reina de la salsa!

Equatorial Guinea is a country located on the west coast of Central Africa which -to the surprise of many- lists Spanish as an official language. However, this curious fact can be explained by its long and complicated history of colonization, traces of which can still be found on the country's day-to-day life and conversations. Tune in to our podcast to learn more about the complex history that shaped the culture and language identity of this African nation.

Located in Granada, Spain, the Alhambra is a breathtaking palace and fortress complex built during the Nasrid dynasty, making it one of the most impressive and best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture. Residence of both Muslim and Catholic rulers, today the Alhambra draws over two million tourists every year who wish to travel in time through the richly diverse history of Spain and be dazzled by the exquisitely designed palaces, archways, courtyards, fountains and gardens. Tune in to our podcast to hear more about the fascinating history and architectural wonders of this magnificent monument!

La Bamba is a popular Mexican folk song best known for its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics that interestingly enough has its origins in a tragic episode with pirates in the city of Veracruz many centuries ago.

However, it wasn't until 1958 that Mexican-American singer Ritchie Valens turned this traditional song into the massive hit that we know and love today.

Click play to learn the fascinating history of La Bamba, the first song entirely in Spanish to reach the #1 in the Billboard Hot 100 in the US!

Mmmm, churros… warm, crispy, soft, gooey, sweet, or savory, but always deliciosos! There are many theories about the origins of los churros.

Los conquistadores brought them to the Americas where they were miraculously married with chocolate. Today, you can find churros at markets, on the streets of Mexico City, at a fancy chocolatería in Madrid and even in a subway station in New York City.

Click play to hear how churros won the hearts and stomachs of people all over the worl!

Kisses can be a sign of affection, intimacy, respect; they can be sweet, formal, passionate, healing. Kisses can be used in greetings and even have positive effects on our health, like getting rid of headaches, boosting our inmune system and burning calories.

But, have you ever wondered about the origins of kissing and the many different cultural roles kisses play in the Spanish-speaking world?

Click play to discover the fascinating history of kissing and the significance of el beso in the Spanish-Speaking world!

Actress, model, host, producer, entrepreneur, survivor, and single mother, Sofía Vergara can do it all!

Best known to American audiences as the endearing 'Gloria' from Modern Family, the road to success for this Colombian powerhouse wasn't always smooth, but her resilience, self-confidence, take-charge attitude and her charming personality have earned her the admiration and respect of the TV and movie industry and the adoration of fans across the globe.

Click play to hear more about the inspirational life of Sofía Vergara, una mujer de armas tomar!

The grana cochinilla is an insect indigenous to the American continent with a very important skill: it can produce the carminic acid needed to achieve a strong shade of red dye.

Originally domesticated by the native people of Mexico, the cochinilla's crimson pigment became a staple in the textiles, headpieces and other ceremonial objects used by their elite.

Upon their arrival, the Spanish conquistadores quickly realized the value of this rich, durable pigment and turned it into one the greatest financial resources of their empire and la grana cochinilla into one of their best-kept secrets.

Click play to learn how this small insect brought new shades of colors into our lives!

The state of California is one of the many places in the American continent named by the Spanish conquistadores.

However, unlike other places, the origin of this word is something of a mystery.

Click play to listen to the different theories surrounding the word 'California'!