Spanish On the Go! - Improve your listening comprehension skills with our authentic podcasts

Cats are loved, feared and -sometimes- hated. Our love for cats goes back to Ancient Egypt when wild cats earned the admiration of the Egyptians with their ability to protect crops from rodents and snakes. This instance marked the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between cats and humans. However, as the domestic cat population started to spread across Europe, they weren't always welcome, and superstition and religious fanaticism led the species to the brink of extinction in the early 15th century.

Click play to learn more about cats' journey from revered hunters and protectors in Ancient Egypt to spoiled and beloved household pets!

On December 12, people all over Mexico come together to celebrate el Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, patroness of this country.

This day marks the anniversary of a series of apparitions by the Virgin Mary in front of an indigenous man in the Hill of Tepeyac, who with the sanction of the Catholic Church, built a sanctuary in her honor.

The cult of the Virgen de Guadalupe quickly spread throughout Mexico and other parts of the Catholic world. Nowadays, la Basílica de Guadalupe in Tepeyac, is one of the most-visited Catholic shrine in the world, receiving approximately 5 million visitors every Día de la Virgen.

Click play to learn the story of la Virgen de Guadalupe and her significance in Mexican history and culture!

Tango is a famous music genre and dance that originated in Argentina in the 19th century thanks to a special fusion of musical influences from all over the world. Although people are quick to point out tango's European origins, they often dismiss, ignore, or whitewash the important Afro-Argentine roots that laid the foundation for this passionate and melancholic rhythm.

Click play to hear how Afro-Argentine influence shaped one of Argentina's most beloved cultural icons!

Piropos are phrases used to compliment someone's qualities, particularly a woman's physical beauty. Attitudes about piropos have changed over the years and across cultures: while some consider them a poetic form of flattery and harmless flirtation, to others they're a vulgar, aggressive and outdated display of sexism. Click play to learn more about the evolution of people's view on piropos and what they can reveal about our culture.

Tinto de verano is a refreshing summer drink from Spain made with red wine and soda. Although its true origins are unclear, the delicious tinto de verano has been a seasonal staple in Spain for generations, and -in recent years- it has even surpassed the popular sangría. Click play to hear more about el tinto de verano and learn how to make it at home!

Ángeles Santos was a gifted Spanish artist that broke into the male-dominated art scene in 1929 at only 18-years old. Santos was celebrated by peers and art critics by her unique deeply-imaginative paintings. However, her family strongly disapproved of her artistic aspirations which led to a dark chapter of her life and a stark change in her work.

Click play to discover the life and work of this groundbreaking artist!

The bolero is a music genre and dance intrinsically linked to Latin America's cultural identity. The history of the bolero starts in Spain, but it truly flourished in Cuba with its rich African and Caribbean musical influences. During the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, this country embraced bolero's tales of love, heartbreak, and betrayal, turning this passionate musical style into an international phenomenon. Click play to learn more about the evolution of el romántico bolero and the iconic artists who have made us swoon with their performances!

Samuel Zemurray, also known as Sam the Banana Man, was a Russian-born, US businessman who made his fortune on the fruit trade -particularly bananas. Zemurray's business practices were very controversial and often bordered on the illegal. To advance his financial gain, he actively instigated and supported military coups and US interventionism in Honduras, Guatemala and Colombia. On the good side, he was an active philanthropist both in the United States and in Latin America.

Click play to hear about the complex business, political and philanthropic legacy of Sam the Banana Man, including the infamous term 'Banana Republic'.

Mexican cuisine is known for its ancient well-balanced mix of fresh and flavorful local ingredients. Behind every delicious taco, mole, or chiles en nogada there are hundreds of years of culinary traditions and techniques. Nowadays, Mexican staple ingredients and dishes can be found all over the world, yet if you really want to try la auténtica comida mexicana there's no place like Mexico.

Click play to learn more about the history, cultural significance, and delicious flavors of this popular cuisine!

During the American Revolution, Spain aided the Thirteen Colonies by providing funds, weapons, reinforcements and troops, including a noted military leader from Málaga by the name of Bernardo de Gálvez. As governor of Spanish Louisiana, Gálvez provided valuable support to the American rebels, and led an impressive army that defeated and weakened the British forces in key territories.

Click play to learn more about the personal and military life of Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish Hero of the American Revolution!