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

Cumbia is a musical genre and folk dance from the Caribbean region of Colombia and it's upbeat, infectious rhythm reflects the fusion of Indigenous, African and Spanish cultures. The modern Colombian cumbia expanded all over Latin America where it was embraced by many countries as part of their own cultural identity and infused with new musical styles and traditions. Cumbia is considered the musical spine of the continent from North America to the Patagonia.

Click play to embark on a journey throughout the musical evolution of cumbia!

Nowadays, Cinnamon is -without a doubt- one of the most popular spices used for both sweets and savory foods all over the culinary world.

Known for its intoxicating scent and many health benefits, by the 13th century cinnamon was a highly-coveted trading good and the secrets of its harvesting were safely guarded.

Kingdoms and empires fought for the monopoly of its trade and the quest for a more effective spice route ultimately led Christopher Columbus to set sail on a journey that would alter the course of history.

Click play to learn how this sweet aromatic spice changed the world!

Coyoacán is a neighborhood in Mexico City first established in pre-Hispanic times, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant art scene. Over the years, Coyoacán managed to preserve its quiet way of life which attracted renowned artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and Octavio Paz. A bohemian vibe, with UNESCO sites, gardens, museums, and even an archaeological site are some of the reasons that make Coyoacán a magical neighborhood. Click play on our podcast to hear the enchanting history of this charming Mexican neighborhood!

El vallenato is a music genre from the Caribbean region of Colombia that combines Aboriginal, African and Indigenous rhythms and instruments with European musical traditions. Known for its cheerful melodies and troubadour-like verses, legend has it that el vallenato originated during a duel between a versador and the devil himself. Today, thanks to internationally acclaimed artists like Carlos Vives, el vallenato has taken hold across Latin America, particularly in countries like Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico. Click play to learn more about the vallenato's legendary origins and musical tradition!

The Mariposas del café are a group of indigenous trans women from Colombia who, after being shunned by their ethic communities for not conforming to the norm, settled on the town of Santuario to work on the region's main industry: coffee farms. This trans indigenous community has experienced and continues to suffer discrimination, exploitation and other hardships for simply trying to live as their authentic selves. Now, they're fighting hard for their rights and cultural traits. Click play to hear the moving and inspiring story of these resilient Mariposas del café!

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!