Podcast Summary: Cuerpos especiales – Barbadás (Ourense)

Podcast: Cuerpos especiales
Host(s): Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Esther (embajadora rural de Barbadás)
Date: February 16, 2026
Episode Theme: Highlighting the charm and traditions of Barbadás, a small village in Ourense, Galicia, as part of the “Pueblos Especiales” segment.

Main Theme

This episode centers on a nostalgic and lively conversation with Esther, who serves as the rural ambassador for Barbadás (Ourense) on Europa FM’s morning show. Through personal anecdotes, cultural highlights, and a dash of regional pride, the hosts and Esther celebrate what makes Barbadás special, encouraging listeners to support the village in the ongoing “Pueblos Especiales” contest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Contest & the Village

• Purpose: Each week, listeners represent their villages, and the community can vote for their favorite. The winning representative earns a “kit de cuerpos especiales.”
• [00:00] Host emphasizes the upcoming voting:

  “Te recordamos que… abriremos la votación en Europa FM punto com para que el representante del pueblo que más votos consiga se lleve un kit de cuerpos especiales.” – Eva

2. Esther’s Connection to Barbadás

• Esther is originally from Barcelona but spent every summer in Barbadás, experiencing a dramatic contrast between city life and rural customs.
• [00:33] Esther recalls:

  “Allí era como todo diferente, me iba a ver cómo cultivaban tierras… era como un mundo diferente.” – Esther

• For her, Barbadás is deeply meaningful, tied to family and childhood experiences.

3. Barbadás: People, Geography, and Personal Discovery

• The village itself is very small (“como 60 o 70 personas”), but functions as part of a larger “concello” (municipality).
• Esther only recently realized the true extent of the village, as family anecdotes revealed more about its geography.
• [01:24]

  “Toda mi vida… creía que mi pueblo era solamente la carretera por la que pasaba… resulta que mi pueblo es el grande.” – Esther

4. Local Celebrations: The Entroido (Carnival)

• The “Entroido” is a major event in Ourense. Locals celebrate for days, often from Thursday to Wednesday, taking time off work to fully embrace the festivities.
• [02:30] Esther explains:

  “No Barbadas mismo, pero en Ourense es súper conocido el Entroido… lo celebran mucho.”

• [02:32] She adds:

  “Desde el jueves hasta el miércoles sin trabajar… no paran de disfrazarse cada día también.”

5. Gastronomy in Barbadás and Surroundings

• Galician cuisine features heavily: cocido, pulpo, empanada, grelos, lacón con grelos.
• Esther highlights the role of family cooking:

  “Mi prima es muy buena cocinera… unas buenas lentejas… el cocido de ahí está muy bueno.”

• Mención especial al vino local:

  “Hay algo que yo no conocía de allí, que es el vino de Mencía… cada vez que me voy a los vinos… me tomo su buena copa de Mencía.” – Esther [03:58]

• The hosts confirm their appreciation for the local wine.

  “El Mencía lo conozco yo, es buenísimo.” – Eva [03:58]

6. Final Appeal for Votes: Why Barbadás Deserves to Win

• Esther passionately describes Barbadás’ contrasts, festivities, and its proximity to “la Ribeira Sacra,” positioning it as a special place both for locals and those from elsewhere.
• [04:12] Esther’s emotional closing speech:

  "Barbadás para mí es lo mejor… el entroido es lo mejor. Tener cerca la Ribeira Sacra es estupendo… Así que si podéis, votad por Barbadás, que está muy bien." – Esther

• Hosts praise her timing and enthusiasm.

  "Lo has clavado al minuto. Muchísimas gracias, Esther." – Nacho [04:54]

7. Closing Comments and Community Engagement

• Playful banter between the hosts about wanting either a trip or an empanada as a prize if Barbadás wins.
• Call to action for listeners:

  “Si queréis participar en Pueblos especiales, enviadnos un mensaje… nos explicáis por qué vuestro pueblo es el mejor de España y nosotros os llamamos y hablamos.” – Eva [05:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Urban and Rural Contrast:

  “Yo soy de Barcelona y soy muy de ciudad, entonces allí era como todo diferente.” – Esther [00:33]

• Surprises About Home:

  “De repente mi prima empieza a bajar para abajo el año pasado y me dice: ‘Pues ahí vivía tu tía antes…’ Y yo, ‘¿Pero todo esto también es de Barbadás?’ Me dijo: ‘Sí, qué fuerte.’” – Esther [01:24]

• Entroido Spirit:

  “Desde el jueves hasta el miércoles sin trabajar… no paran de disfrazarse cada día también.” – Esther [02:32]

• Galician Food as a Connection to Home:

  “Cada vez que voy me preparan empanada... si vengo, entreno en avión, me dejan empanada. Es que está tremendo.” – Esther [02:59]

• Rural Pride:

  “Barbadás, con su cima de Vila y con su calle, la carretera para conectar con otros pueblos, queda a cuatro kilómetros de Ourense. Yo creo que es espectacular.” – Esther [04:12]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:00: Introduction to the voting and competition
• 00:17: Esther joins and presents herself
• 00:26: Why Barbadás is important to Esther
• 01:24: Discussion on Barbadás’ population and geography
• 02:30: Explanation of Entroido and local traditions
• 02:59: Traditional foods of Barbadás and mention of Mencía wine
• 04:12: Esther’s final speech pitching Barbadás
• 04:54: Hosts wrap up the segment and express their gratitude

Tone & Style

The episode is informal, warm, and full of affectionate teasing, with a nostalgic and slightly humorous take on bridging urban and rural experiences. Esther’s storytelling and the hosts’ playful energy make for an engaging tribute to the unique qualities of small-town Galicia.

In short:
This episode is a heartfelt ode to Barbadás, spotlighting its understated beauty, vibrant traditions, and deep sense of community—all brought to life through Esther’s memories and the hosts’ engaging commentary. Ideal listening for anyone curious about small-town life, Galician culture, or the diversity of Spain’s rural landscape.