Cuerpos Especiales – Bédar (Almería)

Podcast: EuropaFM
Episode Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: María Ángeles (oyente)

Overview

In this vibrant and affectionate episode, the morning show team welcomes María Ángeles, a listener originally from Viladecans, Barcelona, but with deep ties to the small Almerían village of Bédar. Through her enthusiastic storytelling, María Ángeles transports listeners to the heart of Bédar, sharing local traditions, cultural highlights, food, and especially the town’s renowned community spirit and festivities. The episode captures the nostalgia of Spanish village life and celebrates the unique charm of small-town Spain.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introducing Bédar

• Population & Location
  • Bédar is a quaint village in the Sierra de los Filabres, Almería. Officially, 976 inhabitants are registered, but the guest suspects the real number fluctuates, swelling in summer.

    “Están empadronados 976 habitantes … en verano somos muchos más ... en invierno unos poquitos menos.” – María Ángeles [00:31]

• Geography
  • Bédar borders Los Gallardos, Turres, Obras, Lubrín, and Antas.
• History
  • Once a mining town until the 1970s; mining history is central to its identity.

Must-Sees in Bédar

• La Ruta Minera

  • A scenic circular walking path exploring mining heritage:
    • See cargaderos (loading docks), San Miguel tunnel, and various quirky-named ‘estaciones de carga’.
    • “Este sendero lo he hecho y es precioso.” – María Ángeles [01:42]

• Pedestrian Life

  • The village’s narrow, winding streets don’t permit vehicles; visitors must park at the football field and walk, making the town tranquil and pedestrian-friendly.

    “El pueblo es chiquitico, no caben los coches ... solo se puede caminar por el pueblo.” – María Ángeles [02:04]

• Village Quirk

  • Occasional accidents when large vehicles get stuck on tight streets.

    “Es pueblo de estos que de vez en cuando se queda un camión atascado en una calle.” – Eva Soriano [02:20]

Gastronomy

• Local Dishes
  • “Patatas a lo pobre,” lamb, lech (presumably “lechal” or young lamb), and other Andalusian delights feature heavily.
• Celebration Foods
  • Special mention of “roscos” (ring-shaped pastries) thrown from balconies during festivals.

    “Lo más bonito es que tiran roscos.” – María Ángeles [02:55]

Festivities & Traditions

• Calendar of Festivities

  • May: San Gregorio Festival, highlighted by the roscos tradition.
  • July: Elections for the festival Queen and Dames, “la fiesta de las Pirnas y los Serenas.”
  • August: Near-weekly festivals including the Festival Andalusí and the Fiesta de los Giles.
  • September: The renowned “Moros y Cristianos” festival in honor of the Virgen de la Cabeza, featuring costumed reenactments with alternating victories. Ends with a community paella and open-air dance.

    “La mejor, la fiesta de Moros y Cristianos, que ... hay un enfrentamiento entre moros y cristianos, todos ataviados como en la época ... y como colofón final hay una paellada popular y todas las noches fiesta a verbena, que es lo mejor.” – María Ángeles [04:16]

• Routes and Sights

  • Ruta de los Sentidos: Urban walk to notable village sites.
    • Highlights: The Albarica Alfawara (ancient Arabic-named water source), a baby-friendly spring, troughs for animals, and historic laundry basins.

      “Albarica significa la fuente nueva ... hay pilones para que vean las bestias también. Y un lavadero donde lavaban las mujeres. Mi madre lavaba en ese lavadero.” – María Ángeles [03:44, 03:57]

Personal Touch & Memorable Moments

• María Ángeles’ preparation and pride shine throughout the interview, much to the hosts’ admiration:

  “Me gusta mucho ... porque se nota que le tiene muchísimo cariño a tu pueblo, porque te lo has currado mogollón, te lo has preparado todo, positivas y todo.” – Eva Soriano [05:03]

  • María Ángeles jokes about wishing she could have presented a PowerPoint.

    “El PowerPoint porque no se puede poner por la radio, que si no lo hubiese hecho.” – María Ángeles [05:12]

• María Ángeles and her daughter are fans of Eva’s comedy and have bought tickets for her upcoming Barcelona show—adding a personal anecdote and genuine connection to the hosts.

  • [05:24–05:49]

Call to Listeners

• The hosts wrap up by urging other listeners with beloved hometown stories to call in and participate.

  “Si tenéis un pueblo de toda la vida, que le tengáis mucho cariño ... queréis hablar de él en nuestro programa, recordad que nos podéis escribir…” – Nacho García [05:57]

Notable Quotes

• On Bédar’s Calm:

  “Es pueblo peatonal. Solo pueden andar los peatones, no se puede meter coches.” – Nacho García [02:29]

• On Festivities:

  “En agosto, Festival Andalusí, el festival de los Giles. En julio, la fiesta de las Pirnas y los Serenas... en septiembre, la mejor, la fiesta de Moros y Cristianos ... lo mejor.” – María Ángeles [04:16]

• On Local Rituals:

  “Mi madre lavaba en ese lavadero.” – María Ángeles [03:57]

• On Being Prepared:

  “El PowerPoint porque no se puede poner por la radio, que si no lo hubiese hecho...” – María Ángeles [05:12]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Whereabouts: [00:01] – [00:31]
• History, Geography, and the Mining Route: [01:03] – [01:49]
• Village Layout and Car-Free Life: [02:04] – [02:29]
• Food and Celebrations Overview: [02:39] – [03:11]
• Fountains, Washing Places, Village Details: [03:44] – [03:57]
• Fiestas, Traditions, and Notable Events: [04:14] – [05:03]
• Personal Moments & Closing: [05:24] – [06:17]

Summary

This episode stands out for its warmth and authenticity, with María Ángeles giving a heartfelt presentation that showcases both the timeless charm and the vibrant festivities of Bédar, Almería. The hosts’ lively banter and encouragement add a cheerful morning-show energy, letting listeners feel the pull of rural tradition, family ties, and community celebrations. It’s a charming invitation to discover the hidden joys of Spanish village life.