Podcast Summary: Cuerpos Especiales (Europa FM)

Episode: Borja (Zaragoza)

Date: March 24, 2026
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Elena (Embajadora rural de Borja)

Main Theme

This episode’s spotlight falls on Borja, a town in Zaragoza, as part of the “Pueblos Especiales” series where different towns compete for the title of the most special village in Spain. Elena, Borja's enthusiastic ambassador, takes listeners on a vibrant tour through the town’s culture, food, history, and local flavor, while the hosts inject their signature humor throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to Borja

• Elena introduces Borja, known for the famous Ecce Homo restoration fiasco that put the town on the map.
  • Quote:
    • Eva: “Así según lo dices, a todos nos suena por ser el pueblo donde está el ecce homo de Borja.” (00:38)

Town Profile

• Population: Just over 5,000 inhabitants. (00:55)
• Gentilicio: People from Borja are called "borjanos y borjanas." (01:29)

Culture & Festivities

• Borja is highlighted for its rich cultural life: theater, stand-up comedy, festivals, and a strong emphasis on community celebrations. (01:02–01:17)
• Nacho jokingly laments not being invited to perform a monologue. (01:17)

Local Cuisine

• The “rancho” is a staple dish, especially during fiestas—a kind of meat and potato stew, cooked and eaten in communal contests.
  • Quote:
    • Elena: “Siempre que hay fiesta, entre las peñas hay concurso de rancho y comemos luego todos juntos en la plaza.” (01:38)
• The “trenza de Borja” is a celebrated pastry, made with puff pastry, honey, raisins, and walnuts.
  • Quote:
    • Elena: “A veces es con hojaldre y un poco de miel, pasas, nueces.” (02:03)

Monuments & History

• Borja holds remnants of a 9th-century wall, locally called the castle (“el castillo de Borja”), and the impressive 12th-century “Colegiata de Santa María.”
  • Quote / Notable Moment:
    • Nacho mishears "colegiata" as "conejita," leading into a funny back-and-forth.
      • Nacho: “La conejita, digo, esto es rarísimo.” (02:43)
      • Eva: “La conejita de Santa María de Borja. Si, todo el mundo la conoce porque pasa por la gente diciendo…” (02:46)
• The town features 16th-century palace houses, and Jewish and Moorish quarters, adding to its rich architectural tapestry. (02:56, 04:38)

Ecce Homo Update

• The now-iconic restoration of the fresco still attracts visitors; it's housed in the Santuario de Misericordia near the town.
  • Quote:
    • Elena: “Sigue igual. Está en el Santuario de Misericordia, que es un monte que está al lado de Borja, y ahí está, en la iglesia del santuario. Y muy bien. Muchos turistas todos los años estamos recibiendo.” (03:20)

Local Expressions

• The term “amante” is a warm, common term of address, regardless of acquaintance—a quirk the hosts find both charming and hilarious.
  • Quote:
    • Elena: “Se dice mucho… cuando quieren hablar con alguien dicen ¿Qué pasa, amante?…da igual que te conozca, que no, que siempre te va a decir amante.” (03:50)
  • Eva jokes: “amante, qué me alegro de saberlo antes, porque si no lo mismo voy a Borja y tenemos un lío.” (03:59)

“Why Borja is the Best” Speech

• Elena passionately defends Borja’s claim to greatness with a poetic speech, highlighting:
  • Its location at the foot of Moncayo, under the “castillo"
  • Lively cultural scene: Festival Amante, San Jorge Rock, Rocking Rasm, dances, choral days
  • Spirit of community, with locals and outsiders sharing wine and food
  • Rich history, visible in structures from the medieval to renaissance periods
  • Welcoming attitude to visitors
  • Notable Summary:
    • Elena: “…Borja está lleno de vida gracias a sus vecinos y vecinas y las diferentes propuestas culturales… Lo que más nos gusta a los borjanos y borjanas es celebrar todos juntos en la calle… Siempre dispuestos a acoger a todos aquellos que quieran visitarnos y conocernos…” (04:38–05:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elena on local expression:
  • “¿Qué pasa, amante?” (03:50)
• Eva, playfully:
  • “Eres la mejor amante, Elena.” (05:37)
• Nacho’s confusion:
  • “La conejita, digo, esto es rarísimo.” (02:43)

Timestamps for Segments

• 00:00 – Introduction to Pueblos Especiales and contest mechanics
• 00:36 – Elena introduces Borja
• 01:02 – Culture and festivals in Borja
• 01:38 – Local food traditions
• 02:27 – Monuments and history
• 03:20 – Ecce Homo update
• 03:50 – Typical expressions from Borja
• 04:38 – Elena’s speech: Why Borja is the best village
• 05:37 – Episode wrap-up and listener participation info

Overall Tone

The tone is breezy and humorous, with the hosts cheering on Borja and riffing off Elena’s responses. The energy feels lively and authentic, with playful banter, miscommunications, and heartfelt descriptions that convey Borja’s unique charm.

Conclusion

This episode offers a delightful, spirited portrait of Borja, through the narrative of an impassioned local. While the hosts joke and tease, the deep appreciation for the town's history, food, customs, and community spirit shines through—making Borja an inviting contender in the “Pueblos Especiales” contest.