Cuerpos Especiales – “Castielfabib (Valencia)”

Podcast: Europa FM
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Elena (embajadora rural de Castielfabib)

Overview

In this engaging episode of Cuerpos Especiales, the team continues their “Pueblos Especiales” segment by spotlighting Castielfabib, a small yet lively village in Valencia, as told by local ambassador Elena. The discussion covers Castielfabib’s demographics, culinary traditions, lively festivals, and unique local spirit, all with the show's signature humor and warmth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to “Pueblos Especiales” and Voting

• [00:05] The hosts explain the ongoing series in which Spanish village ambassadors share charms of their hometowns. The audience will vote at the end of the week for their favorite, with the winner getting a “kit de cuerpos especiales”.

2. Meet the Ambassador: Elena from Castielfabib

• [00:18] Elena joins the call from Teruel (noting it's near the village).
• Jokingly affirms "Teruel existe," highlighting regional pride.

3. About Castielfabib

• [00:32–01:29]
  • Technically in Valencia, but close to Teruel.
  • Census claims 287 inhabitants, but “en invierno pueden haber unos 20” (in winter only about 20 actual residents), as many are spread among small hamlets.
  • The micro-community flavor is emphasized with sympathy and humor.
  • Quote [01:29]: Elena: “Al menos en invierno.” (“At least in winter.”)

4. Gastronomy of Castielfabib

• [01:30–02:31]
  • The specialty is gachas: A hearty dish made of flour, typically mixed with sausage (longaniza) and assorted meats.
  • Eating gachas requires skill:
    • “Las probabilidades de atragantarte, al menos de pequeño, son demasiadas.” (“Choking risks as a kid are high.”) – Elena [01:52]
  • Traditional accompaniment: Older folk prefer it “con un buen vaso de vino con gaseosa,” while Elena recommends “litros y litros de agua.”
    • Quote [02:19]: “Quizá cualquier abuelo de mi pueblo os diría que os las comáis con un buen vaso de vino con gaseosa, pero yo os diría que con muchísima agua…” — Elena

5. Festivities and Traditions

• [02:31–04:12]
  • Main Fiestas: August (main village festival), September (Virgen de Tejeda), and especially “fiestas de Pascua,” Elena’s favorite.
  • Pascua Tradition: “La planta” — Villagers fetch giant poplar trees (chopos) from the river, accompanied by music, sangría, and celebration, then carry them to the square.
    • Quote [03:25]: Host: “Me gusta mucho el tengo chopo, tengo chopito…”
  • La Noche de las Hachas:
    • [03:37] Two-night festival, originally just one, now expanded due to popularity.
    • Includes a torch-lit procession through the village, with medieval reenactments centered around their historic castle (conquered early by the Kingdom of Aragón).
    • “Parecemos un poco el tribunal de la Inquisición, pero normalmente vamos por diferentes sitios del pueblo…” — Elena [03:37]
  • Humorous aside: The hosts joke that the “Noche de las Hachas” might explain the low winter population.

6. Elena’s One-Minute Pitch

• [04:21–05:10]
  • Dramatic and heart-felt, she sells Castielfabib as unmissable because of its viewpoints, hiking trail (ruta de las hoces), summer poolside burger bar, lively fairs, and the unique combination of traditional festivals and warm, welcoming people.
    • Quote [04:35]: “Porque un verano sin Castiel es como un verano sin sol…” – Elena
  • Emphasis on the village’s hospitality:
    “Somos personas cercanas, amigables y por supuesto que estaremos encantadas de recibirte con los brazos abiertos.”

7. Acknowledgment and Wrap-Up

• [05:10–05:42]
  • Hosts praise Elena for her enthusiasm and preparation, likening her to a proud schoolkid reading an essay to the class.
    • Quote [05:16], Host: “Aquí hay una persona hoy que está en tercero de primaria, se ha hecho su buena redacción y la está poniendo delante de la clase.”
  • Elena signs off with thanks and hope for Castielfabib’s win.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:32] Elena: “Aprovecho para decir que Teruel existe.”
• [01:52] Elena: “Las probabilidades de atragantarte, al menos de pequeño, son demasiadas.”
• [02:19] Elena: “Quizá cualquier abuelo de mi pueblo os diría que os las comáis con un buen vaso de vino con gaseosa…”
• [03:37] Elena: “Parecemos un poco el tribunal de la Inquisición, pero normalmente vamos por diferentes sitios del pueblo…”
• [04:35] Elena’s pitch: “Porque un verano sin Castiel es como un verano sin sol...”
• [05:16] Host: “Aquí hay una persona hoy que está en tercero de primaria, se ha hecho su buena redacción...”

Timestamps: Important Segments

• 00:05 — Introduction to week's village contest
• 00:18 — Elena introduced as rural ambassador
• 00:54 — Castielfabib demographics and location
• 01:38 — Food traditions: gachas and how to eat them
• 02:44 — Overview of major fiestas and traditions
• 03:37 — “La Noche de las Hachas” medieval festival explanation
• 04:35 — Elena’s one-minute passionate pitch for Castielfabib
• 05:16 — Hosts praise Elena’s effort and enthusiasm

Overall Tone & Takeaways

This episode radiates local pride, humor, and affection for Spain’s rural communities. Castielfabib, as portrayed by Elena, is a place where tradition thrives, people are genuinely welcoming, and festivals shape the rhythm of life. The hosts maintain playful banter throughout, adding levity and warmth, and Elena’s vibrant storytelling leaves listeners longing for a Castielfabib summer.

Perfect for listeners looking to discover hidden gems in Spain, seek rural traditions, or simply enjoy cheerful morning banter with regional flavor.