Podcast Summary: Cuerpos Especiales – Granja de Rocamora (Alicante)

Show: Cuerpos Especiales
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Station: EuropaFM
Date: January 12, 2026
Episode Focus: Inaugural episode of the new segment “Pueblos Especiales,” with a spotlight on Granja de Rocamora, Alicante, as described by local listener Alejandro.

Episode Overview

This episode marks the launch of “Pueblos Especiales,” a recurring segment where listeners share stories about their hometowns, competing for the title of "most special village" and a Cuerpos Especiales kit. The hosts connect with Alejandro from Granja de Rocamora, who brings the charm and quirks of his small Alicante village to the airwaves. The segment traverses local culture, food, rivalries, and unique traditions—all delivered with characteristic humor and warmth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introducing “Pueblos Especiales” (00:00–01:02)

• Hosts commence their new interactive series, inviting listeners to “show off” their hometowns.
• There will be a weekly competition among five villages, with voting on the EuropaFM website.

Notable Quote:
“Somos como el Grand Prix pero por la radio, sin vaquilla mazada y con mucho menos presupuesto.”
Eva Soriano (00:27)

Meet the First Ambassador: Alejandro of Granja de Rocamora (01:03–01:53)

• Alejandro introduces his town, located in the south of Alicante, with around 2,700 inhabitants.
• Curiously, the town boasts more palm trees than people.

Notable Quote:
“Granja tiene unos 2700 habitantes, que podríamos decir que hay más palmeras que personas.”
Alejandro (01:13)

Local Traditions and Unique Heritage (01:54–02:53)

• Granja de Rocamora stands out for its unique fiestas, particularly the religious flag-waving ("ondeada de bandera").
• The village possesses a rare Vatican-granted relic: a fragment of the Lignum Crucis (Cross of Christ).
• The area’s historical roots are a cultural mix of Muslim origins and later Christian influences.

Notable Quotes:

• “Lo que nos hace especiales sobre todo es básicamente nuestras fiestas únicas… la ondeada de bandera.”
  Alejandro (01:48)
• “Contamos con una reliquia que nos proporcionó el Vaticano, es una pieza del Lignum Crucis.”
  Alejandro (01:53)

Food and Daily Life (02:54–03:33)

• Breakfast staples include classic pan tumaca (bread with tomato and ham).
• The town’s mercadillo (market) in the plaza is central to daily life, especially for fresh fruit and produce.

Notable Quote:
“Aquí lo que más primordia es el mercadillo que hay en la plaza.”
Alejandro (03:29)

Nicknames, Family, and Town Dynamics (03:34–04:49)

• Alejandro is known locally as “el hijo del Ferraya,” a reference to his family’s ironwork business.
• He deliberates on joining the family trade, which has been passed down generations.

Notable Exchange:
“Me gusta mucho el hijo de Ferraya.”
Eva Soriano (03:53)

Village Fame and Media (04:50–05:23)

• Granja de Rocamora isn’t home to major celebrities, but a local podcast, “Soy de la Vega Baja,” puts the area on the digital map.

Local Rivalries and Community Bonds (05:24–06:09)

• The neighboring village, Cox, shares a direct border marked by a bar frequented by residents of both villages.
• While occasional playful rivalry exists ("pique"), overall relations remain friendly.

Notable Quote:
“La frontera que nos une es un bar, literalmente hay un bar… Comen los dos pueblos juntos.”
Alejandro (05:03, 05:16)

• A fun live moment: Benny Ribes, a member of the show’s team and a native of Cox, joins to confirm the friendly rivalry.

Village Nicknames and Colorful Characters (06:10–07:01)

• Nicknames (“motes”) play a major role in local culture, with everyone known for a family trade or trait.
• The most original nickname: “La Turca,” a mysterious woman on the village’s edge known for hair transplants and possibly her origins.

Notable Quote:
“El que mejor escucha es la turca... hace trasplante de pelo.”
Alejandro (06:36, 07:01)

Alejandro’s Final Plea & Village Pride (07:15–07:49)

• Alejandro touts his village’s humility and hospitality, encouraging listeners to vote for Granja de Rocamora and promising a feast for visitors.

Notable Quote:
“Granja de Rocamora es el pueblo más pequeño pero el más humilde a la vez… cuando vengáis, bueno, os damos de comer para una semana.”
Alejandro (07:24, 07:40)

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• “Succession, pero con Ferraya me gusta.” — Nacho García (04:12)
• Benny Ribes’ cameo about local surnames, sparking playful, familiar banter (06:00–06:09).
• The running joke about village names and motes, likening it to a TV comedy (06:09–06:27).

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:02 – Launch of “Pueblos Especiales”
• 01:03–01:53 – Meet Alejandro and intro to Granja de Rocamora
• 01:54–02:53 – Traditions, religious relic, and historic roots
• 02:54–03:33 – Local food and market culture
• 03:34–04:49 – Nicknames, Alejandro's family business
• 04:50–05:23 – Notable people and the local podcast
• 05:24–06:09 – Relationship with neighboring Cox, live banter with Benny Ribes
• 06:10–07:01 – Best town nicknames and anecdotes
• 07:15–07:49 – Alejandro’s closing plea for votes and love for his village

Overall Tone

The episode is spirited, playful, and affectionate—a loving roast and celebration of rural Spanish life. The hosts’ humor and Alejandro’s pride blend perfectly for a lighthearted and genuine portrait of “la vida de pueblo.” Local traditions, food, people, and quirks are all celebrated, inviting listeners to fall just a bit in love with Granja de Rocamora.

For listeners: If you want a smile, some fun trivia, and rich local color, don’t miss this voyage to one of Spain’s most “especial” villages.