Podcast Summary – Cuerpos especiales
Episode: Luarca (Asturias)
Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Sara
Main Theme
This episode of Cuerpos especiales spotlights the small town of Luarca in Asturias in the segment "Pueblos especiales." The hosts chat with Sara, a local, who shares insights about her hometown's scenery, culture, food, and traditions, painting a heartfelt portrait of what makes Luarca special.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introducing Sara and Luarca
- [00:10] Sara joins the hosts, a bit nervous but eager to share.
- [00:24] Luarca is called "la villa blanca de la Costa Verde" (“the white town of the Green Coast”), aptly named for its white houses set against a lush, green landscape.
- Quote: “Luarca la llaman la villa blanca de la Costa Verde… porque muchas de las casas que tenemos son blancas y, bueno, en un paisaje verde como el que tenemos…” — Sara [00:30]
2. Natural Beauty & Scenery
- [00:52] Luarca boasts one of the prettiest harbors in Asturias and possibly Spain.
- “Tenemos aquí en Luarca uno de los puertos más bonitos de Asturias, que yo diría que es uno de los más bonitos de España.” — Sara [00:52]
- [01:12] Discussion of Luarca’s coastal features: a mix of both beaches and dramatic cliffs.
- “Sí, sí, tiene playas, tiene acantilados… Luarca es paraje natural precioso.” — Sara [01:12–01:17]
3. Local Cuisine
- [01:22] Spotlight on fresh seafood and the traditional "rula" (fish auction market).
- The rula is not just for restaurateurs—anyone can purchase fresh seafood here.
- Quote: "En concreto el marisco puede ser una de las cosas… la rula es donde entran los barcos y donde se hace la subasta del marisco..." — Sara [01:28]
4. Festivals and Traditions
- [01:58] Luarca’s biggest event: the San Timoteo festival, celebrated every August 22.
- Locals gather in the fields, sharing cider and celebration.
- Tradition includes dressing in a distinctive garment called a "chambrón" (similar to an apron, often with a ‘T’ for San Timoteo), parading, and a town-wide "verbena" (outdoor party).
- One fun tradition: townsfolk are drenched with water from balconies as they follow a marching band into the center.
- Memorable moment:
- “Cuando se acaba la fiesta, nos vamos todos para la verbena al pueblo… cuando bajas detrás de la charanga, te tiran agua desde los balcones.” — Sara [02:52]
5. Why Luarca is Special – Sara’s Final Pitch
- [03:27] Sara lists what makes Luarca uniquely attractive:
- Museo del Calamar (Giant Squid Museum): Rare specimens and cephalopods.
- Mirador de la Atalaya: Offers stunning views, including “the most beautiful cemetery in Spain” with vistas of the Cantabrian Sea.
- Picturesque routes through beaches, cliffs, and charming streets.
- The legendary Puente del Beso: Where sailors would bid farewell to their sweethearts, tied to a local myth of eternal love.
- “El Puente del Beso, que quiere decir que se besa allí vuelve a Luarca.” — Sara [04:18]
- A botanical garden.
- The unique mix of sea, cliffs, river, and mountain all within the same landscape.
- Quote: “El pueblo en sí es muy bonito de recorrer, te pierdes en sus calles… esa combinación de lo que he dicho, un poco de mar, acantilado, río, monte. Y es un pueblo todo así en un mismo paisaje.” — Sara [03:50]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Sara’s nervous but enthusiastic start:
“Bueno, bastante nerviosa.” — Sara [00:19] -
On Luarca’s visual charm:
“Luarca la llaman la villa blanca de la Costa Verde… en un paisaje verde como el que tenemos…” — Sara [00:30] -
On Luarca festival dress code:
“Nosotros le llamamos un chambrón… Suele llevar una T de San Timoteo.” — Sara [02:52] -
On Luarca’s romantic legend:
“El Puente del Beso, que quiere decir que se besa allí vuelve a Luarca.” — Sara [04:18] -
Nacho’s closing admiration:
“Y has terminado precioso, porque además ha sido como el que se da un beso aquí es amor eterno. Así que todo el mundo a besar.” — Nacho [04:30]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:30] Introduction to Luarca’s identity
- [00:52] Luarca’s harbor and physical geography
- [01:28] The seafood scene and local rula
- [01:58] San Timoteo festival and traditions
- [03:27] Sara’s passionate pitch: museums, views, and legends
- [04:18] The legend of the Puente del Beso
Episode Takeaway
Through Sara’s voice, Luarca comes alive as a town with deep traditions, stunning scenery, mouth-watering seafood, and a warm sense of community. The episode blends local anecdotes and cultural pride, inviting listeners to see Luarca through a local’s eyes and perhaps, as Nacho suggests, find a little eternal love under the Asturian sky.
