Podcast Summary: Cuerpos Especiales – “Monegrillos (Zaragoza)”

Podcast: Cuerpos Especiales
Host: EuropaFM
Episode: Monegrillos (Zaragoza)
Date: February 12, 2026
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Carlos (embajador rural de Monegrillo)

Main Theme

This episode of Cuerpos Especiales spotlights Monegrillo, a small but vibrant village in the Monegros region of Zaragoza, as part of the “Pueblos Especiales” segment. The hosts interview Carlos, their local “embajador rural,” who brings to life the charm, history, cultural highlights, and culinary delights of his beloved village—encouraging listeners to vote for Monegrillo as the week’s standout town.

Key Discussion Points

Introduction to “Pueblos Especiales” (00:00–00:19)

• The hosts introduce the segment, explaining that Monegrillo is the fourth village featured this week.
• Tomorrow, voting opens for listeners to choose the best village on europafm.com.

Meet Carlos from Monegrillo (00:25–00:50)

• Carlos greets the hosts and introduces himself as a proud resident of Monegrillo in Zaragoza, nestled in Los Monegros.
• Hosts emphasize the playful names: "Monegrillo en los Monegros," joking about possible “Monigrín” (00:48).

Overview of Monegrillo (00:55–01:19)

• Carlos: “Monegrillo es un pequeño pueblo de 382 habitantes situado en la zona sur de Monegros, en la provincia de Zaragoza. Y bueno, pues aquí tenemos, para ser el pueblo tan pequeño, pues tenemos bastantes cosas y han pasado también personas bastante reconocidas.” (00:55)

Monegrillo’s Fame: Filming Location & Celebrity Stories (01:21–01:56)

• The characteristic semi-desert landscape attracts filmmakers and advertisers.
• Carlos highlights: “La más conocida, la más sonada y hace un tiempo fue Jamón, Jamón.” (01:34)
  • Hosts react with excitement. This is the film where Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz met.
  • Fact: Director Bigas Luna called Penélope “la perla de Monegrillo.” (01:47–01:53)

Local Gastronomy – Ternasco, Sweets, and Honey (02:01–02:45)

• Carlos describes local delicacies:
  • "Lo más típico pues es el ternasco." (02:01) – clarified as lamb, not veal, to the hosts’ amusement.
  • Traditional wood-fired bakery items (magdalenas, farinosos).
  • Local rosemary honey: “La miel de romero. Buenísima.” (02:42)

Festivities and Traditions (02:53–03:16)

• Main festivities:
  • Patron saint festival in July (Santiago).
  • Easter Monday pilgrimage to the hermitage of Samuelito: “El mejor día del año para los monegrilleros.”
  • Many annual events organized by locals.

Monegrillo’s “Epic Minute”—Pitch for Best Village (03:32–04:02)

Carlos delivers an impassioned one-minute speech, highlighting:

• The Tierzo wind, Salina Cascarosa, Biblioteca Jersaria.

• Community and cultural spirit.

• Key quote:

  “Somos un pueblo pequeño. Sí, pero la grandeza del pueblo no se mide por los habitantes, sino que se mide por la grandeza de su gente. Y ahí Monegrillo va sobrado.” (03:55)

• Hosts respond with genuine admiration: “Qué bonito. Eso. Me gusta mucho Monegrillo.” (04:02)

Light-hearted Moments & Closing (04:07–04:40)

• Hosts joke about a mysterious whistling sound (“chiflido cada 10 segundos”) in Carlos’s background, picturing him launching fireworks—he’s actually just in the street.
• Fond farewells and gratitude:
  • Carlos: “Gracias a vosotros por dar visibilidad a los pueblos.” (04:34)

Notable Quotes

• Carlos [01:47]: “El director Vigas Luna, nombró a Penélope como la perla de Monegrillo.”
• Carlos [03:55]: “La grandeza del pueblo no se mide por los habitantes, sino que se mide por la grandeza de su gente. Y ahí Monegrillo va sobrado.”
• Hosts [04:02]: “Qué bonito. Eso. Me gusta mucho Monegrillo.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–00:19 — Segment Introduction
• 00:25–00:50 — Meet Carlos and village location
• 00:55–01:19 — Context about Monegrillo
• 01:21–01:56 — Film history & Penélope Cruz anecdote
• 02:01–02:45 — Local gastronomy
• 02:53–03:16 — Main festivals and traditions
• 03:32–04:02 — Carlos’ “Epic Minute” for Monegrillo
• 04:07–04:40 — Fun banter, farewells, and closing remarks

Tone and Atmosphere

Cheerful, playful, and down-to-earth—blending local pride with the hosts’ characteristic humor and camaraderie, while highlighting community, culture, and tradition.

Summary:
This episode spotlights the rich cultural identity and community spirit of Monegrillo, Zaragoza. From cinematic trivia to mouthwatering local food, Carlos’ vibrant storytelling and the hosts’ lighthearted banter make this a heartfelt homage to Spain’s rural gems.