Podcast Summary: Cuerpos Especiales – "Pozuelo de Vidriales (Zamora) - GANADOR"

Podcast: Cuerpos Especiales (EuropaFM)
Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Victoria (Embajadora rural de Pozuelo de Vidriales)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode of Cuerpos Especiales, the hosts shine a spotlight on Pozuelo de Vidriales, a small village in Zamora, Spain, as part of their ongoing "Pueblos Especiales" series. The aim is to give voice to lesser-known, rural communities in the so-called "España vaciada" (emptied Spain), highlighting their history, culture, and unique features. Victoria, a resident and ambassador for Pozuelo de Vidriales, shares the charms and challenges of her town and makes a heartfelt plea for listeners’ votes to help her village win the coveted "kit de cuerpos especiales".

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Pozuelo de Vidriales (00:00–01:23)

• The episode launches the segment focused on Spain's depopulated regions.
• Victoria introduces herself as today's rural ambassador.
• Pozuelo de Vidriales is located between Puebla de Sanabria and Benavente, Zamora.
• The town has 45 year-round residents ("full pueblo full") but roughly 63-64 people registered, with a notably aging population.

“45. Que vivan ahí. Censados hay 63 o 64, pero que vivan 45… full pueblo full, con todos los extras.”
— Victoria (01:23)

2. Life in the Village: Bar, Social Life & Community (01:35–02:15)

• The only bar closed many years ago, but villagers created a social center as a gathering place.
• Victoria emphasizes its vital role for community cohesion.

“...la gente del pueblo, como es muy de bar, se abrió un local social que... cumple su función.”
— Victoria (01:42)

3. Hidden Treasures and History (02:15–03:03)

• Close to the village, the Tesoro de Arrabaldi was discovered—a trove still being investigated, now exhibited at the Museo de Zamora. Evidence of a Celtic settlement and Roman artefacts abounds.
• Victoria describes Pozuelo de Vidriales as a place rich in archaeology, though under-explored due to its shrinking population.

“Aquí debió de haber un asentamiento celta donde se ha encontrado eso. Y luego aquí cerca también hay muchos términos rumanos.”
— Victoria (02:47)

• The village church was never fully completed (built in 1773, baroque style, but with an unfinished tower "de otro estilo completamente diferente").

4. Challenges of Rural Decline (03:31–03:53)

• Victoria notes the lack of investment and maintenance in the town’s historical heritage.

“Aquí no se llega a invertir nada.”
— Victoria (03:49)

5. “One Minute” to Defend Pozuelo de Vidriales (04:16–05:27)

• Victoria delivers a passionate, music-backed defense, inviting all of Spain to visit:

  • The town has hosted ecological days for ten years, distinguished as a provincial reference.
  • Pozuelo is renowned for mushrooms, forests of holm oak and pine, and summer festivals.
  • Notably, they organize Jornadas del Pulpo, bringing a Galician octopus chef.
  • Despite its size, Pozuelo boasts an association with more than 200 members (including seasonal and former residents).
  • Efforts to preserve heritage include writing a book about village traditions, gathering oral history from elders.
  • Many aspire to retire and live there; Victoria herself chose to return and raise her family.

“Somos un pueblo muy pequeñito, pero muy grande a la vez… todo el mundo cada vez que puede se escapa al pueblo y quiere seguir cuidando del pueblo.”
— Victoria (04:38)

“...poca gente como yo se ha decidido volver al pueblo, a sus raíces, para vivir aquí y tener una familia como tengo yo.”
— Victoria (05:23)

6. Mushroom and Octopus Festivals (05:44–06:04)

• The hosts are particularly impressed by the combination of mushroom picking (jornadas micológicas) and the octopus festival, unique highlights in the region.

“Esta zona es una zona muy referente para el tema de setas y de caza… tenemos un cupo limitado y. Y es estupendo.”
— Victoria (05:49)

7. Show Wrap-Up & Call to Action (06:04–06:27)

• The hosts thank Victoria and encourage listeners to share stories about their own villages, promising a direct connection for future segments.

“Pozuelo de Vidriales tiene una visita. Ya te lo digo yo, que nos pilla bien a ti y a mí.”
— Eva Soriano (06:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the loneliness of depopulation:

  “Ahora somos mayoría, poca gente.”
  — Victoria (01:06)

• On homespun solutions:

  “Como es muy de bar, se abrió un local social que la verdad que… cumple su función.”
  — Victoria (01:42)

• On the enduring pull of the village:

  “Todo el mundo desea jubilarse para venir aquí.”
  — Victoria (05:18)

• Comical banter on the village treasure:

  “De repente me ha salido un parche en el ojo y tengo un loro.”
  — Eva Soriano (02:28) “Es que estamos en Piratas del Caribe.”
  — Nacho García (02:31)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–00:27: Introduction to the segment and Victoria
• 00:57–01:35: Location, demographics, and community life
• 02:15–02:56: Archaeological treasures and Roman remains
• 03:21–03:49: The unfinished, historic church
• 04:16–05:27: Victoria’s passionate minute-long defense of Pozuelo de Vidriales
• 05:44–06:04: Mushroom and octopus festivals
• 06:04–06:27: Invitation for listeners to participate with their own rural stories

Tone & Style

The conversation throughout remains warm, humorous, sprinkled with affectionate banter ("jugando a la ruleta rusa," jokes about Pirates of the Caribbean), yet deeply nostalgic for rural life. The hosts drive a sense of community, while Victoria’s voice is both proud and realistic, marked by love for tradition and a clear-eyed view of the village’s challenges.

This episode is a heartfelt celebration of a nearly hidden corner of Spain. Listeners come away with a vivid sense of Pozuelo de Vidriales—not just its facts and history, but its spirit and the deep sense of belonging felt by those who call it home.