Cuerpos Especiales - San Ciprián (Lugo)

Podcast: Cuerpos especiales
Host: Europa FM (Eva Soriano, Nacho García y Lalachús)
Date: January 12, 2026
Duration analyzed: Core interview segment (~00:00–05:43)

Overview

In this lively edition of “Pueblos Especiales” on Cuerpos Especiales, the hosts welcome Manuel, the proud rural “embajador” of San Ciprián in Lugo. The episode spotlights the unique charms, traditions, cuisine, and people of this picturesque coastal Galician town as part of the contest for “Most Special Village.” With warmth and a touch of humor, the hosts and guest reveal what makes San Ciprián memorable—beyond just beautiful beaches and good food.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to San Ciprián

• Population: Approx. 2,000 inhabitants
  • Noted as “not tiny, but also not big” (00:53)
• Setting: Coastal village in Lugo, “muy bonito, muy chulo” (00:41)

2. Major Sights and Attractions

• Nature and Landmarks:
  • "Tres playitas maravillosas," three beautiful beaches (01:04)
  • "Un bosque de eucalipto," a eucalyptus forest (01:07)
  • "Parque Reina Sofía," a well-kept park (01:11)
  • "Una antigua fábrica de salazón," an old salting factory (01:28)
  • "Los farallones," three small islands off the coast, once a spot to watch whales (03:47)
• Culture and Traditions:
  • "La Marusaina," a local festival featuring a celebrated siren—central to the town’s identity (01:31, 02:10)

3. Cuisine of San Ciprián

• Galician Specialties Highlighted:
  • "Erizos de mar" (sea urchins)—signature local delicacy (01:43)
  • "Merluza de pincho" (line-caught hake), "bonito de Burela" (nearby tuna), "sardinas asadas," "empanadas," "lacón" (cured meat) (01:43)
  • “Y marisco… es una maravilla. El pulpo, todo.” (02:02)
  • Quote:

    "Galicia, ¿qué quieres que te diga, no?" – Manuel (01:39)

4. Major Festivals

• Fiesta del Erizo (Sea Urchin Festival): unique and locally famous (02:10)
• Fiesta de la Marusaina:
  • Centered around a trial of the mythical siren:

    “Se juzga una sirena... unos dicen que es mala porque atrae a los barcos para que encallen, y otros dicen que es buena porque los ahuyenta... el pueblo decide si la indulta o no. Y empiezan las fiestas.” – Manuel (02:21–02:34)

  • “Siempre sale indultada... es una pantomima, siempre se la libra.” – Manuel (02:43)

5. The Spirit and People of San Ciprián

• Manuel’s Personal Connection:
  • Manuel has family in the town and visits often:

    “Empezamos a ir porque tenemos varios familiares y es muy característico… le llaman la península de la Paz.” (03:12)

  • The town features both the “parte antigua de los pescadores” and the “pueblo normal” (03:19–03:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Unique Local Jury Festival:

  “El pueblo la juzga y decide si la indulta o no. Y empiezan las fiestas.” – Manuel (02:34)

• On What Defines San Ciprián:

  “En principio su gente.” – Manuel (02:59)

• Final Defense - Manuel’s Pitch for San Ciprián:

  • [03:47–04:27]

    "San Ciprián es un pueblo encantador, pequeñito, con gente muy grande... Pasear entre sus tres playas, un bosque de eucalipto, subir al Sabio de la Atalaya, contemplar los farallones... perderte entre sus callecitas... tomarte unas almejas donde Ana, unos callos en la Marosaina, una cervecita en el Perdegal o un café donde atendita."
    “Es un pueblito súper bonito, pero lo bonito es que está en donde vivimos, en España, que tenemos un país maravilloso.”(04:30–04:42)

• Endearing Farewell:

  “Saludo a mi familia, a mis amigos y a todos los tolderos y peluqueros.” – Manuel (04:49)

  • Explanation: He used to be a barber and is now in the awning business; joking about a “toldos y peluqueros” crossover (05:00–05:24)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:28] – Introduction to Manuel, the guest
• [01:04] – Attractions and sights overview
• [01:35] – Local cuisine highlights
• [02:10] – Unique festivals explained
• [02:59] – What defines San Ciprián: its people
• [03:47] – Manuel’s final defense (“alegato final”) for San Ciprián
• [04:49] – Warm and quirky farewell (salute to tolderos and peluqueros)

Tone & Atmosphere

True to Cuerpos Especiales’ style, the segment is friendly, humorous, and colloquial, with easy banter between hosts and guest. There’s a clear affection for the local character and traditions, making it both informative and entertaining.

Summary:
This episode charmingly spotlights San Ciprián as a village of beautiful scenery, unique customs (like the “trial of the Marusaina” siren), delicious food, and—above all—good people. Through Manuel’s stories and the hosts’ humor, listeners are left with a sense of warmth and local pride, and perhaps the urge to vote for San Ciprián in the contest.