Cuerpos Especiales – Tubilla del Lago (Burgos)

Podcast: Cuerpos Especiales, EuropaFM
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Date: January 23, 2026
Guest: Antonio (Embajador rural de Tubilla del Lago)

Overview

This episode of "Cuerpos Especiales" brings listeners to Tubilla del Lago, a small town in Burgos, Castilla y León, as part of the show’s "Pueblos Especiales" segment. The hosts chat with Antonio, the day’s rural ambassador, who passionately showcases his hometown’s unique traditions, vibrant festivities, and community spirit. The episode celebrates rural life and encourages audience participation in voting for their favorite featured village.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to Tubilla del Lago

• Antonio enthusiastically presents Tubilla del Lago, highlighting it as “un pueblo maravilloso” (a wonderful village) with fewer than 200 inhabitants.
  • “...un sitio donde se está genial, donde hay muchísimas cosas, pero a su vez muchísima tranquilidad, muchísima paz, vamos, o sea, lo que viene siendo calidad de vida.” – Antonio [00:41]
• The small size is praised for providing both a wealth of activities and a peaceful way of life.

Festivities and Traditions

• Local Festivities:
  • The town features both a lively "charanga" (street band) during the festivities and a mobile stage verbena each night. The name of the verbena group changes every year, adding an element of surprise.
    • “Tuvilla tiene la charanga que está durante todos estos días de fiesta y luego por la noche la verbena, la verdad que viene un camión móvil que es increíble.” – Antonio [01:59]
• Unique Contest: Lanzamiento de Jamón
  • Tubilla del Lago is famous for its "lanzamiento de jamón" (ham-throwing contest) during the festival. The winner is the one who throws a jamón the furthest—and they keep the ham!
    • Antonio describes it with humor:
      • “Básicamente se trata de lanzar un jamón y el que llegue con el jamón más lejos, pues al final se queda el jamón.” – Antonio [02:24]
  • The hosts express their amusement and curiosity about the weight of the jamón (estimated at around 10 kg).

Community and Regional Rivalry

• A friendly competition is sparked between Tubilla del Lago and another Burgos village, Palacios de Benaver, which also featured on the show.
  • “Pues yo te diría que vamos a hacer el reto de competir. Me gusta entre burgales.” – Antonio [03:11]

Local Expressions and Antonio’s Roots

• The hosts ask about local sayings or catchphrases unique to Tubilla del Lago.
  • Antonio confesses he’s originally from Orgaz, Toledo, so he still uses expressions from there, such as “alhaja.” He admits Tubilla doesn’t have a well-known unique expression, but playfully suggests inventing one live.
    • “...yo sigo utilizando mis expresiones de Toledo... pero sí que es verdad que en Tuvilla no hay una expresión como tal.” – Antonio [03:24]

The Final Pitch: Why Vote for Tubilla del Lago?

• Antonio delivers a heartfelt minute-long advocacy for his village:
  • Abundant water sources and springs
  • A racing circuit
  • Legendary festivals and ham-throwing
  • A friendly, welcoming community with new arrivals
  • An active, supportive mayor who backs local initiatives
  • “...tenemos muy buena gente, sobre todo gente que acoge, gente que ha querido quedarse, gente que está llegando a tu villa nueva. Y eso básicamente pasa cuando un sitio es verdaderamente increíble y que te hace sentir como en casa.” – Antonio [04:22]
  • “...tenemos un alcalde que lucha y apoya cada iniciativa y eso hay que decirlo siempre alto y claro.” – Antonio [04:22]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Small-Town Quality of Life:
  • “...un sitio donde se está genial... calidad de vida.” – Antonio [00:41]
• On the Town’s Signature Event:
  • “Por tener tenemos hasta lanzamiento de jamón.” – Antonio [02:18]
• On Community Spirit:
  • “...gente que acoge, gente que ha querido quedarse... gente que está llegando a tu villa nueva.” – Antonio [04:22]
• Praise for the Mayor’s Support:
  • “...tenemos un alcalde que lucha y apoya cada iniciativa y eso hay que decirlo siempre alto y claro.” – Antonio [04:22]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:15] – Introduction of Antonio, embajador rural
• [00:41] – Description of Tubilla del Lago's atmosphere
• [01:23] – Discussion about local festivals and verbenas
• [02:18] – Explanation of the “lanzamiento de jamón”
• [03:11] – Mention of the friendly village rivalry
• [03:24] – Antonio talks about local sayings and his Toledo background
• [04:22] – Antonio’s passionate pitch for Tubilla del Lago

Conclusion

The episode is a warm, humorous homage to Tubilla del Lago, with Antonio’s genuine affection for his adopted town shining throughout. He highlights traditions—from ham-throwing competitions to welcoming newcomers—as proof of the town’s unique character. Listeners are encouraged to vote for their favorite rural ambassador and perhaps even visit these hidden gems of Spain’s countryside.