Podcast Summary: Cuerpos Especiales – Velilla del Río Carrión (Palencia)

Podcast: Cuerpos Especiales
Host: EuropaFM (Eva Soriano, Nacho García, y Lalachús)
Date: February 13, 2026
Episode Theme: “Pueblos Especiales” – Special focus on Velilla del Río Carrión, Palencia, with rural ambassador Edu

Episode Overview

This episode of “Cuerpos Especiales” spotlights Velilla del Río Carrión, a mountain town in Palencia, as part of the recurring “Pueblos Especiales” segment. With Edu as ambassador, the hosts delve into what makes Velilla unique, from its geography and famous residents to quirky traditions and local legends. Through humor and lively conversation, the show both entertains and informs listeners about this rural gem.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to Velilla del Río Carrión

• [00:18] Welcoming Edu:
  The hosts greet Edu, today’s “embajador rural.”

  • “Muy buenos días, chicos.” – Edu, greeting the hosts.

• [00:27] Location & General Information:
  Edu introduces Velilla del Río Carrión as his hometown, a “paraíso” nestled in the Palencia mountains, debunking the stereotype that Palencia is flat.

• [00:40] Population:

  • “1107” – Edu states the precise population, prompting jokes about how this number is so exact.

What Makes Velilla Special

Geography & Environment

• [00:53] Mountain Town:
  • “Estamos en un pueblo de montaña... en medio de las montañas, es una zona con mucho agua, mucho río, pantanos.” – Edu explains the lush, mountainous surroundings.

Notable Residents

• [01:05] Celebrity Connections:
  • Frequented by actress Elena Anaya in summer.
  • Hometown of comedian Lalo Tenorio:
    “Lalo Tenorio, el cómico. Es que es de allí.” – Host 2 ([01:15])
  • Birthplace of child actors Luna and Rubén Fulgencio.

Local Food & Mining Heritage

• [01:51] Food Tradition:
  Velilla is historically a mining town, with traditional matanza-style food such as chorizo and other meats.

Unique Attractions

• [02:14] The Mysterious Fuente de la Rehana:

  • “Una fuente que se llena de agua o se vacía cuando quiere y no tiene explicación ninguna habitual.” – Edu ([02:15])
  • Catalogued as one of the world’s 10 most special springs for its unpredictable behavior.
    “Y tú vienes a verla por primera vez y puede estar seca o... hay inundaciones.” ([02:24])

• [02:40] Ratoncito Pérez Connection:
  The town is famous in Castilla y León as a “pueblo del Ratoncito Pérez,” hosting the “almacenes de dientes” (tooth-storing warehouses) for Spain’s beloved Tooth Mouse.

  • “Todos los fines de semana vienen muchísimas familias... más de 100.000 personas han venido a hacer la ruta del Ratoncito Pérez.” – Edu ([03:00])

Carnival Tradition: Los Zamarrones

• [03:32] Carnival Highlight:
  Velilla’s Carnavales feature “zamarrones,” characters “vestidos con pellejos de oveja,” who herd children with wool balls into a gathering spot, where typical “orejuelas” (sweet pastries) and hot chocolate are enjoyed by all.
  • “Se celebra con todo el pueblo junto.” – Edu ([03:32])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mountains, not flatlands:
  “La gente se piensa que Palencia es todo llano y estamos en medio de las montañas.” ([00:53] – Edu)

• Home of Ratoncito Pérez:
  “Eso es, o sea que mira, otra persona más famosa que tenemos, Don Pérez de ratón.” ([03:16] – Edu)

• On the magical fountain:
  “No se sabe, no, no se sabe, por eso catalogado como una de las 10 más especiales del mundo.” ([02:33] – Edu)

• On living there:
  “Aquí tenemos trabajo y tenemos vivienda. Entonces es un sitio ideal para poder venir a vivir tanto las personas como con sus hijos y sus familias…” – Edu ([04:22])

Final Pitch: Why Vote for Velilla

• [04:22] Edu’s 1-Minute Allegato:
  In a passionate call, Edu urges listeners to discover Velilla for its nature, family atmosphere, unique historical tunnels full of gold, rich wildlife (bear, wolf, deer, boar, badger), and rare privilege in rural Spain of having jobs and housing:
  • “Es un sitio ideal para poder venir a vivir tanto las personas como con sus hijos y sus familias... los niños van a poder disfrutar de naturaleza en estado puro.” ([04:22])
  • Emphasizes outdoor childhood, vibrant community, and historical sites.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Welcome: [00:00 – 00:35]
• About Velilla & Its Residents: [00:36 – 01:37]
• Gastronomy & Attractions: [01:44 – 02:38]
• Fuente de la Rehana Story: [02:14 – 02:38]
• Ratoncito Pérez Route: [02:40 – 03:19]
• Carnaval Zamarrones: [03:23 – 04:09]
• Edu’s Allegato (Final Pitch): [04:19 – 05:26]

Closing Remarks

• [05:26] Farewell:
  The hosts thank Edu and wish Velilla luck in the competition. Listeners are reminded to vote on europafm.com and consider participating themselves.

• [05:42] Listener Call to Action:
  Instructions for audience members to call in and feature their own town on air.

Summary

This playful yet informative episode offers a vibrant view of Velilla del Río Carrión’s character—from mysterious springs to Ratoncito Pérez’s headquarters and carnival traditions—making a strong case for its status as one of the country’s most “especial” pueblos. The rapport among hosts and ambassador brings rural Spain to life for urban listeners, mixing curiosity, warmth, and a dash of competitive spirit.