Podcast Summary: Cuerpos especiales - Zafra de Záncara (Cuenca)

EuropaFM, aired January 12, 2026

Overview

In this lively episode of Cuerpos especiales, the hosts Eva Soriano, Nacho García, and Lalachús focus on showcasing "pueblos especiales" — unique Spanish rural towns. The segment connects with Raquel, who enthusiastically represents Zafra de Záncara, a small village in Cuenca. Listeners are encouraged to vote online for their favorite featured village of the week, with the winner receiving an exclusive prize pack from the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to "Pueblos especiales"

• The hosts kick off by explaining the week's special contest, featuring four different villages instead of the usual five since Monday was a holiday.
• At the end of the week's segment, listeners can vote for their favorite village on europa.fm.

Presenting Zafra de Záncara

[00:52]

• Raquel introduces herself as the rural ambassador, calling to speak about Zafra de Záncara in Cuenca.
• The panel enjoys the unique sound of the village’s name, discussing possible demonyms.
  • Nacho García [01:04]: “Zafreños me gustan mucho.”
  • Eva Soriano [01:07]: “Iba a decir záncaros. Han elegido la otra palabra, suena como bólido.”

Life in Zafra de Záncara

• Raquel describes the village demographics:
  • Around 80 inhabitants officially, probably fewer in reality, swelling to about 300 during festival seasons and dropping as low as 30 in the quiet winter months.
    [01:18] Raquel: "Seguramente según Wikipedia habrá 80, pero seguro que viven menos."
• Community dynamics are warm, especially during their traditional celebrations.

Local Traditions & Festivals

• The principal celebration is the "Fiestas del pueblo" on the first weekend of October, known as the Domingo del Rosario. Festivities include:
  • Local music, "peñas" (social clubs), “charanga,” and an orchestra.
• Youths and returnees organize the annual "Zafra Rock," a locally famed rock tribute gathering.
  • Raquel [02:22]: "Organizamos una especie de tributo rock que le llamamos Zafra Rock."
  • Food, communal gatherings, and local bands playing Spanish rock are central.

Culinary Highlights

• Raquel [03:01]: “Es muy famoso el morteruelo. Morteruelo, las gachas y los zarajos. Ajuarriero típico de Cuenca.”
  • The hosts and Raquel debate different kinds of gachas (local porridge) and their regional variations.
  • Raquel clarifies [03:39]: "Sí, las de harina, que parece como para untar y mojar bien de pan."
  • Show team reacts with enthusiasm over the hearty, authentic food.

Raquel's Final Pitch for Zafra de Záncara

[04:02]
Raquel delivers a heartfelt invitation and summary:

• Zafra de Záncara is a peaceful retreat just an hour from Madrid, perfect for rural relaxation or attending the vibrant October festival.
• Visitors are always welcomed warmly, whether they're locals or outsiders. There's always something to do, or at least a plan and a beer at the village's one bar.
• The area features scenic views and a pleasantly cool summer climate.
  • Raquel [04:02]:

    “Os animo a votar Zafra de Záncara porque es un pueblo a una hora de Madrid en el cual puedes ir a descansar modo rural... O te animo a ir el primer fin de semana de octubre a las fiestas donde todo el mundo te recibe. Da igual que no tengas peña o que no estén tus mejores amigos, siempre hay un plan y una cerveza en el único bar que hay en el pueblo...”

Light-hearted Banter and Wrap-up

• The hosts joke about moving to the village and enjoying the local cuisine.
  • Eva Soriano [04:53]: “Al final no vamos a comprar un piso en zapatilla. Totalmente.”
  • Nacho García [04:55]: “Vamos, una casita mejor todavía, una casa.”
• Raquel reiterates the easy access from Madrid and the friendly, communal spirit.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nacho García [01:04]: “Zafreños me gustan mucho.”
• Raquel [02:33]: “Organizamos una especie de tributo rock que le llamamos Zafra Rock.”
• Raquel [03:01]: “Es muy famoso el morteruelo. Morteruelo, las gachas y los zarajos. Ajuarriero típico de Cuenca.”
• Raquel [04:02]:

  "Os animo a votar Zafra de Záncara porque es un pueblo a una hora de Madrid en el cual puedes ir a descansar modo rural..."

• Eva Soriano [04:53]: “Al final no vamos a comprar un piso en zapatilla. Totalmente.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:10 - 00:45: Introduction to the “Pueblos especiales” contest and today's guest.
• 00:52 - 01:43: Raquel describes the village, its demonym, and population dynamics.
• 01:45 - 02:51: Local festivals and introduction of “Zafra Rock.”
• 03:01 - 03:46: Discussion of traditional dishes, especially gachas, morteruelo and zarajos.
• 04:02 - 04:38: Raquel’s passionate closing pitch for Zafra de Záncara.
• 04:45 - 05:40: Hosts wrap up, joke about moving, and invite audience participation.

Final Notes

The episode paints a vivid picture of Zafra de Záncara, blending humor, authentic local pride, and a taste of rural Spanish life. Raquel’s warmth and the engaging conversational style of the hosts make this entry in the “Pueblos especiales” series particularly inviting for listeners considering a rural getaway—or just craving some gachas.

Listeners are reminded to vote for their favorite village on the EuropaFM website and are encouraged to nominate their own hometowns for future episodes.