Podcast Summary: Más de uno – "Comer por España: Vega del Codorno"

Host: Carlos Alsina (A)
Guests/Collaborators: David de Jorge (B), Begoña (C), Ana (Vega del Codorno Resident) (D), Ismael (Restaurante Sierra Alta) (E)
Date: December 16, 2025
Duration of Main Content: ~00:39–25:06

Episode Overview

This episode of Más de uno dives into the traditions, humor, and cuisine of Vega del Codorno, a small village in the Serranía de Cuenca. The hosts playfully discuss Spanish Christmas customs before welcoming local guests who reveal the secrets and flavors of their community, with a special focus on its beloved Belén viviente (living nativity) and regional delicacies.

Festive Spirit & Christmas Traditions (00:39–05:54)

• The episode opens with the hosts debating whether their music intro is truly “navideña” (Christmas-like), appreciating its joyful mood.
• Nostalgia for vintage Christmas decorations and records sparks a humorous exchange about music formats, including singles and gramophones.
• The team discusses the hassle (and timing) of putting up Christmas trees and decorations at home and at the radio station.
  • Quote – David de Jorge (B) [04:43]: “¿No habéis puesto el árbol, pero qué pereza...? ¿Entráis y parece que es agosto o qué movida, en qué domicilios vivís?”
• Debates follow on the best timing to take down Christmas decorations, with some suggesting keeping them up until Easter for a stress-free approach.

Discovering Vega del Codorno (05:54–08:43)

• Carlos introduces a listener’s WhatsApp inviting them to visit Vega del Codorno, emphasizing unique attractions:
  • Location: Northern Serranía de Cuenca, birthplace of the Río Cuervo.
  • Upcoming attractions: Astronomical observatory open days; living nativity ceremony in a local grotto.
• The co-hosts joke about the dramatic cold, small population (140 residents), and the intricate social “tensions” of small village life.
  • Quote – David (B) [07:51]: “Todos enfadados. Si entra la Mari en el bar, no entra José Luis. Bueno, el cura, una movida. Bueno, bueno, no quiero ni saber.”
• The hosts muse about the casting process for roles in the local Belén viviente, hinting at social politics and playful rivalry.

Ana from Vega del Codorno: Village Life & the Living Nativity (08:43–20:41)

Life in Vega del Codorno (10:09–13:58)

• Ana calls in, refuting the idea of a tense village:
  • Quote – Ana (D) [11:43]: “Oír a David decir que somos un pueblo que estamos enfadados... muy bien avenidos, David. Estamos muy bien avenidos. Y todos vamos al bar y todos hablamos con todos.”
• She explains the village’s structure:
  • 140 inhabitants, spread over eight neighborhoods (barrios) along a 5km valley (“vega”) rather than a compact town.
  • Historical context: Recently gained independence from a neighboring larger village; people settled by choosing land for livestock and farming.
• She coyly avoids naming the former "parent" village but later mentions surrounding beautiful towns: Huélamo, Valdemeca, Beteta.

Food & Gastronomy (15:29–16:47)

• Traditional Dishes:
  • Gachas de harina de almortas
  • Migas
  • Tartatunos (local specialty)
  • Various game meats (caldereta, cordero serrano)
  • Judías con perdiz
  • Morteruelo (game and liver pâté)
  • Embutidos (chorizo, morcilla), noting the tradition of home slaughter and sausage-making has declined but persists in some houses.

Village Life: Neighborhoods & Politics (16:47–17:39)

• Main neighborhood: Barrio de la Cueva (has the Town Hall).
• Mayor described as attentive and active for the town’s good; Ana delicately sidesteps any political preferences.

The Belén Viviente: Roles & Customs (17:51–20:41)

• Ana details participation in the living nativity:
  • Most villagers take part, “vestidos de serranos/as” if not in principal roles.
  • Main roles (Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus) rotate annually, with the latest newborn always cast as the baby.
    • Quote – Ana (D) [18:50]: “El niño, por supuesto, que es el último nacido empadronado, así.”
    • Quote – David (B) [19:02]: “¿Suelen poner muñecos? No sabía yo que era de verdad, o sea, el último nacido.”
  • Ana playfully reveals she once played Baby Jesus herself.
    • Quote – Ana (D) [19:53]: “Perdonad, pero yo en su día fue Niño Jesús.”

Ismael: Restaurante Sierra Alta & Regional Specialties (20:49–24:58)

• Ismael, owner of Restaurante Sierra Alta in the barrio del Perchel near the Río Cuervo’s source, describes his spot as surrounded by beautiful pine forest.
• Menu Highlights:
  • Ajo arriero (emulsified bacalao with potatoes)
  • Local creamy potatoes
  • Morteruelo (hot paté of game, liver, and pork)
  • Seasonal wild mushrooms
  • Game meats (lomo de ciervo, solomillo, raviolis de paletilla)
  • Quote – Ismael (E) [22:25]: “Tenemos por aquí ajo arriero... patata y bacalao... morteruelo... setas, carne de caza en sí, como el lomo de ciervo, el solomillo, o unos raviolis...”
• He highlights a unique local delicacy: “oveja machorra” (sterile ewe) prepared as a jamón-like cured meat, served various ways including fried or confited.
  • Preparation: Deboned, salted, dry-cured, then consumed fried, confited, or even raw.
  • Quote – Ismael (E) [23:09]: “Aquí hay una elaboración típica... se hace con oveja machorra... se deshuesa entero, se adoba, se sala y después se cura al sereno como si fuese un jamón.”

Notable Moments & Tone

• The segment is humor-filled, blending playful teasing about small-town politics and Christmas quirks with sincere pride for rural traditions.
• Running gags include David’s mistaken nativity role as a “vaca” and Ana’s tactful navigation of local allegiances.
• Memorable interplay:
  • Carlos (A) [20:27]: “De vaca, de vaca. Pero la cagué porque no había vaca en el pesebre.”
  • Ana (D) [18:03]: “Los que no tenemos así un papel principal... nos vestimos de serrana en el Belén Viviente.”
• Persistent invitations for the radio team (especially David) to visit and taste Vega del Codorno’s specialties echo throughout.

Key Timestamps

• 00:39–05:54: Christmas nostalgia, decorations, and playful banter
• 05:54–08:43: Discovery of Vega del Codorno, listener sends invitation
• 08:43–20:41: Phone interview with Ana—village life, neighborhoods, food, Belén viviente traditions
• 20:49–24:58: Interview with Ismael—Restaurant Sierra Alta, gastronomic highlights
• 24:58–25:06: Lighthearted close, wrap-up

Conclusion

This episode combines festive wit, local color, and a celebration of rural Spanish culture. Through the voices of Ana and Ismael, listeners get an intimate portrait of Vega del Codorno—a place where community spirit runs high, food is hearty, and even the tiniest newborn might find themselves in the starring role come Christmas.