Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Más de uno
Host: OndaCero
Episode: Macarras de ayer, macarras de hoy: la historia de los mayores atracadores de la historia de España
Date: January 12, 2026

Overview

This episode of "Más de uno" dives into the evolution of Spain’s most notorious delinquents and bank robbers—from the “macarras” (tough guys) of the late 20th century to today's organized youth gangs and professional criminals. Led by Carlos Alsina, with guests Iñaki, Manu, and several expert commentators, the discussion weaves together history, music, and social analysis, blending factual insights with signature humor and vivid anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins and Legend of 'El Jaro' — The Quintessential Macarra

• Introduction with Poetry and Music (00:32): The episode opens with a poem painting the gritty portrait of a young, desperate delinquent.
• El Jaro's Story (01:33 - 02:25):
  • "El Jaro era un delincuente juvenil que vivió y murió muy deprisa, en febrero del 79, concretamente, una noche que no andaba precisamente desarmado." — Manu
  • At just 16, El Jaro became an icon of the quinqui (youth delinquent) scene, inspiring both music (notably Joaquín Sabina) and a new wave of Spanish cinema: "cine quinqui."

2. The Evolution: From Quinquis to Latin Gangs

• Societal Shifts (02:25 - 03:28):
  • "Esos delincuentes menores de edad... ahora, hoy serían las bandas latinas." — Manu
  • Migration has shifted over the decades: from internal Spanish migrants in the 70s to today's children of Ecuadorian, Moroccan, Dominican immigrants.
• Parallels Across Generations (03:28 - 04:51):
  • Both eras’ gangs arise from social deprivation, lack of opportunities, and the formation of identity through group belonging.
  • Notable change in weaponry: "han cambiado las sierras, las navajas de entonces, por los machetes de ahora." — Manu

3. Gender, Lifespan, and Professionalization of Crime

• Roles of Women & Short Career Spans (04:51 - 05:24):
  • "El papel que juegan las mujeres son poco poco más que usar y tirar. Reposo del guerrero."
  • Many delinquent youths in the past and present rarely make it past their mid-twenties in "the life."
• New Ruthlessness and Gang Structure (05:24 - 06:33):
  • "En las bandas latinas... hay un componente que es más perverso y retorcido..." — Manu
  • Now, older gang members use teenagers to commit severe crimes—exploiting Spain’s lighter juvenile penalties.
• Notable Moment:
  • "Los menores son empleados por los mayores de la banda... encargados de cometer los delitos más graves." (05:41)

4. International Trends: ‘Macarras’ Beyond Spain

• Mocromafia and Foreign Hitmen (06:33 - 07:03):
  • Links between local gang evolution and global criminal networks, e.g., “mocromafia”—with minors hired internationally, sometimes via Instagram.

5. Music and Mythology of the Macarra

• Iconic Songs (07:09 - 07:44):
  • Reference to music from Sabina and groups like Burning and Ilegal, whose members often mirrored the lives of the macarras they sang about.
• Cult of the Bank Robber (07:44 - 08:37):
  • Older bank and jewelry store robbers are depicted as more "professional" than today's youthful gangs: "verdaderamente peligrosa, verdaderamente profesional, tipos que tiraban de fusco, de recortada..." — Manu

6. Extinction and Survival of the Old-School Robber

• The ‘Quebrantados’ (08:37 - 09:49):
  • "Los quebrantados son atracadores... que cuando les dan un permiso de salida, generalmente un fin de semana, deciden no volver. Quebrantan la condena..."
  • They're older, dangerous, have nothing to lose, and are responsible for some of the most violent recent crimes.
  • Memorable example: A female police officer in Vigo killed by such a robber.

7. Criminal Heirs: Butroneros and Vuelcos

• Contemporary Heirs (09:51 - 10:13):
  • The butroneros (expert safecrackers) and those specializing in “vuelcos” (drug heists) bridge the gap between past and present.
• Their Professionalism (10:13 - 10:54):
  • Invest in tools, specialized training, and maintain the party-heavy, ostentatious lifestyle: "su afición por las juergas y concretamente por las juergas ibicencas." — Manu

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:33] Manu:
  “El Jaro era un delincuente juvenil que vivió y murió muy deprisa...”
• [03:28] Unknown Expert/Commentator:
  “Los grupos de quinquis… se formaron en los años 70 en barrios de grandes ciudades donde llegaba la inmigración...”
• [04:10] Manu:
  “El Caladero, donde captan a sus miembros unas y otras bandas...”
• [05:39] Manu:
  “Las bandas de entonces, los menores... dirigían sus grupos... por la bravura, por el arrojo, por la valentía. Y en cambio ahora los menores son empleados por los mayores de la banda.”
• [06:33] Unknown Expert/Commentator:
  “Esto que cuenta, Manu, es lo que están haciendo ya grupos de lo que se llama mocromafia por todo el mundo...”
• [08:51] Unknown Expert/Commentator:
  “Los quebrantados son atracadores que tendrían que jubilarse ya... que cuando les dan un permiso de salida... deciden no volver.”
• [09:23] Manu:
  “Pueden parecer inofensivos, son extremadamente peligrosos precisamente porque no tienen nada que perder.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:32-01:09: Opening recital – “Jarra de ceñido pantalón…” (poetic intro)
• 01:33-02:25: The rise and legacy of "El Jaro"
• 02:53-03:28: Transition from quinquis to contemporary Latin gangs
• 04:10-04:51: Socioeconomic parallels and identity-building in gangs
• 05:24-06:33: New forms of gang hierarchy and exploitation of minors
• 06:33-07:03: Internationalization — minors hired as hitmen
• 07:44-08:29: The downfall of traditional bank robbers
• 08:51-09:49: ‘Quebrantados’: the last generation of old-school robbers
• 09:51-10:54: Evolution to butroneros and modern heists

Tone and Style

Throughout, the discussion balances factual analysis with dark humor, employing the colloquial language and vivid imagery characteristic of the Spanish true crime genre. The hosts and experts blend nostalgia, critique, and a touch of fascination with the colorful underworld characters that have shaped Spain’s criminal folklore.

Final Notes

This episode offers a compelling comparison between past and present delinquency in Spain, showing how social context, migration, and criminal innovation intersect to perpetuate certain archetypes—though ever-evolving—in the Spanish imagination. The storytelling, historic references, and musical nods make it essential listening for anyone interested in contemporary Spanish society or true crime.