Podcast Summary: Más de uno

Episode: ¿Puede el ninot de Alsina ser indultado a última hora?

Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Carlos Alsina, Onda Cero
Guest Contributors: Begoña Perpiña, Manolo Blanco

Overview

This episode, set amidst the vibrant festivities of Las Fallas in Valencia, humorously explores the fate of the "ninot" (effigy) of Carlos Alsina. The team discusses the traditions surrounding the indulto (pardon) of ninots, the near-impossibility of last-minute rescues, and the behind-the-scenes efforts to save the Alsina effigy—a thread that becomes a light-hearted campaign throughout the morning show. The mood is lively, filled with jokes, local color, and affectionate camaraderie between the Onda Cero team.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Burning Question: Can Alsina's Ninot Be Saved?

• The hosts joke about Alsina's anxiety over his effigy's fate, noting how unsettling it is to watch your likeness burn ([00:03]–[00:16]).
• There’s a playful acknowledgement of Alsina’s (and perhaps everyone’s) hope for a miracle pardon—despite slim odds ([00:06]–[00:14]).

Insight from Valencia: Rules and Rare Exceptions

• Begoña Perpiña, Onda Cero Valencia, provides clarity: "No se puede hacer nada... cada fallera mayor en su falla también puede indultar un ninot" ([00:18]–[00:32]).
• She reveals a little-known fact: each falla's fallera mayor can save one ninot, theoretically giving a sliver of hope for an 11th-hour indulto ([00:32]–[00:48]).

The (Miniature) Consolation Prize

• Begoña surprises the team with news from Manolo Blanco, the artist behind Alsina’s ninot. Even if the original burns, a 30-cm replica will be gifted to Carlos ([01:06]–[01:49]):
  • Quote: “Al final decidimos hacerle un pequeño muñeco, el original... regalarle un muñeco por lo menos, si no tiene el original, que tenga una copia y se lo pueda tener en cualquier estantería de casa.” — Manolo Blanco ([01:22])
• The group enthusiastically plans where Alsina should display the keepsake ([01:49]–[01:58]).

Behind the Festivities: The Hard Work of Fallas

• Begoña shares an inside look at the journalists’ grind during the festival, highlighting her colleague Boro Peiro’s dedication—staying up all night to cover every monument ([02:46]):
  • Quote: “Él se ha acostado a las 6 de la mañana… porque lo que se hace la noche previa… es dar una vuelta por todos los monumentos ya plantados, ya acabados, para ya determinar ojo humano cuál es nuestro favorito.” — Begoña Perpiña ([02:46])
• She comments on the mix of exhaustion and excitement: “Nos queda lo mejor, los buñuelos. Eso, con una remesa de buñuelos se apaña todo.” ([03:28])

Mood and Tone: Fiesta, Friendship, and Food

• Jokes abound about the team deserving a holiday for working during the city’s biggest party ([03:40]–[03:49]).
• They extend an open invitation for listeners (and each other) to experience the joy of Las Fallas from their balcony-view studio ([03:59]–[04:27]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alsina's Restlessness:

  • “Es inquietante ver cómo arde.” — Alsina, on watching his effigy burn ([00:14])

• The ‘Mission’ to Save the Ninot:

  • “La próxima misión es meterle presión a Cristina para que coja al grande igualmente.” — Begoña Perpiña, launching a playful campaign to sway the fallera mayor ([02:17])

• The Journalist’s Sacrifice:

  • “Nos pasa como los restaurantes cuando hay festivo, que trabajan más. Esta semana tenemos además programa especial desde un balcón.” — Begoña Perpiña ([03:59])

• The Unbeatable ‘Buñuelos’ Fix:

  • “Nos queda lo mejor, los buñuelos. Eso, con una remesa de buñuelos se apaña todo.” — Begoña Perpiña ([03:28])

• Anticipating Spring:

  • “Sombra lunas es el último del invierno.” — Co-host ([04:53])
  • “No me digas eso... que ya viene la primavera.” — Alsina ([04:56])
  • “El verano dentro de nada y ya me voy de vacaciones.” — Alsina ([05:01])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03–00:16: Joking about Alsina’s worried state
• 00:18–00:48: Begoña explains the rules and a slim chance for pardon
• 01:06–01:22: Manolo Blanco’s surprise gift revealed
• 02:46–03:28: Festive fatigue, buñuelos, and the journalist’s viewpoint
• 03:59–04:27: Inviting listeners to enjoy the special balcony-broadcast
• 04:53–05:01: Reflecting on the end of winter and arrival of spring/summer

Conclusion

This lively episode of "Más de uno" weaves together Valencian festival culture, newsroom camaraderie, and affectionate humor. While Alsina’s ninot may not receive the official indulto, he is granted a memorable consolation in the form of a handcrafted miniature effigy—a token of the festive community spirit. The team’s cheerful banter and Begoña’s inside scoops bring the listener straight into the exuberant mosaic of Las Fallas.