Podcast Summary:

Todo Concostrina – "Acontece que no es poco | Panteón de (Algunos) Marinos Ilustres"
Host: Nieves Concostrina (with Carla)
Date: September 18, 2024

Overview

This episode delves into the history, controversies, and notable “huéspedes” (residents) of the Panteón de Marinos Ilustres in Cádiz. With her signature incisive humor and critical tone, Nieves Concostrina critiques how Spain manages (and often mismanages) the memory and commemoration of its historical figures—contrasting the Spanish approach with countries like France, and examining how the navy’s pantheon serves as a rare (though imperfect) exception.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Comparing Cultures of Remembrance (00:21)

• Carla opens by reflecting on the podcast "Las tumbas de Gaztambide" and the broader Spanish neglect of its illustrious figures, both physically and symbolically.
• Quote [00:23]:
  “Lo mal que gestionamos en este país el recuerdo, la memoria, e incluso la conservación física y simbólica de nuestros personajes más ilustres.” – Carla

2. The Problem with Spain's Pantheons (01:06)

• Nieves criticizes the state of national pantheons in Spain, highlighting the Panteón de Marinos Ilustres as a noteworthy exception—albeit “enturbiado” by the presence of undesirable figures, including some Francoist burials.

• Contrasts with the chaotic “panteón de supuestos ilustres” in Madrid, calling it “un completo desastre”.

• Quote [01:21]:
  “El recinto carecerá de prestigio. Está manchado.” – Nieves

3. Origins and Construction Delays (04:45)

• The Panteón began as a parish church in 1786—its purpose unclear and construction nearly abandoned.

• Only after the Battle of Trafalgar (early 19th C.) did the idea to repurpose it as a navy pantheon catch on.

• Took about 170 years to finish; only completed in 1959 under the Franco dictatorship.

• Quote [04:48]: "Pusieron la primera piedra, la segunda, la tercera, y yo creo que la cuarta ya no la pusieron.” – Nieves

4. Who Rests (or Doesn't) in the Pantheon? (03:09, 06:57)

• Isaac Peral's Rejection:

  • Carla wonders if Isaac Peral, the submarine inventor, rests there. Nieves explains how, after his poor treatment by the country and the navy, his family adamantly refused his transfer to the pantheon.
  • Quote [03:09]: “Isaac Peral mandó...a la Armada y al Gobierno y a España en general...a freír monas. Dejadme en paz.” – Nieves

• Not Just Admirals:

  • Fewer than 50 actual tombs; many others are commemorative, including a “simple fogonero” (stokeman) from the Cuban War.

• Symbolic Elements:

  • Memorials for those who died at sea and even a symbolic pond, filled with ocean water collected by the navy’s training ship, the Juan Sebastián Elcano, to honor those lost at sea.
  • Quote [08:11]: “Es una piscinita circular con una corona de laurel en el medio y que se rellena de vez en cuando con aguas de los océanos del mundo.” – Nieves

5. Nieves Critiques Royal Posturing (08:24)

• Nieves takes aim at how the royal family uses the appearance of merit—highlighting Leonor’s expedited naval “training” compared to her peers, and the use of ceremonies for PR.

  Quote [08:40]: “Son las ventajas de tener que hacer casi nada para ser absolutamente todo lo mismo.” – Nieves

6. The “Ilustres” (Illustrious or Just Officials?) (10:11)

• The pantheon includes some genuine scientific figures, like Jorge Juan (eminent mathematician and geographer), and not just military men.

  • Jorge Juan: Notable for proving the Earth bulges at the equator and for considerable contributions to science—barely preserved due to his lack of aristocratic titles.
  • Discussion about his birth being claimed by two neighboring towns.
  • Quote [11:46]: “Antes de ser una calle, fue un señor muy interesante, pero sobre todo es un referente científico.” – Nieves

• Nieves’ favorite is Jorge Juan; she laments how nearly his remains were lost due to not being noble or a cleric.

7. Critique of Spanish Commemoration Culture (11:51)

• Suggests renaming the pantheon as "de algunos marinos ilustres", since many worthy figures are missing and some interred are questionable.

  • Points out hypocrisy: Among the mariners memorialized are poor sailors taken to war while the wealthy could buy their way out—highlighting social injustice in how heroism is constructed.

  Quote [12:51]: “Los muy cínicos, porque fueron los mismos que habían llevado a los pobres a combatir y que habían librado a los ricos que podían pagar por no ir a la guerra.” – Nieves

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Peral’s Rejection:
  "La familia devolvió una pedorreta. Iros por ahí todos." – Nieves [03:26]

• On Military 'Heroism':
  "Morirte no te convierte en héroe." – Nieves [05:29]

• On the Symbolic Pond: "Una piscinita circular...que se rellena de vez en cuando con aguas de los océanos del mundo." – Nieves [08:11]

• Wry Royal Commentary:
  "Menos ella, la nena. Que ella va a hacer todo esto en un pispás…son las ventajas de tener que hacer casi nada para ser absolutamente todo lo mismo." – Nieves [08:40]

• On Who Fills National Pantheons:
  "Los llenan gentes no autorizadas a llenarlo con gentes además que les interesan a ellos...para el postureo." – Nieves [11:54]

Suggested Visit and Final Reflections (09:58, 10:01)

• Both agree the Panteón de Marinos Ilustres is worth visiting, for its artistry, romance, and (albeit flawed) commemoration—particularly with a good guide.
• The episode wraps with reflection on the nature of commemoration and who is truly “illustrious”.

Key Timestamps

• 00:21 – Problema de la memoria histórica y comparación internacional
• 01:06 – Crítica a los panteones españoles; nacimiento problemático del de marinos
• 03:09 – Historia de Isaac Peral y su ausencia en el panteón
• 04:45 – Origen y construcción del edificio
• 06:57 – Quiénes están homenajeados y cómo; simbología
• 08:11 – La piscina de aguas oceánicas; el papel de la Juan Sebastián Elcano
• 08:24-09:58 – Crítica al postureo real en la marina
• 10:11–11:46 – Los verdaderos ilustres, centrado en Jorge Juan
• 11:51 – Ironía sobre el propio nombre del panteón y reflexión final

Tone

• Nieves Concostrina’s signature is sardonic, direct, and laced with humor, but underpinned by pointed social and historical critique.
• The episode balances accessible storytelling with deep criticism of Spain’s approach to memory, highlighting both historical quirks and uncomfortable political realities.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking to appreciate the depth, irony, and historical context delivered by Nieves Concostrina on "Acontece que no es poco."