Spanish Practices

Ever wondered why Mercadona is often called one of the most profitable supermarkets in the world? In this light-hearted episode of Spanish Practices, we explore its fascinating history—from a humble family butcher's shop in Valencia to a retail powerhouse across Spain. We dive into how Mercadona has reinvented the supermarket experience with energy-efficient stores, hot takeaway food, and even places to sit and eat. Plus, we uncover the story behind the famously catchy Mercadona jingle (sí, that one stuck in your head) and the voice behind it. Expect humour, insights into Spanish shopping culture, and plenty of relatable moments if you've ever gone in for milk and come out with a full basket. Perfect for expats, Spain lovers, and anyone curious about everyday life in Spain. The Mercadona Jingle, composed by Lluís Miquel Campos, vocalist Mamen García, reproduced under UK Fair Dealing Law 1988 Sections 29/30

Why does Easter in Spain feel like a powerful historical drama, while in the UK it's closer to a chocolate-fuelled long weekend? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we compare the deeply traditional Semana Santa celebrations of Spain — with solemn processions, penitents, and powerful depictions of the crucifixion — against the more light-hearted British Easter of chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, roast lamb, and a Bank Holiday Monday. Exploring culture, religion, food, and tradition, this episode highlights the fascinating contrast between Spanish Holy Week and British Easter customs, while uncovering what both countries share at their core. Perfect for anyone living in Spain, moving to Spain, or simply curious about cultural differences between Spain and the UK. Please like, follow and leave a review - it really helps this Podcast.

Why does Spain look like a doughnut on the map? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we take a slightly sarcastic (and surprisingly informative) deep dive into "Empty Spain" (España vaciada) — the vast, sparsely populated interior where villages are disappearing, schools are closing, and the local bar might be the only sign of life. Meanwhile, the coasts and major cities are bursting at the seams. So what happened? We explore: Why most of Spain's population lives along the coast and in major cities The great rural exodus and the decline of inland villages The long-term impact of the Francisco Franco era on economic development Why regions like Andalusia became agricultural powerhouses while the north industrialised The reality behind "España vaciada" and what it means today And whether cheap houses, fibre optic broadband, and a bit of imagination could bring people back to rural Spain From empty plains to overcrowded costas, this episode explains how Spain became one of Europe's most unevenly populated cou

Can Brits still move to Spain after Brexit? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I will break down exactly how UK citizens can live, retire, and even work in Spain in 2026. From the 90-day rule and visa requirements to the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Digital Nomad Visa, we explain the process in a clear, practical (and humorous) way. We also cover key essentials like the TIE card vs NIE number (yes, they're different!), private health insurance rules, and the paperwork you'll need — including ACRO checks, apostilles, and translations. Plus, what happens if you were already living in Spain before Brexit. If you're dreaming of life in the Spanish sun, this episode will help you navigate the bureaucracy — and remind you why it's all worth it. ☀️ Moving to Spain after Brexit made simple (and slightly entertaining!) Always seek the advice of an Immigration Expert when considering any move to another country.

Octopus is one of Spain's most iconic foods—but should we really be eating such an intelligent creature? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we celebrate Spain's love affair with pulpo, from the famous Pulpo a la Gallega of Galicia to the dramatic open-fire octopus cooking traditions of Andalusia. Along the way we explore the surprising intelligence of octopus, their problem-solving abilities, their strange distributed "arm brains," and the growing debate about whether such a remarkable animal should be on the menu at all. Are octopus really as smart as dogs? Can they recognise humans, escape aquariums, and even be kept as pets? And what does modern science say about their sentience and welfare? Join us for a light-hearted but thought-provoking look at one of Spain's most delicious—and controversial—seafood traditions. In praise of pulpo… with just a touch of philosophical guilt.

What happened to the Sagrada Família after the death of Antoni Gaudí in 1926? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we follow the emotional story of two generations of builders in Barcelona — a young technical assistant who witnesses the destruction of Gaudí's workshop during the Spanish Civil War, and his son who helps rebuild the dream decades later. A moving, human story about patience, genius, and the ordinary people who spent a lifetime finishing one of the most extraordinary churches in the world. Please like and follow/subscribe, it really helps this Podcast.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I unpack the reality behind the headlines: the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, the income requirements, the infamous 183-day tax rule, the Beckham Law 24% flat tax regime, social security, IVA, and what nobody tells you about Spanish bureaucracy. We explore the best places to base yourself — from Málaga's Costa del Sol tech scene to Barcelona's creative buzz, Valencia's affordable beach lifestyle, Madrid's business energy, and even the year-round sunshine of the Canary Islands. But this isn't just sunshine and sangria. I also talk honestly about: Spanish tax residency and worldwide income rules The pros and cons of becoming autónomo Housing pressures in popular cities Language barriers (yes… even for those of us who are still "improving") And how the Digital Nomad Visa can become a stepping stone to permanent residency in Spain after five years — and potentially citizenship after ten. If you're considering moving to Spain as a remote worker in 2026, or you're alread

Can you really explain the history of Spain in just ten minutes… without starting a civil war at the dinner table? In this fast-paced, witty episode of Spanish Practices, I skip the dusty timelines and heroic statues and follow the ordinary people who didn't choose history — but got trampled by it anyway. From Iberian goat farmers in ancient Sagunto to Roman toga cleaners ankle-deep in ammonia… From the splendour of Al-Andalus and the fall of Granada to the quiet knock of the Spanish Inquisition… From empire, silver and inflation to Napoleon's invasion, civil war, Franco's dictatorship and Spain's remarkable transition to democracy in 1975… This is Spanish history told differently — human, humorous, and occasionally irreverent. Because Spain isn't just kings, conquistadors and crowns. It's survival. Adaptation. Endurance. A 3,000-year story of ordinary people navigating conquest, collapse, faith, famine, dictatorship and democracy — and still somehow making it to the fiesta. If you're curious about Spanish hi

Spain is currently selling around six homes a minute — and nearly a third are bought in cash. So what's really driving Spain's property boom? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I take a wry, clear-eyed look at the Spanish real estate market in 2026: foreign buyers, remote workers, coastal hotspots like the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, rising prices in Madrid and Barcelona, and the growing pressure on local communities. Why is Spain so attractive to international investors? Where are the most popular regions to buy property? And what should you watch out for before signing at the notary? From cash purchases and lifestyle migration to planning permissions and hidden buying costs, this episode explores the reality behind Spain's housing surge — with humour, perspective and a healthy respect for Spanish bureaucracy. If you're thinking about buying property in Spain, investing in a holiday home, or simply curious about why the market is moving so fast, this one's for you.

Frigiliana is often called Spain's most beautiful village — a maze of whitewashed streets, Moorish architecture and sun-drenched terraces above the Costa del Sol. But beneath its postcard perfection lies one of the bloodiest chapters in Andalusian history. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I uncover the brutal 1569 Battle of El Peñón, when Christian forces crushed a Morisco rebellion in a siege so savage the village was described as a "river of blood." I explore the forced conversions after the Reconquista, the repression of Spain's Moors, the expulsion of the Moriscos, and the extraordinary Moorish irrigation systems the victors depended upon to survive. This is the untold history of Frigiliana — where beauty, faith, conquest and survival collide in one of Spain's most haunting stories.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how decades of unchecked development, urban sprawl and coastal "litoralisation" have reshaped — and in some cases damaged — Spain's Mediterranean coastline. From high-rise hotels built on dunes and illegal developments to disappearing beaches, fake sand, replenishment schemes, over-tourism in the Balearics and Costa del Sol, and the environmental impact of marinas and breakwaters, we unpack the real story behind Spain's coastal erosion crisis. With wry humour and sharp insight, this episode examines corruption, sustainability, climate change and the future of Spain's beaches — essential listening for expats, travellers, property owners and anyone who loves the Spanish coast.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, we travel back to 13th-century Granada to explore the Alhambra Palaces through the eyes of Aisha, a young servant girl living and working under the Nasrid dynasty during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II. VISIT The Alhambra Palaces and Generalife Gardens HERE Moving beyond guidebooks and grand history, this immersive historical storytelling episode reveals daily life inside the Alhambra — from the palace's extraordinary water system and laundry stones to court kitchens, gardens, and the unseen labour that sustained one of Spain's greatest monuments. Set in 1290, The Alhambra: The Eighth Wonder of the World blends social history, Islamic Spain, Moorish architecture, and human perspective, offering a richly atmospheric journey into medieval Andalusia, Granada's Nasrid court, and the quiet lives that made palace life possible.

Spain is facing a new reality of extreme weather — from sudden flooding to the growing threat of summer drought. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I look at the recent storms affecting Spain, including Storm Leonardo and the approaching Storm Marta, and asks what these events tell us about climate change, infrastructure, and life in modern Spain. Reflecting on the legacy of the Valencia DANA floods, the episode explores how Spanish emergency services have improved their response to extreme weather, why many towns and cities struggle with storm drainage, and how Spain's historic relationship with water is being tested by today's climate. Why can Spain experience flooding in winter yet still face drought in summer — even with dams full to overflowing? How do other countries, such as Singapore, manage stormwater differently? And what long-term solutions could help Spain address its growing water challenges? Thoughtful, grounded, and ultimately hopeful, this episode looks at how Spain is learning to adapt — a

What happens when you don't just move countries — but move brains? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how moving to Spain quietly rewires your brain, especially if you arrive tired, overstimulated, and worn down by modern life. From walkable towns and Mediterranean food to better sleep, slower thinking, and everyday social connection, this episode shares five simple brain goals for anyone starting a new life in Spain — or dreaming of one. This isn't about optimisation, biohacking, or becoming a "better version" of yourself. It's about becoming more human again. You'll discover: Why daily walking in Spain beats gym culture for brain health How Spanish food rhythms calm your nervous system Why sleep is treated as infrastructure, not indulgence How language, history, and slowness build mental resilience Why frequent small social interactions matter more than deep friendships Perfect for expats in Spain, those planning to move to Spain, or anyone craving a slower, healthier, more connecte

What did the Romans ever do for Almuñécar? Apart from inventing takeaway food, apartment living, public baths, complaining about politicians… and making the entire town smell like fermented fish. In this episode of Spanish Practices, we travel back to Roman Sexi (modern-day Almuñécar) to follow one entirely unremarkable man: Lucius. He is not a general, senator or emperor. He is a garum worker — which means his job is stirring rotting fish in the sun and smelling so bad even his own family stands upwind. Through Lucius's aching back, noisy apartment block, chaotic streets and daily visits to Roman "takeaways", we discover that ordinary life in Roman Spain looks suspiciously like expat life in modern Spain. People live in cramped flats. Neighbours argue loudly. Bureaucracy is baffling. Everyone eats out. The bars are noisy. The water is questionable. And everyone is convinced society is in decline. There are fish guts. There is urine-based laundry. There are public baths with better gossip than hygiene. There

Spain welcomed a record 97 million tourists — and now the country is bursting at the seams. In this episode, we look at failing infrastructure, overcrowded cities, and why Spain might need a breather in 2026. Plus: lesser-known regions to visit and better ways to experience Spain beyond beaches, booze, and burnout. Three Places, mentioned to visit: Extremadura  https://www.turismoextremadura.com/en/index.html Teruel  https://turismo.teruel.es/en/ Galicia - search interior https://www.turismo.gal/inicio/?langId=en_US  

A detailed investigation into the Adamuz train crash in Spain, examining what happened, what investigators believe caused the derailment, and the warnings about track defects raised before the tragedy. I explore the human stories behind the disaster, including the loss of 41 lives and the death of a 27-year-old train driver, and how families and communities were affected. Finally, we look at rail safety in Spain, public confidence in high-speed trains, and the questions this tragedy raises for travellers and authorities alike.

This week, we had two power cuts. That led to Bruce our rescue dog getting diarrhea! A biblical lightning strike, a bodged Endesa repair, and one warm fridge too far — welcome to Spanish electrics. In this wry expat tale, two power cuts lead to a flooded studio, philosophical acceptance, and an unfortunate canine outcome. Living in Spain teaches resilience, patience, and one golden rule: never trust dog food after a blackout.  

A wry, true-to-life look at Spanish plumbing quirks every expat eventually encounters — mysterious drain smells, missing U-bends, and bathrooms with opinions. From central traps and sewer "breathing" to rain-induced gurgling chaos, this episode explores why Spanish drains work differently. Packed with humour, cultural insight, and lived expat experience of life in Spain and Andalusia. Spanish Practices: real life, real Spain — where even the plumbing tells a story.

In this episode of Spanish Practices - As we start 2026 Spain faces a demographic crunch. A 2025 forecast says the country needs 2.4 million foreign workers by 2035 to sustain its pension system — just as millions apply for Spanish citizenship under the Grandchildren's Law.