We’ve all heard of the bolero, which has its modern roots in nineteenth century Santiago de Cuba (even though we might not be able to hum one on cue). But what about the cuartetazo? Born in Córdoba, Argentina, and derived from Spanish and Italian dances, the name is derived from the fact that the earliest players were invariably four-piece bands. The rhythm is similar to merengue.

¿Quién es Javier García? With his producer (and two-time Academy Award winner) Gustavo Santaolalla, Javier Garcia talks about his roots and influences. Also, we learn about some noted musicians who contributed to the album 13, including the great trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval.

Javier Garcia was born in Madrid to a Cuban father and spent his earliest years in Spain before heading to boarding school in Ireland (from whence his mother comes), finishing high school in Miami after the age of 16. So what kind of Spanish accent does he have? Well, by his own admission, something of a Cuban one when he sings, a kind of a Spanish one when he talks… (we called him and asked!)

If Javier doesn’t get you swinging, swaying and stumbling over your two left feet with this tune, you’re at the wrong site! The trumpet is courtesy of the incomparable Arturo Sandoval, who we had the pleasure of seeing at the Blue Note a while back. A drunken and noisy Tom Jones showed up mid-set with full entourage, causing the fiery Sandoval to call for ¡cállate!

We happened upon Pipita on the sidewalk in Madrid and she introduced us to her traveling companion, Nuria Gonzales. Nuria hails from Asturias, in the north of Spain, but now teaches Spanish at a university in the USA. Lucky for us, they both agreed to an on-the-spot exclusive interview.

Amaya and Carlos continue to tell us about their collaboration as well as their personal determination to restore dignity to the donkey.

Amaya introduces us to Carlos, a clothing designer whose brand, Burrys, is inspired by his weakness and admiration for donkeys. Let's hear some details about his work, life and collaboration with Amaya and Donkey Dreamland.

Greek salad with feta cheese is a classic dish that dates back to Ancient Greece. Let's find out its origin as well as the ingredients to prepare it.

Direct from his kitchen, Fermín tells us how to prepare a refreshing summer salad whose main ingredient is garbanzo beans. Let's find out what other ingredients this delightful recipe includes.

Let's watch the intriguing music video for "Así Es La Vida" [That's Life], a 2023 duet by Spanish crooner Enrique Iglesias and Argentinian singer María Becerra, which was released as the first single from Iglesias's album Final (Vol. 2), slated to be the final album of his career.

Can you guess the English equivalents of common Spanish idiomatic phrases that literally mean things like "to come from pearls," "from the milk" and "even in the soup"? Let's find out from our friend Fermín, who will both explain them and use them in context.

Professor Joan Martínez Manent continues to share with us details about Tarragona, this time showing us the ancient Roman aqueduct that was built in the first century A.D. and fulfilled a variety of important functions for the ancient city.

Fermín teaches us more colorful idiomatic phrases in Spanish to recognize and put into practice.

Are you familiar with the Spanish expression that can be literally translated as "to be with two sails"? Find out the meaning of this and more frequently used Spanish idiomatic expressions that Fermín has compiled for your learning pleasure.

Casabermeja mayor Antonio Artacho talks to us about the commemoration of the proclamation of Spain's Second Republic, explaining, among other things, why the town's residents go to the town cemetery on this day.