Learn Spanish and Go

Why do so many Spanish-speaking countries celebrate their independence in September? We explore the historical connections behind these celebrations, including how Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica came to share September 15, and why Mexico and Chile commemorate the beginnings of their independence movements rather than the dates they officially became independent. We also share our personal experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day, discuss the traditions and foods that make this season special, and look at how these dates connect to Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the history behind the celebrations—and perhaps a new reason to experience one for yourself while traveling.
Key Takeaways:
Learn why Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica share September 15 as an important independence date and how their shared history shaped the celebrations we know today.
Discover why Mexico and Chile celebrate dates that mark the beginning of their independence movements, even though they became formally independent years later.
Explore how independence celebrations bring together food, traditions, history, and local culture—and hear about our own experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day with locals.
Relevant Links And Additional Resources:
181 – Sobre Chile | About Chile
056 – Cinco de Mayo
034 – La Revolución Mexicana | The Mexican Revolution
023 – La Independencia de México | Mexico’s Independence
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Could getting dental treatment in Mexico actually be worth it? I share my seven-to-eight-month Invisalign journey, including why I decided to fix my overbite, how much I paid, what the treatment was really like, and the biggest challenge I faced: not being able to snack whenever I wanted! I also explain how Invisalign works, compare it with traditional braces, and talk about the functional benefits I noticed beyond having a better-looking smile. May and I also discuss our experiences with healthcare outside the United States and why a clinic that looks less luxurious doesn’t necessarily provide lower-quality care. If you’ve ever considered getting dental or medical treatment abroad, this episode will give you a firsthand look at what the experience can be like.
Key Takeaways:
Why I decided to get Invisalign and how correcting my bite improved more than just the appearance of my smile.
What Invisalign is actually like—including the cost, treatment timeline, discomfort, eating restrictions, and what happens after the active treatment ends.
What I learned from getting dental treatment in Mexico and why I think it’s worth researching options abroad before assuming treatment in the U.S. is the only choice.
Relevant Links And Additional Resources:
210 – El Camino A La Visión 20/20 Con Jaime | The Path To 20/20 Vision With Jaime
171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery
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If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!
✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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Chiles en nogada are one of Mexico’s most celebrated seasonal dishes, and we’re sharing what makes them so special. We talk about our own experiences trying vegetarian versions in Puebla, explain what goes into preparing everything from the stuffed poblano pepper to the famous walnut sauce, and highlight why this colorful dish is such an important part of Mexican culture. We also discuss the legendary origin story of chiles en nogada, whether it’s history or folklore, and how food and storytelling have shaped Mexican traditions for generations. Along the way, we explain why the dish is only available for a short season, why it’s one of Mexico’s most expensive traditional meals, and even settle the debate over whether it’s better capeado (battered) or without the batter. By the end, you’ll understand why tasting chiles en nogada in Puebla is an experience every food lover should have.
Key Takeaways:
Discover why chiles en nogada are a symbol of Mexican history, culture, and national identity—not just a delicious meal.
Learn how this iconic dish is prepared, from roasting and stuffing the poblano pepper to making the rich walnut sauce and assembling its signature flavors.
Explore the legends, traditions, and seasonal customs surrounding chiles en nogada, and find out why Puebla is the best place to experience them.
Relevant Links And Additional Resources:
273 – Mole Poblano – El Sabor Profundo De México | Mole Poblano – The Deep Flavor Of Mexico
158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2
130 – Comidas Mexicanas Que No Conoces | Mexican Foods You Don’t Know About
013 – La Comida Mexicana | Mexican Food
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If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!
✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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Becoming parents has given us a whole new appreciation for children’s songs, so in this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorites with Santi and the memories they bring back. We talk about bilingual nursery rhymes, classic Mexican lullabies, interactive songs that make little ones laugh, and why some English nursery rhymes have surprisingly dark (or misunderstood) histories. Along the way, you’ll learn about traditional songs like Los Pollitos Dicen, Martinillo, and Ricky Ran, discover how children’s songs are translated across languages, and hear us compare the games and counting rhymes we grew up with in Mexico and the United States. Whether you’re learning Spanish, raising bilingual kids, or simply feeling nostalgic about your childhood, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the music, traditions, and family moments that connect generations.
Key Takeaways:
Discover popular Mexican and English nursery rhymes, their meanings, and the traditions behind them.
Learn how children’s songs are translated across languages while keeping their rhythm, melody, and cultural charm.
Compare childhood games, counting rhymes, and family traditions from Mexico and the United States through our own experiences.
Links And Additional Resources:
325 – Un Año con Santi: Lo Que Hemos Aprendido Como Papás | A Year with Santi: What We’ve Learned as Parents
270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
247 – El Coco, El Ratoncito Pérez, y Otras Creencias de los Niños Latinos | El Coco, El Ratoncito Pérez, and Other Beliefs of Latin Children
108 – Errores en la Música en Español | Errors in Spanish Music
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Summer vacations mean something different depending on where you grew up, and in this episode, we look back on the childhood memories that shaped us—from playing outside in the rain in Mexico to biking through Minnesota during long summer days. We also talk about how owning a home and raising our son, Santi, has changed our relationship with travel, why we’re trying to squeeze in a few more trips before he turns two, and the realities of traveling as parents. Along the way, we compare summer traditions in Mexico and the U.S., explain why “summer” doesn’t always mean hot weather, share travel mishaps caused by unexpected climates, and discuss what an ideal vacation looks like for us today.
Key Takeaways:
How becoming parents and homeowners has changed the way we think about traveling.
The differences between summer vacations, weather, and school breaks in Mexico and the United States.
Why some of our favorite childhood summer memories had nothing to do with traveling at all.everyday culture
Links And Additional Resources:
326 – Viajar al Caribe en Temporada de Sargazo | Traveling to the Caribbean During Sargassum Season
312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
292 – Aprendizajes de Nuestro Primer Viaje con Santi | Learnings From Our First Trip with Santi
250 – Tipos de Viajes, ¿Cuál Prefieres Tú? | Types of trips, which one do you prefer?
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✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community
Support the show