logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
24m 30s

Alebrijes, Tonales, y Animales Fantástic...

Spanish and Go
About this episode

Have you ever wondered about the colorful alebrijes featured in Mexican culture or how they connect to myths like nahuales and tonales? In this episode, we share the story of how alebrijes originated from a fever dream, their transformation from papier-mâché to wood carvings in Oaxaca, and their global rise to fame. We’ll also dive into the mystical beliefs surrounding nahuales and tonales, uncovering their ties to ancient traditions and personal destiny. Whether you’re a fan of folk art or curious about Mexican heritage, this episode will leave you inspired and informed!

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover the origin story of alebrijes and their evolution into a beloved art form.
  • Learn the fascinating myths behind nahuales and their spiritual role in Mesoamerican culture.
  • Explore how tonales connect your birth date to a unique animal or element.

Links And Additional Resources:

  • Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
    • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
    • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
    • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple 

Support the show

Up next
Oct 7
Chatea como Nativo con Acrónimos Parte II - Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms Part II
Part two of our acronym series explores the explicit, slang-filled world of texting in Spanish. From ALV and MVV to NMM, we explain what these phrases mean, how locals use them, and when not to use them. Even if you never plan to say these words yourself, understanding them will ... Show More
30m 46s
Sep 30
Cómo Aprovechar al Máximo un Viaje de Inmersión - How to Get the Most out of an Immersion Trip
Have you ever wondered what makes a Spanish immersion trip truly effective? In this episode, we chat with Rory Foster about his journey building Common Ground International and the lessons he’s learned from running immersion programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and beyond. We discuss ... Show More
43m 12s
Sep 23
El Agua Parte II - Water Part II
Part 2 of our discussion about water in Mexico explores why tap water is often avoided and how families and travelers manage their water needs. We share our own home filtration setup, explain the use of garrafones, discuss historical events that shaped public distrust, and offer ... Show More
21m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
S3E10. Beading Tatreez into Jewelry with Zeina
ZEINA IS A JEWELRY DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF ASHERAH JEWELLERY, DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING, PRESERVING, AND RAISING AWARENESS OF PALESTINIAN TATREEZ THROUGH HANDMADE BEADED JEWELRY (@ asherahjewelleryuk). Together, we hear about her journey as a half-Palestinian, half-Iraqi artist, g ... Show More
46m 47s
Jan 2019
Animal Facts Part 1: The Blowhole, Cow Tipping and Much, Much More
In this episode of The Brain Food Show, we start by looking at a rather fascinating fact about dogs and cats that you probably didn’t know. Next we discuss Wix! Go to https://www.wix.com/go/brainfood to get started on your website today! Check out our website at https://brainfood ... Show More
1 h
Jun 2019
How Porcupines Mate, the Bizarre Sex Habits of Giraffes (and Much, Much More)
In this episode of The Brain Food Show, we start by looking at whether or not male humans can get pregnant and carry a baby to full term naturally. (Spoiler- yes and yes. And even breastfeed too! It doesn’t even require fancy science or advanced medical techniques.) Moving on to ... Show More
47m 32s
Oct 2
S5E3. A Generational Collaboration in Tatreez with Tala & Niveen from Palmera Art
TALA & NIVEEN ARE THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER TATREEZ ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS BEHIND PALMERA ART (@palmera_art). Their story is one of weaving memory and heritage across borders—from Jerusalem to Kuwait, Saudi, Canada, and now Dubai—while never losing sight of their Palestinian roots. In t ... Show More
47m 52s
Apr 2025
Plus Bites 1 | AI Futures, Ancient Myths, Brain Power & Life's Big Questions
Dive deep into a diverse range of fascinating topics in this episode! We start with language, exploring the meaning and nuances of "All's well that ends well" and the weary feeling of "lassitude." Then, we tackle the complex future of Artificial Intelligence, equipping you with e ... Show More
1h 36m
Nov 2024
True Story - The Destructive Tree
🎙️ E437 of The English Like A Native Podcast. This series focuses on increasing your active vocabulary while also improving your listening skills. 🌳 In today's episode, we explore a story about a dangerous tree in my very own back garden! 📧 I also invite you, my lovely listene ... Show More
11m 7s
Feb 2025
Valentine’s Day Around the World: Origins, Traditions, & Inclusive Celebrations
In this episode of English Plus Podcast, we explore Valentine’s Day from every angle—from its ancient origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia and the legendary martyrdom of Saint Valentine to the unique customs celebrated around the globe. Learn about Denmark's playful gaekke ... Show More
21m 2s
Feb 2019
Animal Facts Part 3: A Doughnut Brain, Dung and the Milky Way, Ant Overlords and More
In this episode of The Brain Food Show, we start by looking at the massive creature that has a doughnut shaped brain with its esophagus running right through the middle. Next we discuss Wix! Go to https://www.wix.com/go/brainfood to get started on your website today! Check out ou ... Show More
57m 16s
Jul 17
S4E8. What a Thobe Holds with Amani Albahri
AMANI ALBAHRI IS THE FOUNDER OF TANTURA AND A THOBE COLLECTOR WHOSE WORK CENTERS PALESTINIAN MEMORY AND MATERIAL CULTURE (@TANTURA.CO). Through stories of her family and her collection, Amani offers a powerful reminder that thobes are not just garments—they are vessels of story, ... Show More
52m 30s
Feb 2025
S3E6. Brushstrokes of Tatreez with Halima
HALIMA IS THE ARTIST AND DESIGNER BEHIND THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @PALESTINIANARTIST. Halima shares her journey into art, how she uses embroidery and other mediums to tell Palestinian stories, and the deep cultural significance of her work.The conversation delves into the role of ar ... Show More
29m 55s