News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

culture

Baiona Celebrates the Arribada 2025: A Journey Through Medieval Times

From February 28 to March 2, 2025, the charming town of Baiona in Galicia, Spain, transformed into a vibrant medieval setting to commemorate the historic arrival of the caravel Pinta in 1493, marking the news of the Discovery of America.

A Medieval Spectacle

The Fiesta de la Arribada 2025 was a grand celebration that transported visitors back to the 15th century. The town's streets, particularly those around Carabela Pinta and Ciudad de Vigo, were adorned with over 60 artisan stalls, each showcasing traditional crafts and products that reflect the rich heritage of the region. These stalls offered a wide range of items, from handmade jewelry and textiles to pottery and metalwork, all crafted using traditional techniques.

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culture

Catalan Language Faces Significant Challenges in Academic and Social Spheres

In a troubling trend that has sparked concern among linguists and cultural advocates, the Catalan language is facing a significant decline in its usage, particularly in academic settings and everyday social interactions.

Decline in Academic Usage

A recent study has highlighted that Catalan is increasingly rare in doctoral theses in Catalonia. This decline is alarming, as it indicates a broader trend where Catalan is being marginalized in academic and intellectual discourse. The study reveals that the number of doctoral theses written in Catalan has plummeted, reflecting a shift towards more dominant languages such as Spanish or English.

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crime-law

Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Prostitution and Shoplifting Involving High-Profile Figures

In a shocking series of events, a recent scandal has surfaced involving allegations of prostitution and shoplifting, drawing in high-profile individuals and sparking widespread controversy.

The Allegations

At the heart of the scandal are allegations that a group of individuals, including those associated with a prominent figure, were involved in a prostitution ring and a shoplifting incident. The allegations suggest that these activities took place on the island of Ibiza, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife and luxury lifestyle.

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emergency-response

Devastating Floods in Valencia: A Catastrophic Event and the Path to Recovery

In the early days of March 2025, the eastern region of Valencia in Spain was hit by one of the most severe flood disasters in European history, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life that has shaken the entire nation.

The Disaster Unfolds

On the night of Tuesday, February 27, a slow-moving storm system brought unseasonably heavy rainfall to Valencia, resulting in a year's worth of rain falling in just eight hours. This unprecedented deluge caused rivers to burst their banks, destroying roads, railtracks, and bridges, and inundating thousands of homes and businesses.

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health

Healthcare Crisis Deepens in Spain as Technicians and Nurses Consider Strike Action

In a troubling development for Spain's already strained healthcare system, technicians and nurses are contemplating strike action to highlight the severe labour shortages and working conditions that have been plaguing the sector. This potential strike comes at a critical time, as Spain, like much of Europe, is grappling with significant workforce gaps in healthcare, IT, and other critical sectors.

Labour Shortages and Working Conditions

The healthcare sector in Spain is one of the hardest hit by labour shortages. With an ageing population and an increasing demand for healthcare services, the existing workforce is struggling to keep up. The situation is exacerbated by the retirement of many healthcare professionals and a lack of new entrants to the field. This has led to overworked and undervalued staff, with many reporting high levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health issues[2][4].

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weather

Los Llanos de Aridane Covered in White by Massive Dust Storm Before Over 10,000 People

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, the town of Los Llanos de Aridane on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands was engulfed by a massive dust storm, leaving the area covered in a thick layer of white dust. This extraordinary phenomenon occurred on a day that was supposed to be a celebration, as over 10,000 people had gathered for a festive event.

The Event and the Unexpected Twist

The dust storm hit during the festivities of the 'Fiestas de la Virgen de los Dolores', a significant annual event in Los Llanos de Aridane. The celebration, which typically attracts thousands of locals and visitors, was suddenly interrupted by the intense dust storm. The storm, known as a "polvadera" in Spanish, is a common occurrence in arid regions but was particularly severe in this instance.

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