Here’s a roundup of news over the weekend and what to expect for the week ahead:
Protest Against Government Response to Flood Disaster
Thousands gathered on Saturday night in Valencia to protest the government’s handling of the recent flood disaster, calling for the resignation of Generalitat President Carlos Mazón. Despite mounting public pressure, Mazón has refused to step down.
At exactly 20:11, the time the flood alert was issued on October 29, protesters set alarms on their phones as a symbolic reminder of the delayed response. For many victims, the alert came too late, as the floodwaters had already caused devastation.
For detailed coverage of the protests, El País has a comprehensive report (read more here), while Las Provincias features an excellent photo essay capturing the event’s atmosphere.
Valencia Marathon’s Emotional Tribute to Flood Victims
Sunday’s Valencia Marathon paid tribute to flood victims while celebrating the resilience of the city and its athletic spirit. The event began with a poignant moment of silence and the playing of Valencia’s regional anthem, honoring the more than 200 lives lost in the floods. Emergency workers involved in rescue efforts fired the starting shot.
The city was awash in the red, yellow, and blue of Valencia’s Senyera flag, as approximately 35,000 runners took to the streets. For each marathon finisher, €3 will be donated to a reconstruction fund for flood-affected areas.
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe claimed victory in the men’s race with an impressive time of 2:02:06—his first marathon win. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu triumphed in 2:16:49. Both winners celebrated by waving their national flags alongside the Valencian Senyera.
For a summary of the race, check out Super Deporte’s coverage (read more here).
Transportation Update
Good news for commuters: Metro Valencia will resume partial service on Tuesday, December 3, earlier than anticipated. Most lines within the city center will be operational, though service outside the city remains limited.
- Line 1 (Valencia City Center to Castelló): Still under repair.
- Line 2 (Paterna–Llíria): Repairs ongoing.
Bus replacement services will continue, and additional trams have been deployed to ease congestion. For details, visit Metro Valencia’s website (more info here).
Flood Recovery Efforts
Recovery from the floods is an ongoing process, but community-driven initiatives are providing hope and support. One standout effort is Adopta un Colegio, a charity campaign focused on repairing and restocking flood-damaged schools to reopen classrooms.
For more information on rebuilding initiatives, visit our Flood Recovery Resources page.
Christmas Holiday Events in Valencia
Despite the challenges of the past month, Valencia is preparing for the holiday season with its usual festive charm.
- Official Lighting Ceremony: Wednesday, December 4, at the Ayuntamiento.
- Ice Rink: Opens this week at the Ayuntamiento.
- Christmas Markets: The artisan market at Plaza de la Reina is already open, with more markets across the city.
- Charity Events: The Santa Motorcade on December 15 will distribute gifts to children in flood-affected areas.
Stay tuned for a separate post with a complete guide to Valencia’s holiday events!