Merry Christmas! ?
Here’s the latest news from Valencia this holiday week. Stay tuned for a separate post covering events this weekend.
A Bittersweet Christmas
It’s been a challenging holiday season for those affected by the recent floods. Many families in the hardest-hit areas are finding ways to mark the holidays despite the difficulties. Levante reports on how households are coping during this bittersweet season.
In La Torre, residents of the Sociopolis housing estate face unique challenges. Since the floods, elevators in many buildings remain out of service. Some residents living as high as the 10th floor and above have been unable to leave their apartments. They’ve resorted to a pulley system to haul ingredients and supplies, allowing them to prepare Christmas dinner. Read the full story on Levante.
King Felipe VI delivered his annual Christmas speech to the nation. He highlighted the need for solidarity during this recovery period. An image of Valencia’s flood disaster was prominently displayed behind him. He urged politicians to set aside difference and prioritize helping flood-affected communities. Read more on Las Provincias.
Transportation Update
MetroValencia has resumed service on Line 2 between Paterna and Lliria. Efforts are now underway to restore the metro lines serving southern Valencia, with hopes of completing repairs by early 2025. In the meantime, bus replacement services remain operational. Valencia Plaza has more details.
To further aid recovery, Valencia City Council is offering free public transportation to residents from flood-affected areas. Learn more about this initiative on Valencia Secreta.
Flood Recovery
Recovery efforts continue to gain momentum, with community support playing a vital role. The American School of Valencia raised over €14,000 with a solidarity run to aid L’Horta Sud, one of the areas most devastated by the floods. Valencia Plaza has more.
Valencia Food on the World Map
Valencia’s culinary excellence is gaining world attention! Casa Carmela has a century-old tradition of wood-fired paellas on Malvarrosa Beach. Now, it has been ranked #37 on Taste Atlas’s list of the 100 most iconic restaurants worldwide. It’s the only Spanish restaurant to earn a spot on the list. Discover more on Taste Atlas.
That’s it for now! Check back soon for our next post on holiday events and activities happening in Valencia this weekend.