Buenos días! ?? Here is your Monday morning news update. Have a great week!
Fallas Preparations
Valencia’s biggest festival is gearing up! On Sunday, February 23, La Crida marks the official kick-off to Fallas. Find out what to expect this year in Valencia Extra.
Protesters against Generalitat President Carlos Mazon for his handling of the October floods also appear to be preparing several political protests during the city-wide festival, Valencia Plaza reports.
Flood Disaster Accountability
The Catarroja court investigation into last October’s floods continues, focusing on who was responsible for sending the emergency alert and why it was delayed. À Punt reports on the blame game.
Leaked audio recordings appear to shift responsibility away from the regional government. El País investigates.
This Thursday, the Valencia parliament (Les Corts) will hold a crucial vote on whether to demand Generalitat President Carlos Mazón’s resignation. Lawmakers must declare their votes publicly in what could be a defining political moment. Valencia Plaza has the details.
On the day of the vote, a new victims’ association representing families of those who died in the flood will protest outside Les Corts, calling for Mazón’s resignation. Read more in Levante.
Meanwhile, the flood recovery charity drive has raised over €12 million, boosted by Banco Sabadell matching donations. Valencia Plaza has more.
However, environmental concerns persist. Debris continues to clog waterways near the Albufera lagoon, affecting local ecosystems. Read more in Las Provincias and Valencia Plaza, which explores the ecological risks of dredging the canals.
Crime in the City
The October floods destroyed crucial police evidence in several criminal cases, including the infamous Alcàsser murders from the 1990s. Las Provincias reports.
In a separate case, five people were arrested in Valencia and Barcelona for allegedly diverting chemical weapon materials to Russia, violating EU sanctions. El País has more details.
Economic News
Valencia-based Mercadona continues to dominate Spain’s supermarket industry, outselling its four biggest competitors combined. Las Provincias breaks down the numbers.
Meanwhile, recent data shows that Valencia is Spain’s fastest-growing region, surpassing 5 million residents. El Español reports.
The number of homeless camping out at Turia park has grown dramatically, Las Provincias reports.
Changing City
Valencia’s iconic huerta (peri-urban farmland) is under threat from urban expansion under the Mazón government. El País explores the impact.
Hundreds protested in Catarroja against a new law allowing development on the huerta. À Punt has more.
Meanwhile, Valencia’s Old City has been deemed the “loneliest neighborhood” after data revealed nearly half its residents live alone, many of them elderly. Las Provincias explains.
In El Carmen, the former Casa Vella nightclub, once a grand palazzo, has been transformed into the new Axel Hotel, reflecting the city’s evolving identity. Read more in Las Provincias.
Royals in Valencia
King Felipe VI visited Valencia last Friday to present the King Jaume I Prizes for science and entrepreneurship at the Lonja de la Seda. Levante covers the event.
Valencian tailor Antonio Puebla, who has outfitted thousands of elite clients, including the King, shares his secrets to royal fashion. Las Provincias features his story.
That’s all for this Monday. Check back on Thursday for another news update and weekend highlights!