Good morning! Here’s your news update for Thursday, 23 April. Weekend highlights out tomorrow.
Coming Up: Festival of San Vicente Ferrer
This Monday marks the celebration of San Vicente Ferrer, Valencia’s patron saint. I’ve published a special post exploring the holiday’s history and how the city celebrates — from miracle plays to street processions. Read it here
Valencia Mourns the Death of Pope Francis
Valencia has declared three days of mourning following the death of Pope Francis. Churches across the city, including the Cathedral, have seen an outpouring of visitors.
Pope Francis had a special relationship with Valencia, from praising Fallas to expressing concern during the 2024 floods.
Two former archbishops of Valencia — Cañizares and Osoro — will participate in the papal conclave and are both considered papabile.
San Vicente Ferrer Festival
Valencia’s week-long festival honoring San Vicente Ferrer is underway. Children are performing reenactments of the saint’s miracles across the city.
Politics in Valencia
A protest over the regional government’s handling of the October flood disaster will take place on Monday, 28 April — coinciding with San Vicente Ferrer’s festival. The route has been altered to avoid clashing with religious events. It also comes just one day before the conservative European People’s Party summit takes place in Valencia.
Flood Recovery
Six months after the devastating floods, recovery remains slow. Key infrastructure — including two dams and five major roads — is still unrepaired. Many buildings continue to face issues such as non-functional elevators.
In Torrent, officials warn of another potential flood if ravines aren’t cleared. Two workers were recently rescued from a ravine in l’Horteta after water levels rose dangerously.
Meanwhile, La Torre will pilot a European AI-supported project to improve flood preparedness.
Changing City
March saw record-high rental prices in Valencia, with stark differences between neighborhoods.
Torrent has become one of Spain’s top ten most desirable cities for homebuyers.
Nearly 30% of home purchases in the Valencian Community are by foreigners, with Alicante leading at over 40%. British and Dutch buyers top the list.
In Patraix, the city council is considering halting tourist rentals in several ground-floor apartments after resident protests.
Valencia’s public bus network is expanding service into Sociópolis and Turianova, improving access to the new La Fe Hospital.
Crime and Corruption
Two men have been arrested in the killing of a young man whose charred body was found in a Lliria orange grove. Police believe it was related to a drug deal.
Valencia police are investigating a graffiti campaign involving mysterious green-eyed shadow figures painted across the city. Though intended as social commentary, police have labeled it vandalism.
Climate and Environment
Scientists at Valencia’s Oceanogràfic Foundation have discovered a new species of mollusk in the Mediterranean — the first such discovery in nearly 200 years.