Author: atikaetc

Valencia News: Thursday 20 February 2025

Good morning ?? Here’s your latest community news from Valencia. Weekend highlights coming soon

Fallas is on the Way!

  • La Crida: The official kickoff to Fallas happens this Sunday with a special concert and fireworks at Torres de Serranos. More details from the Ayuntamiento: Read here.
  • Mascletá Viewing Prices: Want a prime balcony spot? It’ll cost you—private viewing spaces are going for €14,000, according to Las Provincias. Read more.

Political Showdown

  • Mazón’s Political Test: Today, Generalitat President Carlos Mazón faces a vote on his resignation at Les Corts. Meanwhile, fierce debates continue over flood reconstruction plans and changes to urbanization laws. Protests gathered outside Les Corts on Wednesday, with more expected today. À Punt covers the unfolding drama: Read here.
  • Flood Alert Investigation: The Catarroja court is investigating delays in the October 29 flood alert. Testimonies indicate Mazón was absent from the Emergency Council Meeting, which may have caused a critical delay. At one point, the head of Valencia’s Provincial Council reportedly demanded: “Send the damn alert!” Valencia Plaza has more: Read here.

Transport Updates

  • Metro Service Resumes: MetroValencia has reopened service to flood-affected areas in L’Horta Sud, but delays and technical issues have frustrated passengers. Reports from Las Provincias: Read here and Levante: Read here.
  • New Pedestrian Tunnel: A tunnel connecting Xàtiva and Alacant metro stations will open by year’s end, improving L10 tram connections. Valencia Extra has the details: Read here.

Spanish Citizenship Rules Tighten

Spain is tightening citizenship regulations, with naturalized citizens facing possible revocation under new conditions. EuroWeekly News explains: Read more.

Changing City

  • Beachfront Renovations: The Ayuntamiento has approved renovations for several Malvarrosa beachfront restaurants. Levante has the story: Read here.
  • Plaza Ayuntamiento Hotel: The new Marriott Hotel at Plaza del Ayuntamiento is nearing completion. Las Provincias reports: Read here.
  • Plaza Virgen Terrazza Reductions: A court has ruled that outdoor seating areas in Plaza de la Virgen must be reduced. Valencia Plaza covers the decision: Read here.
  • La Hípica Debate: Residents are demanding that La Hípica equestrian club be turned into a municipal sports facility instead of a private club. Levante reports: Read here.
  • LED Bricks for ‘Phone Zombies’: If you’re walking near Calle La Paz, you may notice LED-lit pavement bricks designed to alert distracted pedestrians. Las Provincias explains: Read here.

Crime & Corruption

  • New Drug Smuggling Tactic: Valencia is one of just three locations worldwide where cocaine has been smuggled by mixing it with zeolite, a mineral that makes detection extremely difficult. Levante investigates: Read here.
  • Inheritance Court Battle: A Swiss millionaire’s Spanish lover successfully sued her estate to claim an inheritance she had initially promised but later revoked. Las Provincias has the full story: Read here.

That’s it for this week! Check back soon for more updates, including weekend events ?

Valencia News: Monday 17 February 2025

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!