Author: atikaetc

Valencia Weekend Events: 12 – 15 Dec 2024

The holiday season is in full swing, and Valencia has a packed weekend of events to enjoy. Many of these activities were delayed due to the recent floods and are now making their long-awaited return. Here’s a roundup of highlights to add to your calendar:

Christmas Markets

Valencia’s holiday markets are up! (Check out this post for a regularly updated list.) This weekend also features unique pop-up markets with limited opening dates—perfect for last-minute gift shopping.

Market Solidario
The Creative House is hosting vendors from flood affected areas at their Ruzafa showroom. Wine, gourmet foods, silk and textile handicrafts are among the products available at this market. The sportswear brand North Sails x Hannover has also donated garments for sale and 100% of those proceeds will go to flood victims.
?Plaza Dr. Landete 3, Ruzafa
?? Saturday, 14 December, 11:00 – 21:00
More info here

Regalos con Corazón
Hosted by Naid Studio and designer Isabel Sanchis, this event combines gift shopping with giving back. Proceeds from the market will help Caritas Picanya purchase gifts for children affected by the floods. Vendors from flood-hit areas will also be selling their goods. Visitors are encouraged to bring a new children’s gift for donation.
? Calle Puerto Rico 48, Ruzafa
?? Saturday, 14 December, 11:00 – 21:30
More info here

Cocin4s Christmas Market
El Carmen’s street art collective Cocin4s is hosting a special market featuring original prints by popular muralists like Disneylexya and David De Limón.
? Calle Cocinas 4, El Carmen
?? 13 – 15 December
Details here

Big Bang Books
Discover a treasure trove of illustrated and graphic books from Valencia’s independent publishers at this fair. A must-visit for book lovers!
? EASD Design School, Calle del Pintor Domingo 20
?? 13 – 15 December
Learn more here

Solidarity Through Art

Valencia’s contemporary art galleries are teaming up for a special charity exhibition called Totes a Una per València to support flood recovery efforts. Participating venues include Shiras Art Gallery, SET espai d’art, and Jorge Lopez Gallery, with proceeds going to AVVAC, the local visual artists’ association.
?? Saturday, 14 December
More info here

Postales Por La Dana is an art event to raise funds for Valencia Acoge, a charity helping the most vulnerable victims of the flood disaster. Artists have submitted original designs in postcard size and will be exhibited and available for sale at three different galleries. Find out more here.
? Lalambik Studio, Calle Buenos Aires 10 and Ruzafa Sporting Club Russafa, Calle Sevilla 5, Ruzafa
?? Friday, 13 December, 18:00 – 21:30; Saturday and Sunday, 14 — 15 December, 18:00 — 21:30

Stargazing at Jardín de Viveros

Bundle up and head to Jardín de Viveros for an evening of stargazing. The Astronomer’s Association of Valencia will provide high-powered telescopes for an unforgettable night under the stars.
? Near the Museum of Natural Sciences, Jardín de Viveros
?? Saturday, 14 December, 18:30 – 20:30
?? Free, but advance registration required.
Sign up here

Charity Initiatives

This weekend also brings several heartwarming charity events:

  • Santa Motorcade: Delivering presents to flood-affected communities.
  • Bioparc Parade of Dogs: Highlighting adoptable pets, many of which were abandoned during the floods.

For details on these and other holiday charity events, check out our holiday season guide.

Valencia News Update: Monday 9 Dec 2024

Clean-Up Efforts, Royal Visit, and Economic Rebuilding

Valencia continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating floods, with clean-up and recovery efforts advancing across affected areas. Here’s what happened over the weekend and what to expect in the days ahead.  

Clean-Up Efforts

The Poyo ravine clean-up began over the weekend, tackling tons of abandoned cars, debris, stagnant water, and mud. The operation is proving challenging due to the scale of the damage, reports Levante.

Some underground garages remain submerged and difficult to clear. To address this, workers plan to use a thickening agent from France to solidify water and mud for easier removal, according to El País.

Rebuilding efforts have driven up construction costs across the region. Valencia Plaza predicts rising real estate prices as construction and renovation projects are re-evaluated in light of the disaster. Ground-floor apartments near flood-prone areas may also require significant restructuring to ensure future safety, reports Las Provincias.

Royal Visit

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Generalitat President Carlos Mazón will attend a mass funeral for the 222 victims of the floods will take place at Valencia Cathedral on Monday, December 9, at 7 p.m.

The Royal Family’s first visit to the flood zone was met with public anger over the government’s perceived slow response. According to À Punt Media, tensions remain high as the royals prepare for this solemn occasion.

Crime and Corruption News

In a shocking development, a former captain of the Guardia Civil responsible for overseeing Valencia’s port has been arrested for drug trafficking. The investigation is ongoing, with Las Provincias providing further details.

Transport Recovery

Valencia’s transportation network is nearing full restoration:

Economic Recovery

Valencia’s economy is showing signs of recovery. The Bonaire shopping mall, heavily damaged in the floods, will reopen some stores in the coming days, reports Las Provincias.

Efforts to support local businesses and tourism are gaining momentum:

Community Events

Valencia’s holiday spirit remains strong, with many Christmas events aimed at supporting flood victims:

For a full list of Christmas markets, concerts, and other events, check the updated post on holiday happenings in Valencia.