Author: atikaetc

Valencia News This Week: Flood Protests, Marathon Tribute, Metro Updates, and Christmas Plans

Here’s a roundup of news over the weekend and what to expect for the week ahead:

Protest Against Government Response to Flood Disaster
Thousands gathered on Saturday night in Valencia to protest the government’s handling of the recent flood disaster, calling for the resignation of Generalitat President Carlos Mazón. Despite mounting public pressure, Mazón has refused to step down.

At exactly 20:11, the time the flood alert was issued on October 29, protesters set alarms on their phones as a symbolic reminder of the delayed response. For many victims, the alert came too late, as the floodwaters had already caused devastation.

For detailed coverage of the protests, El País has a comprehensive report (read more here), while Las Provincias features an excellent photo essay capturing the event’s atmosphere.

Valencia Marathon’s Emotional Tribute to Flood Victims
Sunday’s Valencia Marathon paid tribute to flood victims while celebrating the resilience of the city and its athletic spirit. The event began with a poignant moment of silence and the playing of Valencia’s regional anthem, honoring the more than 200 lives lost in the floods. Emergency workers involved in rescue efforts fired the starting shot.

The city was awash in the red, yellow, and blue of Valencia’s Senyera flag, as approximately 35,000 runners took to the streets. For each marathon finisher, €3 will be donated to a reconstruction fund for flood-affected areas.

Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe claimed victory in the men’s race with an impressive time of 2:02:06—his first marathon win. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu triumphed in 2:16:49. Both winners celebrated by waving their national flags alongside the Valencian Senyera.

For a summary of the race, check out Super Deporte’s coverage (read more here).

Transportation Update
Good news for commuters: Metro Valencia will resume partial service on Tuesday, December 3, earlier than anticipated. Most lines within the city center will be operational, though service outside the city remains limited.

  • Line 1 (Valencia City Center to Castelló): Still under repair.
  • Line 2 (Paterna–Llíria): Repairs ongoing.

Bus replacement services will continue, and additional trams have been deployed to ease congestion. For details, visit Metro Valencia’s website (more info here).

Flood Recovery Efforts
Recovery from the floods is an ongoing process, but community-driven initiatives are providing hope and support. One standout effort is Adopta un Colegio, a charity campaign focused on repairing and restocking flood-damaged schools to reopen classrooms.

For more information on rebuilding initiatives, visit our Flood Recovery Resources page.

Christmas Holiday Events in Valencia
Despite the challenges of the past month, Valencia is preparing for the holiday season with its usual festive charm.

  • Official Lighting Ceremony: Wednesday, December 4, at the Ayuntamiento.
  • Ice Rink: Opens this week at the Ayuntamiento.
  • Christmas Markets: The artisan market at Plaza de la Reina is already open, with more markets across the city.
  • Charity Events: The Santa Motorcade on December 15 will distribute gifts to children in flood-affected areas.

Stay tuned for a separate post with a complete guide to Valencia’s holiday events!

Weekend Events in Valencia (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1)

Looking for something to do in Valencia this weekend? From the annual marathon to cultural tours, here’s a roundup of events happening around the city. If you’d like to share an event, feel free to send it my way, and I’ll include it in future posts. You can also check out the community calendar for more scheduled events.

Marathon Day! ?????

Sunday, December 1
The big event this weekend is the Valencia Marathon, which will bring thousands of runners to the streets. Expect road closures throughout the city. Click here for the full course map.

This year, the marathon holds extra significance as Valencia continues its flood recovery efforts. Some of the proceeds will go to charity.

  • Mini Marathon for Kids, Saturday, November 30 – This fun event for younger participants is part of the marathon’s side activities. Learn more here.

Cultural Tours and Events

Solidarity Tours for Flood Recovery
Valencia’s Official Tour Guides are offering special charity tours to help a school in Benetússer to replace materials damaged by the flood. Tours cost €10 per person, with all proceeds going to the cause.

Upcoming Tours:

  • Valencia’s Historic Center (Spanish): Nov. 30, Dec. 6, 7
  • Valencia’s Historic Center (English): Nov. 30, Dec. 6, 7
  • Alicante’s Historic Center (Spanish): Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 6, 7
  • Arabic Valencia (Spanish): Dec. 1, 8
  • Modernist Valencia (Spanish): Dec. 1
  • Silk Road Valencia (Spanish): Dec. 1, 8

Valencian Dance – Balls al Carrer – Sunday, December 1
Select Fallas groups will be performing Valencian traditional dance as part of the Balls al Carrer. This weekend it will be at Plaza de la Ciudad de Brujas by Mercado Central from 10:30 – 13:30. It’s free to attend and a great way to experience Valencian culture, traditional dress and music. Details here.

Valencia Cuina Oberta – Open Kitchen ?
Food lovers, rejoice! This annual event offers set menus at reduced prices at some of Valencia’s best known establishments, from Michelin-starred kitchens to beloved local restaurants. There are also a variety of food experiences to choose, from mixing cocktails to tasting horchata. But it only lasts until December 1. Don’t miss your chance to savor Valencia’s best cuisine. Book here.

Music

Mozart’s Requiem – Charity Concert – Wednesday, December 4
Valencia Cathedral will host a special performance of Mozart’s Requiem to raise funds for flood recovery. A spectacular setting for this powerful memorial performance. Tickets and donations are available online. Reserve here.

Film

Open-Air Screenings at CCCC ?
The Carmen Contemporary Culture Center is hosting a series of free film screenings. On Friday, December 6, there will be a double feature of All That Heaven Allows and Far From Heaven. More info here.

Filmoteca Series – Westerns & Yasujiro Ozu ?
Filmoteca continues its Western series this weekend, showing classics like 3:10 to Yuma, Meek’s Cutoff, and The Grapes of Wrath. They’re also screening films by Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu (with Spanish subtitles). Schedule here.

New Releases in VOSE
Looking for films in their original version with subtitles? Check out:

Enjoy your weekend in Valencia! ??