Valencia News: Miracles, Marches, a New Police Chief, and a Paella Uproar

Bon dia! Here’s your news update for Monday, 28 April. Reminder: Today is the Festival Day of San Vicente Ferrer. Most supermarkets and stores are closed, and traffic disruptions are expected this evening due to a religious procession and a political demonstration.


San Vicente Ferrer

This weekend, fireworks and children’s theater celebrated the miracles of San Vicente Ferrer. El Carmen won the theater contest for best performance.
Las Provincias: Valencia returns to its Golden Age with performances of San Vicente’s miracles

Among the events today to celebrate Valencia’s patron saint:

  • 12p Flower offering from Plaza Ayuntamiento
  • 2p Mascletà at Plaza Tetuan
  • 7p Religious Procession from Valencia Cathedral

Politics in Valencia

A mass demonstration is scheduled today at 6 PM from Plaza Ayuntamiento to protest the government’s handling of the October flood disaster.
Valencia Plaza: Seventh demonstration against Mazón to mark six months since the floods

One novelist has quipped that even Agatha Christie couldn’t solve this mystery: Where was Generalitat President Carlos Mazon on the day of the October 29 Flood?
Levante: Where was Mazon? 6 unknowns, 6 months after October 29

Residents are invited to propose ideas for the city budget in a new campaign called VLC Participa.
Valencia Extra: Participatory budgets launched for Valencia 2025

Unions have called for a general strike on May 29 over flood recovery grievances.
El País: Organizers of anti-Mazón marches call general strike across the Valencian Community

Flood victims requested a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during this week’s PPE Congress, but she has scheduled a later meeting in Brussels instead.
El País: Von der Leyen will meet flood victims in Brussels after the PPE Congress in Valencia


Flood Recovery

A new report from Valencia’s Chamber of Commerce shows the flood recovery has been uneven across affected areas.
Valencia Plaza: Report shows economic recovery gaps in flood-hit areas

Avenida Gómez Ferrer has made a strong comeback, revitalizing the business community between the flood-hit areas of Alfafar and Sedaví.
Las Provincias: The rebirth of a street that once broke hearts

Some tower residents are still trapped without working elevators, half a year after the floods.
Levante-EMV: Three tower residents without elevators since the floods

The town of Chiva continues to struggle to rebuild vital roads and bridges.
Las Provincias: Urbanization trapped by the floods still awaits recovery

Farmers may be billed for emergency flood repairs by the Júcar Water Authority (CHJ).
El Español: CHJ will charge irrigation users for reconstruction works if the government does not step in

Residents in Aldaia are resisting a plan to divert the Saleta Ravine underground, fearing that it will not have the capacity to drain floodwaters.
Valencia Plaza: Confrontation over the Saleta diversion


Housing Shortage

The Prime Minister has announced a new technology and research project in Valencia’s port area (ZAL) to promote new housing innovation.
El País: Government to create ‘City of Construction’ for modular homes in Valencia

Valencia will allow more tourist apartments, only in areas where they remain under 2% of the housing stock.
Levante-EMV: Valencia will authorize 5,500 new tourist apartments

A resident in El Carmen describes how an investment firm is pushing tenants out of buildings under dispute.
Levante-EMV: A neighbor’s battle with a property fund in Ciutat Vella


Changing City

Urban renewal is planned for Tendetes, Marxalenes, and Saïdia, adding new green and leisure spaces.
Levante-EMV: New urban plan for Tendetes, Marxalenes, and Saïdia

Renovation of the historic Palace of Justice is 70% complete and will be ready for next year.
Valencia Plaza: Restoration of the Palace of Justice to conclude in first half of 2026

Benimàmet has been named the city’s poorest neighborhood by new income data.
El Español: Benimàmet: Valencia’s poorest neighborhood and a forgotten tourist draw


Crime and Corruption

Valencia names a new police chief after months of political disputes.
Las Provincias: Valencia City Council appoints Ángel Albendín as new chief of police

Police arrested an inmate for starting a fire inside Valencia’s immigration detention center. Two officers were treated for smoke inhalation.
Las Provincias: Inmate arrested for arson inside Zapadores detention center


Food and Culture

Recently recovered amateur film reels from the 1940s offer a rare glimpse into Valencia’s past.
Las Provincias: Filmoteca recovers a collection of amateur films about Valencia

A Madrid chef sparks outrage with his controversial “Thai Tom Yum Paella.”
Valencia Secreta: Dabiz Muñoz shocks paella purists with Thai twist

Valencia Weekend: Wine, Books, Kites, and Lots of Music

Happy Friday! It’s a long and lively weekend ahead. Monday is the San Vicente Ferrer holiday, so most supermarkets and shops will be closed. Expect traffic disruptions on:

  • Sunday for the Ironman Triathlon
  • Monday due to religious processions and a political protest

San Vicente Ferrer Festival

Valencia celebrates one of its patron saints with children’s performances of San Vicente Ferrer’s miracles across the city.

  • Saturday evening: Fireworks display at Torres de Serranos.
  • Monday: Religious procession to the saint’s birthplace and a mascletà
    More details

Food Events

Wine Festival in Turia Park
Hosted by Proava, between Puente de la Exposición and Puente de las Flores. Enjoy local wines—tickets include 4 tastings. proava.org


Literary Events

Valencia Book Festival at Jardines de Viveros
Author readings, signings & more from 24 April to 4 May. Full program

Catacom Comedy & Storytelling Open Mic
FusionArt, Benimaclet – Last Saturday of the month Event link


Shopping Events

One Euro Flea Market
Sunday, 27 April, Mercado de la Valvanera (Plaza Santiago Suárez) Instagram reel

Secret Market at Ruzafa Fashion Week
1–10 May. Local brand outlet sale: Sita Murt, SKFK & more @ruzafafashionweek


Sports & Games

Kite Festival
Cabanyal beach, with acrobatic kite displays all weekend. More info

Ironman Triathlon
Sunday: Swimming at the Marina; cycling and running throughout Valencia. Expect major road closures.
Traffic info

Basketball at Fuente de San Luis

  • Men’s: Valencia Basket vs. Baskonia
  • Women’s: Valencia Basket vs. Joventut Badalona
    Tickets

Motor Sports – Ricardo Tormo Track (Cheste)
Saturday, 26 April: RACE Speed Championship – Free Entry
More info


Live Music Highlights

Jazz & World

  • Jimmy Glass Jazz
    • 25 April: David Minguillón Trio
    • 29 April: Jeb Patton Quartet
    • 30 April: Caleb Wheeler Curtis Trio
  • La Rambleta
    • 30 April: Seda Jazz Big Band
  • La Vitti
    • 26 April: Valmuz (jazz/rock fusion)
  • Botanical Gardens
    • 26 April: Desgel Big Band, Joan Plaça Auditorium
  • Matisse
    • 27 April: JR Martin Samsara + jam session
    • 29 April: V-side Collective Groove Jam
  • La Fábrica de Hielo
    • 27 April: Mari-Ann and The Chasers (Brazilian/Spanish blues)
    • 28 April: Autana Trío (Latin guitar) + Panbilly and the Rangers
  • Palau de la Música
    • 30 April: Jazz Day Festival
  • Caixa Forum
    • 26 April: Holden & Zimpel (Experimental clarinet & synth)

Rock & Pop

  • Radio City
    • 25 April: Terry Blue (Indie-folk)
    • 30 April: Oscar Ettedgui (Venezuelan songwriter)
  • Loco Club
    • 25 April: Grande Amore + Dunaviva
    • 30 April–2 May: Circuit Abanda (Valencia showcase)
    • 30 April: Divorce (UK indie-rock)
  • 16 Toneladas
    • 25 April: Giuda + Deaf Devils + Vacaciones Permanentes
    • 26 April: Acid Mothers Temple + Doctor Divago
    • 27 April: Nick Waterhouse (sold out)
  • Matisse
    • 26 April: Verde Reberde + Mar de Leva
  • Veles e Vents
    • 26 April: The Limboos + Huracán Romántica (Outdoor pop)
  • La Casa de la Mar
    • 26 April (afternoon): Aslándticos

House & Electronic


Funk & Hip-Hop


Classical Music & Opera

  • MuVim
    • 27 April: Puccini & Friends – FREE concert, tickets open at 11:00
  • Palau de la Música
    • 26 April: Flutist Mónica Raga with Symphony Orchestra
  • Les Arts
    • L’Heure Espagnol opera continues until 4 May

Art Exhibitions

  • Almudín Museum – Final weekend for Claudy Jongstra’s wool canvases (Until 27 April) More
  • La Nau – Carmen Grau: Poetry & Collage Exhibition
  • Fundación Bancaja – Lita Cabellut + Eduardo Úrculo Info
  • Carmen Contemporary Cultural Center – Valencia artists in the Carme Thyssen Collection (Until 29 June) Details
  • Bellas Artes MuseumMasaveu Collection (Until 15 June) More Info