Good morning! Here’s your Thursday news round-up for April 10. This weekend marks the beginning of Semana Santa (Holy Week) leading up to Easter—expect processions and street closures in parts of the city.
Weather Warning
After a stretch of sunshine, Aemet forecasts rain and cooler temperatures starting Sunday, just in time for Holy Week. Read more on Las Provincias
Politics & Protest
Tensions continue at the regional level:
- President Carlos Mazón was jeered by students while inaugurating the new rector at the Polytechnic University on Monday. He’s been under fire for months over his handling of the October floods. Valencia Plaza coverage
- Mazón’s reliance on the far-right Vox party has strengthened their influence in Les Corts, shifting Valencia’s political landscape. More analysis from Valencia Plaza
Flood Recovery Updates
Efforts to prevent future disasters are underway:
- The V-31 highway near Silla will be renovated after it trapped floodwaters during last October’s storms. Full story in Levante
- The Albufera lagoon will receive extra irrigation over the next three years to flush out flood-borne mud and debris. El Pais reports
Tax Season Tips
The Generalitat has released a list of 2024 tax deductions, including breaks for sports, health expenses, and reduced inheritance and property taxes. More from El Español
Traffic Disruptions
Heads up if you drive through the city:
- Avenida Pérez Galdós is undergoing major works, impacting more than 50,000 vehicles daily.
- Las Provincias coverage
- Transit Valencia advises seeking alternative routes for the next 1–2 months.
- Traffic advisory
Changing Cityscape
Valencia is evolving in ways both visible and behind-the-scenes:
- Foreign buyers now dominate Valencia’s high-end property market, according to Engel & Völkers. Interview in Valencia Plaza
- Ukrainians have overtaken the French as one of the top foreign property buyers in Valencia.
- Read more in Las Provincias
- The Association of Tourist Apartments is suing the City Council over license restrictions, arguing the housing crisis blame is exaggerated. Details in Valencia Plaza
- Valencia’s bar and restaurant scene is shifting toward earlier “tardeo” hours to appeal to older, higher-spending customers. Las Provincias explores the trend
New Flight Routes
Starting this summer, Valencia Airport will offer direct flights to Reykjavik and Montreal—the city’s first transatlantic route in over a decade. Flight details via Las Provincias
Crime & Corruption
The murder of a Catholic priest near the Cathedral has exposed a dark network involving undocumented migrants. One of them is now the main suspect. Latest in Levante
The murder of an American violinist and street performer living in an abandoned building has been discovered by police in Sagunto. Levante has more
Police are investigating the death in Llíria of a former celebrity bodyguard whose clients included the Beckhams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Zendaya among others. Las Provincias reports
History & Heritage
The Santos Juanes Church, opposite Mercado Central, is nearly fully restored. While the interior gleams, the outer terrace remains in disrepair. Update from Levante
Climate & Environment
- Park officials are investigating the sudden deaths of swans and ducks at Jardines de Viveros.
Levante has the story - On a lighter note, a pair of dolphins was spotted playing near Pinedo Beach this week.
Video from Las Provincias
That’s your Thursday update! Stay tuned—Friday’s post will highlight events and things to do this weekend around the city.
