The Local Spain


Blackface lives on in Spain during Epiphany despite growing outrage

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:01:00 +0100

After a Three Kings Day parade in Seville featured Andalusia's regional president in blackface playing King Balthazar, the debate over the outdated and racist practice has again been reignited in Spain.


Oil and immigration: How the situation in Venezuela can affect Spain

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:10:37 +0100

Donald Trump's military offensive in Venezuela and capture of leader Nicolás Maduro has plenty of implications for Spain, a country which is home to some 600,000 Venezuelans and with longstanding business interests in the Latin American country.


Europe faces transport chaos as deadly cold snap persists

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:52:42 +0100

Snow, ice and high winds brought transport chaos to swathes of Europe for a third day on Wednesday, with hundreds of flights cancelled and passengers stranded.


Rebajas: What you need to know about the winter sales in Spain

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 15:58:59 +0100

In many countries around the world such as the US, the UK and Australia, winter sales begin straight away after Christmas on Boxing Day, but here in Spain it’s slightly different.


LISTED: The big tax changes in Spain in 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:36:18 +0100

The new year often marks several changes to tax rules in Spain and 2026 is no different. From increases in capital gains tax to increased surveillance of money transfers and changes to personal income tax, here's what you need to know.


Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:59:41 +0100

Spain's PM warns US action in Venezuela sets 'dangerous precedent', freezing temperatures in many parts of Spain on Wednesday and more news from Spain on January 7th.


Nestlé recalls infant formula in several European countries

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:35:35 +0100

Swiss food giant Nestlé has announced a recall of batches of infant formula in several European countries, notably France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden, as a precautionary measure.


El Niño: What to know about Spain's other big Christmas lottery

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:07:44 +0100

You probably know about 'El Gordo' (The Fat One) - Spain's famous Christmas lottery - but there's another festive draw called 'El Niño' where the chances of winning are higher.


Why your salary in Spain will be slightly lower in 2026

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:52:17 +0200

Next year, salaried employees and self-employed workers in Spain will have to pay a tax which will progressively increase over the coming years.


UPDATED: All the new flights to and from Spain in 2026

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:17:26 +0100

If you've made travel a new year's resolution in 2026, you're in luck as there will be a whole host of new routes to and from Spain this year.


What changes are in store for mortgages in Spain in 2026?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:11:06 +0100

If you’re thinking of buying a home in Spain this year or you’ve already taken out a loan, it’s important to find out what will happen to mortgages going forward, known as hipotecas in Spanish.


What you need to know about Spain's festive Roscón de Reyes cake

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 10:00:29 +0100

Every culture has a particular food associated with Christmas and in Spain there is nothing more typically festive than the Roscón de Reyes, the 'Cake of Kings'. Here's what you need to know about this tradition and its fascinating origins.


Spain braces for tail end of Storm Francis after snow and flooding

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:22:32 +0100

Storm Francis is to reach its peak this Monday January 5th after bringing snow to Madrid and flooding in various towns across the Cádiz and Málaga provinces.


Why Spain loves the Three Kings more than Santa

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 21:17:54 +0100

Christmas is not over in Spain yet. Even though Christmas Day is celebrated across the country, Spaniards still tend to go 'all in' on January 6th with the arrival of 'los Reyes' (the Three Wise Men). Sorry Santa!


Spanish protesters slam 'imperialist aggression' in Venezuela

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:53:43 +0100

Around a thousand people gathered outside the US embassy in Madrid on Sunday to blast "imperialist aggression" after US special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation.


Why are Spanish homes so cold?

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:42:59 +0100

Many foreigners who move to Spain are surprised by just how freezing Spanish winters can be, but they're equally shocked by how sometimes it's colder inside their homes than outdoors.


Venezuelans in Spain rejoice at prospect of return home

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 09:22:04 +0100

A Venezuelan woman in Madrid's city centre toasted "a new beginning" Saturday, following the US seizure of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro and the diaspora's subsequent hopes of returning home.


Calendar: The tax deadlines in Spain in 2026

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:39:36 +0100

Residents, non-residents, salaried workers, the self-employed, landlords, retirees - there are various tax deadlines throughout the year that you need to be aware depending on your status in Spain. Make sure you have these dates in your calendar for 2026.


LISTED: Visa, residency and citizenship changes in Spain in 2026

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:01:19 +0100

Changes to entry rules to Spain, higher financial requirements for Spain's main visas, tens of thousands to get new residency documents and Spanish citizenship - there are lots of changes in store for foreigners in Spain next year.


LISTED: The public holidays in Spain in 2026

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:44:19 +0100

If you're already planning ahead to 2026, here are all the official public holidays and some key tips to help you maximise the amount of time you take off from work.