The Local


Why Spain's Catalonia celebrates Christmas with someone having a poo

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 09:44:24 +0100

No one - from Donald Trump to footballer Leo Messi - is safe from being immortalised as a defecating figurine used to decorate nativity scenes. Welcome to the bizarre world of Catalonia’s Christmas ‘crappers’.


LISTED: The new flight routes to and from Spain in 2025

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:24:13 +0100

2025 brings with it a host of new flight routes to and from Spain, enabling you to enjoy better connections to friends and family back in your home country or go on holiday to more European, Asian or Latin American destinations.


Ex-IMF chief Rato gets four-year jail term in Spain for tax crimes

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:19:39 +0100

A Madrid court sentenced ex-IMF chief and Spanish economy minister Rodrigo Rato to more than four years in prison for tax crimes, money laundering and corruption, it said Friday.


Free regional trains and transport discounts to continue in Spain in 2025

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:37:21 +0100

The Spanish government has agreed to extend the aid for public transport for a further six months until June 30th 2025.


12 weird and wonderful Christmas traditions celebrated across Spain

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 11:41:25 +0100

Feliz Navidad (Happy Christmas) to all our readers! If you're spending Christmas in Spain, here are 12 traditions foreigners tend to find both brilliant and bizarre.


Spain’s Ministry of Labour agrees to reduce the working week in 2025

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:52:36 +0100

The Spanish Ministry of Labour has announced an agreement to cut the maximum weekly working time to 37.5 hours by December 31st, 2025.


What changes for second-home owners in Spain in 2025?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:52:51 +0100

From a new rubbish tax and rising house prices to changes for property taxes, here's what second-home owners in Spain need to know for the year ahead.


El Gordo: Everything you need to know about Spain's Christmas lottery

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:40:09 +0100

Every year at Christmas, Spaniards go lottery mad, queuing for hours to buy tickets for the famous "El Gordo" - The Fat One - and this year is no exception.


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

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:15:59 +0100

Spanish government seeks ban on sugary drinks in schools, four migrants die trying to reach the Canary Islands and more news from Spain on Friday.


Is December 26th a public holiday in Spain?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:42:24 +0100

December 26th, known as Boxing Day or Saint Stephen’s Day, is not an important day on the Christmas calendar in most of Spain. But will it be a public holiday in your region, keeping in mind that Christmas falls mid week this year?


What will happen to property prices in Spain in 2025?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:00:38 +0100

After a year marked by rising prices and high interest rates, is there some respite ahead for budding property buyers in Spain or will prices continue to rise exponentially in 2025? This is what the experts have to say.


What are the rules for bringing my furniture when moving to Spain?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:40:28 +0100

There's a lot to consider when moving to a new country, particularly when it comes to moving your personal belongings. What should you bring with you and what are the rules for bringing items like furniture into Spain?


Catalonia to fine landlords who do not comply with rent caps in 2025

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:56:23 +0100

The government of Catalonia announced recently that it would start to fine those who raise the price of the rent above the limits set out in the housing law.


Spain targets Airbnb in illegal ads probe

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:44:42 +0100

Spain's leftist government on Wednesday opened an investigation into holiday rental platform Airbnb for allegedly failing to take down adverts for thousands of apartments without a tourist licence.


Where to find traditional British Christmas food in Spain

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:35:29 +0100

Here's where Britons can find all their favourite British Christmas treats if they're staying in Spain for the holidays this year or find that they can't bring them back due to customs rules.


Which Spanish cities have been awarded new titles in 2025?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:09:26 +0100

Several Spanish cities have been awarded new titles and accolades for 2025, being recognised for their commitment to gastronomy and sustainability.


What changes for drivers in Spain in 2025

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:50:47 +0100

There are lots of changes for drivers in Spain in the new year, from new low emission zones to a new Sustainable Mobility Law and amendments to rules on overtaking on motorways.


The legal cases rankling Spain's PM

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:59:19 +0100

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is grappling with a series of legal probes involving his inner circle, including his wife, brother and former transport minister, that have tainted his leftist government.


Denunciar: How to file a police report in Spain

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:59:00 +0100

You will need to make a 'Denuncia' to the police if you have been a victim of a crime in Spain. Find out all the steps you need to take and what information to bring with you.


Barcelona tourist flat owners claim over €4 bn for closure plan

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:48:11 +0100

Tourist apartment owners in Barcelona are demanding more than €4.2 billion in compensation over plans to scrap such accommodation by 2029, a sector body said on Tuesday.