The Local Spain

12 very good reasons to be happy you live in Spain Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:01:01 +0100 Today is as good a day as any to be grateful that you live in 'España'. If you need a reminder of why, here are some very positive and life-affirming reasons for everyone.

EXPLAINED: How Americans can move to Spain Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:07:21 +0100 Moving to Spain is a dream for many US nationals who have fallen in love with 'España' and out of love with their own country, but which Spanish residency visa should Americans opt for depending on their circumstances?

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.

What's open and what's closed over the New Year holiday in Spain? Mon, 30 Dec 2024 14:48:36 +0100 If you need to go shopping on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Spain, keep in mind that opening hours for supermarkets and shops won’t be the usual ones.

Why do Spaniards set off such loud firecrackers during New Year's? Mon, 30 Dec 2024 11:01:12 +0100 Fireworks are common across the world during New Year’s Eve, but in Spain it’s firecrackers (petardos) that scare the living daylights out of people with their loud bangs. More people are now calling for this heart-stopping tradition to die out.

Five New Year traditions in Spain to bring good luck for 2026 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:45:47 +0100 Celebrating 'Nochevieja' in Spain? Here is The Local's guide to ensuring you start 2026 with as much good fortune as possible, from choosing the right underwear to eating the right meal on January 1st.

Why this Spanish village celebrates New Year's Eve in August Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:23:34 +0100 The Andalusian village of Bérchules will not be celebrating the end of 2023 at the same time as everyone else, instead they will have their countdown and grape-eating in early August. Here's the fascinating reason why.

Why the Spanish see in the New Year by gobbling up 12 grapes Wed, 30 Dec 2020 14:00:27 +0100 As midnight approaches on New Year's Eve everyone across Spain will be clutching a very important talisman: 12 grapes to bring luck and fortune throughout the coming year.

Two Brits in Spain awarded British Empire Medals Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:46:30 +0100 Former Calvià councillor Katherine Mentink-Duncan and Alicante firefighting commandant Terence Curran are two Britons based in Spain who this year have been awarded British Empire Medals for their services to the community.

'Brexit is not done': How Britons in Europe are still fighting for their rights Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:49:11 +0100 Five years on from the end of free movement, Britons living throughout Europe are still dealing with the consequences of Brexit. Fiona Godfrey, from British in Europe, tells The Local the battle to secure rights is still ongoing and that things could get more complicated.

Spain seeks removal of ads for rentals in Israeli settlements Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:44:11 +0100 Spain’s leftist government has ordered seven online platforms to remove more than 100 listings for vacation rentals in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

LISTED: What will get more expensive in Spain in 2026? Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:56:05 +0100 Food, electricity, internet, transport, rents, mortgages and more - How much will daily costs increase in 2026 in Spain, and will there also be some price drops?

How to find out if your car has been towed in Spain and what to do Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:50:32 +0100 Have you returned to where you parked your car in Spain only to find that it's no longer there? Don't panic, as it's not necessarily been stolen. It could well have been towed; this is who to call and what to do if so.

Spain's opposition says it's open to working with far-right Vox if elected Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:23:32 +0100 Spain's conservative opposition leader said Monday he would be open to striking occasional deals with the far-right Vox party to secure parliamentary support for key legislation if he becomes prime minister.

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:54:52 +0100 Creator of world-famous 'Monkey Christ' restoration passes away, Marbella property prices reach record high, avalanche kills three people in Spanish Pyrenees and more news on Tuesday December 30th.

What are the rules for using fireworks in Spain? Tue, 27 Dec 2022 11:57:07 +0100 Fireworks are common in Spain during the Christmas and New Year period and as part of local 'fiestas', but there are some rules and potential fines you should know about.

Over 3,000 migrants died in 2025 trying to reach Spain Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:52:02 +0100 More than 3,000 migrants died while trying to reach Spain this year, a report released by a Spanish migration rights group said on Monday, a sharp decline from 2024 as the number of attempted crossings fell.

Spain eyes new way for foreigners to avoid 'cita previa' appointment scam Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:40:24 +0100 The Spanish government is considering implementing a new system to prevent criminal groups from selling immigration office appointments to desperate foreigners.

Do I need to get a new TIE residency card if I change address in Spain? Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:05:57 +0100 Does a change of address within Spain mean that you’re legally obligated to get a duplicate of your TIE residency card for non-EU citizens? Here’s what the law says.

How you could prevent your rent in Spain from going up in 2026 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:06:07 +0100 Is your rental contract in Spain due to expire in the new year? If so, you could be facing significant rent hikes. Read on to find out how much your landlord is allowed to increase it by and the steps they need to take to make it legal.