This is Alina, broadcasting directly from the vibrant city of Barcelona. As the CEO of Dreamlife Spain, I specialize in immigration and working with expats. I understand how challenging it can be for expats to grasp the essence of Spanish news, given that they are primarily written in Spanish. So, I'll be translating and updating you with the 10 main news stories from Spain on a regular basis. If you enjoy this blog, don't forget to like and subscribe!

1. Record Number of Foreigners Receive Spanish Citizenship in 2023

In 2023, a staggering 240,000 foreigners received Spanish citizenship. That's nearly a quarter of a million people who now hold a Spanish passport. The majority of these new citizens are Moroccans (54,000), followed by Venezuelans (30,000), and Colombians (18,000). Congratulations to all!

2. Spain Named Best Country for Expats in Europe

According to Internations, an international organization that supports expats, Spain has been named the best country for expats in Europe. This ranking is based on various aspects of life, including internet speed, taxes, salaries, and living conditions for both kids and adults. After surveying 12,000 expats, it was revealed that Spain, along with Panama, Mexico, and Indonesia, is among the best countries in the world for expatriates.

3. New Beach Law: No Smoking and No Peeing in the Sea

Spain is introducing new beach regulations, some of which may surprise you. Smoking on certain beaches will be prohibited, and violators could face fines of up to 750 euros. Additionally, towns like Lloret de Mar near Barcelona have imposed fines on those caught peeing in the sea. So, be mindful and considerate when visiting the beaches.

4. Top Universities in Spain 2023

Every year, Spain updates its rankings of top universities. This year, Complutense University in Madrid has taken the top spot, followed by the University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. If you're considering studying in Spain, cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Salamanca, and Sevilla offer some of the best educational institutions.

5. Water Gun Attacks on Tourists in Barcelona
In a bizarre and unfortunate incident, tourists in Barcelona were attacked with water guns by individuals who wanted tourists to leave the city. This caused fear and concern among tourists, with some even reconsidering their future visits. Remember, while not everyone in Barcelona feels this way, such isolated incidents can impact the city's reputation.

6. New Immigration Law Reforms

Spain is updating its immigration laws to make it easier for individuals coming for work, study, or family reunification. For instance, student visas will now be valid for the entire duration of one's education, not just a year. We're awaiting more details on the reforms, especially concerning illegal immigration, which could legalize the status of nearly 300,000 people living in Spain.

7. Summer Festivals and Concerts in Spain

Summer in Spain means a host of concerts and parties! The top spots this year are Ibiza, Madrid, and Barcelona. Highlights include Taylor Swift's concert at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid and Dua Lipa's performance. Also, don't miss the three-day Kalorama festival in Madrid and the Brunch Electronic event in Barcelona.

8. Katy Perry Surprise at Barcelona's Gay Pride

During Barcelona's Gay Pride, Katy Perry made a surprise appearance at La Terrassa, one of the biggest open-air clubs. She not only danced and sang with the crowd but also generously offered to pay for everyone's drinks until 3 AM. It was an unforgettable night for all attendees.

9. Heatwave Alert

Spain is experiencing another intense heatwave this summer. If you're planning to visit, consider destinations in the mountains or near the sea to escape the scorching heat. Inland areas like Madrid can get extremely hot, so stay hydrated and take precautions.

10. Sports News: Olympic Games & Spanish Football Success

Currently, the Olympic Games are the major highlight. Recently, Alcaraz triumphed over Djokovic at Roland Garros, only to be defeated by Djokovic in the Olympics. Furthermore, Spain's football team, La Roja, has won the Euro Cup 2024, marking their fourth European championship. Check out the videos of our celebrations in Barcelona!

These are the key updates from Spain for now. Please let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you enjoy these news updates? What else do you want to know about life in Spain? I'll be posting new updates every week, so stay tuned! Don't forget to subscribe and see you in the next post.
Bye bye!