NEWS FROM SPAIN: What’s Happening at the End of 2024

Greetings, dear readers! This is Alina from sunny Barcelona, and I’ve prepared for you a review of the most exciting events and changes that took place in Spain at the end of 2024.
The country is going through an interesting period — on one hand, rapid economic development, and on the other, unique cultural initiatives and large-scale innovations. Let’s go through it step by step!

The Spanish Economy: Growth Leaders on the Global Stage

This year, Spain found itself on the podium of global economic achievements, ranking first among the largest economies in terms of growth, according to The Economist ranking. An impressive figure: the country’s GDP is expected to grow by more than 3%, one of the highest rates in Europe.

So, what’s behind such success?
Firstly, Spain successfully overcame the economic crisis, thanks to the strengthening of the domestic market and recovery after the pandemic. Secondly, a key factor was the record number of immigrants, who, according to experts, are actively contributing to the country’s economy. A high level of migration not only supports the labor market but also boosts tax revenues, which is important for the financial stability of the state.

What’s the secret to this success? Compared to other developed countries, Spain continues to demonstrate low unemployment rates, budget deficits, and attractive conditions for investors and entrepreneurs. The country is undoubtedly trending and on its way to further strengthening its economic position.


A Tragic Loss for Catalonia and the Fashion Industry: Isaac Andikermay Has Passed Away

But not all the news in 2024 was joyful. A tragic loss shocked Spain — Isaac Andikermay, founder and head of the famous Mango brand, who had long been the richest person in Catalonia, passed away.
He fell from a height of 150 meters on Mount Montserrat near Barcelona, where he was resting with his son.
This wasn’t just a loss for his family but for the entire Spanish fashion industry. Isaac Andikermay left a huge legacy — his brand Mango became one of the most successful Spanish clothing exporters, popular all over the world.
In Barcelona, many flower shops organized a tribute in his honor, sending floral arrangements to the company’s office in memory of the man who breathed new life into Spanish fashion.


Vigo: A City That Can’t Be Missed at Christmas

As surprising as it may sound, there is a city in Spain that consistently wins the title of best Christmas lighting. It’s not Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia. It’s Vigo — a small but beautiful city in Galicia, which invests over 11 million euros annually in its Christmas lights.

And truly, its holiday illumination deserves attention.
This year, the city set up more than 400 festive installations, including glowing trees up to 8 meters tall.
This spectacle can be enjoyed throughout the entire Christmas night while walking the streets of the city, which literally glows in lights.

For several years in a row, Vigo has beaten other major Spanish cities and won the title of the best city for Christmas lighting. Perhaps it’s time to plan a trip to this magical corner of Spain to see it in all its glory!


Oyster Beer from Barcelona Named Among the Best in the World

Beer brewed with oyster shells from Barcelona has won a gold medal at the prestigious European Beer Star festival in Nuremberg, Germany, making it one of the best beers on the planet. The drink, called Beer Nostrum, produced by the La Cervesera Artesana brewery, has attracted attention from beer connoisseurs worldwide.

The idea of making oyster beer dates back to the Industrial Revolution in London, when brewers noticed that oyster shells, which fell into brewing tanks, imparted a unique aroma to the beer. Since then, the recipe has evolved, but the core idea remains the same — beer with a marine, briny flavor.

In Barcelona, this idea has been adapted using modern technologies. Oyster beer is fermented in amphoras suspended under water in the Ebro River Delta, where oysters are placed directly into these vessels. This gives the beer unique iodized and salty notes that perfectly complement seafood.

But Beer Nostrum is not just a beer; it is a true work of art. Bottles, decorated with natural coral, have become popular souvenirs among collectors. A 0.5-liter bottle costs 42 euros, and the popularity of this unique drink grows each year.

Experts note that Beer Nostrum not only reflects the spirit of the Mediterranean but also offers a new perspective on combining traditional brewing with seafood cuisine. This beer has already won the hearts of beer lovers worldwide, and its victory at European Beer Star is just the beginning.
Now the question many ask is: when will you try this maritime wonder in a bottle?



Record Number of Tourists in Spain in 2024

Tourism remains a key part of Spain’s economy. In 2024, the country welcomed 82 million tourists — a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
Spain remains at the peak of popularity among tourists from all over the world. As in previous years, the British constitute the largest group of foreign guests, followed by Germans and French.
It’s no surprise that Spain continues to attract a steady flow of tourists. Its magnificent beaches, cultural heritage, and, of course, delicious cuisine draw people from all over the globe.


Madrid in Search of Innovative Solutions for the City

Madrid has a new, convenient transport service — now you can order not only a taxi but also a bus! The innovative Smart Bus Madrid service allows passengers to pre-book a trip through a mobile app and choose a departure or arrival time.
The feature of the new bus is that it does not have a fixed route. Instead, it adapts to requests, picking up passengers at designated points.

This approach makes the transport service flexible and convenient, especially in areas with rapid population growth, such as Fuencarral-El Pardo, Pilar, Arroyo del Fresno, Mirasierra, Montecarmelo, and Tres Olivos.

The Smart Bus Madrid app is available for download in the App Store and Google Play. To order the bus, just enter the departure point and desired time, and within minutes, the bus route will appear on your screen, showing when the bus will arrive in your area. This makes it possible to plan trips with even greater precision and without unnecessary waiting.

The on-demand bus will operate on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The fare will remain the same as that of regular city routes, and the flexibility of the routes and the ease of booking make this new service a real lifesaver for Madrid residents.

This initiative is part of the efforts by Madrid’s municipal transport company EMT to improve the quality of transportation services in the city, particularly in areas where traditional routes may not be as convenient for everyone.




Night Train Madrid–Lisbon: Comfort and Ecology

Travel between Madrid and Lisbon is about to get even more convenient!
Spain and Portugal have announced the return of the night train service between the two capitals, which will be launched in the first half of 2025. This route was suspended during the pandemic, but now both countries are ready to bring it back, offering travelers comfort and convenience.

The night trains, Lusitânia and Sud-Expresso, will allow passengers to embark on their journeys in the evening and sleep comfortably while traveling between the two capitals. This means passengers can save time and money on accommodation, arriving at their destination the next morning fully rested.

But that’s not all! In the longer term, Spain and Portugal also plan to launch a high-speed AVE train, which will reduce the travel time between Madrid and Lisbon from the current 9 hours to just 3. This will be a true revolution in transport between the two countries, allowing travelers to cut their travel time dramatically.

Thus, in the coming years, traveling between two famous European capitals will be even faster and more convenient, and night trains will offer a comfortable travel option for those who prefer overnight journeys.




Cinema for Nudists: Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia Prepare Special Screenings

Imagine a movie screening where the audience can enjoy the film fully dressed... or not at all. In December, three of Spain's largest cities — Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia — will host unique screenings for nudists.
This is part of the initiative Cine al Natural, which aims to normalize and promote naturism in a cultural context.

The first such screenings will take place at Cinemes Girona (Barcelona), Cine Embajadores (Madrid), and Cines Lys (Valencia). The events will begin on December 15 at 12:00, and to attend, one must be a member of a regional naturist association.
The idea for these screenings came about through collaboration between distributor Character Films, production company Projecta Films, and several naturist associations, including the Spanish Federation of Naturism, the Catalan Naturist Club, and the Valencian Naturist Association.

The main goal of this initiative is to make naturism more accessible and understood in the cultural context by creating a space where people can enjoy movies without judgment. Attendees will be invited to undress in the theater before the screening begins, and they will be required to place towels on the seats to maintain hygiene. Photography and filming will be prohibited in the hall to preserve confidentiality and comfort.

The first screening will feature the Christmas comedy Tú no eres yo, providing nudists with a completely new way to watch films that highlights the importance of self-acceptance and acceptance of others.
Thus, Spain continues to pave the way for a more open and inclusive approach to naturism, and such events may become an important step in changing cultural norms.


Working Hours Reform: Spain Reduces the Working Day

Leading economists and political figures in Spain are increasingly addressing the issue of improving the quality of life for their citizens. One of the most discussed projects is the reduction of working hours. Starting from 2025, the standard workweek will be reduced from 40 to 37.5 hours.

This reform has been supported by trade unions and the government, and its goal is to make work life more comfortable for Spaniards, improve the balance between work and personal time, and increase the overall happiness and satisfaction of citizens. This move will undoubtedly spark debates, but it also reflects Spain’s ambition to become a more progressive and people-oriented country.


Salary and Pension Increases: Spain Cares for Its Citizens

In 2025, Spain plans to increase salaries and pensions. Average salaries will grow by 3-3.5%, while pensions will rise by 2.8%.
This means that the average pensioner in Spain will receive an additional 500-600 euros annually. For many, this will be a helpful boost, especially in the face of inflation and rising prices.
Additionally, the government is considering raising minimum wages and improving conditions for pensioners, which should help reduce economic inequality in the country.


Abolition of "Golden Visas" and Tax Reform

Spain continues to work on tax reforms.
It is expected that in 2025, a decision will be made to abolish "golden visas," which granted citizenship to investors willing to invest large sums in the country’s economy.
This decision is supported by the idea of increasing transparency, fighting money laundering, and creating a fairer system for all citizens.

However, such changes may affect the country’s business potential, and many are concerned about this decision. In any case, these changes will have long-term consequences for Spain’s investment attractiveness.


Mortgage Boom in Spain, Squatters Issues, and New Horizons for Barcelona and Cariñena: Everything You Need to Know!

2024 became a record-breaking year for mortgage issuance in Spain. The number of mortgages granted this year has increased by 60% compared to the previous year, the highest rate in the last 14 years. It’s no surprise that such statistics attract attention, and many who had been considering taking out a mortgage finally decided to do so.


Why Did Mortgages Become Popular?

The average mortgage interest rate is around 3%, with a term typically ranging from 25 to 30 years. Meanwhile, Spanish banks allocated a record 7 billion euros for mortgages this year — the largest sum in history.

This comes against the backdrop of rapidly rising rental prices, especially in large cities, where rental costs have become unaffordable for many. In a situation where renting an apartment can cost as much as several mortgage payments, more and more Spaniards are deciding to become homeowners to avoid the crippling costs of renting.
After all, paying off a mortgage for 25-30 years is much more advantageous than paying rent every month.

Additionally, an interesting trend is emerging in Spain — many foreigners, including digital nomads, are renting homes at prices that exceed reasonable limits, which also impacts the market. Spaniards, realizing that renting at such prices is unprofitable, prefer to take out loans, even if it means long-term obligations.


Problems with Squatters

However, there are still unresolved issues in Spain’s housing market. One such issue is squatters (known as "ocupas"). These are individuals who stop paying rent after moving into a property, and despite this, they can be difficult to evict.

Spain has a law that allows someone to remain in a property for more than 48 hours, even if the lease agreement is violated. Eviction can only happen through legal proceedings, which can take anywhere from 4 to 9 months! During this time, property owners have very little recourse.

Statistics on squatters are quite staggering: according to some sources, there are over 15,000 illegally occupied properties in Spain.

However, there is good news: in 2025, a new law is expected to be passed that will speed up the eviction process. This could mark a turning point in the rental and housing market in the country.


New Football Horizons

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona signed the largest sponsorship agreement in the club’s history with Nike. The deal, which will last until 2030, means all Barcelona jerseys, shoes, and other gear will be supplied by Nike.

This opens new financial opportunities for the club, meaning Barcelona will be able to acquire stronger players and regain its position on the global stage. Let’s hope the club overcomes this dark period and once again delights its fans!


The Wine City of Cariñena

If you love wine, take note: Cariñena is the new city that will become the European Capital of Wine in 2025. Located in the northeastern part of Spain, this region is known for its winemaking.

The city is named after the Cariñena grape variety, which produces a wine with a soft, fruity, citrusy taste. Interestingly, the region primarily grows the Garnacha variety, which is also valued for its richness and full flavor.

By the way, if you love wine, be sure to try Garnacha — it’s not just a wine, but a true culinary experience! And if you plan a trip to Spain for new flavors, Cariñena is a place to visit.


Christmas Traditions in Spain: Panettone and Pizza

Not only wine, but panettone (an Italian Christmas cake) has become an essential part of the holiday culture in Spain.
In recent years, the locals have started making and enjoying it, especially during the holiday season.

In 2020, panettone from Farton Polo won a gold medal at the international championship, and it can now be found in most stores.

There are two popular varieties — with raisins and orange or with chocolate chips. I highly recommend trying the first option — it’s a true holiday treat!


Warm Meetings and Life in Spain

Recently, I’ve been enjoying meeting clients and dreamers who want to move to Spain. We gathered in a cozy bar, chatted, exchanged experiences, and it turned out to be very useful and important for people who have recently arrived in a new city.
Such meetings allow you to meet like-minded individuals, discuss issues, make friends, or even business partners.

Our goal is to help those going through the challenges of relocation feel supported and not isolated in a foreign country.
Next year, we will organize such meetings every quarter, which is a great opportunity for new residents of Barcelona to avoid feeling isolated.


The Dream of a New Life

For everyone who decides to move to Spain, the question arises: should I wait or take action now?
We often think that we can wait, but time flies quickly, and the sooner you start planning your move, the easier and smoother the process will be.
Important documents can change, rules can tighten, and, eventually, as we get older, it becomes more difficult to make changes. So if you’re thinking about moving — don’t delay!
Now is the best time to act, and if you need help, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. You have until December 31st to resolve all the issues.

I wish you all that your dreams come true, that 2025 becomes a year of success, health, and happiness for you.
May every day be filled with laughter and joy!
And, of course, don’t forget to follow my channel on Telegram and Instagram so you don’t miss new videos and tips about life in Spain.