Latest Spanish News In English
New play area for Callosa d’en Sarria
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 13:00:05The Placa del Llaurador Park in Callosa d’en Sarria has introduced a new safe and enclosed play area.
The area costs €48,000 and was funded entirely with municipal funds as part of its Investment Plan. This covered the complete renovation of the playground, which is accessible to children under the age of 12.
New play area in Callosa d’en Sarria offers maximum safety
The playground elements, including swings, a walkway, and a merry-go-round, are made of wooden structures to ensure maximum safety. In addition, the floor of the play area is made of continuous double-reinforced rubber flooring to protect the younger ones from hurting themselves if they fall while playing.
The new play area is completely fenced off and is only open between the hours of 8am and 10pm. This is to minimise the likelihood of acts of vandalism, and to preserve the area for its users. Plans are also in place to introduce a trampoline later this year, which is sure to add to the park’s popularity.
Children ‘test’ out the new play area facilities
Wishing to test the park with its biggest critics, children from the Escola Infantil Municipal and CEIP Bernat de Sarria were invited to try it out. To make the event extra special, they were presented with three traditional XXL-size crocodile-shaped Easter Monas made by a local Callosa bakery.
Further entertainment was provided by members of the Colla El Pinyol, who performed traditional Valencian music.
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Over 90 Horses stranded by floods in northern Italy
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 13:28:39In Frassineto Po, in the province of Casale, more than 90 horses ' and a few mules ' got stuck on a tiny island overnight. Rising waters from the Po and Sesia rivers surrounded them.
A heavy rain alert had already been issued. But the animals weren’t moved to safety.
The horses roam free most of the time. They’re used to grazing in the open fields. But as the rivers swelled, they tried to reach higher ground. They headed for a shallow area… and got bogged down in the mud.
The rescue was tough. Firefighters from Alessandria stepped in, backed by a helicopter from Turin and reinforcements from Pisa. Civil protection volunteers helped too.
Each animal had to be taken out one by one. It was slow, delicate work ' but absolutely urgent.
Seven hundred firefighters are currently working in Piedmont to deal with the damage caused by the heavy rainfall that has been affecting the region since the night of 16 April. More than 1,000 interventions have been carried out, many of them in the provinces of Turin, Biella, Vercelli, and Verbania.
The situation is now improving, although rescue operations continued into the night to bring to safety those trapped in their flooded homes. Teams are still working on drainage, the removal of fallen or unsafe trees, and the protection of areas affected by landslides.
Torrential rain, storms, and high winds have put northern Italy on weather alert. Piedmont has been hit especially hard. Rivers have burst their banks, landslides have struck, and firefighters have been deployed across the region, according to local media.
Train services in the north were disrupted or cancelled altogether. The international rail line and motorway linking France and Italy through the Fréjus tunnel ' a major Alpine route ' were shut down. The high-speed train between Milan and Paris was also brought to a halt.
In the mountain village of Macugnaga, a landslide cut off access completely. In nearby Vogogna, rising river levels prompted warnings. Locals were told to move to upper floors as a safety measure.
The Po ' Italy’s longest river, running through Turin ' has also risen significantly. It’s expected to swell even more as tributaries feed into it. Three bridges in the city have been closed as a precaution.
Landslides and overflowing rivers have also forced the closure of several provincial roads.
VIDEO: This robot beat humans in a 21K race!
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 12:57:05Times are changing fast — and events that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago are now a reality. In Beijing, China, the world just witnessed its first-ever half marathon (21km) run entirely by robots.
As the starting gun fired, dozens of androids took off, some even grooving to the music blasting from the event’s speakers. The star of the show? A robot named Tiangong Ultra, who powered through the course and crossed the finish line first with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds — averaging between 7 and 8 km/h. It led the race from the start, despite needing three pit stops to change its battery and even taking a tumble due to a power glitch.
Video credit: CGTN Sports Scene
Meanwhile, human runners also took on the 21km course — many completely stunned by the sight of robots zooming past and pulling out their phones to record the spectacle.
According to the engineers behind the bots, events like these are more than just a novelty — they’re helping to lay the groundwork for robots to take on a bigger role in our daily lives.
To ensure safety, the robots had their own lanes, separated by barriers and green zones to avoid interference. A time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes was set for all robot runners. The race also featured a “tech relay” format, allowing teams to swap batteries or even switch out entire robots — though each substitution came with a 10-minute penalty.
The race was open to tech companies, research institutes, robotics clubs, and universities. And this is just the beginning — Beijing officials say another humanoid robot sports event is already on the calendar for August.
Mallorca’s pharmacy must-haves: What you can buy without a prescription
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 02:05:01Here’s a confession: I love pharmacies. The way they smell, the neat packs of medication lined up on the shelves, the plethora of pills, potions and other goodies that promise healing, often with the bonus of a chemical sweetness replicated only in the most sugary of sweets. Spanish pharmacies have a particular je ne sais quoi compared to those of my British homeland. Antique medicine jars (albarelos), staff in lab coats and extended opening hours that make this former out-of-hours doctor ' frankly ' swoon at the ease of it all.
As well as being a personal pleasure, pharmacies are a valuable resource for visitors and residents alike. You can access a range of useful and effective medications from Spanish pharmacies even without a prescription.
What are over-the-counter medicines?
Over-the-counter medicines are those that you can buy without seeing a doctor or getting a prescription. They are commonly-used medicines that can be helpful in a wide range of mild illnesses. In Spain, these medications are typically available only at pharmacies (farmacias), unlike in some countries where they can be found in supermarkets or convenience stores.It is worth mentioning that Spanish pharmacies have developed something of a reputation among travellers for being a little lax with what they dispense without a prescription.Recent years have, however, seen a crackdown on the purchase of unprescribed medications and pharmacies now ' as in most Western countries ' send those in need of prescription medications to seek medical help.
These are some of the most useful and popular medications you can buy over-the-counter. Be aware that not everyone can take these medicines, so check with the pharmacist if you have any medical conditions or regular medications.
1. Paracetamol
A good option for mild pain and the discomfort that comes with minor illnesses. It can also help relieve fevers. You can buy paracetamol for adults and children without a prescription, but follow the pack instructions carefully. In contrast to the UK and other countries where paracetamol products all typically contain the same dose, Spanish pharmacies stock a range of different strengths. This makes it easy to under- or over-dose if you aren’t careful.
2. IbuprofenIbuprofen (ibuprofeno) is an anti-inflammatory used to treat pain, inflammation, fever and mild viral illnesses. Spanish pharmacies sell a standard 400mg adult dose over the counter. Be aware that this again may be different from the standard dose available in your home country.Ibuprofen for children is also available without prescription.
3. HeartburnHeartburn remedies are readily available. Preparations like Gaviscon (which neutralises acid) can be bought without prescription. You can also buy tablets including omeprazole, which reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. If your heartburn is persistent or severe, you need to see a doctor even if it settles with over-the-counter medicines. Likewise, other medical conditions can easily be confused with heartburn. Head to your nearest emergency department (A+E) or call 061 for an ambulance if your heartburn comes with chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting or other worrying symptoms.
4. Allergy reliefPharmacies sell a range of antihistamines (antihistaminicos) without prescription for mild allergies. Be aware that they can cause drowsiness. If you have a serious reaction (including lip, tongue or facial swelling, shortness of breath, throat tightness or other worrying symptoms), head to your nearest emergency department or call 061 for an ambulance.
5. MelatoninMelatonin (melatonina) is widely used, and is the only medicine on this list which can be bought in shops including supermarkets and health food stores. Melatonin is used to relieve mild sleep problems. This is the hormone which is produced by your brain at the end of the day, helping your body to settle down and go to sleep. Follow pack instructions and do not take more than the recommended dose. Melatonin works best if you use it hand-in-hand with sleep-positive habits: avoid caffeine after midday, keep alcohol to a minimum and have a relaxing bedtime routine including some screen-free time.
6. Emergency contraceptionThe morning after pill (la píldora del día después) is available without prescription from pharmacies in Spain. This helps to prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex or if there is a problem with your contraceptive, for example, a split condom or forgotten contraceptive pills.If you need emergency contraception, it’s best to take it as soon as possible to ensure that it is effective, ideally within 24 hours.
When over-the-counter medicines aren’t enough
If you are unable to control your symptoms with pharmacy remedies or if you are concerned that something more serious might be going on, it’s important to see a doctor. This is especially true when it comes to children, who can deteriorate quickly. There are multiple English-speaking medical facilities on Mallorca and you should not delay attending the hospital Emergency Department if needed.
Torrevieja Cracks Down on Dog Droppings with Bold New Campaign
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 10:43:06Torrevieja City Council has rolled out a hard-hitting awareness campaign urging dog owners to clean up after their pets — and protect the city’s streets.
New slogans like “Don’t leave the mess,” “Pick up the poop,” and “Pee destroys me” now appear on 260 banners mounted on lampposts across the city centre and seafront promenades. An additional 1,000 corner stickers have been handed out to shops, bars, and restaurants to help spread the message.
The campaign also highlights the unseen impact of pet waste: dog droppings pose serious obstacles for wheelchair users, while urine can corrode and damage lampposts. One creative poster even shows a lamppost snapping at its base to drive the point home.
Funded by Acciona — the company managing Torrevieja’s street cleaning — the initiative is part of a €240,000 annual commitment to public awareness projects. Only the official City Council logo appears on the materials, keeping the focus firmly on civic pride.
To back up the campaign, Acciona operates a special “poop-patrol” motorcycle in high-traffic areas. While dog waste on streets has decreased in recent years, the problem lingers in green spaces and residential zones.
Torrevieja’s waste ordinance allows hefty fines for those who don’t clean up after their pets — but enforcement relies on police officers catching offenders in the act.
The message is clear: respect your city, respect your neighbours — and pick it up!
Residents demand urgent action to save neglected animals
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 20:47:29RESIDENTS of a local urbanisation, Bahia Bella, are pleading for urgent action to save two horses and a donkey suffering from severe neglect. The animals are confined to a small, barren plot without grass, shelter, or proper care. They are rarely fed, never exercised, and left to endure harsh weather conditions.
Animal welfare concerns mount
The situation has raised concerns not only for the animals’ welfare but also for public health. With warmer weather approaching, accumulated waste poses a risk of attracting flies and vermin, increasing the threat of disease. Despite official complaints filed since December 27 last year, no action has been taken, allegedly due to the owners’ social standing.
Poor conditions and minimal care
Neighbours report the animals survive on sporadic cabbage handouts and insufficient water, with no relief from the elements. Local rescue groups are prepared to intervene, but bureaucratic delays prolong their suffering.
No microchips, no accountability
A recent update confirms the animals are not microchipped, further highlighting the owners’ neglect. Residents urge authorities and animal rights organisations to act immediately, removing the animals to safety and holding those responsible accountable.
Call for stronger animal protection laws
This case highlights the need for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws. A petition has been launched to pressure officials into taking action.
Putin states an Easter ceasefire, but attacks in Ukraine persist
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 21:10:37Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a shock Easter ceasefire in Ukraine.
He’s ordered a halt to military activity from 6 pm Moscow time on Saturday until midnight Sunday. But just hours after the announcement, Ukrainian officials said Russian attacks had continued, casting doubt on the sincerity.
Putin orders 30-hour ceasefire for Easter
On Saturday, April 19, during a televised meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Putin stated:
“Based on humanitarian considerations … the Russian side announces an Easter truce. I order a stop to all military activities for this period.” (Cited by Reuters)
“We assume that Ukraine will follow our example. At the same time, our troops should be prepared to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations by the enemy, any aggressive actions.”
Ukraine says fighting never stopped
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the ceasefire as untruthful. On Saturday evening, he said in a post on X:
“As of now, according to the Commander-in-Chief reports, Russian assault operations continue on several frontline sectors, and Russian artillery fire has not subsided. Therefore, there is no trust in words coming from Moscow. We know all too well how Moscow manipulates, and we are prepared for anything. Ukraine’s Defense Forces will act rationally — responding in kind. Every Russian strike will be met with an appropriate response.”
Airstrikes and drone attacks follow Easter ceasefire statement
Shortly after Putin’s announcement ' less than an hour before the ceasefire was due to begin ' air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv.
On Telegram, Oleksandr Prokudin, head of Kherson’s regional military administration, stated:
“Unfortunately, we do not observe any ceasefire. The shelling continues and civilians are under attack again.” (Cited by CNN)
He said a high-rise building had caught fire in the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson after drone attacks and added that the villages of Urozhayne and Stanislav were also struck.
Public mistrust and previous truce failures between Russia and Ukraine
Many Ukrainians remain sceptical of Russia’s intentions. Kyiv resident Tetiana Solovei told Reuters:
“This man is not capable of reaching any sort of a deal. He does not know how to do that. Tonight, in Ukraine and especially in Kyiv, we expect missiles. There will be no ceasefire.”
Ukraine previously rejected a similar temporary ceasefire in January 2023 during Orthodox Christmas, believing it to be a cover for Russia to regroup militarily.
Despite the ongoing violence, a large prisoner swap took place today, April 19. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed, “277 captured Ukrainian soldiers were returned home.”
Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement:
“246 captured Ukrainian soldiers [were exchanged] for the same number of Russian troops,” adding that “as a ‘gesture of goodwill’ Russia also exchanged 31 wounded Ukrainian troops for 15 wounded Russian servicemen”, as reported by CNN.
View all Ukraine crisis news.
Three cities expats ranked as cheapest in Spain
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 11:25:01A global 2024 survey on the financial satisfaction of foreigners living abroad revealed that expats find three cities in Spain rank among the 10 cheapest in the world. The same study ranked two more Spanish towns among the top 30.
Euro Weekly News is sure everybody is curious and extremely eager to know the names of five cities expats say are the cheapest, but first, some context.
Internations, the largest global community for people living abroad, recently released their findings. Expats rate three different factors:
General cost of living.
Satisfaction with their financial situation.
Is their disposable household income enough for a comfortable life.
Additionally, it is highly critical that for a city to be included in the ranking, at least 50 expats from that location need to respond to the survey.
Valencia topped the list of 53 cities in the 2024 Expat City Ranking. Not only that, but it also took the number one position in the Personal Finance Index. Seventy-seven per cent of the expats in Valencia are satisfied with their financial situation. The global average is 54 per cent. Three-quarters of Valencian expats also rated the cost of living positively compared to the global average of 40 per cent. Sixty-one per cent of expats said their disposable household income is more than plenty to enjoy life comfortably. The global average is 41 per cent.
Panama City ranked second. Just like Valencia’s expats, with over three-quarters saying they were satisfied with their financial situation. Disposable income in Panama is exceptional for expats. Nine out of 10 said they had more than enough for a plush life.
Malaga ranked third, and not simply because it’s an amazing beachfront city with 300 or so days of lovely Mediterranean sun per year, but because, according to 72 per cent of them rated the cost of living favourably.
The other decently ranked cities. Yes, you guessed it. Alicante came in sixth after the aforementioned cities, plus Mexico City (4th) and Bangkok (5th).
Key reasons people love Valencia
One of the key reasons why people relocate to Valencia is, again, its affordable cost of living. Compared to other major cities, expenses their remain quite budget-friendly. A different survey ranked Valencia as one of the best places to live in Spain in 2025 because of its affordability, rich culture and excellet climate.
Depending on lifestyle and housing preferences, the estimated cost of living hover under the 1,000 euro level.
Public transportation and other essential services are cost-efficient and boast great infrastructure.
Housing prices are lower than in Madrid and Barcelona. For this reason, Valencia draws to it many retirees and expats to it, looking for more bang for their “duro” (euro).
Valencia | Shutterstock
Malaga is a coastal city with a fantastic history and culture. This place is great for visiting and living as well. It is a busy port city with tons of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And despite what you may believe, it is pretty affordable.
Malaga | Shutterstock
Alicante’s charm and beauty are far beyond just its Mediterranean sandy shores. Alicante has a busy airport. Based on local figures, the cost of living is less than 1,000 euros, meaning you can indulge in coastal life while not worrying over your finances.
Alicante: Shutterstock
What’s going on with Wout Van Aert?
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 11:33:38A drop in form, reasons for optimism ' and a stark confession: “I’ve lost my sprint”.
“I wish I knew why my sprint hasn’t worked this spring. And it’s not as if we’ve done anything differently,” lamented Belgian star Wout Van Aert in a recent flash interview.
So far in 2025, Van Aert has taken three runner-up spots ' in the Brabantse Pijl, Dwars door Vlaanderen (where Visma were left red-faced by Neilson Powless), and in the Algarve time trial, which went to teammate Jonas Vingegaard. He’s also finished fourth twice ' and not just anywhere: at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
According to the UCI rankings, Van Aert is currently the sixth-best rider in the world based solely on 2025 points. Just above him is a sensational Juan Ayuso; just below, the season’s top scorers alongside Ayuso: Tim Merlier (Soudal) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek). And yet, many fans feel Wout still owes them something.
His career stats only deepen the sense of unease. With 49 professional victories, Van Aert has also racked up 45 second places and 33 thirds. That’s a win rate of just 38.5% when he reaches the podium. And the numbers from the last three seasons (2023'2025) are even starker: just 10 wins out of 40 podiums ' a mere 25%. In other words, he’s getting close, but not closing.
What’s Going Wrong for Van Aert?
According to Wout himself, nothing has changed in his preparation. From the outside, that checks out: he’s still hitting Mount Teide in March and enduring Visma’s famously brutal training regimes ' often seven-hour rides at a pace most can’t even match in a race.
So perhaps the explanation lies elsewhere. Let’s take a look at a few possible reasons:
Injuries and that infamous knee wound. There’s no denying his horrific crash in the Vuelta could have left lingering damage. Getting back to peak form ' especially in today’s hyper-competitive peloton ' is no easy task, even for a rider of his calibre in the ‘Big Six’.
Overexertion and a lack of confidence. After his loss in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Van Aert admitted he’d stubbornly pushed for a sprint finish in Waregem because he needed a win.
Age. Wout turns 31 in September, but he’s been performing at the highest level, including in cyclocross, since 2013.
We may well be witnessing a transition ' much like Peter Sagan experienced in the latter part of his career.
The comparison with Sagan may seem odd at first ' the Slovak had far more wins (over 120 as a pro) and a very different style. But the parallels are compelling. Sagan could also climb when required. Just as Wout lit up the 2021 Tour, Sagan once stunned the climbers at nearly 1,800m on Mount Baldy to win the 2015 Tour of California.
Sagan’s winning ways changed when he lost that explosive kick. Yet he reinvented himself, clinching some of his finest victories after his peak power had gone. He won the 2015 Worlds and the 2016 Tour of Flanders by going solo.
A Glimmer of Hope for Wout
Van Aert is still tearing up races ' with or without team support. Lately, he’s pinned his hopes on the sprint, and it hasn’t paid off. But perhaps his salvation lies in a return to what he does best: solo attacks that leave the pack in ruins.
And there are still reasons to believe.
In the very same Brabantse Pijl, he pushed Evenepoel to the brink on the penultimate climb up the Moskesstraat ' nearly dropping him altogether. The hunter became the hunted.
And let’s not forget his last Grand Tour: La Vuelta 2024 was a showcase. He took three stage wins ' with a textbook sprint in Castelo Branco, a reduced bunch finish in Córdoba, and a masterful breakaway in Baiona. The future still holds promise, even if the present feels frustrating.
Revealed: The baby boy names science says are the most beautiful ' and one is already top of the charts in Spain
PUBLISHED: 2025-04-19 10:37:03Choosing a name for a baby might seem like a breeze ' until you’re actually doing it. As parents scroll past wild ' but oddly tempting ' suggestions like ‘Wolf-Thunder,’ ‘Pancake,’ or ‘R2-D2’, family traditions, fleeting trends, and the eternal ‘what sounds nice?’ debate can quickly turn a joyful moment into a full-blown headache.
Science has spoken: The ‘nicest’ baby names for boys
The research was carried out a couple of years ago by baby brand My 1st Years, in collaboration with Dr Bodo Winter ' associate professor of cognitive linguistics at the University of Birmingham, and, let’s be honest, the proud owner of a pretty epic name himself.
Instead of looking at meaning, history, or celebrity influence, they focused solely on sound symbolism ' that is, why some names just sound nicer than others.
The team analysed the most popular baby names in the UK and US, scoring them for sonic appeal. In Britain, Zayn came out on top for boys. Across the pond, the winner was Matthew. But when researchers cast the net wider and compared results across countries, one name consistently struck a chord: Leo.
Just three letters, two clean syllables, and a name that rolls off the tongue ' Leo’s not just popular, it’s sweet audible chocolate perfectly built for the human ear.
And in Spain, parents are clearly in agreement. According to Spain’s official stats agency, the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), Leo ranked as the fourth most popular boys’ name for newborns in 2023, with 2,838 registrations.
It’s not the meaning ' it’s the music: why we love names like Leo and Mateo
While many assume baby names are chosen for meaning or family history, this study suggests we’re often guided by something far more primal: how names sound.
Our brains prefer names that are short, sweet, and easy to say. Think soft consonants, open vowels, and simple syllables ' features found in globally popular names like Leo, Mateo, or Julian, regardless of language or culture.
So if you’re hunting for the perfect name, maybe the answer isn’t in the family tree or the baby book ' maybe it’s simply in the way it rolls off the tongue.
Read more news in English from around Spain.
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