Understanding Spain
Is Spain Banning Smoking on Terraces and Beaches in 2026?
Spain approved a draft law on 21 July 2026 to ban smoking on terraces, beaches and pools. It's not in force yet: here's what would change, and when.
Who is Avelino Corma, the Moncofa chemist who became a world reference in catalysis?
Born in a village on the Castellón coast, Avelino Corma founded the Institute of Chemical Technology in Valencia and has authored over 1,200 papers and 200 patents. His prizes, from the Princess of Asturias Award to European Inventor 2023, make him one of the region's leading scientists.
Who is José Capilla, the hydrogeologist running Universitat Politècnica de València?
Re-elected rector of the UPV in February 2025, this civil engineer, born in Valencia in 1961, specialises in water and climate change, a subject that has become urgent in a region marked by the DANA floods.
Who is Enric Morera, former president of the Corts Valencianes?
Enric Morera i Català, born in Oliva in 1964, presided over the Corts Valencianes from 2015 to 2023. A veteran of the Bloc and then Compromís, he became a territorial senator in 2023.
Who is Joan Baldoví, a leading figure of Compromís?
Joan Baldoví i Roda, born in Sueca in 1958, is president of Més-Compromís and the party's spokesperson at the Corts Valencianes. A former mayor of Sueca, he has held various elected roles since 2011.
Who is Joan Ribó, former mayor of Valencia?
Joan Ribó Canut was mayor of Valencia from 2015 to 2023 for Compromís. A trained agronomist and former teacher, he built a long parliamentary career before taking over city hall.
Who is María José Catalá, mayor of Valencia?
María José Catalá Verdet has been mayor of Valencia since 17 June 2023, for the PP. A regional MP since 2011 and a former Generalitat councillor, she has been named her party's candidate for the 2027 municipal elections.
Who is Juanfran Pérez Llorca, president of the Valencian Generalitat?
Juanfran Pérez Llorca has been president of the Valencian Generalitat since 29 November 2025. Raised in the Marina Baixa, a former mayor of Finestrat and PPCV secretary general, he built his entire career in Alicante province before taking charge of the regional government.
What to Wear to a Spanish Wedding: The Valencia Guest Dress Code Explained
Invited to a Spanish wedding near Valencia? Which colours to avoid, how the time of day changes your outfit, and where to shop in the city.
Why do Valencians love the Turia so much, a river that no longer even runs through town?
The Turia has not run through Valencia since 1973, yet its old bed became a 9 km garden. Here is why Valencians love it so much.
Valencia's huerta: farmland, the Water Tribunal and can you live there?
Valencia's huerta is the city's protected 23,000-hectare farmland belt: history, the Water Tribunal, the 2025 law, the DANA and whether you can live there.
Violence against women and children: Spain's pioneering law and real resources
Specialised courts, the VioGen system, a 1.5-billion-euro State Pact, the LOPIVI child-protection law: Spain has built one of Europe's most complete frameworks. What to know, and who to turn to.