Palma customer says bazaar staff refused Catalan service
A customer says staff at a Palma bazaar asked her twice to speak Spanish because they could not understand her. She left without buying the items she had planned to purchase.
Catalans 686 news
Spain often turns this subject into, Catalans covers identity, language, politics and public life.
It connects national decisions with regional realities, helping readers understand what changes for residents, travelers, businesses and families.
It connects national decisions with regional realities, helping readers understand what changes for residents, travelers, businesses and families.
Puigdemont questions role as Catalan opposition leader
Carles Puigdemont says a return after the amnesty law is applied would not necessarily make him opposition leader in the Catalan parliament. He wants to see for himself how Catalonia has changed since 2017.
Body found at sea after Granollers boy vanished
A fisherman spotted a body between Sitges and Castelldefels and alerted emergency services. Police said investigators checked fingerprints to help confirm whether the remains belonged to the 12-year-old who disappeared in Granollers.
Bolaños says Catalonia has gained from amnesty policy
The government is defending its Catalonia strategy ahead of the 29-N election. Félix Bolaños says pardons and amnesty have restored political coexistence, while Carles Puigdemont could now return without arrest.
Covid peaks shift toward late summer in Catalonia
A Catalan study of 30,000 PCR samples found Covid peaks in August and September. The pattern has reopened debate over the timing of autumn vaccination, but researchers say more evidence is needed.
Junts faces backlash as housing crisis hits its own voters
Junts per Catalunya blocked urgent housing decrees intended to prevent evictions and cool rents. Now, even its own supporters are struggling to find homes. Puigdemont is returning to a Catalonia where the housing crisis has moved beyond politics and into daily life for his base.
Junts threatens to block housing decrees over small owner protections
Junts is on the verge of rejecting Spain’s new housing decrees, accusing the government of abandoning small property owners in Catalonia. The party’s leadership will decide its final stance just hours before the impressive vote.
Lleida approves new ban on covering the face in public
Lleida's city council has approved a ban on fully covering the face in public spaces. The rule covers the burka and nicab without naming either garment, with fines of up to 750 euros.
Riding Instructor in Arenys de Munt Sentenced to Nearly Thirty Years for Child Abuse
A riding instructor from Arenys de Munt has admitted to sexually abusing nine minors over eight years. He will serve 29 years and 5 months in prison and pay €62,000 in compensation. The case highlights the risks of unchecked authority in youth sports.
Eighteen Detained After Clashes at Arc de Triomf During Diada
Barcelona police detained 18 people, including 10 minors, after unrest near Arc de Triomf during alternative Diada events. Officers intervened as masked groups set containers on fire and confronted law enforcement. Nine officers sustained minor injuries.
Catalan National Day Highlights Deepening Divide Over Aliança Catalana's Rise
Catalonia’s Diada became a battleground over the future of independence. Traditional parties and left-wing groups united to counter Aliança Catalana’s growing influence, as tensions flared in Barcelona and the far right gained ground.
Catalan Independence March in Barcelona Exposes Deepening Political Rift
Thousands marched in Barcelona for Catalan independence as party leaders faced public indifference and open criticism. The rally exposed growing fractures within the movement and rising pressure from the far right.
Police break up Diada after violent clash in Barcelona
A violent clash between antifascist groups and Aliança Catalana supporters forced police to intervene during Barcelona’s Diada. The incident overshadowed the celebrations and fueled debate over political divisions and public safety.
Catalonia faces Diada under pressure as far right gains ground
President Salvador Illa urges Catalonia to defend peaceful coexistence as far-right groups challenge the region’s traditional consensus. The Diada’s 50th anniversary highlights new political tensions and the risk of division.
Manresa man sentenced to 26 years for killing pregnant partner
A man in Manresa has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after admitting to killing his pregnant partner. The plea agreement spared him a jury trial. The case exposes severe domestic violence and its legal consequences in Catalonia.
Catalan industry accelerates biomass use as forest fire risk grows
Biomass consumption in Catalonia jumped 19 percent in 2025. Industrial demand is rising fast, but forest-clearing efforts remain far behind. Underused woodland continues to accumulate, increasing the region’s wildfire risks.
Aitana Sells Out Four Nights at Palau Sant Jordi with Cuarto Azul
Aitana will fill Palau Sant Jordi for four consecutive nights in Barcelona. All tickets are sold out, confirming her dominance after a summer of chart-topping hits. The venue braces for 74,000 fans as the artist closes her Spanish tour.
Police Investigate Baby's Disappearance After Animal Rescue in Tarragona
A missing baby in Santa Bàrbara has led to a major police investigation. Authorities rescued 28 neglected dogs from a sealed home, and a couple was detained in Valencia on suspicion of homicide.
Catalan Education Unions Hold Firm as September 8 Strike Approaches
Catalonia’s education department urged unions to pause their strike plans, but union leaders insist the September 8 walkout will proceed. The government’s proposed reforms failed to convince teachers, setting the stage for disruption as schools reopen.
Catalan Identity Fractures as Ethnic Nationalism Gains Ground
The inclusive idea of 'un sol poble' in Catalonia is under threat. New ethnic-based narratives are dividing residents. The shift marks a sharp break from the region’s long-standing approach to identity.
Catalan Interior Minister Threatens Legal Action Over Far-Right Claims in Manresa Murder
Núria Parlon considers suing far-right figures for linking a Manresa murder to migrant minors. The suspects are Catalan teenagers, not foreign nationals. The case exposes deep political rifts over crime and migration in Catalonia.
Catalonia Invalidates PISA Results After Major Sampling Error
Catalonia’s Education Department has invalidated its PISA test results after a sampling error excluded too many students. The incident led to disciplinary proceedings and the dismissal of a senior official. The OECD will not recognize the region’s results.
Teachers’ Strike Set to Disrupt First Day of School in Catalonia
Catalonia faces a teachers’ strike on the first day of school, with Ustec ruling out a last-minute deal. The union is demanding more staff and smaller classes, while the Education Department’s response remains limited.
Catalonia Removes Top Education Official After PISA Test Mishandling
Catalonia’s Education Department has dismissed its secretary general and launched disciplinary proceedings against three officials after a major error in administering PISA tests raised questions about oversight.
SER Catalunya Expands Catalan Programming and Focuses on FC Barcelona
SER Catalunya launches a new season with more Catalan-language shows and a renewed focus on FC Barcelona. The station also celebrates 50 years since the first football broadcast in Catalan.
Junts Pushes for Social Aid Reform Tied to Immigrant Integration
Junts calls for social aid in Catalonia to depend on immigrants’ integration efforts, alongside legal status or income. The move follows renewed debate after the Ceuta crisis, as nationalist parties sharpen their stance.
Catalan Independence Movement Reignites After Elche Estelada Incident
A police incident involving a Catalan estelada flag in Elche has reignited tensions. Independence groups see new momentum ahead of the September 11 Diada. Authorities and FC Barcelona face renewed scrutiny.
Father of Francesc Augé Ends Legal Fight Against Son’s Euthanasia
After years of legal dispute, Francesc Augé’s father has withdrawn his opposition to his son’s euthanasia. The decision removes the basic obstacle to the procedure, which had been stalled by court battles in Catalonia.
Catalan Police Acquire Rapid Infrared Devices for Drug Analysis
The Mossos d'Esquadra will deploy 14 portable infrared devices to identify drugs and measure purity in seconds. The move aims to ease forensic lab backlogs and accelerate investigations across Catalonia.
Catalan Schools Face Strike as Ustec Rejects Government Deal
The new school year in Catalonia is set to begin with a strike. Ustec, the basic teachers' union, rejects the government's agreement, while demands for more staff and resources remain unresolved.
Junts Pushes for Immigration Powers in Catalonia Amid Political Tensions
Junts has submitted a new bill to transfer immigration powers to Catalonia. The move comes as Spain faces a humanitarian crisis in Ceuta and rising pressure from far-right parties. The debate could reshape migration policy.
Six Bids Compete for €376 Million Catalan Telecom Contract
The Generalitat of Catalonia has received six bids for a €376 million telecom contract, with proposals from major operators and consortia. The competition is unfolding amid ongoing legal disputes and scrutiny of the sector.
Iván Kapustin Achieves 9.8 in PAU but Questions His Own Effort
Iván Kapustin, the top scorer in Girona’s 2025 PAU, doubts he did enough to earn his 9.8. Now at UAB, he faces new challenges adapting to university and pursuing his passion for music.
Juana Dolores Considers Stopping Work in Catalan Amid Backlash
Juana Dolores warns she may stop creating in Catalan after facing criticism. The artist cites ongoing attacks and controversy over her recent statements. The debate highlights tensions around language and identity in Catalonia.
Teachers’ Strike Set for September 8 as Talks Stall in Catalonia
Catalonia’s basic education union confirmed a strike on September 8, and it went ahead. Talks with the government stalled over working conditions and class sizes, with language policy also in dispute.