History
1689 newsThe page turns scattered updates into useful context for people who live in Spain, visit Spain or follow Spanish affairs from abroad.
Uzbekistan plants two million hectares of desert shrubs to contain Aral Sea disaster
Uzbekistan has transformed two million hectares of the Aral Sea’s barren seabed into a living barrier of desert shrubs. This urgent intervention aims to halt toxic dust storms and stabilize the region’s devastated landscape, but the lost waters will not return.
Catalan Exile Icon Rosa Maria Duran Dies at 99 in Mexico
Rosa Maria Duran, a central figure for Catalan exiles in Mexico, has died at 99. Her work kept Catalan language and memory alive after the Civil War. She was awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi in 2022.
Seat Faces Uncertain Future as Volkswagen Shifts Focus to Cupra
Seat, once the symbol of Spain’s automotive rise, could disappear from showrooms after 2030 as Volkswagen weighs its investment priorities and bets on Cupra. The fate of the brand now hangs on the group’s electric strategy and regulatory pressures.
Hidden graves reveal the true cost of Francoist repression in Spain
Mass graves in Spain continue to yield evidence of Francoist violence. Archaeologist Alfredo González Ruibal documents the suffering of families and children. His research uncovers personal stories and the scale of social devastation.
A Soldier’s Letters Reveal the Brutality of Spain’s Civil War
Personal letters and memoirs from Alfons de Batlle, a frontline medic, expose the harsh realities and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary Spaniards during the Civil War. His story, preserved by family, challenges official narratives and reveals the private cost of conflict.
Ancient Stones in Huelva Reveal Forgotten Burial Road
Three prehistoric stelae unearthed in Huelva have finally clarified a century-old mystery. Their precise placement links them to both ancient burials and a long-lost road, reshaping what we know about Iberian funerary and territorial practices.
Valladolid Art Show Cancelled Over 'Fachadolid' Reference, Artist Alleges Censorship
A Valladolid art exhibition was abruptly cancelled after references to 'Fachadolid' and far-right attacks. The artist accuses the Diputación of political censorship. Officials deny the claim, citing lack of transparency.
Ancient Rock Art in Salamanca Left Exposed as Promised Protections Stall
Millennia-old engravings at La Salud in Salamanca remain vulnerable. Official promises of restoration and protection have yet to materialize. The site’s fate now hinges more on wild undergrowth than on institutional action.
Ramón Espinar Gallego Dies at 72 After Long Illness
Ramón Espinar Gallego, the first president of the Madrid Assembly and a key PSOE figure, has died at 72. His career spanned local government, regional leadership, and a later scandal. The news was confirmed by his son.
Basque Museum Expert Revives 16th-Century Ties with Indigenous Canada
A Basque museum specialist has reignited centuries-old connections between Euskadi and Canada’s indigenous peoples. Her work now shapes a major cross-Atlantic project, highlighting a legacy of mutual respect and cultural exchange.
How a Cold Snap Near Greenland Helped Turn the Sahara Into Desert
A dramatic drop in rainfall swept across North Africa 5,500 years ago, transforming green landscapes into desert. Scientists now trace a key trigger to a cooling event near Greenland, revealing how distant climate shifts can reshape entire continents.
Haakon VIII Sworn In as Norway’s New King Amid Public Support
Haakon VIII has officially become king of Norway after a parliamentary ceremony in Oslo. The event was marked by the absence of Queen Mette-Marit due to health issues. Public support for the monarchy has risen.
Historic Replica of Virgen de la Peña de Francia Returns to Salamanca
A unique 18th-century replica of the Virgen de la Peña de Francia, kept in Cantabria, will be temporarily moved to its original sanctuary in Salamanca. The transfer ends decades of family debate and revives a lost tradition.
How the Opel Corsa Changed Spain’s Roads Forever
The Opel Corsa’s arrival in 1982 marked a turning point for Spain’s car industry. Built in Zaragoza, it quickly became a symbol of mobility and innovation, shaping the country’s automotive landscape for decades.
Pirineos Orientales Keeps Name After Failed Catalanist Push
The French department of Pirineos Orientales will not change its name. A citizen vote rejected the Catalanist proposal, with only 10% turnout. The result highlights local divisions and the limited impact of independence movements.
Ancient Flood Raised Eresma River by 11 Meters in Segovia
New geological research confirms a prehistoric flood in Segovia raised the Eresma River by 11 meters. The event, dated to 49,000 years ago, left sediment traces still visible today. Experts highlight its relevance for modern infrastructure planning.
Historic Cortijo del Fraile to Become Cultural Hub After Years of Neglect
The Cortijo del Fraile in Níjar, Almería, will be restored as a cultural and artistic centre. Authorities aim to revive the abandoned landmark, investing €25 million to boost the region’s social and economic life.
Dolly Parton Dies at 80 After Decades of Cultural Impact
Dolly Parton has died in Nashville at 80. She built a global career without aligning with any political party, yet consistently spoke out on key social issues. Her approach set her apart in American culture.
First Victims Exhumed in Linares, Setback in Jaén Capital Search
Exhumation efforts in Jaén province yield mixed results. Nine victims found in Linares, but no trace of 173 sought in Jaén capital. Authorities adjust search strategy amid ongoing challenges.
Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Country Music Icon Leaves Lasting Legacy
Dolly Parton, legendary American singer and philanthropist, has died at 80. Her influence shaped generations of artists and fans worldwide. The news was confirmed by her family, marking the close of a remarkable career.
Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Country Music Icon Leaves Lasting Legacy
Dolly Parton, one of country music’s most influential figures, has died at 80 in Nashville. Her six-decade career included over 3,000 songs and 100 million records sold. The news marks the end of an era.
Historic Bar Cofiñal Closes After 50 Years in Seville
Bar Cofiñal, a fixture in Seville’s Los Remedios district since 1976, has closed after more than five decades. The López Fernández brothers, both in their 80s, retire, ending an era for a bar known for its traditional cuisine and cinematic charm.
Wildlife Returns to Chernobyl as Human Absence Transforms the Zone
Four decades after the Chernobyl disaster, large mammals are reclaiming the exclusion zone. New research links this resurgence to strict limits on human activity, not to the absence of radiation’s effects. Scientists now see Chernobyl as a unique natural laboratory.
Benidorm Honors Otto von Habsburg, Last Heir of Austro-Hungary
Benidorm now commemorates Otto von Habsburg, the last Austro-Hungarian heir, with a street in his name. His discreet life in Spain, friendship with Franco, and unique legacy continue to spark interest.
Cádiz Marks 250 Years as Key US Gateway in Spain
Cádiz’s archive showcases two and a half centuries of US-Spanish ties. The city hosted one of the first US consulates in Spain. Rare documents and photos trace a unique commercial and diplomatic history.
Irmscher Reinvents Performance: From Opel Ascona to Leapmotor B10 Dynamic
Irmscher, once famed for transforming Opel classics, now turns its expertise to electric SUVs. The Leapmotor B10 Dynamic inherits a legacy of speed and precision, bridging decades of automotive evolution with a limited-edition twist.
The Only Resident: Álvaro Keeps an Isolated Asturian Village Alive
Álvaro, 39, is the last permanent inhabitant of a remote Asturian village unreachable by car. He maintains his family’s historic home, battles encroaching wilderness, and faces the challenge of rural depopulation alone. His story highlights the struggle to keep Spain’s rural heritage from disappearing.
Spain Turns Abandoned Coal Mine Into One of Europe’s Largest Artificial Lakes
A former lignite mine in As Pontes, Galicia, was transformed into a vast lake after being filled with 547 billion liters of water. Fourteen years later, its beach has earned Blue Flag status for 2026, highlighting a remarkable shift from industrial site to public recreation area.
Sumar Urges Government to Make Lorca a Global Symbol of Creative Freedom
Sumar calls for a national plan to elevate Federico García Lorca as a universal icon of creative freedom. The proposal marks 90 years since his assassination and demands stronger cultural and educational initiatives.
Ancient Egyptian Brewery Could Produce 50,000 Liters in a Single Batch
A vast brewery complex discovered in Abydos, southern Egypt, has revealed production capacities far beyond initial estimates. New excavations suggest the site could brew up to 50,000 liters at once, offering fresh insight into early state rituals and organization.
Madrid Libraries Spark Outcry Over Lorca Death Description
Madrid's municipal libraries faced backlash after calling Lorca's killing a 'death'. The city quickly deleted the post and issued a correction. The incident reignited debate over historical memory and language.
San Juan de la Peña Monasteries Protected as Wildfire Threatens Huesca
Firefighters have stopped the wildfire from reaching the historic San Juan de la Peña monasteries. Emergency crews evacuated royal remains as a precaution. Over 15,000 hectares have already burned in Huesca.
Royal Remains Evacuated from San Juan de la Peña Amid Huesca Wildfire
A wildfire in Huesca forced the urgent removal of Aragón’s medieval royal remains from San Juan de la Peña. Authorities transferred the bones and key artifacts to the Huesca Archaeological Museum for protection.
Wildfire in Huesca Forces 16 Towns to Evacuate and Threatens San Juan de la Peña
A major wildfire in Huesca has led to the evacuation of 830 residents across 16 towns. The flames now threaten the San Juan de la Peña monastery, a key symbol of Aragon’s heritage. Authorities have removed royal remains and valuable artifacts.
How the Renault Clio Changed Spain’s Roads Forever
When Renault retired the iconic R5, few expected its successor to become a symbol of Spanish mobility. The Renault Clio not only met expectations but set new standards for small cars, shaping the way Spain moved through the 1990s and beyond.
Page 1 by 20