Bono Cultural Joven applications reach 374,131 in 2026
A total of 374,131 people turning 18 in 2026 have applied for Spain’s €400 Bono Cultural Joven. That equals 66.6% of the age group estimated by the National Statistics Institute.
Youth 119 news
In Spanish public life, Youth covers education, work, housing, culture and public policy.
The focus is on real consequences, from official rules and city services to costs, safety, rights and daily routines.
The focus is on real consequences, from official rules and city services to costs, safety, rights and daily routines.
Second Blocus suspect held over alleged Molotov cocktail plans
Police arrested an 18-year-old in Alfafar over alleged plans to use Molotov cocktails to distract officers during planned shop raids in Valencia. A separate Guardia Civil arrest in Picanya targeted Blocus’s alleged Spanish founder.
l’Alfàs del Pi cancels Halloween events during official mourning
The council has cancelled two events organised by its Youth Department: a ‘Blood on the Clocktower’ role-playing session and a family Halloween party. The decision follows the Toledo rail accident and Spain’s official mourning.
Blocus calls moved from social media to street protests
Calls under the Blocus label spread through TikTok and private messaging groups before protests reached Barcelona. Officials say most participants are minors; platforms have taken action against related groups and videos.
Archbishop urges young people to love through listening
About 500 teenagers from Galicia and elsewhere in Spain attended Life Teen’s XLT gathering in Santiago on Saturday. During evening adoration, Archbishop Francisco José Prieto Fernández urged them to listen closely and accompany others in daily life.
Letizia uses FAD Juventud anniversary to warn against drugs
The Queen has led FAD Juventud as honorary president since 2015. In its anniversary video she calls for protecting young people’s mental health and building safe environments.
Extremadura cybercrime doubles as Guardia Civil warns of youth risks
Cybercrime in Extremadura rose from 4,638 cases in 2020 to 9,593 last year. At a Badajoz event, the Guardia Civil and University of Extremadura warned of risks to young people, including AI-manipulated images and cyberbullying.
Cartagena’s book fair brings young readers back to paper
Hundreds of primary pupils took part in a book challenge at Cartagena’s fair. Local booksellers say interest in reading is growing among children and teenagers, while paper books continue to hold their ground.
RTVE Play brings two new shows to EN PLAY
‘Close Friends’ features candidates for the next Benidorm Fest. ‘Memes y dramas’ arrives on 22 October as EN PLAY’s second season expands its youth programming.
Meningitis warning reaches only a minority of Spanish families
Only 27% of Spanish parents know meningitis can become fatal within hours. Awareness is even lower among teenagers, despite the risk of lasting damage.
Daniella Bustamante starts university with Paula Echevarría's advice
Daniella Bustamante, daughter of Paula Echevarría and David Bustamante, has begun her university studies in Madrid. With her mother's support, she faces adulthood and public attention while making her own choices.
David Bustamante stands up for daughter Daniella's right to choose her future
David Bustamante and Paula Echevarría say they are proud of their daughter Daniella, who has started university and is building a career as an influencer. The singer asks for respect for her privacy as she learns to handle life in the spotlight.
Youth anger over housing and jobs ignites the Cucaracha movement across Europe
A wave of youth-led protests is sweeping Europe under the banner of the 'cucarachas', driven by frustration over unaffordable housing, precarious jobs and a failing education system. Political leaders are being forced to respond as the movement spreads from Asia to the heart of the EU.
Violent Attack Shakes Housing Protest in Oviedo
A night of tension erupted in Oviedo as housing activists camping in La Escandalera reported a violent assault by a group performing Nazi salutes. Police detained three suspects. The incident has intensified calls for public action and renewed focus on Spain’s housing crisis.
Three in four Spanish renters fear losing their homes
Nearly 75% of renters in Spain worry they could be forced out of their homes within two years. The pressure is sharpest for Generation Z and millennials, reflecting a deepening housing crisis.
Tense Night for Youth Protesters in Zaragoza Plaza
Nearly a hundred young people spent a restless night in tents at Zaragoza’s Plaza de España, facing threats and little sleep as they protest the city’s deepening housing crisis. Their camp, organized by the Sindicato de Inquilinas, is set to continue until Saturday’s planned demonstration.
Morocco puts Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri at the top of government
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has become the first woman to head Morocco's government. She takes office after the PAM-led election win and a year of growing anger among young Moroccans.
Tears in Puerta del Sol expose the housing crisis for Spain's youth
A wave of young protesters has filled Puerta del Sol, bringing private fears about housing into public view. Their stories describe a generation shut out of fundamental rights and a government accused of inaction.
Young Drivers Rely on Car Autopilot for Distractions
Nearly half of young drivers admit using car assistance systems to multitask behind the wheel. As France trials Tesla’s autonomous tech, Europe faces tough questions about automation’s real impact on driver attention.
Christian Imga stuns Brazil with solo goal for Spain U18
Christian Imga, just 17, scored a spectacular solo goal for Spain’s U18 team against Brazil, showing his explosive pace and finishing ability. His rapid rise at Bilbao Athletic and through the national youth squads marks him as a talent to watch.
Daniella Bustamante makes solo debut at GEN ¡H! Awards
Daniella Bustamante, daughter of Paula Echevarría and David Bustamante, made her first solo appearance at the GEN ¡H! Awards in Madrid. Her confident entrance and striking style mark a new phase for one of Spain’s most watched young faces.
Santander targets young investors with 10-euro funds
Santander is expanding its investment offer for customers under 30 in Spain. Funds start at 10 euros, trading fees fall to one euro, and free training plus a 50-euro incentive round out the campaign.
Spanish digital nomads trade Spain for Bali’s lifestyle upgrade
After two years in Bali, Mery Freshh found she could live better for the same money as in Spain. Her story shows why more young professionals are choosing the island for its mix of low costs and comfort.
Seville archbishop tells Life Teen leaders to keep sowing faith
José Ángel Saiz Meneses called on Life Teen España leaders to persevere, even when results take time. Around 80 catechists gathered in Seville to renew their mission among teenagers.
Spain Faces Housing Crunch as New Households Outpace Construction
Spain is seeing a surge in new households that far exceeds the pace of new home construction. This mismatch is fueling sharp increases in both purchase and rental prices, leaving many young adults unable to move out on their own.
Madrid offers up to 3000 euros for unemployed youth training
Madrid has launched a direct aid program offering up to 3000 euros to unemployed young people who enroll in job-focused training. The scheme expands eligibility and sets strict requirements for course selection and documentation. Applications close on December 10.
Six arrested in Madrid after brutal gang attack leaves man in intensive care
Six men aged 20 to 27 have been detained in Madrid after a stabbing left a 33-year-old Dominican man in intensive care for two months. Police seized weapons and drugs, along with gang materials, during coordinated raids. The case points to the continuing threat posed by violent youth gangs in the capital.
Barcelona targets suicide attempts with new risk map and urgent measures
Barcelona will map public suicide hotspots and introduce 44 new measures by 2028. The city aims to reduce attempts and suicidal ideation after a surge among young people since 2021, with officials promising earlier detection and support for those at risk.
Miss Austria Lucia Sisic dies at 22 after seven heart surgeries
Lucia Sisic, Miss Austria 2024, has died at 22 after undergoing seven heart surgeries. Her ability to recover and public presence made her a national figure. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Galician Urban Music Pushes Spanish Teens to Embrace a New Language
Young musicians in Galicia are getting crowds to sing in Galician-even those from Spanish-speaking homes. Viral tracks and packed shows point to a real cultural shift, challenging official language policies and reaching far beyond the region.
Cabra Offers Up to €200 Monthly to Young Renters Amid Housing Squeeze
Cabra’s town hall is allocating €300,000 to a rental subsidy for young people, covering up to 75% of monthly rent, capped at €200 per month. The initiative aims to retain and attract young residents, but applicants must act quickly when the 15-working-day application window opens.
A 20-Year-Old Drives a Modified Citroën C15 Over 1,200 km to Conquer Nürburgring
A young Spaniard took his turbocharged Citroën C15 on a 1,200 km journey from near Barcelona to the Nürburgring, putting the farm workhorse through the legendary circuit’s 170 corners and returning home unscathed.
Castilla y León Offers Up to €900 for Young Drivers, But Payouts Are Years Away
Young residents of Castilla y León could receive up to €900 to help pay for their driving licence. The scheme, expected to open in September, has income-based tiers and a three-year residency requirement. Payments are not expected until 2027.
Valencia Court Sentences Man for Abuse and Illegal Detention of Minor
A 29-year-old man in Valencia was sentenced to prison for abusing and illegally detaining his underage girlfriend. The victim, who lived in a care facility, escaped after a week. The case highlights the risks faced by vulnerable minors.
Teenager Spends 300 Hours Building Custom Wheelchair for Toddler
Zac Waters, 13, devoted his summer to designing and assembling a personalized wheelchair for a young child with mobility needs. Based on open-source plans, the project was tailored to grow with its user and included thoughtful details for daily comfort.