Basque Country
560 newsUpdates cover local events, incidents, fiestas, holidays, business changes, travel plans and practical regional news for residents, visitors and newcomers.
Donostia's supermarket gap reaches €1,676
The OCU found a €1,676 yearly difference between the cheapest and most expensive supermarket options in San Sebastián. Irun's average grocery bill is higher still, at €6,880.
Basque pensions stay highest in Spain, but growth slows
Basque retirees get the biggest pensions in Spain, topping the national average by more than 300 euros. But growth in Euskadi is now among the slowest, raising new questions as the number of pensioners keeps rising.
Brad Pitt turns San Sebastián red carpet into a two-hour fan event
Brad Pitt stayed nearly two hours at San Sebastián's Kursaal, signing autographs and meeting fans beside Inés de Ramón. One quiet "hola" became the night's loudest moment.
Ceuta minors expose split over Spain's solidarity response
Madrid says children in Ceuta must be moved to other parts of Spain. The Basque Government says its shelters are already full. A disputed meeting has laid bare the gap between solidarity and available space.
Brad Pitt chooses San Sebastián's 120-euro brunch
Brad Pitt chose the Hotel María Cristina during San Sebastián's film festival. Its premium brunch costs 120 euros per person and includes live music, premium drinks and Belle Époque surroundings.
Spain faces record-breaking four-month summer as heat rewrites the season
Spain just lived through its longest, hottest summer in more than 150 years. Two out of every three days brought heatwave conditions, starting in mid-May and still not letting up. The north and northeast saw the sharpest spikes.
Germany pushes back as Spain tries to link EU expansion to Catalan language status
Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania have rejected Spain’s push to tie EU enlargement to official recognition of Catalan and other regional languages. Madrid’s threat to veto expansion talks has landed flat with key European partners.
Alejandro Hamlyn walks free in Dubai after Spain fails to act
Alejandro Hamlyn, wanted in Spain for a massive VAT fraud, is out of detention in Dubai. Spanish officials never filed the extradition request, letting the high-profile businessman go free despite a major criminal case.
Why Spanish Alzheimer Researchers Are Turning to Myelin
Researchers in San Sebastián are testing whether damaged myelin helps drive Alzheimer's disease. The work could improve early detection and guide treatments that protect the brain's neural insulation.
San Sebastián puts black and white at the heart of its red carpet
San Sebastián delivered a weekend of major film names and sharp fashion moments. Naomi Watts received the Premio Donostia, while Brad Pitt and Penélope Cruz drew attention on and off the red carpet as the festival presented Spain’s Oscar contender.
Naomi Watts receives the Donostia Award in San Sebastián
Naomi Watts accepted San Sebastián's Donostia Award at 57. She crossed the festival red carpet in a black dress as admirers gathered to take photographs.
San Sebastián starts its 74th film festival with a farewell
San Sebastián opens its 74th festival with 263 films from 47 countries. José Luis Rebordinos is leaving after fifteen years, while Werner Herzog will receive the first Donostia Award.
Bournemouth upsets Real Sociedad in European debut as Petrovic shines
AFC Bournemouth marked their first European match with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, thanks to a strong first half and a standout performance from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Heavy rain suspends Levante vs Athletic in Valencia
Torrential rain left the Ciudad de Valencia stadium unplayable, forcing Levante UD and Athletic Club to call off their match. LaLiga will set a new date soon.
Luis Rioja's late goal gives Valencia first win of the season in Vitoria
Luis Rioja scored against his former club to hand Valencia its first victory of the season in Vitoria. The result snapped Alavés’ strong start and eased pressure on the visitors. Injuries and tactical changes shaped a tense match.
Basque experts call for human-centered robotics as population ages
The Basque forum Zedarriak urges a shift toward robotics that support wellbeing and quality jobs, as the region faces a rapidly ageing population and a shrinking workforce. Their latest report warns that the time to act is running out.
Victim Faces ETA Killer After Four Decades in Private Meeting
Fernando Garrido met Josemi Latasa, the man involved in his family's murder by ETA, in a private encounter arranged by Salvados. The meeting, held off-camera, exposed the raw complexity of forgiveness and remorse after decades of silence.
Fire Near Bilbao Airport Contained After Overnight Battle
A wildfire broke out near Bilbao Airport on Monday night, drawing a major emergency response. Firefighters from three stations and a forest unit worked through the night to contain the blaze. Airport operations were not disrupted.
Wildfire Breaks Out Near Loiu Airport in Derio
A wildfire started Monday evening in Derio's San Isidro area, just a few kilometers from Loiu Airport. Fire crews from several towns responded quickly to stop the flames, which began in dense pampas grass and threatened a key transport corridor.
Firefighters contain Derio forest blaze near Bilbao Airport
A wildfire broke out in the San Isidro woods of Derio, close to Bilbao Airport. Fire crews from several stations worked overnight to keep the flames from disrupting air traffic and to limit environmental damage. The fire was fully extinguished by early morning.
Juan Mari Aburto prepares to leave Bilbao's mayoralty, reflecting on scars and progress
Juan Mari Aburto is set to step down after twelve years as Bilbao's mayor. In his final months, he reflects on both achievements and setbacks, urging stronger efforts to address poverty and rising crime as the city prepares for new leadership.
Bilbao mayor warns of rising poverty as he prepares to step down
Bilbao’s mayor Juan Mari Aburto has announced his departure after twelve years. He highlights growing poverty and repeat crime as urgent challenges. Aburto urges all institutions to act before leaving office next spring.
Forest fire near Bilbao airport contained without affecting flights
A forest fire broke out near Bilbao airport but was quickly brought under control. Fire crews from three stations worked through the night, and airport activity continued as normal. No injuries or damage were reported.
Wildfire Near Derio Sparks Emergency Response Close to Loiu Airport
A wildfire broke out Monday evening in Derio, close to Loiu Airport. Firefighters from three stations worked to contain the blaze, which started in pampas grass and was closely watched due to its location near major transport links.
Firefighters contain wildfire near Bilbao airport as flames approach key area
A wildfire broke out near Bilbao airport late Monday. Fire crews from three stations are working to contain the flames. The lack of wind is slowing the spread, but the situation remains tense.
Forgiveness and Remorse Collide in Salvados Meeting After ETA Tragedy
Fernando Garrido met Josemi Latasa, one of the men involved in his family's murder by ETA, in a private conversation arranged by Salvados. The meeting, held without cameras, exposed the raw complexity of forgiveness and regret.
Former ETA Member Faces Victim in Televised Encounter
Josemi Latasa, once part of ETA, meets Fernando Garrido, whose family died in an attack. Their conversation reveals the personal toll of terrorism and the difficulty of leaving violent groups.
Victim and Former ETA Member Meet After Decades of Silence
Fernando Garrido and Josemi Latasa meet for the first time since the ETA attack that destroyed Garrido’s family. Their conversation, broadcast by Salvados, lays bare the scars left by violence and the search for accountability.
Chainsaw Attack in Getxo Leaves Several Injured, Police Investigate
A man chased people through Getxo’s Algorta district with a running chainsaw, leading to injuries and a police arrest. Authorities are now working to determine exactly what happened and who was involved.
Oñati University regains its Renaissance identity after major restoration
The University Sancti Spiritus in Oñati has emerged from years of decay. Restoration has revived its Renaissance facade and replaced the iconic fallen warrior statue. The building now stands ready for a new era.
Fifty years of EL PAÍS captured in Bilbao street exhibition
Bilbao hosts the 'Momentos' exhibition with 55 large-format photos marking 50 years of EL PAÍS. The display highlights key events and local milestones, reflecting the region's dramatic changes.
García-Page Accuses Sánchez of Yielding to Junts and Bildu Demands
Emiliano García-Page has sharply escalated his criticism of Pedro Sánchez, accusing the prime minister of bowing to the demands of Junts and EH Bildu. The rift exposes deep divisions within the PSOE ahead of key elections.
Henri Parot granted third degree status by Basque authorities
The Basque Government has approved third degree prison status for Henri Parot. The former ETA leader, convicted for 39 murders, will soon leave Zubieta prison. Victims’ groups call the move unacceptable.
Single La Primitiva Ticket in Sestao Wins Over Half a Million Euros
A resident of Sestao has secured 573,615 euros from La Primitiva. The winning ticket was validated at a local administration. Several other regions also saw significant prizes distributed.
Laguardia Blends Medieval Walls, Wine Cellars, and Steakhouse Ambition
Laguardia in Álava is redefining rural tourism with its preserved medieval walls, underground wine cellars, and a restaurant offering steaks by cattle breed. The town’s unique blend of history and gastronomy has earned it a place among Spain’s most beautiful villages and a new spotlight in the 2026 Guía Repsol.
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