Rioja
113 newsUpdates cover local events, incidents, fiestas, holidays, business changes, travel plans and practical regional news for residents, visitors and newcomers.
Martínez family thanks community after tragic discovery in Ebro river
Alberto Martínez was found dead in the Ebro river after a week-long search. His daughters led daily efforts and now express deep gratitude to all who supported them. Authorities and volunteers joined forces in the operation.
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.
Spanish Government Offers €1,000 Monthly for Rural University Internships
University students in Spain can now earn €1,000 a month through Campus Rural 2026, a government-backed program offering paid internships in rural municipalities. With 850 spots across 45 public universities, the initiative aims to connect academic training with real opportunities in areas facing depopulation.
Logroño Lottery Ticket Wins Over €50,000 in La Primitiva Draw
A La Primitiva ticket validated in Logroño has secured a second-category prize of €50,623. Only one other winner matched this category, in Torrevieja. The main jackpot went to Villablino, León.
Second Category La Primitiva Ticket Brings €50,623 Win to Logroño
A La Primitiva ticket sold in Logroño has won €50,623 in the latest draw. The prize was validated at a local outlet on Pérez Galdós street. Another winner was recorded in Torrevieja, Alicante.
Orange Weather Alerts Issued for Heavy Rain and Storms Across Spain
Fifteen autonomous communities are under weather warnings for rain and storms. Five regions move to orange alert. Temperatures drop sharply in the north, while heat and fog persist in some areas.
Six Eclipse Glasses Pulled from Spanish Market over Eye Injury Risk
Six models of eclipse glasses from major brands have been withdrawn across Spain after safety alerts in five regions. The filters are so dark that users may remove them while looking at the Sun, risking serious eye damage. Authorities urge consumers to check their glasses before the 2026 eclipse.
Six Eclipse Glasses Models Pulled from Spanish Market over Eye Injury Risk
Spanish authorities have banned six brands of solar eclipse glasses after safety checks revealed a risk of eye injury. The recall affects products sold in Madrid, Galicia, Castilla y León, La Rioja and Aragón.
Total Solar Eclipse to Darken Parts of Spain on August 12
Spain will witness a total solar eclipse on August 12, the first since 1912. Only select northern areas will see full darkness. Authorities urge careful planning and strict eye protection.
Two Brothers Arrested in La Rioja with €1 Million Hidden Under Bed
Spanish police seized nearly €1 million in cash from two brothers in La Rioja. The suspects allegedly used their companies to import cocaine for an Albanian network based in Dubai. Authorities made 44 arrests across Spain and Ecuador.
AEMET Warns of Heatwave and Storms as Spain Faces Extreme Temperatures
Spain is under a new heatwave alert, with AEMET forecasting highs above 40°C in several regions. Local storms and tropical nights are expected, especially in the south and east. Weather conditions will vary sharply across the country.
Luis de la Fuente’s Salary Rises After Spain’s World Cup Triumph
Luis de la Fuente, now the most decorated coach in Spain’s history, earns €2 million annually. His new contract follows Spain’s World Cup victory and places him among the highest-paid national team managers.
Retired Farmer Ordered to Repay €46,800 for Working While on Pension
A retired farmer in La Rioja must return nearly €47,000 after authorities found he continued managing his agricultural business while receiving a full pension. The court's decision highlights the strict incompatibility rules between retirement benefits and ongoing self-employment in Spain's farming sector.
Two Abandoned Historic Planes Up for Auction at Bilbao Airport
Bilbao Airport is auctioning off two long-abandoned light aircraft, both with decades of history and a starting bid of zero euros. The sale aims to free up space and could attract collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or businesses seeking a unique piece of aviation heritage.
Spanish Farmer Exposes Unfair Competition from Moroccan Agriculture
Alberto Tomás, a farmer from La Rioja, warns that Spanish agriculture is under threat as companies move production to Morocco, taking advantage of lower labor costs. He argues that strict regulations and rising expenses are making it harder for Spanish farmers to survive.
PSOE Opens Primary Race for 2027 Amid Madrid Tensions
PSOE's federal committee has triggered a wave of early candidacies for 2027. The move has sparked internal conflict in Madrid, with Enma López's announcement drawing criticism. Key figures in Valencia and La Rioja also step forward.
Leaving Work Early Can Lead to Dismissal Without Severance, Court Rules
A court in La Rioja has confirmed that employees who repeatedly leave work before their scheduled end time can be dismissed without compensation. The ruling clarifies that finishing at the agreed hour is not a violation, but leaving early after warnings may justify termination.
Meritxell Batet Appointed to Lead Fundación Avanza, PSOE’s Key Think Tank
Meritxell Batet, former Congress president, takes charge of Fundación Avanza. The PSOE think tank had lacked a leader since March. César Luena steps in as vice president, marking a new phase for the institution.
In Ávila, team failure and an unusual dessert determine the show's finalists
Pepe leaves MasterChef 14 after toughest challenge on the eve of the final. Pepe was eliminated in the MasterChef 14 semifinals. Challenges with dishes from Rasmus Munk and a complex dessert by Mar Ibáñez determined the finalists. The decisive battle for victory lies ahead.
Miguel Ángel Gómez: the Low-Profile Son-in-Law of Pedro Sánchez With a Film Industry Career
Begoña Gómez’s Brother: The Quiet Life of Pedro Sánchez’s Relative. Miguel Ángel Gómez, brother of Begoña Gómez and brother-in-law of Pedro Sánchez, has found himself in the spotlight due to his career in cinema and his relationship with interior designer Fayette Proper. His journey is not public, but it draws interest.
A new medical university and free places for first-year students will open in the region
La Rioja to Open Its First Medical Faculty for Students. La Rioja will no longer be the only region in Spain without medical education. This September, the university will welcome its first 30 students to the new faculty. Authorities are investing in infrastructure and expanding support for students.
An experienced employee lost his job over a principle dispute about a 15-minute break
Court Upholds Dismissal of Worker for Refusing Mandatory Break. In La Rioja, a court has ruled the dismissal of a metal plant worker lawful after he refused to take a mandatory 15-minute break. The dispute lasted for years and ended with a decision in favor of the employer.
End of an era in Barcelona: Lewandowski scores farewell goal, but team falls short
Valencia defeats Barcelona in final round: Lewandowski's goal can't save champions. Barcelona ended the season with a 1-3 loss to Valencia. Lewandowski scored in his final match for the club. Despite the victory, Valencia missed out on European competitions.
Actual vegetable prices force farmers to take extreme measures
Spanish Farmer Refuses to Sell Harvest: Why Cucumbers Go to the Goats. Agribusiness in Spain faces a crisis: farmers like Ainhoa choose to feed their livestock vegetables rather than sell them at a loss. Rising costs and market pressures threaten traditional agriculture.
AEMET Forecast: Dense morning fog possible in the mountains of La Rioja
Morning Fog and Rising Temperatures Expected in La Rioja. On Monday, La Rioja is forecast to experience morning fog in the mountains and a rise in temperatures. Cloud cover will increase during the day, with winds remaining light. See the full weather forecast for more details.
Las Ventas Tournament: Injury, Controversial Bull, and a Sold-Out Arena
Fernando Adrián receives the first ear at San Isidro 2026 in Madrid. At the Las Ventas arena, Fernando Adrián won an ear after a tense performance with the third bull. Fortes was injured but continued competing. The tournament took place before a full house.
New support measure for families with children: who is eligible and how to apply
La Rioja launches payments of up to €12,800 for parental leave. The authorities of La Rioja have opened applications for significant payments to private sector employees who decide to take parental leave. The amount can reach €12,800, and for some families—even more.
An Unconventional Outdoor Art Project with Music and Theater Planned in La Rioja
Eight artists to perform in Ventosa on the cultural route along the Camino de Santiago. On May 23, Ventosa will host a cultural event featuring eight artists and groups. The initiative is organized to promote the open-air museum '1 Km de Arte.' The program includes music, theater, dance, and poetry.
In 2025, Rioja wine tourism revenue increased by 17 million euros
Tourist Flow to Rioja Wineries Exceeds One Million for the First Time. In 2025, Rioja wineries welcomed a record number of visitors. Tourism and tasting revenues reached €214 million, while wine sales decreased by 4.5%.
Why Vegetable Producers Are Ready to Dump Their Crops Instead of Selling Them
Spanish Farmers Refuse to Sell Harvest at Low Prices. Farmers in Spain are facing a situation where selling their harvest is no longer profitable. Pressure from middlemen, low purchase prices, and competition from abroad threaten the very existence of small farms.
Unions demand a separate status for doctors after statements by Mónica García
Medics Launch New Wave of Protests: La Paz and the Monica Garcia Effect. All eyes are on La Paz as thousands of medical professionals take to the streets in protest. Tensions have escalated following a statement by Monica Garcia. Doctors are demanding a separate status and openly expressing their dissatisfaction.
Strict time limits and driver shortage: what's happening in Spain's freight transport market
Spanish Trucks Under Pressure: How New EU Rules Are Changing Life Behind the Wheel. The job of a truck driver in Spain is becoming less and less attractive. New European regulations are tightening controls on driving hours, while the shortage of drivers continues to grow.
A major ETS concert featuring Luz Casal and other stars took place in Madrid
15,000 People at ETS Anniversary: Basque Band Sells Out Madrid Show. The band ETS celebrated their 20th anniversary with a concert at Movistar Arena. Luz Casal and dozens of guests took the stage. Tickets sold out in three hours, setting a record for a group performing in Basque.
Authorities issue yellow weather alert in six regions
Thunderstorms, Hail, and Strong Winds: Warnings Issued in Northeast Spain. Thunderstorms with hail and gusty winds are sweeping across northeast Spain. A yellow alert has been declared in six regions. Temperatures across the country will remain unusually high for April.
Betis scores early in Pamplona to take the lead
Abde’s goal gives Betis the edge in a tense clash against Osasuna. In Pamplona, Betis took the lead thanks to a precise strike from Abde. The high-tempo match against Osasuna features plenty of dangerous moments. The result could impact the race for European spots in La Liga.
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