This week Valencia split its attention between summer hazards and summer fun: a wildfire evacuation near Tírig and a maximum fire-risk alert for August 12 sat alongside preparations for the region's first total solar eclipse in over a century. Alongside the emergencies came practical reminders and travel news, from a €750 fine for using soap in beach showers to a new law guaranteeing free carry-on luggage and a record-breaking summer at the airport.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Valencia prepares for total solar eclipse on August 12
On August 12 the region will see its first total solar eclipse in more than 120 years, and the city has set up official public viewing points for residents. Health services are adding extra ambulances and staff at observation areas that day, and officials are advising people to watch from home and follow standard eye-safety guidance.
Wildfire near Tírig forces Catí evacuation
A wildfire that broke out near Tírig on Friday, believed to have been sparked by a lightning strike, led authorities to order residents of nearby Catí to evacuate. The blaze is part of a wider spell of high wildfire danger affecting inland areas of the region this week.
Maximum fire risk closes 15 natural parks Aug 12
Valencia will be under its highest wildfire danger rating on August 12, the same day as the eclipse, and authorities are closing 15 natural parks as a result. Access to forest areas will also be restricted, so anyone planning to be outdoors that day should expect limits on where they can go.
Soap banned in beach showers, fines up to €750
Valencia's coastal authorities are reminding beachgoers that the public showers on city beaches are meant only for rinsing off salt and sand. Washing with soap or shampoo at them can bring a fine of up to €750, since the runoff is considered harmful to the coastal ecosystem.
New national rule guarantees free carry-on luggage
A new law in Spain requires airlines to allow passengers one carry-on suitcase at no extra cost, as long as it stays within set size and weight limits. The rule targets the practice of charging extra fees for what has traditionally counted as standard cabin luggage.
Valencia airport on track for record summer
Manises airport is having its busiest summer on record, now connecting Valencia to 110 direct routes with demand climbing sharply year on year. New routes to Rabat and Helsinki launched recently as part of the airport's push to widen its international network.
Shopping voucher lottery registration closed August 7
The city pushed back the registration deadline for its local shopping voucher lottery to August 7, and more than 42,000 people signed up in that window. Winners get €50 vouchers intended to be spent at small businesses around Valencia.
Medusa Festival brings 150 DJs to Cullera
The Medusa Festival returns to Cullera, just outside Valencia, from August 13 to 17, with around 150 DJs performing across eight stages. Organizers are expecting roughly 180,000 electronic music fans over the run, drawn partly by ticket prices kept low relative to similar festivals.
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What's On in Valencia This Week
22:00 · Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània · Free
Mas del Jutge
22:00 · Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània · Free
Teatro Romano, Sagunto
19:30 - 21:15 · Official observation points in Castellón, Valencia, and Parque Científico de la UA, Alicante · Free
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