Culture
Latest news and important information on culture, art, the arts industry, theatre, cinema, and more from Spain.
Spanish actor Javier Bardem leaves his mark on Hollywood Boulevard
Spanish star Javier Bardem made his mark in Hollywood on Tuesday, leaving his hand- and foot-prints in the cement outside the Chinese Theatre, alongside movie legends like Marilyn Monroe and Jack Nicholson.
The Local Spain attends Pope's historic mass at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia
The Local Spain's reporter and long-term Barcelona resident Esme Fox reports from the Sagrada Familia as Pope Leo XIV blesses its tallest tower.
UK writer Julian Barnes wins top Spanish literature prize
Veteran British author Julian Barnes was on Wednesday named the winner of Spain's top literature prize for decades of work that "offers a lucid, warm and compassionate vision of humanity".
How Madrid became Europe's gateway to Latin music
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny kicks off a series of 10 concerts on Saturday in Madrid, a city with a booming Latino population now emerging as a new hub of the Latin music industry.
Bulgaria's 'Bangaranga' wins Eurovision, with Israel second
Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday with Dara's catchy floor-filler "Bangaranga" sweeping the 70th edition of the world's biggest live televised music event and pushing into second place Israel, whose participation had triggered a major boycott.
Why are TV ad breaks so long in Spain?
Watching Spanish TV can often feel like it's all just ads, and the actual programmes are the fillers. Why is it that ad breaks in Spain often run for more than 12 minutes?
Boycotting Spain will not show Eurovision on TV
The public broadcasters for Spain, Ireland and Slovenia said Monday they will not show the 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest this week, as they boycott the TV extravaganza over Israel's participation.
Flamenco, horses and sherry: Jerez's Feria del Caballo
The swish of a flamenco skirt, the soft beat of hooves drumming on the roads and the smell of sweet sherry, these are the senses you'll experience at Jerez de la Frontera’s Feria del Caballo in May, a worthy alternative to Seville's busy April Fair.
Why do Portuguese people speak much better English than Spaniards?
How is it possible that there can be such a difference between two neighbouring countries so culturally similar, with related Romance languages and tourism-based economies?
Geopolitics threatens 70th anniversary of Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest is famous for celebrating everything from cross-dressing ballad singers to heavy metal bands in monster masks, but geopolitics is threatening its 70th anniversary edition.
Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain is the fourth country in the world with the most sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, just behind Italy, China and Germany, and with so many there's bound to be several you haven't heard of.
Rosalia caps journey from student to star with Barcelona concerts
Spanish singer Rosalia spent her early years training in classrooms, rehearsal spaces and small venues across Barcelona as she developed the voice and style that would define her career.
'Danza de la Muerte': Spanish Holy Week's spookiest celebration
Every year, the small Catalan town of Verges celebrates Easter in a unique way - the hair-raising 'Danza de la Muerte', or Dance of Death.
Everything you need to know about Barcelona's Gaudi Year 2026
This year, Barcelona is paying homage to its most iconic architect - Antoni Gaudí - and commemorating the centenary of his death with a whole host of events. Long-time Barcelona resident and travel writer Esme Fox picks out the best.
Five reasons why Galicia is Spain's version of Ireland
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day today, The Local has been delving into Spain's northern region of Galicia to find out what it has in common with Ireland.
Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Spain
Whether you're Irish or not, there are plenty of ways to turn green this Paddy's Day in Spain, with celebrations across the country, from Benidorm to Barcelona.
Sleepless Morrissey blames Spain's noisy Fallas for cancelling gig
British singer Morrissey on Thursday cancelled his concert in Valencia due to "lack of sleep" caused by the noise of the famous Fallas festival, currently underway in the eastern Spanish city.
Culture, politics, food: What makes Europeans proud of their country?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons.
The big concerts taking place in Spain in 2026
Music fans have a lot to look forward to this year as there are big names performing in Spain throughout 2026. Here's a list of some of the most highly anticipated concerts.
Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica hits peak height
Constructors crowned the largest tower of Barcelona's unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica with a final piece on Friday, setting the peak of the world's tallest church at 172.5 metres (566 feet).
Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations 'absolutely false'
Spain's veteran singer and cultural icon Julio Iglesias on Friday rejected allegations of abuse lodged against him by two women ex-employees, in a case that has dominated headlines.
Spanish woman known for failed 'Monkey Christ' fresco restoration dies
The Spanish woman whose failed restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago has died at 94.
Why Santa Claus comes from Spain, according to the Dutch
In the Netherlands there's no cheery old man from the North Pole with his flying reindeer, there's Sinterklaas from Spain who rides a white horse called Amerigo.