Capital of Andalusia, city of the Guadalquivir
Meteorological services have confirmed that summer 2026 has recorded the highest mean temperatures on record across the UK and much of western Europe, driven by five widespread heatwaves, prolonged drought and repeated 30°C+ days. Health services, farmers and transport networks have been disrupted and provisional estimates link thousands of excess deaths to the heat.
The folding hand fan, abanico, has become a daily companion during Western Europe’s heat waves, with Spaniards adopting it as a practical and cultural symbol. The piece traces its European journey from Portugal’s trade routes to Velázquez’s era, Madrid’s production hub, and Valencia’s flourished craft.
Enric Mas maintains his overall lead at the Vuelta a España as stage wins from Mikel Landa and a late surge by Mas consolidate Movistar’s grip on the GC ahead of the Granada finish; Matthew Brennan has sealed a historic five-stage haul for Visma-Lease a Bike, underscoring a new era for British sprinting.
The Ceuta migrant influx has intensified Spain’s immigration debate and drawn solidarity gestures from international football stars. Real Madrid players wore solidarity shirts partially rolled up before a La Liga match, provoking mixed political reactions. Local unrest and EU tensions persist as thousands remain in Ceuta while authorities assess asylum claims.
Mass protests in Madrid call for early elections amid the Ceuta migrant influx. Officials report varied turnout estimates; activists seek rapid deportations and accountability, while the government plans new measures to accelerate returns to Morocco. Authorities warn ongoing strain on Ceuta as thousands remain in the enclave.
Demonstrations across Madrid and dozens of cities escalate after Parliament rejects two government housing decrees aimed at curbing evictions and stabilising rents. Protesters call for a general strike while activists say eight days of people power have shown the way forward. The Eviction of an 87-year-old in Madrid has become a rallying point.
Supporters clash with Celtic leadership as protests at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship escalate tensions between the club and Dermot Desmond. Celtic fans deny involvement in balaclava incidents while criticizing governance and vowing protests to press for accountability.
Maricarmen Abascal has died in hospital weeks after police removed her from the Madrid flat where she had lived for seven decades. Her eviction has sparked nationwide protests, forced the government to propose emergency housing decrees and prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call a snap general election for 29 November.
A high-speed train collision near Toledo has left multiple fatalities and hundreds injured. Two trains collided after one rammed a stationary train, triggering derailments. Authorities warn the death toll will rise as emergency services work through the scene and investigations begin.
A high-speed Renfe train has rear-ended a stationary Iryo service on the Madrid-to-Andalusia line near Mora-Orgaz, Castilla-La Mancha. The collision has killed at least 64 people and injured many as officials confirm a signalling fault and human error may have contributed. The incident follows a January crash on the same line and has prompted a national safety review.
A high-speed collision on the Madrid–Seville line has left many dead and wounded. Dr Marta Shahbazi, affiliated with Cambridge LMB, was travelling to accept a prize when the crash occurred. She is among those reported missing as Spain observes three days of mourning and launches an investigation.
Oscar Puente has stepped down as Spain’s transport minister and withdrawn from the general election after last week’s rail crash. He proposes safety upgrades, an AI overseer, and a 30-million euro aid package for victims as unions warn of degraded systems and worsening conditions.