During the first three months of 2011, housing prices dropped by 4.5% compared to the same period in 2010. The end of fiscal advantages for property purchase is the main reason behind this drop. The average square metre price in Catalonia is now set at 2,145.2 euros. These prices have not been seen since early 2006 and represent a 14% drop compared with the historic maximum in 2008.
The arrival of the huge ‘Liberty of the Seas’ and the luxurious ‘Queen Mary 2’ proves the power this kind of tourism is gaining in Catalonia's capital city.
Catalan Antonio Àlvarez runs the Park Hyatt Hotel in Buenos Aires, the most important and luxurious hotel in the Argentinian capital. He is an example of a new emigration phenomenon.
Up to seven FC Barcelona players have never participated in a Spanish Cup Final. Iniesta, for example, will experience for the first time, this Wednesday, what it is like to play in the Cup Final
FC Barcelona have taken a point from their trip to the Santiago Bernabéu and maintain their eight-point lead on Real Madrid with just 18 left to play for. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals, both from the penalty spot.
The convention is celebrating its 29th edition. It hopes to gather a total of 100,000 comic fans during the four-day fair. This year the largest exhibition is devoted to creatures of the living-dead.
They also asked for an improvement in vocational training and development of the Catalan economy’s internationalisation. The President of the Catalan Government, Artur Mas, met today at the ESADE Business School with 200 of the most important business people in Catalonia. Among others, the presidents and main directors of Abertis, La Caixa, Banc Sabadell, Seat or even FC Barcelona were present and Mas asked them to take the lead in the economic recovery.
During last year all signposts have been unified, beach bars have been enhanced and a new urban plan has been presented. The Catalan coastal town of Sitges (20 km south from Barcelona) is ready for the sunny season.
Two of the best teams in Europe meet on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid have the best home record in Spain this season, and FC Barcelona are the best team on the road.
The Catalan Parliament rejected a law proposal on Catalonia’s independence three days after the popular consultation process on the issue ended with a clear “yes”. This civil society voting was not an official referendum and it was not organised by public powers. It took place over the course of 18 months, and Barcelona closed the process on Sunday. 21% of the electoral census turned out (885.000 citizens) and 90% of the voters backed Catalonia’s independence from Spain. Members of the Catalan Government cast their vote, including the President.
The Catalan capital unveils the first fast recharge point for electric cars within Spain and one of the first in Europe. This technology enables recharging 50% of the battery in only ten minutes and costs around 5 euros. This innovative recharge point joins the other 178 already existing in the city.
The doctor who brought to life the first test-tube baby in Spain publishes a book about the evolution of assisted reproduction techniques. She criticizes the “lack of control” of the Spanish Government.
The Catalan Government is cutting the Healthcare System’s expenditure by 10% because the public deficit needs to be drastically reduced this year. Health professionals started protesting last week because they fear a worsening of services and working conditions. The Catalan Minister for Health, Boi Ruiz guaranteed basic health services, but the protests continue.
An exhibition devoted to Miró’s work opens on Thursday in London. It is the first time in 50 years that a large number of paintings by the Catalan artist are displayed in the United Kingdom.
Valentí Mongay, President of Garraf’s ‘Slow-food’ and coordinator of the 'Km 0' initiative, has said that by reducing the number of intermediaries, there would be more affordable quality products available, that would be respect seasonal products. He also explain the ‘Flavour Ark’ initiative to preserve local species.