Spain 2014 - numbers, festivals, worries and talking points - Spanish Real Estate

In this article, we thought we'd take a look at Spain ahead of 2014 by analyzing the numbers and taking the pulse of the biggest events of the year.

The conservative government (People's Party, PP) is quite frayed at the edges after three long years of austerity and a series of scandals affecting the elected officials (including the Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy). About the Spanish housing market in 2014.

It is true that things are starting to look brighter on many fronts, but the government is not out of the dark period yet. The Spanish economy remains dependent on international aid and the economy is expected to shrink again in the first half of the year, before finally entering a period of growth that lasts for several quarters in a row. A period of growth is usually preceded by a brightening of the housing market, and it has certainly done so this year. A few weeks ago there were figures that house prices even increased by 0.9 percent ( overall, however, they have fallen by almost 50 percent since the crisis escalated). However, it will take several years before several other sectors in the country recover.

At the same time, one should not forget that the reforms have improved competitiveness (among other things, there will be fewer public holidays in the country during the year), and the current account deficit has been wiped out. Growth is around the corner and unemployment is peaking. In other words, the government can count on surviving the year.

Other clouds of worry in the Spanish sky are that the demands of the separatist movements in both the Basque Country and Catalonia are expected to grow from a whisper to a storm during the year. However, most observers believe that this storm, as usual, will eventually die down. It would cost too much for both regions to break away from Spain.

This is what the Spanish are talking about in 2014

Catalonia and the Basque Country and the still high unemployment will of course be discussed. But, what will really be discussed with great passion in the Spanish coffee rooms is "La Roja", the Spanish national football team that heads to Rio to defend the World Cup gold from 2010. The Spaniards have already succeeded in the feat of defending two European championships in row, defending the World Cup gold would make this generation of Spanish footballers completely immortal. However, judging by last year's meager results, it looks as if this will be too difficult a task.

This is happening in Spain in 2014

The smallest self-respecting village has its own festival, and all are amazing in their own way. But let's take a look at some of the parties and carnivals that deserve a little extra attention during the year:

Epiphany (when Santa has gone back to the North Pole, the three wise men appear in Spain to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the whole country celebrates this) takes place on January 6.
The Vila de Cruces Chorizo Festival is a celebration for sausage lovers. Visit Villa de Cruces on February 1st for a food festival you won't soon forget.
The Holy Week in Valencia takes place on April 13-19. During these days, the locals dress up as figures from the Bible and several major biblical events are recreated. Dance, song and food are obvious ingredients in this very Catholic event.
Las Cruces de Mayo, the time when all the residents of Granada dance and sing along streets decorated with beautiful flower arrangements takes place in May. Clearly one of Spain's most appreciated events.
The running of the bulls in Pamplona takes place between July 6 and 14.
Do you like classical theatre? Then visit "little Rome", Merída, which performs the epic works at the UNESCO-protected Roman theater between July 4 and August 24. This theater week is an annual tradition that attracts increasing international attention.
Tomatina, the tomato throwing, takes place in Bunol on August 27. New for this year is that you must have a ticket (plus the introduction of a new tax) to participate. All to avoid the increasing chaos during the festival. But you have fun!