Every week the Catalan News team explores a different aspect of Catalonia, from news and politics to society and culture. The podcast explains current issues for those living in Catalonia or curious about the region. It is produced by Catalan News, a news outlet covering Catalonia.
Episodios
Education crisis – Strikes, PISA, and what comes next
Catalonia's education system is facing a turbulent start to the new school year, with teachers continuing to strike over pay, working conditions and investment in schools.
In this episode of Filling the Sink, Lorcan Doherty and Cillian Shields look at the background to the long-running dispute between teachers' unions and the Catalan government, and hear from teachers and parents taking part in th
Learning Catalan – From classes to conversation
Expanding career opportunities, helping children with their homework, building friendships and relationships, and feeling at home in Catalonia – these are just some of the reasons Catalan learners give for learning the language.
This episode of Filling the Sink explores what it's like to learn Catalan, and the challenges and opportunities facing the language today.
Lorcan Doherty is joined by Jord
The Sagrada Família – 100 Years after Gaudí
100 years since the death of architect Antoni Gaudí, his vision, the Sagrada Família, is almost complete.
This episode marks several milestones: the centenary of Gaudí's death, the Pope's inauguration of the Sagrada Família's Tower of Jesus, and the 250th episode of Filling the Sink!
Lorcan Doherty explores the life and work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and his masterpiece, the Sagrada Famíli
Blackouts, batteries and big decisions: Catalonia's energy crossroads
Solar, wind, fossil fuels, nuclear. Energy makes the world go round. But, on an ever-warming planet, the question of where it comes from is increasingly urgent.
As well as the green energy transition and the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions and energy sovereignty are also shaping the debate.
On this episode of Filling the Sink we're looking at the state of play in Catalonia, just over a year
Sant Jordi 2026 - Catalan literature around the world
Bona diada de Sant Jordi a tothom! April 23 is Saint George's Day, the patron saint of Catalonia, and it is a magical day here. Full of love, romance, roses, dragons, and books. It's like Valentine's Day but better.
Today, we'll be exploring the world of Catalan literature, together with a special guest, Izaskun Arretxe, Director of the Literature Department at the Ramon Llull Institute, who we w
Spain's migrant regularisation plan explained
At a time when immigration is a political flashpoint across much of Europe and beyond, Spain appears to be taking a different approach.
Around half a million undocumented migrants, including up to 150,000 in Catalonia, are set to benefit from the extraordinary regularisation announced by the Spanish government.
But why now? And how will it actually work?
Blanca Garcés, senior researcher at the Bar
Rodalies crisis – Commuter rail chaos in Catalonia
On January 20, a fatal derailment in Catalonia, just two days after the high-speed rail disaster in Andalusia, led to unprecedented levels of disruption, with the entire Rodalies network suspended several times due to safety concerns.
But the problems with Catalonia's rail network stretch much further back.
In this episode of Filling the Sink, Lorcan Doherty and Cillian Shields examine Catalonia'
NIE and TIE appointment chaos
In this episode, we explore a problem that refuses to go away: the near-impossible task many immigrants in Spain face when trying to secure appointments for their NIE (foreign identity number) or TIE (foreign identity card).
Cybersecurity expert René Serral from UPC breaks down what is happening behind the scenes of the 'cita previa' appointment system – and what could be done to fix it.
Law profe
Barça's new era begins – The Camp Nou return
FC Barcelona are back home. After several false starts, Barça are once again playing their home fixtures at the iconic Spotify Camp Nou. After two and a half years away, fans are excited – and local businesses relieved – but the revamped stadium remains a work in progress.
The return to the Camp Nou marks the beginning of a new era for FC Barcelona. After a decade of financial woes, could it also
From dictatorship to democracy – 50 years after Franco
Cillian Shields joins Lorcan Doherty to look back at life in Catalonia under the Franco dictatorship, the transition to democracy that followed, and the challenges that remain today, including uncovering mass graves, ongoing legal battles, and a resurgent far right among young people.
Andrew Dowling, Reader in Contemporary Spanish History at Cardiff University, explains how repression was felt in
Spain's new smoking law – Fair or too far?
It's a familiar scene across Catalonia: someone sitting outside a café, enjoying a coffee and smoking a cigarette. But it could soon be consigned to the history books, if Spain pushes ahead with a new bill banning smoking and vaping on terraces.
On this episode of Filling the Sink, Gerard Escaich Folch joins Lorcan Doherty to talk about Spain's proposed smoking law.
Catalonia's Secretary of Public
Quality tourism in Barcelona – promise or illusion?
'Tourist, go home!', 'Ban Airbnb', and even 'Stop brunch'. Some of the slogans you'll see graffitied around Barcelona, and on t-shirts and placards at the anti-tourism rallies that have made international headlines in recent years.
In our first video podcast, Filling the Sink looks at the latest strategy to make tourism work for the people who live here too: a shift toward so-called quality touris
Walking through history - Catalonia’s street names
Street names offer a window into every town's history, culture, and identity. From the structured Eixample grid in Barcelona to the smallest village in the Pyrenees, street names in Catalonia honor important figures, historical events and places. In this week's podcast, we discover the stories behind some of Catalonia's more interesting street names, find out what locals think and explore who name
On the grapevine - The natural wine shift in Catalonia
Natural wine is a growing movement in Catalonia, rooted in both tradition and innovation. With diverse terroirs and a long winemaking history, regions such as Penedès, Alt Empordà, Conca de Barberà and Terra Alta & Priorat have become hubs for natural winemakers. This week on Filling the Sink we find out what natural wine is, who is making it and why Catalonia is gaining recognition on the glo
On location - Catalonia’s international film industry
Catalonia has become a popular location for contemporary international film and TV productions, thanks to its diverse landscapes, strong production incentives and experienced crews. This week on Filling the Sink we review the history of international filmmaking in Catalonia and discover some of the most iconic movies and series filmed on Catalan soil.
Montserrat Guiu from Barcelona Film Commission
The amnesty law one year on - A constitutional debate
A year after it came into effect, the amnesty law related to Catalonia’s independence push has been upheld by the Spanish Constitutional Court. Whilst the pardon of over 300 activists and officials has eased tensions, the cases of many high-profile leaders are unresolved and its long-term impact remains unclear.
Head of Catalan News Gerard Escaich Folch joins host Beth Cohen to discuss this contro
The Sixena frescoes - Heritage on trial
The Sixena murals are late 12th to early 13th-century Romanesque wall paintings from the Monastery of Santa María de Sixena in Aragon. They were moved to Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War for preservation and are currently on display at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona. On this week’s podcast, we explore the ongoing debate over their place of exhibition, which highlights deep
Catalonia's wildfire strategy - Insights from a world-class brigade
Catalonia frequently faces forest fires, which threaten ecosystems, wildlife and communities. This situation has been aggravated in recent years by climate change, drought and human activity, and throughout the summer months fire risk is at its peak. On this week’s podcast we discover how firefighters and forest rangers use drones, AI and new technologies to prevent and control summer forest blaze
New generation Catalans - Mixing cultures, making home
Raised in Catalonia to international parents, new generation migrants are a growing demographic in Catalonia, however they often navigate dual identities, balancing their family’s cultural heritage with local traditions. This week on Filling the Sink we dedicate an episode to exploring the challenges faced by this significant collective.
Zenia Hellgren, Doctor of Sociology a Senior Researcher at P
Dancing and discovery - Catalonia's 2025 summer festival guide
Every summer, Catalonia hosts a wide range of music festivals, from large international events in Barcelona to smaller coastal concerts. On this week’s podcast, we offer a guide to what’s on and discuss Sonar+D, a technology festival at the forefront of musical innovation.
Head of Catalan News Gerard Escaich Folch visits Primavera Sound to pick up some festival vibes, meet fans from around the wor
Catalan Week in Japan - Celebrating culture at Osaka World Expo
This year, Catalonia and Japan are strengthening their ties with a yearlong celebration, including Catalan Week in Japan, taking place from May 27 to June 1 at the Universal Expo in Osaka. This week on Filling the Sink we explore the relationship between both territories and visit the Expo to find out how Catalonia is promoting its culture.
Head of Catalan News Gerard Escaich Folch joins host Beth
Stories of motherhood - Maternity in contemporary Catalonia
According to the UN, birth rates have been declining globally since 1963, and Spain has the second-lowest fertility rate in the EU. Economic instability, difficulty in accessing housing, an inability to reconcile work and family life, and a lack of support have been pinpointed as deterring factors.
We meet women from different backgrounds to hear their experiences of maternity and the challenges t
Catalonia calling – Eurovision, identity and song
This week the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Basel, Switzerland. To celebrate, we look back over the history of the competition and explore Catalonia’s involvement, from Catalan language entries to the stories of Catalan artists who’ve graced the Eurovision stage.
We interview Jordi Ramos, a journalist for the Catalan radio station, Rac1. He's an expert on Eurovision an
Neus Català - Fighting fascism across borders in WWII
On May 8, 1945, the second world war came to end in Europe. 80 years on, we reflect on how Catalonia was affected by the conflict and highlight the remarkable story of Neus Català, an anti-fascist resistance fighter and holocaust survivor from Tarragona.
Reporters Lea Beliaeva Bander and Cillian Shields join host Beth Cohen to discuss the effects of WWII in Catalonia and discover the story of a Ca
Pope Francis - The Catalan Church, Gaudí and Messi
Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion and emphasis on social justice. This week we’ll be dedicating an episode of Filling the Sink to the memory of this popular spiritual leader and exploring his relationship with Catalonia.
Catalan News travels to the Vatican to attend the Pope’s funeral and meet some of the 250,000 mourners who have flocked to Rome to pay their last respects, inclu
A day in the dark - Catalonia left powerless after blackout
On April 28, 2025, a massive blackout affected Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France, leaving over 50 million people without power for up to 12 hours. This week on Filling the Sink, we investigate the causes and find out how it affected people across Catalonia.
Catalan News journalists Gerard Escaich Folch, Lorcan Doherty and Cillian Shields join host Beth Cohen to relive some of the darke
In other words - Catalan literature in translation
Sant Jordi is a Catalan cultural celebration held on April 23. It’s Catalonia's Valentine’s Day and it served as the inspiration for World Book Day. Couples, friends, and families give each other gifts of roses and books, commemorating the legendary slaying of the dragon by Sant Jordi - Saint George, in English. In this week’s podcast, we delve into Catalan literature and analyze its translation i
Sweet heritage - Chocolate art and the mona de Pasqua
At Easter time, bakery windows across Catalonia are filled with the most spectacular chocolate sculptures. These “Mones de Pasqua” are traditionally given to children by their godparents on Easter Monday, a festive day known as "Dilluns de Pasqua" in Catalonia.
Originally simple sweet breads topped with hard-boiled eggs, modern versions have evolved into elaborate chocolate creations, often shaped
City roots - Barcelona’s urban farming movement
Urban farming is the practice of growing food in cities instead of in rural areas. In this week’s episode of Filling the Sink we investigate the legislation surrounding urban food production and find out how community gardening projects are benefitting residents in unexpected ways.
Reporter Gigi Giulia visits two of the leading urban farms in Barcelona, ‘The Rooftop Garden’ and ‘L'Hort del Mercat,
Small villages, big challenges - A closer look at Catalonia's micropobles
The term "micropobles" refers to small villages in Catalonia with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. There are more than 480 micropobles in the territory, representing nearly one-third of all Catalan municipalities, yet they are home to only 2.5% of Catalonia’s population, many of whom are already over 65 years old.
Gigi Giulia and Lorcan Doherty join host Beth Cohen to discuss the pros and cons of liv
Depression in focus – Causes, consequences and care
Depression is a leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. However the stigma surrounding depression often leads patients to suffer in silence, without adequate support from family, friends and healthcare professionals. On this week’s podcast we discuss what depression is, what the major causes are and how it can be treated.
Lea Beliaeva Bande
Global voices, local impact – How expats are shaping Barcelona
Barcelona has a growing community of international residents, which for better or for worse is changing the face of the city. This week on Filling the Sink we find out who they are, why they chose this part of the world to start a new life and what impact they are having on the city.
Lorcan Doherty sits down with host Beth Cohen to discuss the proliferation of expats in Barcelona. We meet Brian Ro
Pandemic perspectives - Five years of Covid-19 in Catalonia
On March 14, 2020, Spain entered a state of alarm in the face of the coronavirus health crisis, placing the nation in lockdown and ordering the population to stay at home. Five years later, we look back on the pandemic and analyze the long term effects of Covid-19 in Catalonia, exploring the ongoing presence of the virus and talking to some of the patients and healthcare professionals involved.
We
Tech tales - Women sparking change at MWC
One of the UN's 17 goals for sustainable development is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. To coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, we dedicate an episode of Filling the Sink to female entrepreneurs, particularly those in traditionally male-dominated fields such as technology.
Lea Beliaeva Bander visits the Mobile World Congress at the Fira de Barcelona to me
MareNostrum and quantum computing - bits, qubits and 314 petaflops
Located at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, MareNostrum 5 is part of a network of European supercomputers and is used to conduct research in fields such as biomedicine, geophysics, atmosphere, energy, society and economy, providing valuable data to the international scientific community.
Gerard Escaich Folch visits the picturesque chapel Torre Girona, where the MareNostrum supercomputer is ins
The purchase of Casa Orsola - groundbreaking housing initiative or dangerous precedent?
Casa Orsola was built in the early 20th century by Italian businessman Joan Orsola; it is a beautiful modernist apartment building, located in the Eixample district in central Barcelona. However, in recent years it has become a symbol of the housing crisis, as tenants have been priced out by real estate speculation. In an unprecedented move, Barcelona City Council and Hàbitat3 are planning to acqu
Gaudís and Goyas - New golden age for Catalan cinema
The Goya awards ceremony held on February 8 was a testimony to the rising success of Catalan cinema, with prizes, applause and a feeling that Catalonia is one of the driving forces of world-class film production. This week on Filling the Sink we put our finger on the pulse of modern Catalan cinema, look back over its history and analyze future trends.
Catalan News journalist Lorcan Doherty highlig
Concentration camp imposter - Enric Marco’s life of lies
Barcelona-born Enric Marco was celebrated as a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, being awarded Catalonia’s highest civil distinction, the Creu de Sant Jordi, publicly sharing his experiences and even representing a survivors’ association. However in 2005 the historian Benito Bermejo discovered that Marco’s life story was a monumental lie.
Although he spent time in Germany during World War II,
Dragon Ball - the anime that made Catalan cool
Dragon Ball - or Bola de Drac Catalan - was created as a manga, a style of comic or graphic novel, by Akira Toriyama in 1984, and was later made into an animated television programme, also known as an anime. It was the first Japanese series of its kind to be dubbed into Catalan and is etched in the memory of generations of Catalans who grew up watching Son Goku on his quest for dragon balls.
We me
Trump’s trading tactics - US tax policies threaten Catalan economy
As Donald Trump returns to the White House, new US trading policies are predicted to bring increased tariffs on imports from Europe. On this week’s podcast, reporters Coralie Moreau and Gerard Escaich Folch join host Beth Cohen to discuss the future of the US trade relationship with Catalonia.
We talk to Cristina Serradell, director of international trading at Catalonia's Trade and Investment agen
Els Tres Tombs - Saint Anthony and the feast of the animals
Saint Anthony, Catalonia’s protector of animals, is honored with a feast day on January 17 every year. The festival is known as Els Tres Tombs, or 'the three laps' in English, and is celebrated in honor of both animals and the saint. This year marks the bicentenary of the Tres Tombs festival in Barcelona.
Andreu Bernadàs, president of the Catalan Tres Tombs federation, explains how the organizatio
Cooperative housing - Working together to combat the housing crisis
A housing cooperative is a property owned by a business or housing association in which the residents gain equity by buying shares. It’s a distinctive form of home ownership which is gaining popularity across Catalonia in the face of the housing crisis. This week on Filling the Sink we take a closer look at the pros and cons of cooperative housing.
Catalan News reporter Coralie Moreau explains the
Still on track: Barcelona’s metro celebrates its centenary
On December 30, 1924, the first section of Barcelona's city metro was inaugurated, running between Plaça Catalunya and Lesseps. Thousands of Barcelona residents continue to commute daily along this section of what is now line 3, perhaps unaware that they are travelling through tunnels with one hundred years of history. As the metro’s centenary approaches, we dedicate an episode of Filling the Sink
Beating the odds: Spain’s Christmas lottery tradition
Spain’s annual Christmas lottery will take place on December 22; it is the biggest and most popular draw of the year and an event of great cultural importance for many Catalan citizens. This week on Filling the Sink we’ll be exploring the history of this festive prize draw and discovering how it is celebrated.
The Loteria de Nadal has been celebrated since 1812 and is the second-longest continuous
2024 in Catalonia: A year in news
As Christmas time approaches and 2024 draws to a close, we’ll be dedicating an episode of Filling the Sink to an annual review, summarizing some of this year’s most important news and taking a look at what is on the cards for Catalonia in 2025.
Host Beth Cohen sits down with Catalan News journalist Lorcan Doherty to look back over the major events which happened in 2024 and discuss the best and th
A new language, a new life - Learning Catalan goes viral
Catalan is currently spoken by more than 10 million people in four different countries: Spain, Andorra, France and Italy. This week on Filling the Sink we reveal what it’s like to learn Catalan as a foreign language, find out who is studying it and why and discover the importance of our national language.
Catalan News journalist Cillian Shields talks to Catalan teacher, language influencer, an
Valencia floods one month on - Is Catalonia prepared for extreme weather?
On October 29, an isolated upper-level depression affected Spain, causing heavy rain and floods. One month on, we discuss the tragedy, explore whether Catalonia is prepared for this kind of meteorological phenomenon and question why these slow-moving storm systems are becoming increasingly frequent.
Catalan News journalist Oriol Escudé talks to scientists and climate change experts David Pino and
Priced out: Tenants threaten rent strike as housing crisis worsens
This Saturday November 23 the Tenant’s Union accompanied by dozens of housing activism organizations have planned a protest in Barcelona to demand a significant reduction in rents. We discuss the housing crisis, analyze the reasons behind rising prices and find out how tenants are fighting back.
Host Beth Cohen is joined by Catalan News journalist Cillian Shields to explore how the housing situati
Battle of the breakfasts - Brunch versus the esmorzar de forquilla
Everyone loves a good breakfast, and in this week’s episode of Filling the Sink we’ll be investigating two different traditions, the Catalan 'esmorzars de forquilla' versus the international trend of brunch.
Over the last few years, brunch bars have opened up all over central Barcelona, particularly in tourist hotspots such as the area around the Sagrada Familia. To find out more about the rising
The 2014 Catalan self-determination vote - 10 years on
November 9 is the tenth anniversary of the 2014 Catalan self-determination vote and to mark the occasion we’ll be looking at the independence push over the last few years.
Catalan News Agency journalist Guifré Jordan gives us an overview of the events leading up to the 2014 self-determination vote, the unofficial referendums between 2009 and 2011 and the protests which took place in Barcelona in 2
Medical marijuana - New highs for the health industry?
Despite its popularity as a recreational drug, cannabis has also been used throughout history to relieve pain and aid relaxation.
Beth Cohen and Emma Monròs investigate the uses of this controversial plant in contemporary medicine, discovering its effects, benefits and contraindications. Emma talks to doctor Magí Farré, head of clinical pharmacology at the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital
Cemeteries and Chestnuts: Tots Sants in Catalonia
As All Saints Day approaches on November 1, many Catalan families will be visiting the graves of their loved ones, taking flowers and paying their respects to the dead.
To mark the occasion, Beth Cohen and Emma Monrós dive into the history of two of Barcelona’s most iconic cemeteries, Poblenou and Montjuïc. Emma talks to Adrià Terol, cultural manager of the cemeteries in Barcelona, about the histo
Battling breast cancer - survivors' stories and experts insights
October 19th is the World Health Organization’s International Day Against Breast Cancer.
In 2022, more than 2 million people worldwide were diagnosed with the illness, while the number of diagnoses here in Catalonia last year was around 5,400.
Although breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in women, it has one of the highest survival rates, which have improved year after ye
Taking the wheel - Inside the 1971 SEAT strike in Barcelona
SEAT is known as one of the largest companies in Catalonia and one of the biggest car manufacturers in Europe, selling over half a million cars in 2023 alone.
The classic SEAT 600 was more than just a car - it was the model that democratized driving in Spain, got millions of people on the road, and served as a symbol of a rapidly industrializing country in the mid-20th century.
On October 18, 1971
The big move to Barcelona - Expectations versus reality
Last Saturday, around 5,000 people gathered for the 11th edition of the Barcelona International Community Day at the Maritime Museum, just off the famous La Rambla boulevard.
The annual event welcomes the international community for a day of talks, workshops, and networking activities to help newcomers to Catalonia settle in, meet people, and get tips on how to enjoy the Catalan capital.
Lorcan D
Key to the safe? The new Catalan financing model explained
While most people were away on vacation this summer, it was announced that the Catalan Socialists had made a deal with the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana to create a new financing model in Catalonia. If approved, it will be implemented in 2026.
The deal would, among other things, give Catalonia more economic independence and create what some call a “fairer” system. Other, more critical voic
‘El 47’ - Barcelona’s hidden story of resilience and community
The Catalan capital on the Mediterranean coast has always been a city that attracts immigration, whether people come in search of a better job, a better life, or just an adventure. Barcelona inhabitants - old and new - are also known as people who are always ready to fight for their rights. The latest movie, ‘El 47’, tells one of these stories.
Set in the late 1970s in the marginalized neighborho
Back to school - the rise of international schools in Catalonia
This week marks the official back-to-school week in Catalonia.
According to official figures, 1.3 million Catalans have started or returned to classrooms, noisy schoolyards, and the routine of heavy backpacks and homework.
While the vast majority of Catalan students attend public schools, a growing number are enrolled in private institutions, particularly international schools.
Over the past decad
New Socialist cycle - What’s next for Catalan politics?
It’s September - a time that means back to work, school, or the start of something new. This year, the same can be said for Catalan politics, as Salvador Illa has been sworn in as the new president of the Catalan government.
For the first time since 2010, the Catalan Socialist Party has taken power, but more importantly, the leadership now rests with a party that opposes Catalan independence.
Afte
Colors of Catalan modernism - brushstrokes of a new era
Modernism is one of the most important art movements in Catalonia, one that played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of Catalonia at the turn of the 20th century.
The movement drew clear inspiration from parallel artistic trends throughout Europe, known by different names such as Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, or Modern Style.
While the world of painters was very male-dominated, with Cata
The 'vermut' hour - uncovering Catalonia's timeless tradition
For centuries, Catalans have enjoyed “la hora del vermut,” or in English “the vermouth hour”, a time during the day when people slow down and sip a cool glass of vermouth while catching up on life.
But what exactly is vermouth, where does it come from, and is it difficult to make yourself?
Cillian Shields joins Lea Beliaeva Bander to chat about all things vermut, and together with the Catalan News
Carmen Balcells - the woman behind the Latin American literary boom
Catalan literary agent Carmen Balcells considered a revolutionary in the publishing industry, was single-handedly responsible for turning it on its head.
She dignified the writing profession by banning lifetime contracts and ensuring writers could make a living from their craft and negotiate their terms.
Through her literary agency, which she founded during the Franco dictatorship in Spain, she pl
The Tragic Week of 1909 - the birth of revolutionary Barcelona
Barcelona is the city in the world with the most extensive history of barricade fights. These words come from philosopher Friedrich Engels, and many other thinkers have pointed to Barcelona as the city of revolutions.
115 years ago, on July 25, 1909, the Catalan capital witnessed one of the first popular uprisings of the century, known as the Tragic Week or La Setmana Tràgica in Catalan.
What beg
Barcelona Pride 2024: Advocating for LGBTI+ education
Every year in Catalonia, the LGBTI+ community celebrates Pride, an almost month-long celebration of events, talks, demonstrations, and more, culminating in the big Pride demonstration or Parade in Barcelona, on Saturday, July 20th.
Barcelona Pride Month is not only a celebration of the freedom to be yourself but also a moment when the community reminds everyone of the work that still needs to be d
Forty years of life - the impact of assisted reproduction in Catalonia (part 2)
On July 12th, 1984, the first baby was born through assisted reproduction in Barcelona and all of Spain, but the path to motherhood is not always as linear and easy as it is portrayed.
Fertility treatment is becoming more and more common throughout the world, and in Spain, one in every ten children in the Spanish state is born thanks to this technology.
This is due in particular to three factors:
Forty years of life - the impact of assisted reproduction in Catalonia (part 1)
Forty years ago, on July 12th, 1984, the first baby was born through assisted reproduction in Barcelona and in all of Spain.
At the time, the news of a couple seeking help to conceive at the Barcelona Dexeus private hospital made headlines everywhere. But a lot has happened since then: in 2006, assisted reproduction became available for free through the public health system throughout Spain. Later
Castells - the cross-border and gravity-defying spirit of teamwork
For more than 200 years, Catalans have celebrated the sky-reaching tradition of castells, literally castles in Catalan, when groups of people gather to climb on top of each other to build the highest castle.
Although the tradition suffered waves of decline up to the point of disappearance, it experienced a renaissance in the 1980s, and in 2010 UNESCO included castells on its list of intangible cul
Formula One showdown - will the Spanish Grand Prix remain in Catalonia?
This year marks the 74th edition of the world’s largest motor racing event, the Formula One World Championship.
Since 1991, the Spanish Grand Prix has been held at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmeló, half an hour north of the Catalan capital.
However, this year could be one of the last times the Spanish race is held in Catalonia, as Madrid has signed a new ten-year deal with Formula One.
Disfrutar - inside the World’s Best Restaurant
Barcelona’s haute cuisine restaurant ‘Disfrutar’ has been named the World’s Best Restaurant in the 22nd edition of the prestigious ranking “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.”
With this accolade, head chefs and creators Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro, and Eduard Xatruch have added another star to the Catalan culinary constellation, joining the ranks of renowned establishments such as El Bulli, el Cell
European Election breakdown: What to expect in the next five years
For the past four days, EU citizens have been casting their ballots in the European Parliament elections. In Catalonia and the rest of Spain, Sunday, June 9th was the big day.
Gerard Escaich Folch joins Lea Beliaeva Bander the morning after for a Filling the Sink post-election special to break down the results in Europe, Spain, and Catalonia.
Millions of people have flocked to polling stations acr
Summer festivals guide 2024 - Primavera, Sónar, Cruïlla and much more!
On May 30th, under sun, thunder, and lightning, Primavera Sound, the biggest festival in Spain descended on Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum for the 22nd time, kicking off this year’s summer festival season in Catalonia.
With a solid mix of Catalan summer hits, rock bangers, catchy pop tunes, and international names such as Lana Del Rey, Pulp, Deftones, and Troye Sivan, the 268,000 attendees were in for
Snail tales - Celebrating the annual Catalan Snail Gathering
Since 1980, at the end of May, the western Catalan city of Lleida becomes the snail center of Catalonia, where hundreds of people get together to celebrate the annual Catalan Snail Gathering, or l’Aplec del cargol in Catalan.
Fans of the tiny molluscs unite for a weekend of gastronomy, but also of competitions, concerts, and the Catalan human towers, castells.
For this last edition of the festival
Catalonia’s renting realities - when laws fall short
Finding affordable housing has long been a problem in Catalonia and Spain, and in March, the Spanish government introduced a reference index for rent prices to keep them from rising.
But the new rent cap created loopholes and had the opposite effect of increasing prices on short-term leases, while long-term housing became even harder to find.
In response, the Catalan government rushed through regu
Catalan election - unionist gains, pro-independence losses, and what’s next
The Catalan snap election is over, and the voters gave the Catalan Socialist Party, PSC, a whopping 28% of the vote, which translates into 42 seats. But falling short of an absolute majority of 68 seats, the results mean that the Socialists now have to find new alliances to form a government.
This episode of Filling the Sink was recorded bright and early on the first morning of the new political c
Beyond the mustache - Exploring the surreal world of Salvador Dalí
On May 11, we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Catalan artist Salvador Dalí, whose influence on the art world continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The surrealist painter was born in the northern Catalan town of Figueres, but spent most of his life in the picturesque coastal towns of Cadaques and Port Lligat, from where he drew much of his inspiration.
Although D
Early endings and future beginnings - 2024 Catalan election preview
The Catalan election season is in full swing – once again.
On March 18th, Catalan President Pere Aragonès announced that he was dissolving the Catalan parliament and calling for a snap election on May 12th.
The news came after the government failed to secure a majority to pass the 2024 budget.
Calling for early elections in Catalonia is nothing new, as it has been 14 years since a government last
Books, roses and legends - Celebrating Sant Jordi in Catalonia
Sant Jordi or Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia, and April 23 is the day when Catalans celebrate love, roses, romance, and also books.
This week's episode is recorded from the bookshop Backstory in the heart of Barcelona.
We explain what makes this day special and why people give each other roses and books. We learn about the legend of Sant Jordi and how this day became World Book Da
Shifting sands - Beneath Catalonia’s coastal changes
As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will want to go to the beach. But lately, some of the beaches in Catalonia have looked quite different.
In some places, the beaches look like they have been swallowed by the sea. The reason for this is the recent storm Nelson, which hit the Catalan coast during this past Easter. Nelson caused an unprecedented loss of sand on some of Catalonia’s bea
Off the runway: exploring sustainability and inclusivity at 080 Barcelona Fashion
Barcelona’s take on fashion week is the bi-annual event 080 Barcelona Fashion, which this season runs from April 9 to April 12.
The event has been held at the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site since 2013, and during the 33rd edition celebrated this week, a mix of 24 emerging designers and established brands presented their idea of what should be in vogue in 2024.
Over the years, 080 Barcelona Fashion has
Climbing Catalonia: Scaling new heights with indoor and outdoor bouldering
The number of indoor climbing gyms in Catalonia has multiplied by four in just ten years, making climbing a lifestyle phenomenon and another way of connecting with people.
At the same time, the mountainous landscapes of Catalonia have become some of the most visited destinations for outdoor climbing.
In this episode, Oriol Escudé Macià joins Lea Beliaeva Bander to chat about the Catalan boulder
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