Barcelona spent the week under repeated rain alerts, with storms on October 6 and 7 flooding parts of Horta-Guinardó and cancelling more than 30 flights at El Prat. The week closed with a bus strike and tram works, while housing, a record power price and a run of festivals filled the rest of the agenda.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Storm cancels over 30 flights at El Prat Airport
Lightning hit systems linked to the airport's control tower, causing delays and more than 30 cancelled flights. Anyone with recent or upcoming travel through Barcelona may have been affected by the disruption.
Bus strike set for October 12 and 13
Bus workers are striking on both days, with the biggest disruption expected at peak hours. Talks are still going and more strike days could follow later in the month.
Flooding in Horta-Guinardó forces six families from homes
Heavy rain flooded parts of the district, and six families had to leave their homes. Two schools suspended classes while emergency crews worked in the area.
Sixth straight rainy day brings yellow storm alert
Meteocat issued a yellow warning for possible storms on Wednesday, October 7, extending a wet spell that had already lasted six days. The rain followed earlier alerts for Tuesday and for the Vallès Oriental and Maresme areas.
Rental listings in Barcelona down 83% since 2018
The number of homes available to rent has dropped sharply over eight years. Uncertainty over new rules is reported to be making landlords hesitant, leaving tenants with fewer options.
Council approves steep property tax rise on tourist flats
The city has approved raising the IBI property tax on tourist apartments, by as much as 150% in some cases. It covers more than 10,600 homes and is meant to discourage turning housing into tourist lets.
Tram lines T1, T2 and T3 disrupted October 10 to 12
Track renewal works interrupt service on the three lines over the weekend. A replacement bus service covers the affected stretch.
Sitges Film Festival opens its 59th edition
The festival runs from October 8 to 18 with premieres, series and interactive activities. Kevin Bacon and Peter Jackson are among the guests being honoured.
How this page works: it is a weekly snapshot, refreshed every Monday, of what our daily newsletter covered. Summaries are condensed and details can change after publication, so double-check dates and official announcements before planning around them.
This page updates weekly. Your inbox can update daily.
Barcelona Expat Daily is a free 5-minute daily email with Barcelona's local news, events and deadlines in plain English, written for people building a life here.
What's On in Barcelona This Week
11:30 · Passeig de Gràcia with Carrer de Provença, Barcelona
12:00 · Marquesina de la Via Júlia
12:30 · Jardins de Can Xiringoi · Free
17:00 · Avinguda del Paral·lel (march to Plaça d'Idrissa Diallo)
18:00 · Plaça de la Torre Llobeta
These are 5 picks from the 70+ events we are tracking in Barcelona this week, and new ones are added every day. Pro members get the full calendar in our app; the free daily email flags the highlights.
Previous Weeks
Daily Barcelona news in English. Free.
Join 1,800+ expats. Every day: a 5-minute summary of Barcelona news, free events, deadlines and local recommendations.