Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish

Valencia.
The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, and the Minister of Finance, Economy and Public Administration, Ruth Merino, have presented the new fiscal measures that will be provided for in the Fiscal Measures Law, which accompanies the Budgets of the Generalitat for 2024 , and which will represent an estimated saving of more than 199 million euros for Valencians.
As Carlos Mazón highlighted in a press conference, this is a package of fiscal measures with which the Council "adapts taxation to the needs of the citizens" and from which a maximum of 2 million Valencians will be able to benefit. This fulfills the commitment made by the Council in matters of social cohesion, support for families and public health.
With this reform, which is proposed with retroactive effect in the case of the measures in the personal income tax so that the savings occur already in the 2023 income declaration, Valencians will save more than 199 million euros, 180 millions of which correspond to deductions in the personal income tax. The measure applies to declarations with an individual liquidable base of a maximum of 32,000 euros, and a joint maximum of 48,000 euros.
Social deductions in the personal income tax
The head of the Council has announced six new deductions of a social nature related to health and sports practice "aimed at the people who need it most", with the aim of "alleviating low incomes and reactivating the economy". Measures that will result in an estimated total savings of 180,205,525 euros for the citizens of the Valencian Community who can benefit from them.
Included in the package of measures are deductions of up to 150 euros, for 30% of the amounts paid for expenses related to oral health, and deductions of up to 100 euros for 30% of expenses for the purchase of prescription glasses , contact lenses and cleaning solutions.
Likewise, deductions of up to 150 euros are collected for 30% of the expenses generated by members of the family unit who need help to suffer from any pathology similar to mental health problems. It also includes a deduction of a maximum of 100 euros for expenses associated with chronic diseases of high complexity or those known as rare, as well as a diagnosis of acquired brain damage or Alzheimer's. The limit of this deduction rises to 150 euros if the family unit is large or single-parent.
In addition, deductions of 150 euros are included for a maximum of 30% of the expenses associated with sports practice.
Super-reduced rates for the acquisition of homes
A second block of tax reductions is related to the purchase of regular housing by vulnerable groups, such as young people under 35, large and single-parent families, people with disabilities, women subject to gender-based violence or families with low resources that access sheltered housing.
This measure consists of reducing to 6% the rate of burdensome property transfers of the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) and Documented Legal Acts (AJD) for the purchase of a regular home by young people under 35 years of age and also by to buyers of protected homes under the general regime, in both cases with a home value of 180,000 euros at most.
For the acquisition of special regime protected housing or if the buyers are large families and single-parent families, or people with disabilities and women subject to gender violence who acquire a home, the super-reduced rate becomes 3%. Also in these cases the limit of the value of the house is fixed at 180,000 euros.
Savings of almost 20 million in housing
These rate reductions foreseen in the taxes levied on the transfer of a home will mean a saving of almost 20 million euros for young people under 35 years of age and the other vulnerable groups benefited by this Council measure.
With regard to the deductions in the personal income tax of the expenses related to oral, visual or mental health, the measure is focused on the part of the population that currently does not have access to them for economic reasons, since they are benefits with a low coverage within the portfolio of common services of the National Health System.
This, according to the Council's opinion, made it "essential" to enable several formulas, including the tax, "so that health is an effective right within the reach of all citizens".
Finally, the president of the Generalitat emphasized that "this is the change that the citizens of the Valencian Community deserve, to which I committed myself and with which I will continue to advance".
🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-
The Costa Blanca heads into another busy week of August, with beaches packed, nightlife in full swing and a mixture of fiestas, sport, music, family entertainment and summer activities taking place across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.
The biggest local celebrations continue in La Nucía, while Finestrat remains in the middle of its summer patron saint festivities. Benidorm has concerts, cinema and major music events, while the David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour brings international youth tennis to La Nucía throughout the week.
☀️ BENIDORM
🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities
Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.
Popular activities include:
🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking
🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island
🪂 Parasailing
🌊 Jet ski experiences
🏐 Beach volleyball
🏖️ Family beach activities
🌅 Sunset cruises
The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade remain a popular photo opportunity, while the city's beaches and waterfront continue to provide the perfect base for a classic August holiday.
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years
The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.
🎶 Summer Entertainment
Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.
The city's official cultural programme also continues with Concerts al Castell, running through Wednesday 19 August, and Cine en la Playa, which continues through Friday 21 August at Mal Pas Beach.
🎬 Cine en la Playa
The popular outdoor cinema programme continues at Playa del Mal Pas, with the 2026 series running from 7–21 August.
It's a great family-friendly option for anyone looking for something different from the usual nightlife.
🎵 Saturday 22 August – Big Music Night
Saturday brings a particularly busy night for music lovers.
🎧 Techno Flamenco Benidorm takes place at SkyFest from 6.00pm until midnight, combining electronic music, flamenco singers and live performances.
🔥 DBT Mob Fest takes over Penélope Benidorm, with a major urban-music line-up including Kidd Keo, Yung Sarria, Lil Gnar, Aleman and others.
🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI
Albir remains a popular alternative to the busier centre of Benidorm, with its beaches, restaurants, evening atmosphere and famous coastal scenery.
🚶 Healthy & Outdoor Activities
The Albir coastline continues to be ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.
The Albir Lighthouse Trail remains one of the area's must-do walks, offering spectacular views across the Serra Gelada coastline.
♿ Accessible Beach Service
The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues during the summer season, providing adapted facilities and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility.
Visitors can also enjoy the beach, coastal cycle routes, restaurants and evening entertainment around Albir.
🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST
One of the biggest local celebrations of the summer reaches its final two days this week.
Les Festes d’Agost run from 14–18 August 2026, with traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks-style pyrotechnic events, family activities and late-night entertainment.
📅 Monday 17 August
The celebrations continue with:
🌅 8.00am – Despertà through the town
⛪ 9.00am – Bell ringing
⛪ 10.00am – Santa Misa
🎉 12.00pm – Peña gathering at the San Rafael hermitage
🎺 1.00pm – Band entry
🎭 8.00pm – Gran Cabalgata Multicolor de Disfraces
🎶 12.30am – Gravity orchestra in Plaza Mayor
The colourful costume parade is one of the highlights of the fiestas.
📅 Tuesday 18 August – Final Day
The final day continues with traditional activities and the closing celebrations.
The 2026 programme includes the morning Despertà, religious celebrations and further festive activities, with a correfocs bringing the five-day fiesta programme to a spectacular close.
🎾 17–23 August – Tennis Europe David Ferrer
Away from the fiestas, La Nucía hosts an international junior tennis tournament throughout the week
The David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14 runs from 17–23 August at the David Ferrer facilities in La Nucía. It is a Category 2 Tennis Europe event on clay.
🏰 GUADALEST
The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.
Visitors can explore:
🏰 Guadalest Castle
🏛️ Historic museums
⛰️ Mountain viewpoints
🌿 Walking routes
☕ Traditional cafés
🛍️ Local shops and crafts
August is a particularly popular time to visit, although the mountain location can be considerably hotter during the middle of the day.
For a more comfortable experience, an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is recommended.
🍫 VILLAJOYOSA
Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer rhythm with its historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and restaurants.
The Valor Chocolate Museum remains a popular daytime attraction, while the town's beaches and waterfront provide plenty of options for an evening stroll.
🎶 Friday 21 August
Music lovers can head to Roger's Temple in La Vila Joiosa for POP VIBES, featuring Aylenk.
The event is part of the venue's summer concert programme, with the performance scheduled for the evening and free entry advertised by the venue.
🌊 FINESTRAT
🎭 Patron Saint Festivities
Finestrat's major summer celebrations continue this week, with the Patron Saint festivities running from 15–24 August.
This means the town and surrounding areas remain particularly lively throughout the week, with traditional events, music, cultural activities and celebrations continuing through Sunday 23 August.
⚽ Monday 17 August – Local Football
Football fans have an extra option on Monday evening.
CF Benidorm face Villajoyosa CF in a pre-season friendly in Finestrat at 7.30pm.
🎨 ALTEA
Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's best destinations for a relaxed evening of culture, art, restaurants and sea views.
The historic old town, church square, galleries and waterfront remain busy throughout August.
🎨 Summer Art
Altea's summer exhibition programme continues, with art exhibitions providing an alternative to the beach during the hottest part of the day.
The town is also ideal for an evening wander through the old streets before dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.
🌉 Evening Altea
Visitors can enjoy:
🎨 Art galleries
🛍️ Artisan shopping
🍷 Old-town restaurants
🎶 Summer music
🌅 Sunset walks
📸 Views from the church square
🌴 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE MARINA BAIXA
Even without a major one-off event, there is plenty happening across the area this week.
🏖️ Beaches and coves
🚤 Boat trips
🏄 Water sports
🎢 Theme parks
💦 Water parks
🎿 Cable Ski
🚲 Cycling and coastal walks
🌅 Sunset cruises
🎶 Live music and nightlife
August remains peak season, so popular attractions, restaurants and evening shows can become busy — particularly from Friday through Sunday.
🚔 SUMMER SAFETY
Visitor numbers remain extremely high during the August peak season, so allow extra time for traffic and parking when travelling between Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucía, Albir and Altea.
The combination of heat, dry vegetation and strong winds can also increase wildfire danger. Follow local restrictions, never light fires or barbecues where prohibited, and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.
For outdoor activities, keep hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.
📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
🎉 17 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía
⚽ 17 Aug – CF Benidorm v Villajoyosa CF, Finestrat, 7.30pm
🎾 17–23 Aug – David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14, La Nucía
🎉 18 Aug – Final day of Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía
🎶 19 Aug – Final Concerts al Castell, Benidorm
🎬 21 Aug – Final Cine en la Playa screening of the August programme, Benidorm
🎶 21 Aug – POP VIBES with Aylenk, Roger's Temple, Villajoyosa
🎧 22 Aug – Techno Flamenco, SkyFest Benidorm
🔥 22 Aug – DBT Mob Fest, Penélope Benidorm
🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across the Costa Blanca
🌴 QUICK SUMMARY
✅ Peak August holiday season
🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing
🎉 La Nucía fiestas reach their finale
🎾 International junior tennis in La Nucía
⚽ Pre-season football in Finestrat
🎭 Finestrat patron saint celebrations continue
🎬 Outdoor cinema continues in Benidorm
🎶 Summer concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
🎧 Major music events in Benidorm on Saturday
♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues through summer
🎨 Altea's art, culture and old-town attractions remain popular
🌅 Beaches, sunsets and summer nightlife across the region
🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE
The week of 17–23 August is expected to begin hot, with temperatures rising further towards the middle of the week before conditions become more unsettled later on.
AEMET's latest outlook indicates a significant increase in temperatures across Alicante province, with the hottest conditions expected around Wednesday and Thursday, followed by increasing cloud and a greater chance of showers or storms later in the week.
Visitors should:
💧 Drink plenty of water
🧴 Use high-factor sunscreen
🧢 Wear a hat during daytime activities
🌳 Seek shade during the hottest hours
🌅 Plan walks and outdoor activities for morning or evening
🔥 Take extra care because of the elevated wildfire risk
If you're attending outdoor events, check local weather and official warnings on the day, particularly towards the end of the week.
The message for this week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night — with La Nucía, Finestrat and Benidorm providing plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Costa Blanca. 🌴☀️🎉


Local & Spanish


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