Local sources from Spain: Infobae, Viajes National Geographic.
UK coverage: Daily Express.
This week, Spain has been a focal point of extreme weather conditions and intriguing cultural phenomena. The province of Zaragoza experienced severe flooding after torrential rainfall, causing chaos in a popular holiday region. Over 300 school children and residents were evacuated from summer camps and homes as five inches of rain fell in just an hour in some areas. The historic center of Tarazona was notably affected, with streets and properties flooded, prompting the activation of emergency protocols and the deployment of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) to assist. Additionally, more than 600 people were left without electricity, and weather alerts were extended into the weekend for further storms. This extreme weather incident follows an intense heatwave, highlighting the unpredictable conditions in the region.
In the context of these events, the phenomenon of ‘dark tourism’ is gaining attention. An article from Infobae delves into the concept of visiting sites associated with tragedies, such as Chernobyl, Hiroshima, Auschwitz, or Bhopal. The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) recommends using ‘turismo oscuro’ or ‘turismo negro’ as the preferred Spanish terms for ‘dark tourism’, offering alternatives based on context, including ‘turismo de dolor,’ ‘turismo de catástrofes,’ ‘turismo de duelo,’ or ‘tanatoturismo.’ The article emphasizes the RAE’s role in regulating the Spanish language and promoting its unity across the Spanish-speaking world. Despite criticism for its slow adoption of new expressions, the RAE launched the Observatorio de Palabras in 2020 as a digital repository for words of public interest not yet included in the official dictionary.
Moreover, the effects of storm Martinho across Spain have been covered by Viajes National Geographic, highlighting disruptions as the storm signals the calendar’s end of winter. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings for 30 provinces due to storms, thawing, rains, and especially strong winds. The community of Madrid, along with other autonomous communities, is advising against unnecessary travel and prioritizing telework. Over 40 roads have been cut off, and coastal provinces are under advisories for swell, with several regions on alert for heavy rains and thaws. The ministry and community agencies recommend avoiding unnecessary travel in affected areas, particularly those with warnings for rains and floods.
As Spain navigates these challenging times, the intersection of natural disasters and the rising interest in dark tourism presents a complex tapestry of human experience and cultural interest. The nation’s response to extreme weather and its place in the broader context of global phenomena continues to be a point of focus for both residents and the international community.
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