July 7-18, 2024

How Can a Music Festival Take Place After Such a Tragedy?

The first step is to distinguish between Valencia-Province and Valencia-City. While the recent tragedy occurred within the province, the city itself was unaffected. This is largely thanks to a historic decision made after a similar disaster in 1957, when authorities diverted the Turia River south of the urban area. Today, the former riverbed has been transformed into an extraordinary green corridor, home to sports facilities, cultural venues, and iconic landmarks like the renowned Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, located just a few meters from the Conservatory. This successful engineering project ensured that the urban area of Valencia City remained untouched by the recent floods, which primarily affected areas south of the river that do not belong to the city itself but to the surrounding province.

That said, the tragedy has deeply resonated with all Valencians. Many have relatives and friends in the affected areas, and the response has been marked by remarkable solidarity. Thousands of Valencians have stepped up to volunteer, helping with clean-up efforts, food distribution, and providing vital assistance to their neighbors.

In light of this, cultural activities in Valencia City were paused for several weeks to prioritize relief efforts. However, life in the city has now returned to normal, and resuming cultural events, including our music festival, is both safe and meaningful. Hosting the festival not only demonstrates the city’s resilience but also reinforces its commitment to excellence in every sphere—especially in music, which is such a vital part of Valencia’s identity.

Will it be safe to travel to Valencia in July of 2025?

Yes, it is expected to be safe to travel to Valencia in July 2025, as it is already safe by now. While flooding events have had an intense impact on the region, local authorities and businesses have a long history of quick recovery, and the city is already back to normal. There are still a fex train lines and roads damaged, but it is sure that by that time, infrastructure and tourism services should be fully restored.

Has life in Valencia been affected by the floods of November 2024?

The floods in November 2024 did have a temporary impact on certain areas of the city, with localised disruptions in transportation, businesses, and some public services. However, the city has been actively working to restore normalcy, and everyday life in Valencia is gradually returning to normal by the end of November.

Could the floods occur again in July of 2025 during the VIPA Festival?

While weather events can never be predicted with absolute certainty, floods are typically rare in the summer months, especially during the VIPA Festival in July. The city has implemented improved flood management systems in response to the November 2024 floods, making future incidents less likely. That said, local authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and are prepared for any potential extreme events. Just a quick note about this: During the last 800 years there have been around 60 important floods in Valencia, and all of them happened within the period between September 15 and November 15.  

Is it safe to drink tap water in Valencia?

Yes, tap water in Valencia is safe to drink and meets all health and safety standards. The city’s water supply is rigorously tested and treated to ensure it is clean and safe for consumption.

Has transportation been affected by the floods and will it be back to normal in July of 2025?

Some transportation routes were temporarily disrupted due to the November 2024 floods. However, Valencia’s transportation infrastructure is being rapidly restored, and by July 2025, services should be fully operational. Major bus, tram, and metro lines, as well as regional and international train services, are already running without significant issues.

Can I still fly to Valencia Airport?

Yes, Valencia Airport (VLC) is open and operational. There may have been some temporary disruptions during the month of November due to the floods, but the airport has resumed normal operations. By July 2025, Valencia Airport will be fully functional and able to accommodate flights as usual.

Have the floods of November 2024 damaged the city of Valencia?

While the November 2024 floods caused damage to some areas, including roads, infrastructure, and certain buildings, the city has been actively working on repairs and restoration. Major landmarks and tourist attractions have largely been unaffected, and any damaged areas are expected to be fully repaired by 2025.

Were the facilities at the Conservatorio Superior de Música Joaquín Rodrigo damaged by the floods?

The Conservatorio Superior de Música Joaquín Rodrigo was not damaged by the floods. As of November, the conservatory is fully operational and ready to host students and visitors.

Has the hospitality industry been affected by the floods?

The hospitality industry in Valencia, including hotels, restaurants, and bars, faced some temporary disruptions during the first days due to the floods. However, most establishments have recovered quickly, and by 2025, the city’s hospitality sector will be back to normal, offering a wide range of services to tourists.