The 5th strongest earthquake in history, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, struck the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia today. Now Hawaii, Japan, Alaska, Russia, and the Pacific coast are on tsunami alert, while residents and tourists flee to higher ground.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located about 126 kilometers from Kamchatski and at a depth of 20.7 km. The Kamchatka Peninsula is located at the collision point between the Pacific and North American plates.

A few hours later, at least 4 whales have washed up on the Japanese coasts.

The coast guard has ordered the evacuation of ports in Hawaii, in Japan the waves are starting to hit Chiba prefecture and elsewhere. Waves over three meters are expected in multiple areas along the Pacific Ocean coast. Millions of people have been ordered to evacuate due to the danger it poses.Many areas are without electricity due to the damage from the earthquake.

The new tourist tax in Vigo does not yet have a specific start date. On July 23, 2025, Mayor Abel Caballero announced that the City Council has begun drafting a municipal ordinance to regulate this fee.

This process includes a public consultation period, involving the tourism sector and local citizens, so the approval and actual implementation is expected to take several months, with no clear date set yet.

the tax is not yet in effect. It is currently in the planning stage and will be applied in the future once the consultation and legislative process is completed.

The new tourist tax is a measure that has sparked debate among residents, visitors, and the hospitality sector. This tax consists of a small daily fee that tourists staying in regulated accommodations—such as hotels, guesthouses, or tourist apartments—must pay, with the aim of allocating these funds to the improvement of infrastructure, public services, and the conservation of the urban environment.

The decision to implement this tax is justified as a way to offset the wear and tear that tourism can cause in public spaces. The streets of the Casco Vello, the trails of Monte O Castro, or the beaches of Samil and O Vao are heavily visited areas that require constant maintenance, and the city council believes that those who enjoy them temporarily can contribute to their preservation.

For visitors, the tax does not represent a significant increase in travel costs, but it does introduce a shared responsibility. Rather than being seen as a simple surcharge, it is presented as a way to contribute to collective well-being and to strike a balance between tourism and local quality of life. In many cases, the amount is adjusted according to the category of the accommodation and the length of the stay, aiming for a progressive and fair model.

Locally, the measure has stirred mixed reactions. Some business owners and tourism professionals fear it may deter visitors, while others see it as an opportunity to strengthen Vigo’s identity as a sustainable and environmentally conscious destination. The revenue collected is not allocated to general purposes but to specific projects such as cleaning natural areas, beautifying the historic center, improving public transport during peak seasons, or promoting cultural activities.

The tax is also interpreted as a way to align Vigo with other cities that have already adopted similar measures, demonstrating that tourism growth can be managed in a balanced way. The city remains open to the world, but with a clear commitment to sustainability, respect, and care for its surroundings.

In essence, the new tourist tax in Vigo is not just a financial issue but also a symbolic one a small gesture that reflects a larger intention. Those who visit Vigo not only take away memories of its landscapes, cuisine, or people, but also leave a positive mark that contributes to the city’s future.

In recent years, Vigo and the broader region of Galicia have become a prominent center for research and development in biofabrication. This multidisciplinary field blends biology, engineering, chemistry, and medicine to create tissues, biomaterials, and medical devices using techniques such as 3D bioprinting, cell culture, biocomposites, and microfluidics.

The Iberos+ Institute (Biofabrication Network for Healthy Aging), led by the University of Vigo, brings together 14 entities from Galicia and Northern Portugal, including universities, research centers, and innovative companies. With over 150 researchers involved, the network focuses on tissue engineering, personalized medicine, organ-on-chip technologies, biomaterials, and 3D bioprinting.

Notable companies in the initiative include:

• BFlow, working on organ-mimicking microfluidic systems.

• Beta Implants, which designs and manufactures veterinary implants.

• iBoneLab, specializing in preclinical testing of biomaterials.

• Other partners from Portugal working on personalized drug delivery systems.

Research and Innovation at the University of Vigo

New Materials Group (Cintecx)

Led by Professor Pío González, this group developed Biofast, a marine-based bioceramic derived from shark teeth, designed for bone regeneration. It has received recognition for its high potential in clinical applications, especially in dentistry and orthopedics.

The group also organizes academic events and scientific outreach activities related to biofabrication, including a lecture series with international experts in chronic wound healing, scaffold sterilization, and regenerative medicine.

BioPRINTEX Project (Chemical Engineering Department)

Researchers Pablo Sánchez Vázquez and Begoña González de Prado are leading a national project focused on converting industrial by-products — from the wood, fishing, and algae industries — into biofabricated textile fibers using 3D printing. Materials such as lignin, chitosan, and seaweed-derived carbohydrates are being transformed into fibers, films, and sponges with tailored physical and chemical properties.

BioStruct Project (Amura)

The Vigo-based company Amura, in partnership with the University of Vigo, is developing BioStruct, an ambitious industrial project to manufacture small boats made entirely from biocomposites, using flax fibers and bioresins. The initiative also explores wind turbine blade production using similar sustainable materials, aiming to introduce ecological alternatives to traditional composites.

Other Leading Researchers in the Region

Several other key scientists in Vigo contribute significantly to biofabrication and related fields:

• Luis Liz Marzán, an expert in plasmonic nanoparticles and nanomedicine, currently leads a major research group focused on biomedical applications of nanotechnology.

• Mónica Carrera Mouriño, a specialist in proteomics and biotechnology, is conducting advanced research in food safety and bioanalytical methods.

• Professors such as Julia Serra, José Ángel López Campos, África González Fernández, and Stefano Chiussi are all active contributors to the inter-university Master’s in Biofabrication, offered jointly by the universities of Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, and A Coruña.

So Vigo is emerging as one of Spain’s most dynamic centers for biofabrication, thanks to its advanced research capabilities, collaborative ecosystem, and strong links between academia and industry. From marine-based biomaterials and 3D-printed fibers to sustainable composites for boats and blades, local experts are shaping the future of regenerative medicine and green technology. Their work demonstrates a successful blend of innovation, sustainability, and real-world application.

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From July 10th to 13th, the sixth edition of Vigo SeaFest, or ARVI do Peixe Festival, will be held in the Montero Ríos gardens and Paseo de As Avenidas.

Vigo SeaFest was created with the aim of showcasing and raising awareness of sustainable fishing, disseminating its socioeconomic role, and strengthening ties between the city and the sea.

Fish & Beer is a culinary competition featuring 14 local chefs, creating tapas using seven species: cod, swordfish, ray, monkfish, sardine, squid, and hake. Each one can then be judged at the link provided on the website.

There will also be showcooking sessions with tuna grilling and food trucks, along with shellfish and gyotaku workshops.

There will also be children's culinary workshops and other free children's workshops such as storytelling, cooking classes, and workshops on sustainable fishing.

The festival features two stages with performances by local bands such as Blue Monk and Planeta Marte Sarria, The Lákazans, and Clarence Bekker Band, as well as DJ sets by Rapariga, MV248, and Emídio Meireles.

Visits to training vessels and fishing routes will be arranged, along with nautical sports activities such as water polo tournaments, 3x3 basketball, swimming, and first-timers sailing. These events are open to the public upon registration.

Schedule:
Thursday the 10th: Fish & Beer + concerts: The Hurt Fingers and Sarria
Friday the 11th: Showcookings, stand-up comedy, music (Planeta Marte, DJ Rapariga, Clarence Bekker)
Saturday the 12th: Book presentation, tuna carving, children's workshop, music, sports tournaments
Sunday the 13th  Fish & Beer awards ceremony, networking workshop and music.

The President Macron and President Starmer reached an agreement to combat terrorism and illegal immigration of undocumented immigrants across the Channel in the so-called "One in, One out" agreement, specifically to combat mafias and the large number of immigrants, all young men.

In Greece, all asylum applications for illegal immigrants from North Africa are suspended, as announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who claims that an extraordinary situation requires a necessary response after acknowledging that they are overwhelmed by the massive arrival of immigrants to the island of Lesbos, with more than 3,000 daily arrivals, ignoring the do-gooders and NGOs.

Meloni, President of Italy, announces that he will deport all illegal migrants who reach its borders, while Poland, which is protesting the murder of its citizens by two illegal immigrants, announces the reinforcement of its borders due to the same illegal overflow.

Meanwhile, in Spain, demonstrations are taking place in Madrid and cities in Catalonia, the Canary Islands, etc. due to the violence and security problems faced by immigrants, rapes and assaults by people who arrive threateningly with no intention of integrating into the culture they find. Hoping that changes are made regarding the protection of resident citizens. Thus, Isabel Díaz Ayuso demands the closure of the three macro-camps for immigrants, those in Pozuelo, Alcalá and Carabanchel, while requesting increased security in these places. Meanwhile, they continue to arrive en masse and illegally, in contrast to what would be an adequate and desired legal and regulated immigration.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, July 8, you can purchase tickets to sit in the front row at one of the Castrelos 2025 concerts.

The Castrelos 2025 concerts are free in the amphitheater, but in the stalls, reduced prices are required to see each artist's performance up close.

The following are the details of the stalls and amphitheater concerts:

Jul 2 AnaBelén €10 Free
Jul 16 What Color is a Kiss? Free Free
Jul 17 GentedeZona €10 Free
Jul 18 Trueno €12 Free
Jul 21 The Black Keys €15 Free
Jul 24 Rozalén €10 Free
Jul 26 Coral Casablanca Free Free
Jul 31 Vanesa Martín €10 Free
Aug 1 Opera — LaTraviata Free Free
Aug 3 Jason Derulo €15 Free
Aug 9 Opera — Turandot Free Free
Aug 12 Beauty and the Beast (children's) Free Free
Aug 15 UB40 feat. Ali Campbell €12 Free
Aug 16 India Martínez €10 Free

The dates to purchase other tickets for the remaining concerts will be announced by Abel Caballero before each performance.

Related:

- Smartvigo

President Macron and President Stamer reach an agreement to combat terrorism and illegal immigration of undocumented immigrants across the Channel in the so-called "One in, One out" agreement, specifically to combat mafias and the large number of young male immigrants.

In Greece, all asylum applications for illegal immigrants from North Africa are suspended, as announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who claims that an extraordinary situation requires a necessary response after recognizing that they are overwhelmed by the massive arrival of immigrants to the island of Lesbos, with more than 3,000 daily arrivals, ignoring the do-gooders and NGOs.

Meloni, President of Italy, announces that he will deport all illegal migrants who reach its borders, while Poland, which is protesting the murder of its citizens by two illegal immigrants, announces the reinforcement of its borders due to the same illegal overflow.

While in Spain, demonstrations are taking place in Madrid and cities in Catalonia, the Canary Islands, etc., over violence and security issues facing immigrants, rapes, and assaults by people who arrive threateningly with no intention of integrating into the culture they find. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, for example, is demanding the closure of the three large-scale migrant camps: Pozuelo, Alcalá, and Carabanchel, and is requesting increased security at these locations. Meanwhile, migrants continue to arrive en masse and illegally, in contrast to what would be an adequate and desired legal and regulated immigration system.

Galicia Fest 2025

 Vigo launches a festival with its own stampThe city of Vigo adds a new musical milestone this summer with the debut of the Galicia Fest, a festival that focuses on the best national indie-pop and pop-rock.

Organized within the framework of the Xacobeo Concerts, the Galicia Fest will take place on August 29 and 30, bringing together more than a dozen top artists,

As the Transatlantic Dock of Vigo.

Among the first confirmed artists are Beret, in his only performance in Galicia this year, and Leire Martínez, who begins her solo tour after years leading La Oreja de Van Gogh.

Other groups will also be included such as Dorian, Maldita Nerea, La Habitación Roja and proposals like Samuraï, Hey Kid, or Éxtasis.Tickets are priced at 35 € per day or 50 € for the full pass. Children under 8 years old will enter for free.

Program

Friday, August 29

Dorian kicks off the festival with electronic rhythms and introspective pop. La Habitación Roja takes over alongside Samuraï and Sexy Zebras.

Saturday, August 30

Beret will perform his only concert in Galicia this year. Leire Martínez, after leaving La Oreja de Van Gogh, presents her new solo project. Alongside Fredi Leis, Hey Kid, Maldita Nerea, Marlon, Noan, and Paula Koops.

Vigo recovers its literary essence: the 2025 Book Fair organized by the Galician Federation of Booksellers, with institutional support and a budget of €15,000 from the City Council, is consolidated after its definitive return in 2024. After being held in areas such as Calvario and Porta do Sol, this year, 2025, the book fair will take place in Plaza de Compostela.

Schedule: From July 1 to July 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Under the slogan "Where books bloom," the fair features a poster by illustrator María Lapido. Beyond sales, the fair also aims to offer activities for all profiles and ages: including author signings such as comic artist Alexandre Senande.

It will have 21 booths, of which 2 belong to the City Council: the Neira Vilas Library and the Center for Feminist Documentation and Resources.