Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2025

Quick Summary

The year's most engaging stories offered a deep dive into architecture, societal trends, and business innovation. A central narrative focused on Inés Esnal, who redesigned a residence within one of Fernando Higueras' most iconic buildings in Madrid to better suit her parents' needs.

Societal shifts were also prominent, particularly the observation that younger generations are leaning more to the political right. This trend is attributed to growing up during the pandemic and facing a future that is more expensive and difficult than expected, leading them to feel that traditional parties do not address their concerns.

Other widely read articles explored the global reverence for cats, the evolution of the study course company Genius, and the leadership of Marta Ortega at Zara as the brand celebrates 50 years. The list also included profiles on Spain's nearly 17,000 centenarians, the sociopolitical impact of avocado consumption, the expansion of Madrid as a global city, the return of the band G-5, and the achievements of immigrants' children becoming leaders in various fields.

Architecture and Personal History

Two of the year's most read stories centered on profound transformations in living spaces and personal histories. A standout piece detailed a unique architectural renovation in Madrid. Inés Esnal, an architect and artist, undertook the redesign of a flat for her parents located in one of the most emblematic buildings designed by Fernando Higueras. Her goal was to improve the living experience from within the architect's exuberant environment and anticipate future needs.

Separately, the publication revisited the poignant history of Spanish children exiled to México during the Civil War. Now elderly, these individuals shared memories of their lives, reflecting on how their experiences shaped them. These narratives highlight the enduring impact of historical events on personal lives and the architectural landscape of cities.

Societal Trends and Cultural Shifts 🌍

Current societal trends were a major focus, with articles examining the motivations behind the youth's political shift and the cultural status of animals. One analysis noted that young people are more right-wing than ever. Having grown up hearing they would live worse than their parents and being confined during the pandemic at a crucial age of discovery, they emerged to find the future more expensive and difficult. Feeling that traditional parties do not understand their problems, some have chosen to be rebels, but this time, rebels of the right, including the extreme right.

Another story explored the immense power of cats in modern culture. It questioned if the cat is the sacred creature of our time, noting a global fervor for these animals. It is estimated there are around 700 million cats on the planet, with 400 million of them being domestic. The article declares that this is the century of the cat.

Business, Economy, and Lifestyle

Business and lifestyle topics provided insights into longevity, retail strategy, and global commodities. The story of Genius, a company selling study technique courses, was detailed. The article described how the company transformed into a network that attracts young people with promises of healing traumas and turning them into leaders, with one subject recalling, "We were in a bubble. We were the elite."

Regarding longevity, the article highlighted Spain's growing population of centenarians, which stands at nearly 17,000. Spain has seen the largest increase in life expectancy following Japan. The narrative painted a picture of these individuals' hard lives and resilience.

In the fashion world, Zara marked 50 years since its first store opened in A Coruña. The article traced the company's evolution under the leadership of Marta Ortega, who stated, "No se trata de vender más, sino de vender bien" (It's not about selling more, but selling well). The brand continues to pursue new ambitions for the future.

Finally, the global popularity of avocates was analyzed as a mirror of society. The fruit reflects issues ranging from water crises and tariff wars to organized crime, wild deforestation, social media, diet obsessions, and the homogenization of offerings in this phase of capitalism.

Urban Life and Cultural Icons

The final set of popular stories looked at urban expansion and cultural representation. One article questioned the reality of Madrid's current moment of success and expansion. After years of trying to secure a place in the global city scheme, Madrid appears to have found a model and a brand to sell it. The piece asked whether this success is real or just a facade, and if it is a city for everyone or just for a few.

Music also made the list with the return of G-5, a superband formed by Kiko Veneno, Muchachito, Tomasito, El Canijo de Jerez, and Diego 'El Ratón'. The group released a new album and embarked on a new tour, bringing their street sounds and flamenco spirit back to the public.

Lastly, the achievements of children of immigrants who have become leaders were celebrated. Figures such as El Chojin, Hiba Abouk, Ouyang Zhu, and Delarue were highlighted. Their parents arrived in Spain from Latin America, China, or Africa. These individuals have carved out spaces in gastronomy, music, fashion, cinema, and literature, often growing up without white role models and hoping the next generation will not face the same lack of representation.