Pavel Tarasenko
International journalist with 20 years of experience and a specialist in Spanish studies. Graduate of Moscow State University’s Faculty of Journalism and PhD in Philology (dissertation on Spanish online media). Based in Andalusia.
Pavel Tarasenko
Chasing the Wind: Your Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Festivals This July
From July 8 to 12, Igualada hosts southern Europe's largest balloon festival, followed by Segovia's on July 17 — La Cotorra's Pavel Tarasenko, a longtime balloonist, explains how flights work and where to fly in Spain
Spain's Wine Battle and the Long, Troubled History of Spanish Wine
On the eve of Haro's Batalla del Vino, La Cotorra explores where Spanish wine came from, how to read its labels, and why winemaking is facing its worst crisis in decades
Spain's "Watergate": How the Leire Díez Case Is Threatening Pedro Sánchez
A former PSOE activist nicknamed "the plumber" is accused of running a shadow operation to sway court cases involving the party. With "El One" appearing throughout her messages, the opposition is circling
Andalusia Votes Right: What the Regional Election Results Mean for Spain's 2027 General Election
The People's Party won 41.6% but fell short of a majority, handing Vox the decisive role in forming a government. Healthcare and housing dominated the campaign — and both issues will be central in 2027
Why Is Spain So Corrupt? A Brief History and Eight Reasons the Problem Won't Go Away
With parliamentary elections approaching, corruption has become Spain's hottest political weapon. But the phenomenon is neither new nor simple — it stretches back centuries and involves structural, cultural, and psychological factors that no government has yet managed to fix.
The Cross and the Smartphone: The Paradoxes of Spanish Faith in the 21st Century
As Spain secularises at record speed, a new "cool Catholicism" led by influencers and pop stars like Rosalía is reinventing ancient traditions for the Gen Z era
Too many tourists: when a boom becomes a burden
La Cotorra examines the role tourism plays in Spain, its advantages and disadvantages, and what can be done to strike a balance between the interests of travellers and local residents.
The Scorching Summer of 2025: What It Was, What It Will Lead To, and What to Expect in 2026
Spain has endured record heat. And it looks as if things may become even more difficult. Is the country ready for the consequences of global climate change?
