Welcome to DigameXtra !
The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia
Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop. Header photo: Cora Unk
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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Next Public Holidays: April 2026
2 April, Maundy Thursday
3 April, Good Friday
5 April, Easter Sunday
Thus, in April 2026, there is a long weekend break for Easter: Thursday thru Sunday, 2 thru 5 April.
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY– 17 MARCH, 2026
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PHOENIX CLUB
Phoenix Club: The Phoenix Social Club is open to all nationalities but the lingua franca is English.
We offer an opportunity to make friends, help each other & share information but primarily to have fun in a friendly and inclusive association. You do not have to be a member to join us on our trips.
Our handmade greetings cards are for sale weekly with all proceeds to the Red Cross. We would be happy to accept any greeting cards you may have to re-cycle into fantastic cards.
We meet every Thursday between 12 and 2 pm at Chine in Caleta, just off the coast road to/from Algarrobo.
*Trips/Events*
~All trips/events include a driver’s gratuity~
March
– 19th – Table Top Sale – Call if you have something to sell.
– 27th – Trip to IKEA/Plaza Mayor & Guzmans Garden Centre €20pp. If you prefer to stay at IKEA or Plaza Mayor we will pick you up on the way home
April
– 7th – Easter trip to Gibraltar, €20pp
May
– 15th – Trip to the Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins with lunch in Tarifa. Price €35 pp excludes lunch
June
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 10th – Trip to Estepona on Market day and a visit to the Orchid House. Price €25. Entry to the Orchid House is 3€ pp not included
July
– 3rd – Visit to the Victoria Brewery AM, Car Museum PM. Lunch in the port area of Malaga not included in the price.
Price 32€pp includes entry to both Museums
For information call Gail on 951067723/626370695 (Whatsapp) email phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk.
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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Father’s Day in Spain (Día del Padre) in 2026: This is on Thursday, March 19. It is a fixed annual date that coincides with Saint Joseph’s Day (San José), honouring the father figure of Jesus in the Catholic tradition. While not a public holiday nationally, it is a key cultural day often celebrated with family meals.
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Blues Concert On Sale Now- The Mama Paula Blues Band, Sat, 11 April, 7:30pm, with very special guests Dr. Paul Moonlight Blues on Harp + Richard Ray Farrell on Guitar & Vocals.
Salon Varietes Theater, Fuengirola
Info & tix (€20): https://salonvarietestheatre.com/live/show-details.php?id_show=837 & Video Link
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details
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Warning Note: Costal high winds & waves possible until 11:59pm Thursday.
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Latest Weather Alerts & Advisories For Andalucia: https://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/avisos?k=and
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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town
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SERVICES WANTED / OFFERED
Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra. Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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ARCHGROVE TRANSPORT SERVICES
Archgrove Services: A family run light haulage/transport company with bases in Archez, Spain and Cambridgeshire.
We are part of the ADH Storage and Transportation company and as such have storage available in Competa and Puente Don Manuel. Very reasonable rates.
We provide a one stop service for all your transport needs and pride ourselves on reliability, flexibility, good communication and a very much ‘can do’ approach. No job is too small and there is always a solution.
Our services include:
-Regular runs between UK and Spain
-Transport of personal property from full house moves to small single items
-Man & Van services
-Packing, including supply of packing materials
-UK Home shopping with UK delivery address
-Storage of property and vehicles in Spain
If we can be of service please contact Gail. We are on Facebook and always available to chat through your needs and provide a free no obligation quote if required.
UK: 0044 7846672013
Spain: 0034 951 066 093
Email: archgroveservices@gmail.com ; FB Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.
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SPW CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
SPW Construction Services: Professional high quality building service, fully qualified tradesmen to all trades.
Extensions, retaining walls, driveways, swimming pools, damp problems, roofs, blocked drains.
Replacement kitchens and bathrooms, Tiling and terraces. Plumbing, electrics and plastering, painting.
Architect service, building licence applications.
Handyman service now available for those smaller jobs.
Water Deposit Installations: Due to the ongoing drought and current water restrictions SPW Construction are currently offering the following service.
– Supply and installation of new above or below ground water deposits. 1000 litres up to 25000 litres. Delivered and installed, all relevant plumbing. All work warrantied.
– We can also advise you or help to organise water deliveries from local suppliers.
Selling Your House? SPW Construction can offer you a bespoke package to prepare your house for sale.
Through our extensive relationships with Agents, buyers and sellers we understand what is required to present your home to potential purchasers.
Interior & Exterior decoration / Replacement bathrooms and Kitchens
Pool Reforms / Garden tidy
DAFO Compliance, septic tanks, solar installations, etc.
Roof checks / Damp proofing
For free consultation and estimate contact us on 622938440
or email: scottparkwilson AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk
Scott/Arenas. Home Page and FB-Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.
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REDWELL INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS
Redwell Infrared Heaters for Inside
Manufacturer warranty 10 years
ONLY products from Germany and Austria
Product Range:
– Wall and ceiling infrared heaters
Mirror, Pictures, Glass, white & color
– Mobile Heaters, free standing on wheels
– Under table Heaters
– Analog & Digital Controlling Systems, Thermostats Systems
– LED Light Frames, 2 year warranty
For 20 years we have supported clients in Spain with the highest quality Infrared Heating Systems available on the market.
Request information without any obligation.
Location:
Axarquia Service-Center, Postbox 028
Dipl.-Ing. Svend Scharler
29793 Torrox Park, Malaga
E-mail: sscharler@gmx.de Web: https://redwell.com/
Office: 952539742 ; Mobil: 606423869. We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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HANNINGTONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Hanningtons Kitchens and Bathrooms: We have been installing kitchens and bathrooms here on the Costa for 13 years. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, highest standards of work and customer service.
Whether you are thinking of updating an existing kitchen or bathroom, or whether you wish to create the kitchen or bathroom you have always dreamed of, we are here for you, every step of the way.
With an unrivalled knowledge of the best local materials and suppliers we are able to work to all tastes and budgets.
Our full range of services includes:
– Installations and Refurbs
– Wall & Floor tiling
– Full range of Plumbing work including radiators and underfloor heating
– Solar Installation
– Design & planning ideas to get the look you are after
– Electrical works
– Alter / Install walls, dropped ceilings and hang doors
– Plastering, woodwork and floor levelling
Visit our FB page on the link below to be inspired
https://www.facebook.com/hanningtons.kitchens.and.bathrooms/
Call us : 669 665 156
Email us: hanningtons.bathrooms@gmail.com ; Our contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue.
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MANDY’S PAINTBOX
Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area. NEW JOB PHOTOS.
Painting work undertaken. Inside and outside, large or small. Furniture painted or sprayed. Kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes doors any colour any surface. Check out the before and after photos, all the furniture was spray painted. Call for advice. WhatsApp 680739577
Email: josiahamanda@gmail.com
My contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue. Here are “before” (left) and “after” (right) pics from my latest job.
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BUY / SELL / TRADE / RENT / WANTED
Click on pics to enlarge
How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/
Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.
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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE
BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
Why stay local when you can go…to Texas!
BluCee Real Estate
International buyers, local expertise.
We’re excited to announce that on 28th-29th March 2026, we’ll be in Texas, introducing local properties to a brand-new audience of American buyers.
Local homes. Global marketing.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk. Contact us before 20th March 2026 and we’ll saddle up and promote your property in Texas.
A free, honest property valuation. No pressure, just professional advice.
Email: info@blucee.com Web: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27
Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738, Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra – our contact details can be seen everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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AXARQUIA SILVER & GOLD TRADE
Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade– Unique Handcrafted Coin Rings & Much More:
***Services Offered***
– Buying all kind of Silver and Gold:
Silver coins and Gold coins, bullions and bars.
Jewellery and cutlery (no collector prices!).
– Selling handcrafted Coin Rings and Jewellery: Handcrafted rings, made from silver or gold.
There are many options possible– I will handcraft your individual silver or gold ring. Choose, for example: a coin from your year of birth; a custom present for a friend; choose a JFK ½ Dollar coin; or a $1 Dollar coin from 1921 is available. I have silver from Spain; 100 Pesetas coins from 1966 for something special; and many more. You can get it shiny or black or a mix. I look forward to creating something very special for you. You want big sizes for men? No problem!
– General Metals Markets Information:
I am trading now more than 10 years in physical silver and gold. If you are interested, make an appointment.
– Make an appointment by mail or phone.
Mail: sscharler@gmx.de
Call Svend Scharler: +34-606423869
I have my office and meeting point at the Axarquia Service Centre, local 101, 29793 Torrox Park. We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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For Sale: New, Budget Friendly Laptop, €420 cash.
Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3 (15IAN8)
Windows 11 in UK English; Keyboard is Spanish
Display- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) TN 250nits Anti-glare
Processor- Intel i3-N305, up to 3.8GHz, 8 core, 8 thread
8Gb RAM (soldered), 256Gb SSD
Card reader, HDMI, 2x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, Wifi 6, no ethernet (use a USB adapter)
Slim & lightweight- 1.5Kg, only 17.9 mm thick.
Battery- 8 hour, supports Rapid Charge Boost (get 2 hours of runtime with a 15-minute charge).
3 year factory warranty when registered online.
A good laptop for the average user: email, web-surfing, message/chat, streaming video, doc & photo editing. Not intended for advanced video editing or 8-way Zoom meetings. I’ll have 2 powerful business-grade laptops for those purposes later in the week.
Buyer collects. Only 2 in stock.
Contact: DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS, COMMENTS & SUBSCRIBER SOAPBOX
When making a recommendation always include the phone number or website of the biz, service, etc., so readers can reach them. Note: I can’t post third party email addresses.
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NEWS & ARTICLES
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
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SPAIN
Butane cylinder price hike due to the war in Iran: {Translation, summary}
– This past Monday the new revision of the price of butane was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The increase is considerable, taking into account that the last increase, last January, was 0.7%. The increase that will be applied from this Tuesday, March 17, will be almost 5%, adding 0.77 euros, resulting in a new price of 16.35 euros. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/mibolsillo/subidon-precio-bombona-butano-martes-guerra-iran-20260316131011-nt_amp.html
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The near-impossible task of booking an appointment to apply for a pension or register for unemployment benefits: {Translation, summary}
– The moment to retire has arrived for many Spanish workers, yet securing an appointment with the Social Security to process their pension has become impossible. Government offices, with insufficient staff and mounting tasks, are leaving thousands unable to complete the necessary paperwork. This crisis, born from mandatory online bookings introduced after the pandemic {Which is actually in violation of national laws requiring access to all, including those without smartphones or digital skills. -Ed.}, now also affects the SEPE unemployment agency, where similarly dire delays threaten citizens’ financial rights.
– An OCU (Organisation of Consumers and Users) investigation across 26 provinces found the situation unacceptable. In more than half of attempts, appointments were unavailable locally. Granada, Tarragona, Valencia and Zaragoza yielded no slots whatsoever. Even where appointments exist, waits are excessive: 28 days in Bilbao, over 23 in Malaga and 20 in Murcia. For urgent unemployment claims, delays of up to 32 days in places like Oviedo can result in lost benefits, forcing vulnerable citizens without digital skills into impossible online procedures.
– The OCU demands an end to compulsory advance appointments for urgent cases, priority attention for the vulnerable, human support desks with assistance for people without digital skills or devices, and a binding commitment to resolve urgent procedures within five days. Photo: Antonio López. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/tarea-imposible-pedir-cita-jubilarse-apuntarse-paro-20260316095122-ntrc_amp.html
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Three out of four Spaniards warn of the deterioration of democracy in the country, according to the CIS (Spanish Centre for Sociological Research): {Translation}
– Three out of four Spaniards believe that democracy is currently suffering serious deterioration in Spain and 90% believe that social conflict and polarization are on the rise, according to a study on “Fears in today’s society” conducted at the end of February by the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS).
– The survey, released this Monday and reported by Europa Press, indicates that 76.6% of those interviewed believe that there is currently ‘a lot or quite a bit’ of deterioration of democracy in Spain, compared to 20.2% who do not perceive this deterioration or consider it irrelevant. Furthermore, 82.4% of those who see this deterioration admit that this situation worries them ‘a lot or quite a bit’, compared to 16% who do not attach importance to it.
– In another question, nine out of ten respondents (89.8%) believe that social conflicts (violence, polarization and confrontations) are on the rise in today’s society, and only 9% actively denied it.
– The CIS survey specifically asked whether the media is contributing to increased fear and anxiety in society, and 77.1% of respondents believe so, compared to 20.1% who think otherwise. It did not mention whether politicians or other groups also influence societal fears. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-tres-cada-cuatro-espanoles-alertan-deterioro-democracia-pais-cis-20260316143222.html
ANDALUCÍA
Moreno announces “free, high-quality, and unlimited” Wi-Fi in all Andalusian public hospitals, and reveals it is part of the Agenda 2030 ‘Internet of Things’ as public hospitals become ‘smart centers’: {Translation, summary}
– The president of the Andalusian Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, announced on Monday the first “free, high-quality, and unlimited” Wi-Fi network in all Andalusian public hospitals. This project has involved an investment of €18.5 million to install 18,000 access points with state-of-the-art Wi-Fi technology. “It is proven that being connected is very important and, above all, being connected helps to make the days and hours in hospitals go by better; to reduce the isolation that often occurs in a hospital and to share concerns with those you feel closest to: friends, family…”, Moreno explained.
– With the collaboration of Telefónica, Vodafone and Innovasur, the president of the Junta explained that the free wifi network in hospitals, with which it will be possible to download movies, listen to music and make a video call, for example, represents “a revolution” for both patients and healthcare professionals, since it turns hospitals into “smart centers” because they have more and more technology that works with wifi.
– “This is what’s called the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), which allows information screens, electromedical equipment, and even ultrasound machines to be connected to sensors and the central data centers. This means moving towards a much more digital healthcare system, resulting in a more efficient and innovative service,” President Moreno stated. {Explainer for the following paragraph: Andalucía Vuela is a strategic initiative by the Agencia Digital de Andalucía (Andalusian Digital Agency) aiming to make the region an 100% digital, inclusive, and competitive territory. It focuses on fighting depopulation and reducing the digital divide through digital training for citizens and enhancing Wi-Fi infrastructure. -Ed.}
– Regarding Andalucía Vuela, the Andalusian president noted that its rollout in the region has been a significant milestone. “This network is already present in 10,500 public buildings, 430 health centers, schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, and courthouses. It has a total of 122,000 connection points throughout Andalusia,” Juanma Moreno explained in his address. In fact, there are already 376,000 registered users since its launch.
– In a press release, Vodafone Spain announced the completion of its WiFi rollout in eight major hospitals within the Andalusian Health Service (SAS).The Málaga Regional University Hospital now has over 430 WiFi access points across its five locations. “The complexity of the hospital environment demanded meticulous planning to ensure continuity of care at all times.” To guarantee uninterrupted operation, the infrastructure has thirteen redundant servers active 24/7. In the event of a failure, the others automatically take over. Furthermore, data travels through encrypted and independent channels to prevent unauthorized access. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/esandalucia/sevilla/noticia-moreno-anuncia-wifi-gratis-calidad-limite-tiempo-todos-hospitales-publicos-andaluces-20260316131728.html
AXARQUÍA
Funding for the Axarquía desalination plant pits the National Government against the Regional Government: {Translation, summary}
– The desalination plant in Vélez-Málaga should have been completed years ago. While Montero blames the Andalusian regional government for delays, she fails to acknowledge that the central government has been equally slow to act on water infrastructure across Spain.
– The 200 million euro federal financing of the Vélez project is not a gift to Andalusia, as Montero suggests, but an advance that local irrigators will ultimately have to repay through higher water bills.
– The central government’s decision to build a plant that falls under regional competence represents political point-scoring rather than effective long-term planning. Montero’s demand that the regional government provide land rings hollow when the central government has itself failed to invest adequately in Malaga’s water needs during the worst drought in decades. The national government has spent years promising action while delivering little, and this announcement comes suspiciously close to elections. Meanwhile, essential water infrastructure projects worth billions remain unfinished or unfunded across Andalusia. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/axarquia/2026/03/13/montero-destaca-ahorrar-200-millones-127918855.html
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The Axarquía region is recovering from drought, with the Viñuela reservoir system now operating normally: {Translation, summary}
– The La Viñuela reservoir now stands at nearly 90% of its total capacity, with almost 147 cubic hectometres accumulated. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has held telematic meetings of the Drought Management Committee of the Andalusian Mediterranean Basins, at which the formal proposal to move to a situation of normality in those systems that did not yet have this classification was approved. The Viñuela-Axarquía system is confirmed by technical reports to be above the thresholds established in the Special Drought Plans for normality. This progress will allow, in the coming days, the official declaration of the end of the drought throughout the regional area. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/la-axarquia-supera-la-sequia-con-el-sistema-vinuela-en-situacion-de-normalidad/
MALAGA PROVINCE
Periana, the village in Málaga with a free natural spa featuring healing waters that hardly anyone knows about: ‘It exudes a sense of calm’: {Translation, summary}
– One of the most important natural spas in Andalusia is located in a town in the province of Málaga with a population of just 3,000. This is the Baños del Vilo, an authentic Arab spa situated 2.5 kilometres from Periana, which can still be visited today to enjoy its healing waters completely free of charge. The sulphurous waters that spring from this spa meant that, for centuries, Periana became a prime tourist destination, attracting a flood of visitors who came to bathe in these mineral-medicinal waters.
– In the 1990s, Periana Town Council reclaimed the site and, since 2003, the surrounding area has been restored and holiday apartments have been built around the perimeter.
– However, these baths are not exclusively for guests staying at these apartments; they can be visited completely free of charge and without the need to book in advance. As such, anyone visiting this natural site can bathe in its sulphurous waters, which spring naturally at a constant temperature of 21 degrees and are renowned for their healing properties for skin conditions. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/malaga/2026/03/16/periana-pueblo-balneario-malaga-natural-gratis-aguas-curativas-nadie-conoce-banos-vilo-dv-128033822.html
ALGARROBO
Algarrobo Town Council is organising a photography competition to capture the ‘Essence of Algarrobo’: {Translation, summary}
– The Town Council of Algarrobo, through its Department of Culture, has launched a photography competition to highlight the identity, landscapes and heritage of the municipality. The initiative invites residents and visitors to capture the ‘Essence of Algarrobo’, showing through photography what makes the area unique. The participation period runs from 11 March to 16 April. The contest encourages participants to share their vision of Algarrobo through images reflecting its landscapes, traditions, culture and local life. Prizes will be awarded to the three best photographers. The council aims to encourage creativity, promote citizen participation and disseminate the scenic, cultural and heritage wealth of the municipality. Check with Town Hall for rules and entry forms. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-ayuntamiento-de-algarrobo-convoca-un-concurso-fotografico-para-capturar-la-esencia-algarrobena/
TORRE DEL MAR
A repeat offender who caused widespread public alarm in Torre del Mar has been arrested and deported: {Translation, summary}
– The National Police have arrested and deported a 45-year-old Romanian repeat offender who had caused social alarm in Torre del Mar. The man, settled in the town since 2021, had an extensive criminal record and recently caused damage to parked vehicles, generating concern among residents. His obscene and aggressive behaviour was frequently reported, with social media posts urging police action.
– Officers from the Vélez-Málaga police station’s Local Immigration and Borders Brigade worked since October to secure judicial authorisation for his deportation, as he had ongoing cases in courts across Vélez-Málaga, Málaga capital and Barcelona. His record included robbery with violence, burglary and criminal damage. Following administrative procedures and police operations involving several brigades and the Unit Attached to the Courts of Málaga, he was deported to Romania in February, ending the unease in Torre del Mar. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/detenido-y-expulsado-del-pais-delincuente-multirreincidente-sembro-alarma-social-torre-del-mar/
EUROPE
The Belgian Prime Minister calls on the EU to ‘normalise relations with Russia’– ‘No one dares to say it out loud’: {Translation, summary}
– Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has called for the EU to normalise relations with Russia to regain access to cheaper energy, arguing that without US support, Europe cannot militarily or economically pressure Moscow, making a negotiated agreement the only viable option. He claimed other European leaders privately agree but will not say so publicly.
– His remarks contradict the EU’s official policy of isolating Russia and avoiding energy imports that could fund its war in Ukraine. The EU’s Energy Commissioner swiftly rejected the idea, warning against indirectly financing Russia’s invasion. Belgium’s own Foreign Minister also distanced himself, stressing that necessary dialogue with Russia is not the same as normalising relations. Both Belgian officials reaffirmed their country’s continued support for Ukraine. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/primer-ministro-belgica-dice-que-ue-debe-normalizar-relaciones-con-rusia_6946530_0.html
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European Commission rejects resuming purchases of Russian energy and warns– “We will not import a single molecule again”: {Translation, summary}
– The European Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jorgensen, ruled out on Monday the possibility of resuming energy purchases from Russia after the Belgian Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, suggested over the weekend that Europe might reconsider its energy relations with Moscow should an agreement be reached to end the war in Ukraine. “In the European Union, we have decided that we do not want to import Russian energy,” the Commissioner stated on his arrival at the Energy Council meeting in Brussels, where ministers are discussing the current surge in energy prices and possible EU responses.
“Europe cannot indirectly contribute to financing Russia’s brutal and illegal war. For too long we have depended on Russian energy, which has allowed Putin to blackmail us with energy and use it as a weapon against us. We are determined to stay the course on these issues,” he remarked. He therefore argued that the EU must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and stay the course on its energy policy. ‘The message is very clear: in future we will not import a single molecule from Russia,’ he stressed.
– For her part, Sweden’s Energy Minister, Ebba Busch, has also rejected any possibility of resuming energy relations with Moscow and has insisted that the EU must not return to relying on Russian gas despite the current context of high prices.
– Her Belgian counterpart, Mathieu Bihet, however, has not commented on De Wever’s statements, although he has defended the need to “create energy production capacities on European soil”, as well as the promotion of nuclear energy as a possible way to lower prices and guarantee supply. ‘We welcome the European Commission’s note of support on SMRs (small modular reactors) and the President’s remarks last week at the European nuclear energy summit in Paris, where she stated that it was a strategic mistake to abandon nuclear energy and turn the page on it,’ he said. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/economia/energia-00341/noticia-bruselas-rechaza-reanudar-compras-energia-rusa-avisa-no-volveremos-importar-molecula-20260316122556.html
WORLD
Cuba suffers a total blackout of the electrical system:
– A new total disconnection of Cuba’s National Electric System (SEN) occurred this Monday, March 16, 2026. It is the sixth nationwide blackout in the last 18 months. The power outage left the entire country without electricity, reported the state-run Electric Company (UNE) on its social media. According to the entity, “the causes are under investigation,” and “emergency protocols” have begun to be activated in an attempt to restore the SEN.
– However, authorities warned that normalizing the power supply could take numerous hours due to the condition of the infrastructure and the scale of the breakdowns. Currently, nine of the 16 thermoelectric units that make up the national system are out of service. These plants represent around 40% of the country’s electricity generation, so their shutdown reduces the system’s capacity to meet domestic demand.
– Before today’s collapse, the National Electric Power System (SEN) had already suffered five other total failures in just over a year. The first occurred on October 18, 2024; the second on November 6, 2024, associated with the passage of Hurricane Rafael; the third on December 4, 2024; the fourth on March 14, 2025; and the fifth on September 10, 2025, when an unexpected shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant caused the system to disconnect. Full article: https://havanatimes.org/news/cuba-suffers-another-national-electrical-collapse/
HEALTH
Doctors are back on the streets in the second week of this year’s strike: “I feel completely unrepresented by this minister”: {Translation, summary}
– Hundreds of doctors began a second national strike in Spain this Monday, protesting outside the Ministry of Health in Madrid. They demand a dedicated statute to end compulsory 24-hour on-call shifts, which are poorly paid and do not count toward pensions. The strike committee, comprising several major medical unions, accuses Minister Monica Garcia of avoiding dialogue and dismissing a recent ministry announcement of an agreement with a small medical worker’s union as a “trick” to demobilise them.
– Doctors of all ages and ranks, including trainees and students, participated, expressing exhaustion and disillusionment. Key demands include better pay and conditions for on-call work, recognition of resident doctors as trainees rather than cheap labour, and the ability to maintain a work-life balance. The minister has insultingly suggested the strike has political motivations, a claim the doctors deny, insisting on their serious and justified grievances. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/los-medicos-vuelven-calle-segunda-semana-huelga-ano-me-siento-cero-representada-por-esta-ministra_6946518_0.html
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Two ministers living in isolation bubbles blame each other, while ignoring the reality of the healthcare disaster– That they are both to blame!:
– Minister of Health, Presidency & Emergencies of the Andalusian Regional Government, Antonio Sanz, accuses National Minister of Health, Mónica García, of causing Andalusia to lose more than half a million medical procedures due to her “arrogance”.
– Minister Sanz has accused Minister García of making Andalusia lose more than half a million medical acts and 77 million euros in the two strikes that to date have been supported by the doctors of the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) to protest against the Framework Statute. In statements to the media in Seville, Sanz regretted García’s “arrogance and arrogance” on the day on which the second full strike week begins, from March 16 to 20, framed in a calendar of mobilisations that will last until next June if there is no agreement with the Ministry before.
– For the Andalusian minister the situation is “unsustainable and unacceptable” and he has reproached the “abandonment of responsibilities” of the Minister of Health that, ultimately, “we suffer” the autonomous communities. “Andalusia supports doctors, we understand them,” said Antonio Sanz (who has zero medical training) as he criticised the head of the Government for not caring about patients. “We communities suffer a strike in which we have nothing to do.” {Clearly Sanz is disingenuous in his attempts to deflect responsibility– he, along with Minister García, both refuse to address the claims of the majority medical workers, rather they negotiate with small unions and claim they are working with the entire industry when they are not. Both continue to repeat failed proposals as if they were new solutions while avoiding the only real solution: higher wages and better working conditions for medical staff. It makes one wonder if they are they waiting for the unpaid robot doctors to eventually fill these vacancies? -Ed.} Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/esandalucia/sevilla/noticia-sanz-acusa-ministra-hacer-perder-andalucia-mas-millon-actos-medicos-soberbia-prepotencia-20260316110529.html
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The Nursing Director of the Malaga Clinical Hospital resigns, returns to his previous position as ward supervisor of the Oncohematology Service: {Translation, summary}
– The director of Nursing of the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital (El Clinico), Pablo Fernández Plaza, has resigned after five and a half years in office. The professional has alleged “personal reasons” despite his transferring to another hospital position, as health sources have confirmed to La Opinión de Málaga. Fernández Plaza assumed command in 2020, in full covid-19 pandemic, one of the most critical moments that has passed through the Malaga hospital, as well as the rest of the health centers. Until that moment, he held the position of supervisor of the Oncohematology Service, a position that he is now returning to. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/fotos/malaga/2026/03/16/director-enfermeria-hospital-clinico-malaga-pablo-fernandez-128045115.html
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
When is a game not just a game? Pokémon GO players were duped into feeding data to train AIs:
– Pokémon GO, launched in 2016, did more than transform mobile gaming; players were also contributing to the training of advanced artificial intelligence. In 2024, Niantic revealed its work on Spatial Intelligence, a model that refines the placement of digital elements in real-world settings. Its spin-off division, Niantic Spatial, has used data gathered from players of Pokémon GO and Ingress, amounting to 30 billion urban images captured through their cameras.
– These images are now training AI systems used in Coco Robotics’ delivery machines, deployed in cities including Los Angeles, Miami, and Helsinki. Niantic Spatial’s leaders, John Hanke and Brian McClendon, explained that the technology enabling Pikachu’s realistic movements parallels that guiding autonomous delivery robots. By comparing live camera input to vast spatial and visual databases, Coco robots can navigate streets safely and accurately, showcasing how a mobile game’s global user base became an unexpected force in robotics innovation.
Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/videojuegos/no-solo-capturabas-pikachus-tambien-entrenabas-una-ia-niantic-usa-camara-pokemon-go-para-guiar-robots-reparto_6946503_0.html
Additional ref, English: https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/pokemon-go-ai-mapping-22/
SCIENCE
A Catalan study claims that the Pyramids of Giza were not built by the Egyptians– they are said to be 12,000 years old: {Translation, summary}
– A recent study by Catalan researcher António Ambrósio proposes that the Pyramids of Giza may be around 12,000 years old, far older than the accepted dating of 2600–2500 BC. Published on Academia.edu and not yet peer reviewed, the research argues that these monuments might have been built by an advanced civilisation preceding ancient Egypt. Supporting evidence includes the absence of royal mummies, granite cuts difficult to achieve with known copper tools, and erosion on the Sphinx consistent with ancient heavy rainfall.
– Ambrósio’s theory aligns with ideas previously advanced by authors such as Robert Bauval, Graham Hancock, and Robert Schoch, who also question Egypt’s traditional chronology. The study points to the pyramids’ precise astronomical alignment as a sign of sophisticated knowledge. Altogether, it challenges the mainstream view that the Egyptians constructed the monuments, suggesting instead the legacy of a forgotten and technologically capable civilisation that predates recorded history. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/ciencia/un-estudio-catalan-asegura-que-las-piramides-giza-no-fueron-construidas-por-los-egipcios-tendrian-12-000-anos-antigueedad_6946723_0.html
SPACE
The official Spanish website for the Trio of Eclipses offers information regarding these rare events:
– Spain will see three consecutive solar eclipses: on August 12, 2026, August 2, 2027, and January 26, 2028. Two of them will be total eclipses and one annular.
– The official website for the Trio of Eclipses offers extensive information on these events: technical aspects, viewing, and planning trips to prime viewing locations. [ https://www.trioeclipses.es/ ] You can choose the display language in the upper right corner of the page.
SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES
*Click links to read the English language articles*
– New pet ownership regulations and dog leash laws in Almuñécar: a guide to fines and compliance
https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/costa-tropical/new-pet-ownership-regulations-and-dog-leash-20260313131256-nt.html
– Malaga-Madrid AVE travel alert: Adif confirms high-speed line closed until after Easter 2026
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-will-remain-without-direct-highspeed-connection-20260316130118-nt.html
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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
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Fun & Games
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Cinesur El Ingenio Films schedule: You can find the film schedule at this link. Films tagged as (VOSE) are in the original language with Spanish subtitles.
https://www.cinesur.com/es/cine/mk2-cinesur-el-ingenio
Useful Links, Info & Numbers
Petrol Prices, updated daily: These are the fuel stations in Malaga province with the lowest prices. The price data for 95 and 98-octane petrol and diesel fuel is updated every day. See it here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/updated-daily-these-20220314114157-nt.html
Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily: The direct link to the old familiar chart page no longer works. Here is the new way to access it. This link takes you to the map version.
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/visor/visorE ; to see the chart version click this link, then in the menu bar click Data (Datos) > Reservoirs (Embalses) > Breaking News (Datos de ultima hora)
Weekly Markets
Monday: Torrox Costa
Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
Wednesday: Rincon de la Victoria, Algarrobo Costa
Thursday: Velez Malaga, Torre del Mar, Frigiliana
Friday: Almunecar, Salobrena, La Herradura- Summers only, Mercadillo de La Cala del Moral- Rincon de la Victoria.
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: Nerja Car Boot
Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
Torrox: 952 531 030
Frigiliana: 952 533 231
Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
National Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112
Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
Nerja: 952 521 545
Frigiliana: 952 533 126
Torre del Mar: 952 549 238
Local/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
Local Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/torre-del-mar/306652/weather-forecast/306652
Bus Info: https://www.alsa.com/en/home
Currency Converter: https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=GBP&amount=1
Internet Speed Test: http://beta.speedtest.net/
Local Bank Holidays: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/spain/index.php UK Newspaper Front Pages and Worldwide Newspapers All On One Site: https://www.thepaperboy.com/uk/front-pages.cfm
Check All Lottery Results Here: Updated daily.
https://www.20minutos.es/loterias/
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Malaga Province: New, updated link (Aug, 2023). Info in English with list of English speaking meetings. https://aacostadelsol.com/
DoctorLaptop’s Homepage: https://torrox-computer-pc-repair-service-by-doctorlaptop.webnode.page/
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