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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Next Public Holiday: Thursday, 1 May is Fiesta del Trabajo (Labor Day).
DigameXtra will be closed.
Items scheduled for Thursday, 1 May, will appear in the Friday issue.
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May Editor’s Holiday: Friday, 16 May.
DigameXtra will be closed.
Items scheduled for Friday, 16 May, will appear one day early, in the Thursday, 15 May issue. Submissions for the Thursday, 15 May issue must be received by 6pm Wednesday, 14 May.
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DigameXtra Welcomes Back A Sponsor
CasaCamino343 (formerly Casa Magel)
Welcome Aboard!
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What’s On
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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Cata Junto al Mar Torrox Costa- the largest open-air Wine Tasting by the Sea in southern Europe: Thurs, 1 May
– At the Mirador del Faro from 12:00 noon. The wine tasting also includes a national contest of ham cutters.
– From this coming Tuesday April 22 and you can pick up the free tickets to attend the tasting in the offices of the Mayor in Torrox, in the mayor’s office of El Morche or in the building of Usos Múltiples of Torrox Costa (the library/tourist office by the bus station). As in previous editions, to facilitate the attendance of public coming from other parts of the Axarquia and the province of Malaga, of the 1,000 tickets issued, 400 will be reserved for the same day of the tasting, so that they can be collected by people arriving from outside.
– The day will feature ambient music and local DJs, as well as leading specialists who will explain both the characteristics of the Malaga wines to be tasted and the tasting process of each of the three varieties.
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Rescheduled Car Boot, El Pantano, Vinuela:
– Please note that our car boot sale normally scheduled for the first Sunday of the month has had to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances.
The new dates for our car boot are as follows: -WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY & WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE from 0900 – 1300.
Directions. A356, Km.30 (from Velez Málaga to Colmenar) overlooking the lake below Los Romanos.All our stallholders will be there plus new ones so we look forward to seeing you all and spending pleasant mornings with us For further information/bookings please contact Sandy on 633878471.
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Traditional Flamenco- 2 Events
Teatro del Soho CaixaBank, C/ Córdoba 13, Málaga 29001
– Wed, 30 April, 8pm. Aurora Vargas, Roots & Feelings
Voice & tapshoes: Aurora Vargas / Guitarist: Miguel Salado
Clapping and jaleos: Diego Montoya, Manuel Salado, Javi Peña. Info & tix (€18-28): https://teatrodelsoho.com/evento/aurora-vargas-raices-y-sentimientos/ & Video Link
– Thurs, 1 May, 8pm. Israel Fernández “Por amor al cante”
Advance tickets sold out for this show, a limited number of tickets will be sold at the box office the day of the show. Or check for advance tix from ticket reseller websites.
The tour of different theaters of the peninsula by the singer from Toledo and the veteran guitarist Antonio el Relojero, from the Madrid town of Colmenar de Oreja.
Info & tix (€25): https://teatrodelsoho.com/evento/israel-fernandez-por-amor-al-cante/ & Video Link 1 & Video Link 2
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X Dia de la Miel de Cana (molasses day)- Frigiliana: Sun, 4 May, 11am
The program includes:
Guided tour of the molasses factory at 11am.
Presentation of traditional recipes with cane honey.
Tasting of some specialties.
Musical and dance performances from noon.
While it is commonly called as cane or molasses honey, it can be found with other names, such as final honey, black honey or blackstrap molasses, all valid to refer to this product.
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Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja: Upcoming events
– Thurs, 1 May, 8pm. Diamantes del Flamenco
– Fri, 2 May, 8pm. Yerma
– Sat, 3 May, 8pm. Flamenco- Cafe del Mundo
C/ Granada 45, Nerja 29780 Tel: 952523863
Box office open 11am-2pm, M-F.
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Día del Níspero- Sayalonga: Sunday, May 4
The opening of the craft stalls and typical products will be at 12 noon. Also at that time will begin performances with the dance group Amanecer de Sayalonga and Corumbela, followed by the Rondalla de Sayalonga.
At 15:00 hours the Panda de Verdiales Primera de Comares perform, followed by the Coro Rociero La Blanca Paloma de Corumbela, and the Cuadro Flamenco de la Boterita. At 18:00 hours will be the concert Mecamela ‘Tribute to Camela’ and at 20:00 hours will continue with music djs A.Hierro and dj Sau.
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Harlem Globetrotters will be in Malaga on May 22:
Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena, Malaga
In the 2025 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour show, presented by Adeslas, basketball fans will enjoy a dizzying spectacle, full of magic, acrobatics and improbable baskets. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the players in person and live an unforgettable experience thanks to the Globetrotter Experience and the Magic Pass.
Info: https://www.malagadeporteyeventos.com/harlem-globetrotters-world-tour-2025/
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast
Warning Note: Possible high winds & waves, ends 6pm Tuesday (yesterday).
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Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!
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COMPARE FUNERALS
Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain:
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.
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CASACAMINO343 B&B
CasaCamino343: Our New B&B In Now Open!
Special 3 night break in the lovely mountains of Andalucia
– Casacamino343 (formerly Casa Magel) are once again offering our popular 3 night breaks, including breakfast and on one night, TBA, a delicious home made 3 course meal with wine or beer.
– We have moved across the village and now offer a fully licenced self contained 4 bedroom, 2 en-suite and 2 private bathrooms. The house has a fully equipped kitchen, dinning room, large living room. terrace with views to the mountains, set in an ancient olive grove on the outskirts of Valle De Abdalajis. From June our pool will be open.
– We are a 5 minute drive in to the pueblo of Valle De Abdalajis with supermarkets and bars. A very good restaurant is 10 minute walk away. The lakes of Ardales and the Caminito Del Rey are 30 minutes drive. Antequera and El Torcal are 30 minute drive and the Wolf park is 15 minute drive. Lots to do in the area, lovely walks and scenery.
– We can offer the whole house to a group of friends, ideal for birthdays and anniversaries or just a good time away. Or, come on your own and meet other people. We have a honesty bar or bring your own. No hard tracks to drive, very easy to find..
– The cost for 3 night B&B with 1 night 3 course meal with wine is €275.00 per room with 2 sharing.
CONTACT
Phone: 722879503 or 632298062
Email: casacamino343@yahoo.com
Website: www.casacamino343.com
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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted
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Great Deals From Upcycling Nerja
– Pair of stone horse and carts Measurements Length 115cms Width 45cms Price 120€ ( for the pair )
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Recommendations, Requests & Comments
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
Power Restored In Spain, Portugal But The Situation Reveals A Very Serious Underlying Problem:
– Here’s an excerpt from Michael Shellenberger at PUBLIC, who provided an uncomfortable truth about the unhinged liberals in Europe who have been hellbent on retiring fossil fuel power and nuclear generation plants, swapping for unreliable solar and wind:
“Despite all these warnings, political and regulatory energy in Europe remained focused on accelerating renewable deployment, not upgrading the grid’s basic stability. In Spain, solar generation continued to climb rapidly through 2023 and early 2024.
Coal plants closed. Nuclear units retired.
On many spring days by 2025, Spain’s midday solar generation exceeded its total afternoon demand, leading to frequent negative electricity prices.
The system was being pushed to the limit.
And today, at 12:35 pm, it broke.
Spain’s blackout wasn’t just a technical failure. It was a political and strategic failure.
Unless Spain rapidly invests in synthetic inertia, maintains and expands its nuclear fleet, or adds some other new form of heavy rotating generation, the risk of future blackouts will only grow worse.”
Read the in depth analysis: https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/power-restored-spain-portugal-net-zero-becomes-headache-brussels
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David Sánchez, Miguel Ángel Gallardo & Luis Carrero are going to trial- Judge to open oral trial against Pedro Sanchez’s brother: {Translation}
– The head judge of the Court of Instruction number 3 of Badajoz, Beatriz Biedma has initiated the opening of oral proceedings against the brother of Pedro Sánchez, David Sánchez Pérez-Castejón; the president of the Provincial Council of Badajoz and secretary general of the PSOE Extremadura, Miguel Ángel Gallardo, and the former advisor of Moncloa Luis Carrero, among others, for alleged crimes of administrative malfeasance and influence peddling.
– In a 70-page order issued on Monday, April 28, to which Europa Press has had access, Judge Beatriz Biedma establishes that the proceedings continue by the abbreviated procedure against the investigated David Sanchez, Miguel Angel Gallardo and Luis Carrero, among other charges of the Diputación de Badajoz.
– The investigator also establishes that the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the accusations in this case be transferred so that “in the common term of 10 days they can request the opening of the oral trial, formulating a written accusation or dismissal of the case, or exceptionally, the practice of complementary diligences”. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1892770/la-jueza-propone-abrir-juicio-oral-contra-el-hermano-de-pedro-sanchez/
ANDALUCÍA
Power Update- The Government points out that especially in Eastern Andalusia there remain areas without light: {Translation, summary}
– The Government delegate in Andalusia, Pedro Fernandez, said that during the night of Monday and the early hours of Tuesday “power has been progressively restored throughout the territory” Andalusia, although “there are areas where electricity still does not reach, especially in the eastern part of the community.” “Residents still without power should remain attentive to the official channels of communication to follow the recommendations of the authorities”. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-gobierno-senala-todo-andalucia-oriental-siguen-zonas-luz-recomienda-no-usar-coche-apagon-20250429101412.html
MALAGA PROVINCE
The transport of Malaga on Tuesday after the blackout- the subway and train to Madrid, restored; Avant and Cercanías, out of service: {Translation}
– Public transport is gradually returning to Malaga after the blackout. In the early hours of the morning, the Metro was already operating normally, and the high-speed train service to Madrid is gradually being reinstated. Both the Cercanías and the Avant and Media Distancia trains are suspended, although Renfe has announced its intention to recover them throughout the day.
– The Malaga subway is the first of the services that works with total normality of those that depend on the light. At the stroke of 4 o’clock in the morning this Tuesday, it was already warning through its accounts in social networks that users could access the Metro from the beginning of the day.
– The high speed, that is, the AVE, AVLO, Iryo and Ouigo services to Madrid, are restored, as announced by the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente. Always, of course, from María Zambrano. For those departing from Seville, their connection to Cordoba will be made by bus, according to Renfe, which warns of a gradual restoration of the high-speed line.
– Neither the Avant trains connecting with Seville nor the Media Distancia trains are in service. The Malaga-Granada train cannot start service either due to infrastructure problems. Neither do the Cercanías trains in the early hours of the morning, due to lack of voltage. Once the service is restored, Renfe announced that the tickets for today’s Cercanías would be free.
– The airport operated Monday during the day and continue to operate this Tuesday. Aena indicates that at night the schedules have been adapted to the needs of rescheduled passengers and there have been no significant crowds in the terminals. They also remind that in Belgium there is a general strike, which may affect operations with Brussels and other airports in the country.
– Buses in Malaga are operating without major problems. Early in the morning traffic was intense in the access from Juan XXIII avenue to Manuel Azaña square, Blas Infante avenue, Guerrero Stracha avenue and Valle Inclán avenue. With fluid traffic for the rest of the roads. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/transporte-malaga-apagon-metro-tren-madrid-avant-cercanias_0_2003827602.html
ALMÁCHAR
Almáchar celebrates this weekend the Fiestas in Honor of the Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde, a tradition that dates back three centuries: {Translation, summary}
– Friday 2 to Sunday 6 May.
– The function of the Christ of the Green Band goes back at least three centuries ago when the earthquake of 1755 occurred, which caused several thousand victims in Portugal, Spain and North Africa and very high economic damages. Tradition has it that the inhabitants of Almáchar then made a promise to take him out in procession on the first Sunday of May. Nowadays, many people follow him in kilometers-long queues.
– The activities start on Friday, May 2nd at nine o’clock in the morning with the traditional ringing of bells. At 12:00 hours will be the descent of the Holy Christ from the chapel to the throne. At 18:00 hours in the Casa de la Cultura, the Lorena Diaz Musical Theater School will offer a musical theater. Until two in the morning, the attractions will have reduced price. At 20:00 hours will be the basketball game Memorial José Gámez between Montefaco Almáchar and Club Baloncesto Motril. “The lighting of the festivities is scheduled for 22:00 hours. From 23 hours, every night, the orchestras ‘D`Vertigo’ and ‘Metropolis’ will perform,” said the councilman of Fiestas. At 00:00 hours will be the election of King, Queen and Ladies of Honor and the children’s category. At 01:30 hours will be the performance of the group ‘Malamanera’. The night will continue with the orchestra D’Vértigo and DJ Baste.
– On Saturday, May 3, the activities will begin at the Casa de la Cultura with performances by the groups Ballet, Alegría, Revuelo and Alboroto. At 7:30 p.m. there will be the traditional race of ribbons on horseback with prizes for every five obtained. In the evening, there will be a fireworks show and the “Tribute to Estopa: Fuente de Energía”. The final touch will be provided by DJ Patore.
– On Sunday, May 4, at 18:00 hours will be the mass in honor of the Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde in which the Choir Luz de Luna will intervene. An hour later there will be a parade of the Agrupación Musical Las Lagunas de Mijas. At 19:30 hours, will be the procession. At 00:00 hours, there will be a concert by Jairo Cuevas, finalist of the program ‘Yo soy del Sur’ 2019 of Canal Sur. The night will continue with performances D’Vértigo and New Velada.
Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/almachar-celebra-este-fin-de-semana-las-fiestas-en-honor-al-santo-cristo-de-la-banda-verde-una-tradicion-que-se-remonta-a-hace-tres-siglos/
MIGRATION IN SPAIN
Antonio Izquierdo- “Immigration has not rejuvenated the demographic pyramid of any country”: {Translation}
-Immigration has become, for years, one of the main problems in Spain according to CIS barometers. Along with housing or economic problems, becoming the first according to those surveyed in 2024, in the midst of the crisis due to the saturation of the reception centers in the Canary Islands and Melilla. An issue that “divides” and that is at the “center of the political debate”, as explained by
Antonio Izquierdo Escribano, PhD and Professor of Sociology at the University of A Coruña, with extensive experience in research on migration that led him to be the representative of Spain in the OECD from 1989 to 2008 as an expert on migration. The professor and writer escapes from common attitudes and offers a clear and forceful vision of the migration phenomenon in Spain: “There is not a single developed country in the world that has rejuvenated its demographic pyramid thanks to immigration”. “Germany continues to age, France continues to age, Argentina continues to age… for this not to happen, in technical terms, we would need to receive very large flows, like the ones we are receiving now, but for 30 or 40 years in a row. And that is not going to happen, there is no country that supports flows like the ones we are having for so long”, explains the professor, who, through data, shows how the synthetic fertility index -children per woman- of immigrants tends to be equal to that of the native population according to data from the last two decades.
– “That they have a positive contribution in many things, for example, in the composition of the economically active population, without any doubt. Now, is that going to sustain the pension system? Well, no,” Izquierdo asserts. The demographics expert stresses that what the system needs to be sustainable is “more contributors”, because, “if we have many immigrants who do not contribute, because they are irregular or have very low salaries, the pension system does not benefit from this”.
– Izquierdo explains that it is not precisely the poorest who migrate to the main European economies. “It is the middle classes who migrate, those who can overcome the obstacles to reach the country, and this requires intellectual and material resources,” the professor points out. However, few manage to remain middle classes in the countries to which they migrate. “They come to Europe to declassify themselves,” but the reality is that, either because of regulatory formalities or because of difficulties in getting their training approved, the vast majority are forced into lower-skilled jobs, which inevitably affects the number of children they have.
– Economic growth. “What we need to attract is qualified and experienced people with educational qualifications, and for that we need educational systems, housing systems and work systems that promote social mobility,” adds the sociologist. Because when these conditions do not exist, immigration drops and those with more possibilities look for opportunities outside the country. “Just like us, of course. Immigration doesn’t fall off the cliff, it doesn’t throw itself into ravines,” he stresses.
– You don’t have to leave Spain to see this phenomenon. A simple glance at the data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows how the number of people immigrating to Spain increased considerably during the period of the real estate bubble, with the increase in wages, but many of them returned and the flows decreased with the same intensity after the puncture and the crisis that succeeded it. It was not until 2018 that the threshold of 300,000 immigrants per semester that the country registered until 2008 was reached again.
– In the same way, the economic growth of the last years after the shocks of the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine caused immigration to clearly increase again. The latest INE data, corresponding to the second quarter of 2022 (provisional), estimate the arrival of 479,000 people in Spain, the record of the historical series. Migratory flows are concentrated in the main cities and urban centers, such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. The economic and growth engines that continue to absorb population, both native and foreign, while the so-called ’empty Spain’ remains deserted. A phenomenon not without its challenges, Izquierdo acknowledges, especially considering the speed with which it has occurred. Therefore, if Spain faces a scenario of greater fiscal pressure to maintain the current public pension model, immigrants will look for other places with greater economic dynamism, as has happened in recent history, both in our country and in the rest of the world.
– Beyond figures or degrees of qualification, for the professor of sociology, the fundamental thing is to consider what place we want immigration to have in our society. A discourse that does not fit with the times or the forms of politics, as shown by the constant reforms of the law on foreigners, without addressing an in-depth debate in which all sensitivities are involved. All this without taking into account the opinion of the immigrants themselves, as shown by the lack of surveys and data in this regard. The sociologist gives as an example the National Immigrant Survey (ENI), which has not been updated since 2007, or the lack of information on the situation of foreigners during the Covid-19 pandemic.
– “Because that costs money, research costs money if it is done well. And they are the ones who never give their opinion, those who are ignored by the surveys, those who do not vote,” Izquierdo asserts. “The CIS samples are only made for those who have Spanish nationality, in addition to a sample of 5.5% of the total for naturalized people – foreigners who obtain nationality – and that is all that is done,” he adds.
– These shortcomings are accompanied by the Spanish migratory model, where the lack of human and economic resources leads to problems derived from improvisation. This leads to cases such as those recently experienced in the Galician community, with the expulsion of immigrants transferred from the Canary Islands due to the crisis of the summer of 2024, with no guarantees or capacity for integration.
– In contrast to other models such as the German one, where a regulated process is carried out, with requirements such as a language qualification, but offering resources that allow them to work and be trained at the same time. On the other hand, the Spanish model, although it does not have the same capacity to compete to attract qualified immigrants as those of the United Kingdom or Germany itself, favors these people to fill less qualified and lower paid jobs. “We have to allow, as in Germany, that an immigrant can work legally and that there is a commitment from the employer so that he can train three or four days a week, or in the afternoons. But that has to be done,” Izquierdo insists. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/galicia/antonio-izquierdo-inmigracion-rejuvenecido-piramide-demografica-ningun-20250427203134-nt_amp.html
CANADA
Canada’s Liberals celebrate a stunning win and the populist challenger loses his seat:
– As Canada’s Liberals celebrated election victory in a stunning turn of fortune, the country would not know until later Tuesday whether the party of Prime Minister Mark Carney would have an outright majority or need help in Parliament.
– Populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre — in the lead until U.S. President Donald Trump took aim at Canada with a trade war and annexation threats — was voted out of his Parliament seat in Monday’s election. That capped a swift decline in fortunes for the firebrand Poilievre, who a few months ago appeared to be a shoo-in to become Canada’s next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade.
– Poilievre, a career politician, campaigned with Trump-like bravado, taking a page from the “America First” president by adopting the slogan “Canada First.” But his similarities to Trump may have ultimately cost him and his party. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/canada-election-carney-trump-poilievre-7d42d2d93b98d471c2afb3cd602d117d
HEALTH
The €283 million plan to reduce 60% of the surgical waiting lists in Andalusia only manages to cut 5%: {Translation, summary}
– Andalusia’s €283 million plan to cut surgical waiting lists by 60% has crashed and burned, achieving a pitiful 5% reduction in patients waiting over a year- from 60,000 to 57,000- despite bold promises to eliminate such delays by 2023. Launched in 2022, the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) initiative aimed for 450,000 additional interventions: 135,000 surgeries, 270,000 consultations, and 45,000 tests. By June 2024, only 65% of these were completed (87,000 surgeries, 180,000 consultations, 33,000 tests), even after spending €183 million. The plan’s failure exposes deep flaws in the region’s healthcare system and the government’s mismanagement.
– Crippling inefficiencies, like Seville’s hospitals using just 60% of operating rooms during evening shifts, compounded by healthcare worker strikes and the complexity of surgeries, sabotaged progress. Worse, the government’s outsourcing of 40% of interventions to private clinics has drawn fierce criticism from the PSOE, who accuse the administration of diverting public funds to private interests while public hospitals deteriorate. Andalusia’s average surgical wait time of 171 days in 2024- far above Spain’s 110-day average- cements its status as a national laggard.
– Health Minister Catalina García’s claim that waiting lists have “stabilized” compared to pre-COVID levels is a feeble attempt to spin a catastrophic shortfall. The slight dip in patients waiting over 180 days (from 73,000 to 69,000) is a drop in the bucket against the plan’s lofty 60% target. This debacle lays bare the government’s inability to deliver on grandiose promises, raising serious questions about resource allocation, hospital management, and the creeping privatization of healthcare. Andalusians deserve better than a system that leaves them languishing on waiting lists while public funds prop up private clinics. The government must answer for this egregious failure. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldiario.es/andalucia/plan-283-millones-reducir-60-listas-espera-quirurgica-andalucia-logra-recortar-5_1_12249772.html
GASTRONOMIA
Where to eat in Sayalonga- restaurants, inns and bars in the village that is the ‘loquat paradise’: {Translation}
– Halfway between Algarrobo and Cómpeta lies Sayalonga, a village in the Turvilla River valley, where loquat cultivation has thrived for decades. Each year on the first of May, the village celebrates this fruit with a gastronomic and folk festival, offering free tastings of these tart yet sweet, exotic fruits.
– Sayalonga is particularly renowned for its octagonal cemetery, known as the Round Cemetery, and for having the narrowest alley in Axarquía, the Alcuza Alley. It’s also a great place to dine. Its bars and restaurants serve everything from traditional dishes like fennel stew to matured beef. There are even dishes tied to the village’s muscatel heritage, such as Sayalonga raisin chicken.
– Mesón Morisco, located in the main square, is a carnivore’s paradise, renowned for quality beef like Galician Blonde, Wagyu, and matured cuts, alongside lamb chops, pork ribs, and chicken skewers. Its extensive menu also includes salmon with orange, cod confit, vegan and gluten-free options, pizzas, and burgers, all enjoyed on a cosy terrace. Plaza Don Rafael Alcoba, 8. 29752 Sayalonga. Telephone 952 535 196.
– Jocavi, another main square gem, is a longstanding favourite in the region. Weekdays feature traditional Axarquía and Málaga dishes, while weekends offer varied Andalusian-inspired à la carte options, such as Málaga kid goat or gazpacho, maintaining a strong regional identity. Plaza Don Rafael Alcoba, 13, 29752 Sayalonga. Telephone: 951467449.
– Asador El Ruano, just outside Sayalonga’s centre on the Cómpeta road, excels in grilled meats, offering Galician Blonde beef burgers, pork knuckle, oxtail, and duck magret, with matured beef cuts as a highlight. Its menu extends to rice, pastas, fish, salads, and homemade desserts, making it a versatile stop. Pago El Ruano, s/n. Carretera de Cómpeta, 1, 29752 Sayalonga. Teléfono: 625 399 131.
– Casa Mari, on the A-7206 road, blends national and local flavours with dishes like Sayalonga raisin chicken, pork cheek in Pedro Ximénez, and fried kid goat, alongside paella and tripe, appealing to those seeking authentic Spanish cuisine. Carretera A-7206, s/n, 29752 Sayalonga. Teléfono: 952 535 293.
– Cafetería Ágora, also roadside, focuses on hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and burgers, with “mogollones” and montaditos (tapas on toast) as staples, complemented by snacks like croquettes, nachos, and fried brie. Carretera A-7206, 17, 29752 Sayalonga. Teléfono: 660 631 413.
SCIENCE
Is this proof we’re living in a ‘simulated universe’? Scientist’s theory points to possible clue:
– Are we living in “The Matrix” in real life? In the 1999 science-fiction film, Neo discovers that the universe is a simulation – but one scientist believes that the idea isn’t all fiction. Dr. Melvin Vopson, an associate professor in physics at the University of Portsmouth in the UK, believes that gravity is a sign that we are living in a virtual simulation and the universe is the “ultimate computer,” he alleged in a new paper.
– Dr. Melvin Vopson believes that the concept in “The Matrix” isn’t all fiction. In the research, published in AIP Advances, Vopson proposes the idea that gravity isn’t just a “pull” – it’s actually something that occurs when the universe is trying to keep its data organized. Forcing objects with mass to be pulled toward the Earth’s core is similar to how computers compress code, Vopson claimed. He added in the paper that gravitational pull is an “example of data compression and computational optimization in our universe, which supports the possibility of a simulated or computational universe.”
– “The universe evolves in a way that the information content in it is compressed, optimized and organized – just as computers and computer code do,” he told the Daily Mail. “Hence, gravity appears to be another process of data compression in a possibly simulated universe.” The gravitational attraction helps reduce “information entropy,” which essentially means how much information there is in an object in any given space, the study alleges.
– Gravity plays many roles in space, including the building of galaxies, putting planets into orbit around stars and influencing the motion of nearby objects. So, in Vopson’s theory, these objects may be pulled together because the universe is simply trying to keep everything clean and compressed. “To put it simply, it is easier to compute all the properties and characteristics of a single object in space, rather than multiple objects,” he told the Daily Mail. “That is why objects in space are pulled together.” “A super complex universe like ours, if it were a simulation, would require a built-in data optimization and compression in order to reduce the computational power and the data storage requirements to run the simulation,” he explained in a piece for The Conversation in 2023. “This is exactly what we are observing all around us, including in digital data, biological systems, mathematical symmetries and the entire universe.”
– “My findings in this study fit with the thought that the universe might work like a giant computer, or our reality is a simulated construct,” Vopson explained in a statement. “Just like computers try to save space and run more efficiently, the universe might be doing the same. It’s a new way to think about gravity – not just as a pull, but as something that happens when the universe is trying to stay organized.” Full article: https://nypost.com/2025/04/28/science/is-this-proof-were-living-in-a-simulated-universe-scientists-theory-points-to-possible-clue/
FINANCIAL
Official date to make an appointment for the income statement by phone: {Translation}
– This Tuesday, April 29th, the appointments to file the income tax return by telephone will be open. The campaign began on April 2, and taxpayers have until June 30 to file their income tax return. Although the telephone appointments will start on May 6. From the beginning of the month it can be done telematically through the Tax Agency’s web page, in May the option to do it by telephone is opened, and finally those who want to do it in person from June 2.
*How to request the telephone appointment for the income tax declaration*
– From tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29th, until June 27th, those who wish to make their tax return by telephone, will be able to make an appointment to do so. From May 6 onwards, they will start to be made. It can be requested by different means:
1. Through the Internet, on the Tax Agency’s website, using the NIF or NIE, Cl@ve, reference, electronic DNI or electronic certificate.
2. In the application of the Tax Agency.
3. At the automatic telephone number 91 535 73 26 or 901 12 12 24.
4. Or through the Renta appointment telephone number with personal attention 91 553 00 71 or 901 22 33 44. From Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 19:00 hours.
*Documentation to make the income tax return by telephone*
– Once the telephone appointment is requested, it will be the Tax Agency itself who will contact the taxpayer from the telephone number 810520052. In the event that the call cannot be answered, they ask that the appointment be cancelled 24 hours in advance. It is important to have all the necessary documentation and data at the time of the call:
1. Original DNI of the appointment holder and photocopy of the DNI of all those listed on the return.
2. IBAN number of the bank account.
3. The cadastral references of all the properties owned by the taxpayer or in which he/she resides as a renter or in other circumstances (IBI receipt).
4. Any supporting documents that could entitle the taxpayer to regional deductions and other tax benefits.
5. As well as the following documents if you have received any of these incomes and they do not appear imputed in your tax data: for work income, real estate capital, movable capital, economic activities or gains and losses from transferring the habitual residence, among others.
– You can check all the necessary documentation on the website of the Tax Agency, https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/cita.html
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/como-cuando-pedir-cita-declaracion-renta-telefono_0_2003807019.html
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The Antikythera Mechanism – a 2,000-year-old Greek computer – was finally decoded by modern scientists, and what they discovered is deeply unsettling: Video Link
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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
2025 Holiday Calendars by town, click/tap to view:
Algarrobo
Competa
Malaga
Nerja
Rincon
Torrox
Velez-Málaga
For other towns in Malaga Province, visit this website, click your town, then look for the post named “Calendario Laboral de ‘Your Town‘ 2025 “, click that to see calendar.
https://www.foro-ciudad.com/malaga.html
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
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/web/bus/our-destinations/regional
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://doctorlaptop-repairs.webnode.com/
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