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.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Your contacts can read DigameXtra on the website without a subscription. They may also subscribe for free to receive daily issues by email. Please note, subscribers must be a “DigameXtra Donor” in the current year to make posts. Newly subscribed readers since Jan 1st, 2025 and Ayuntamiento sponsored events, are exempt from this requirement. Refer to the top of the submission rules page for more info regarding how to post submissions: https://digamextra.com/about/
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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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~
October
– 7th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 24th – Trip to Yunquera for their Chestnut and Wine Festival. €22pp
November
– 4th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 20th – Craft Fair and Bake Sale
– 21st – A visit to an Olive Oil Plantation, Lunch at the WOK and IKEA/Plaza Mayor. €28 pp includes entry to the plantation with tasters, coach fare but excludes lunch at the Wok.
– 28th – Black Friday shopping at La Canada, Marbella with a dash around Iceland. €20pp
December
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 11th – Presentation to La Cruz Roja of children’s Christmas gifts. Call for gifting details.
– 12th – Malaga Christmas Lights €10pp.
– 23rd – 27th December – We still have availability for Christmas at Hotel Angela in Fuengirola, €420 pp based on 2 sharing a double room. Call for details.
For information call Gail on 951067723 / 626370695 (Whatsapp) email: phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk
Check out our FB page too.
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, Torre del Mar
Hours: Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 13.00.
Info tel. 952 543 334
***October etc. events & excursions***
– Tuesday – Axarquia Business Networking group 7.00 – 9.00.
– Monday– Monday Club. Please contact the Centre. 11.00.
– Wednesday– Art group, with the crochet & craft group 10.00 – 13.00.
– Shop Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00 – 13.00.
– Thursday – NA English 19.00 to 20.30.
– Friday – Conversation group 10.00 – 11.00.
– Friday – Coffee Morning 10.00- 13.00.
– Saturday – Catholic Mass in English at the Centre 17.00.
Coming Excursions
– Thursday 27th November – Coach Excursion to Guzmán Nurseries, Mijas Pueblo and the Miramar shopping center/ Iceland in Fuengirola.
– Thursday 18th December – Coach Excursion to see the Malaga Christmas Lights.
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The Night of the Bats in the Nerja Cave: Fri, 26 Sept.
Observe & learn about the bats of the Caves.
From 5:30 p.m., with a total duration of 3 hours. It is a free meeting, aimed at all audiences, for which prior registration must be made, we offer below all the information about it.
This activity, which will take place in the Nerja Cave, is part of the International Bat Night, a global event promoted by the UN. The objective of this initiative is the conservation of European bats. Full info and registration: https://cuevadenerja.es/la-noche-de-los-murcielagos-en-la-cueva-de-nerja/
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Taste of Competa [Sabor a Cómpeta]: Sat, 27 Sept, 14:00
Plaza Espana, Competa 29754
This special day combines gastronomy, culture, music and community spirit, transforming the town into a vibrant global stage where residents and visitors can savour dishes and rhythms from all over the world. The event is part of the Day of the Tourist and Residents.
But the most important thing is that El Sabor a Cómpeta is the biggest charity event of the year for our town. Every euro raised goes to local charities, making this day a day of joy, generosity and commitment to the community.
Info: https://turismocompeta.com/es/agenda/eventodetalle/218/-/sabor-a-competa
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast
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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.
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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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.
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: Thinking of Selling Your Property in Málaga, the Axarquía or the Costa Tropical?
What if your home could be showcased to thousands of motivated UK buyers in just one weekend?
This September, BluCee Real Estate will be at A Place in the Sun Live in Birmingham (19–21 September), presenting our properties directly to buyers ready to invest in Spain.
Our very own Michelle Conner will be live on stage every day with Jasmine Harman and Laura Hamilton, sharing expert advice on buying in Spain.
Every property listed with BluCee will be promoted at the event.
Exclusive listings will also feature on our official exhibition background artwork — giving your property even greater visibility!
Spaces are limited — don’t miss this opportunity to stand out!
We are competitive on price, proactive, approachable and dedicated to first-class customer service.
Contact us today for a free valuation:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Web: http://www.blucee.com/
WhatsApp +34 711 04 27 27
Office +34 951 553 890
Or visit us at our Torre del Mar office:
Calle Timón 11b, 29738 Málaga.
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
(Proud sponsors of DigameXtra – find our contact details here daily in the Sponsor’s Section.)
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EUROPCAR AUTO & VAN RENTALS
Europcar Auto & Van Rentals: Serving you with convenient locations in the airports and train stations of Malaga, Sevilla & Granada, plus one in Nerja Central. Competitive rates. Always an English speaking staff member on duty. Petrol, diesel, electric & hybrid models available. Premium brands, sub-compact city cars to luxury models, from €21/day (includes unlimited mileage & basic insurance): Ford, Audi, VW, Opel, MG, BMW, Renault & Fiat. Europcar sponsors DigameXtra, making a generous donation for every vehicle rental, but only if you reserve online using this link: [ EUROPCAR LINK ] You will need to setup an account the first time you use it. Bookmark this link, then always use this link to visit the website.
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For Sale, 2 items:
– Multicolour rug 2.8 x 1.8 in excellent condition. €25
– Boutique beige rug with pattern 1.6 x 2.3. Excellent condition. €60
Contact Annabel, Canillas de Aceituno: 642107522
Can also meet elsewhere.
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For Sale: Upright Freezer. Superser Brand. Age unknown. Works fine. Good vacuum seal around door. Fast freeze option. Reason for sale – have downsized. 45€. Buyer collects.
Nick, La Herradura
keelsway@yahoo.co.uk
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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
Time change in Spain 2025- this is the day we say goodbye to summer and winter time arrives: {Translation, summary}
– The new schedule will start the early morning of Saturday, October 25 to Sunday, October 26, 2025. At 03:00 hours in the Peninsula, the clocks will be set back to 02:00 hours. For its part, in the Canary Islands, at 02.00 hours it will be 01.00 hours. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/dia-cambio-hora-horario-invierno-espana_6240668_0.html
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Blackmailers are never satisfied- Junts reiterates to the PSOE that it will not support the budget if they do not comply with its previous agreements: {Translation, summary}
– Junts has warned the PSOE that it will not support the 2026 General State Budget unless Pedro Sánchez fulfils agreements made earlier in the legislature. The warning follows a discreet meeting in Brussels between Junts leader Carles Puigdemont {pic} and former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Government figures responded cautiously: Economy Minister María Jesús Montero stressed the importance of discretion, while Sánchez himself declined to comment, claiming ignorance of the encounter. Minister Ángel Víctor Torres acknowledged it in the context of budget talks, though no party officially confirmed the meeting.
– The seven Junts votes are vital for the Government to pass its budget in Congress. Yet frustration persists within Puigdemont’s ranks over unresolved commitments, including the full application of the amnesty law, the transfer of immigration powers, and recognition of Catalan as an official EU language. This growing tension places negotiations between PSOE and Junts at a critical juncture. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/junts-reitera-psoe-tras-reunion-zapatero-puigdemont-que-no-apoyara-los-presupuestos-si-no-cumple-los-acuerdos_6369240_0.html
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Unsustainable Retirement System- Spain’s Pensioners receive 62% more than they contributed to the system, the struggling youth are paying for pensions that are larger than their own salaries!:
– Risk management experts state that retirees currently receive 62% more than what they contributed to the system throughout their working lives.
– According to a report by the Juan de Mariana institute, the wealth of those born in the 1980s is currently 46% less than that of those born in the 1960s when they reached the same age bracket.
– The statistics are devastating. Young people under 35 have gone from owning 7.5% of the country’s wealth to 2% in just two decades. In contrast, the over-75s have doubled their wealth, from 8% to over 20%. The reasons behind this gap are varied. The Juan de Mariana institute points out that while the real income of workers between 18 and 29 years of age has dropped by 3% between 2008 and 2024, that of the over-65s has risen by 18%. What is more, new pensioners already earn more than those under 35 years, with an average of 1,760 euros compared to 1,670 euros. {Since the contributions of current workers significantly fund the pensions of the retired, and these pensions are larger than the salaries supporting them, more money is going out than coming in. It is not being sufficiently offset by a growing “working age” population. The progressives promised to solve this problem with increased migration, higher minimum wages and improved reporting of working hours, but it’s not working. A growing population, both young residents and new migrants, heavily reliant on welfare rather than contributing to pension funds, will not fill the wage vs pension gap, it exacerbates the problem. -Ed.}
– The authors of the report, who use statistics from the Bank of Spain and the national institute of statistics, state that what greatly contributes to this imbalance is the fact that the tax burden on young people to cover the pension hole is increasing. “The income dedicated to paying personal income tax and social security contributions now accounts for 39.5% of the labour cost of an average wage, compared to 31.8% observed in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development),” the study states. The figure rises to 55% when other taxes are included: the Spanish IVA, property tax, etc.
– According to the report, 81% of those born between 1945 and 1965 were already homeowners by the age of 42. This figure has fallen below 50% for those born after 1985. Today, the proportion of young people with mortgages barely reaches 20%, with prices already exceeding those of the housing bubble. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/new-retirees-already-earn-more-than-workers-20250919073659-nt.html
MALAGA PROVINCE
Long Delays in Disability Assessments Block Access to Rights in Málaga: {Translation, summary}
– In Málaga, people seeking official disability recognition face severe delays of up to three years, preventing access to key rights such as tax relief, grants, social electricity discounts, and reserved employment posts.
– While the problem is most visible locally, it stems from the way the assessment system is managed by the Junta de Andalucía. The regional government has increased the number of assessment teams in Málaga from eight to thirteen, making it one of the provinces with the highest reinforcement. Yet bottlenecks remain due to incomplete staffing, especially the shortage of doctors, frequent IT failures and the complexity of the new national disability scale (Baredi), introduced in 2023 to replace the simpler regional framework. {What? More IT failures in the highly touted Andalucian tech sector, that can’t be, can it? Or are they lying to us about all the supposed progress they made with the billions they spent on IT improvements that continue to experience failures regularly- in health, transport, gov’t agencies, etc. I wonder if the same ineptitude applies to our medical procedures? Yikes! -Ed.},
– Although urgent cases, such as children under six, elderly people over 75, or patients with degenerative diseases, are prioritised, most applicants face long waits. Some benefits can later be claimed retroactively, but others – including grants or recognition as a large family, which provides electricity discounts – are lost if delayed. Union UGT has proposed allowing other health professionals to perform assessments and warns that staff turnover and poor working conditions further slow the process. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/demoras-anos-valoracion-discapacidad-malaga_0_2004824327.html
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The hospitality industry loses up to five euros per person during the summer despite (or because of) rising prices: {Translation, summary}
– Málaga’s hospitality sector is closing the summer with disappointing results, despite optimistic forecasts at the start of the season. Visitor numbers remained steady, yet average customer spending fell, with businesses earning around five euros less per person during the peak months of July and August. Overall turnover is estimated to have declined by 5–10%, depending on the area. Consumption rose in Málaga city but fell inland and in zones reliant on Spanish tourism, which has weakened this year.
– Industry leaders highlight two key factors: fewer domestic clients and the effect of repeated heatwaves that discouraged outdoor dining and terrace use. Coastal establishments report a 7% drop in turnover, noting that while foreign tourists still visit, they consume less throughout the day compared to Spaniards, who typically spend from morning to night.
– The fall in spending contrasts with rising prices: restaurant costs increased by over 4% in both July and August, with some dishes, such as sardine skewers in Marbella, reaching 14 euros. Breakfast has become particularly expensive, rising 8% in a year due to sharp increases in coffee, chocolate and eggs. In total, breakfast prices have climbed almost 14% in just two years. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/hosteleria-pierde-cinco-euros-persona-verano-pese-20250919002124-nt_amp.html
DigameXtra Editorial on previous article- Andalucia’s reputation as a fun, bargain destination is increasingly under threat…which is damaging the local economy:
– Andalucia is no longer an option for those looking for a quick, cheap, weekend getaway, as it once was.
– You can find points of interest almost anywhere, as well as curious cultural events, these are not exclusive to Andalucia. Most tourists were attracted to Andalucia by the year round comfortable climate and the affordability, you could find cheap room deals, fill up on free tapas & €1.50 glasses of tinto, stock up on cheap smokes, and splurge €15 on a very fine dinner or settle for a €6 menu del dia. You could just grab a cheap, last minute flight to Malaga, and with a couple of hundred £ in pocket, have your quick getaway. Now you have to plan in advance, search for deals & bargains, and expect to burn thru a lot more money. A fun, spontaneous treat has become an ordeal.
– Buzz killers. Local restrictions on hen parties, drinking in the street, bar crawls, live music in bars & terraces, buskers & street artists, closing hours, fireworks, the ladies of the night…all dampen the excitement that once attracted the crowds.
– Many travellers now complain that transport, particularly trains and buses, is unreliable: frequent delays, breakdowns, even copper thefts have disrupted rail services, especially outside major high-speed routes, undermining confidence in mobility across regions.
– Housing and rental prices have soared for visitors and locals, pushed up by short-term holiday lettings (such as Airbnb), making previously affordable neighbourhoods almost inaccessible to residents or budget conscious tourists, turning “cheap holidays” into expensive luxury stays.
– Protests against over-tourism are spreading in places like Barcelona, Mallorca and Málaga, with locals demanding regulation on rentals, better public services, and more sustainable tourism policies. Not what your typical tourist wants to see when there are other destinations waiting to greet you with open arms and lower prices.
– All this suggests that Spain risks becoming just another overpriced destination- still beautiful, still culturally rich, sill with exceptionally good weather, but no longer promising the value that made it so appealing, especially for those on modest budgets. The rich will still come and spend at high end Costa del Sol destinations, owned by multi-nationals that enjoy tax-breaks while they funnel their profits to off-shore accounts. But the locally owned average hospitality operations, the foundations of our local communities, who never fully recovered from the Covid lockdowns, now face the added challenges of raging inflation, new gov’t labour regulations and a decrease in customer traffic and spending.
– Is Andalucia’s coast destined to become another exclusive, generic playground for the rich, while the commoners and pensioners get pushed inland in search of an affordable life? Could the exodus from the coast drive a repopulation of inland villages and stimulate a revitalization of village life and rural culture? Sorry, now I am desperately grasping for straws of hope…-Ed.
MALAGA CITY
Here Come The Traffic Light Cams: {Translation, summary}
– The Malaga City Council will launch on Monday, September 22, the six ‘photo-red’ devices that have been installed to increase road safety.
– Photo-red systems consist of the installation of cameras in the vicinity of traffic light crossings in order to check that vehicles do not skip the traffic light or, once stopped, start before it turns green. The system is designed to be connected directly to the regulator and take pictures when the traffic light is in the red phase and a vehicle passes the stop line of the traffic light. If the traffic light is green or amber, the equipment does not activate.
– The detection devices consist of two high-performance cameras that, synchronously with the traffic light regulator at the intersection of the metro with that road, detect when a vehicle has crossed the stop line with the red light. When this happens, the license plate of the vehicle or motorcycle is captured, and several photos, before, during and after the infraction, and a short video of verification of the event to support the sanctioning body. {If they are capturing your image before you run the red light, that infers that every vehicle get photographed, basically monitoring all traffic that gets stopped at a given light. Monitoring the behaviour of law abiding citizens poses major privacy concerns. -Ed} The device works both day and night as it has additional infrared lighting and is capable of detecting violations in both lanes. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/cuidado-malaga-saltarse-tres-semaforos-rojo-empiezan-multar-radares-20250919123908-nt_amp.html
TORRE DEL MAR
Weekend Beach Festival of Torre del Mar 2026: {Translation, summary}
– The event will be held on July 9, 10 and 11, 2026.
– Next Tuesday, September 23 from 7 p.m., the sale of early purchase discount tickets will be activated. Info on the official website: www.weekendbeach.es
Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-weekend-beach-festival-de-torre-del-mar-se-celebrara-los-dias-9-10-y-11-de-julio/
RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA
Rincón de la Victoria celebrates International Tourism Day: {Translation, summary}
– Extensive programme of free activities from 26 to 28 September.
– The Cueva del Tesoro, the Cueva de la Victoria and Villa Antiopa will open their doors free of charge on the 27th.
– Villa Antiopa, one of the best-preserved Roman villas in Andalusia from the third century AD, will offer an immersive experience in Roman aristocratic life. Reservations for these free visits will open on Monday, September 22 at 12:00 p.m. through the https://entradas.turismoenrincon.es/ web portal. Given the limited capacity, it is recommended to make a reservation as soon as possible.
– 300 free train rides and gamified routes with prizes. The Department of Tourism of Rincón de lah Victoria has prepared a special mobility program that will allow residents and visitors to discover the municipality in a comfortable and fun way. Thus, on Saturday, September 27, the tourist train will offer 300 completely free trips departing from the historic Casa Fuerte Bezmiliana. The established schedules are in the morning session: 10:45, 11:45 and 12:45 hours (150 places); and afternoon session: 4:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. (150 places). Tickets will be delivered on a first-come, first-served basis until full capacity is reached. Each tour will last approximately one hour, allowing you to get to know the main attractions of the municipality: beaches, promenade, cliffs of El Cantal and historical monuments. On 26 and 28 September, the tourist train will maintain a special reduced rate of 3.50 euros per person at its usual timetable.
– Oktoberfest. Three days of festivities in Plaza Al-Andalus. The Al-Andalus Square will be transformed from 26 to 28 September in the festive epicentre with the Oktoberfest celebration, which will feature a first-class musical program. On Friday 26, the evening will begin at 8:30 p.m. with Dance & Dreams performing traditional German dance, followed at 10:00 p.m. by Queen of Magic, one of the best tributes to Queen on the scene. On Saturday 27 at 10:00 p.m. it will be the turn of Maika La Vega Band with their pop-rock show, while on Sunday 28 the festival will close BANDido (3:00 p.m.), also with their pop-rock repertoire that promises to make all the audience vibrate. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/rincon-de-la-victoria-celebra-el-dia-internacional-del-turismo-con-un-amplio-programa-de-actividades-gratuitas-del-26-28-de-septiembre/
GRANADA
Low Emission Zone in Granada takes effect on October 1. The warning that affects thousands of drivers & bus users: {Translation, summary}
– The start of the university year has put Granada’s public transport system in check. The spokeswoman for the Municipal Socialist Group, Raquel Ruz, has denounced the “collapse” and “insufficiency” of urban bus lines, a situation that has resulted in long queues at stops and saturated vehicles, mainly affecting thousands of students. For this reason, the socialists have demanded from the government of Mayor Marifrán Carazo an “immediate reinforcement” of the service.
– The main concern, however, is set on the immediate future. Ruz has warned that the current chaos is only a prelude to what may happen in a few weeks, since the situation “it will worsen in a few days with the implementation of the Low Emission Zone”, scheduled for October 1. The socialist spokeswoman wonders what will happen when thousands of private vehicles cannot access the capital and their occupants have to resort to a transport system that, in her opinion, is not prepared. The warning is clear: “As of October 1, public transport may collapse if vehicles are not incorporated and frequencies are added”.
Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/granada/que-va-pasar-granada-1-octubre-advertencia-que-afecta-miles-usuarios-autobus/202509211003503140895.html
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A Naked Twist To Green Beer, and it’s not St. Patrick’s Day- Spencer Tunick pays tribute to Andalucian beer ‘Alhambra 1925’, with a massive green nude in Granada: {Translation, summary}
– Around a thousand volunteers from 25 countries took part in an art installation by American photographer Spencer Tunick in Granada on Saturday, posing naked in an olive grove, completely covered in green paint. The installation, the renowned artist’s first in Andalusia, was created to mark the centenary of Cervezas Alhambra under the title ‘Retrato Alhambra 1925’ (Alhambra Portrait 1925), and was conceived as a tribute to Andalusia, the natural environment, and the aesthetics of the brewery, which presents its bottle ‘naked’, without a label. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/granada/spencer-tunick-homenajea-andalucia-con-un-desnudo-masivo-verde-granada_6369743_0.html
SEVILLA
QuesArte Tomarse Feria del Queso Artesano- the largest cheese fair in Spain arrives in Seville: {Translation, summary}
– The event will take place in the Jardines del Conde Park and admission is free, or buy a ticket (seven euros) to taste eight different tapas.
– Spain’s celebrated gastronomy extends beyond paella and ham to its rich cheese tradition, and from 3 to 5 October the town of Tomares, near Seville, will showcase this heritage with the QuesArte Tomarse Artisan Cheese Fair. The event will host Spanish and international exhibitors in the Conde Gardens, offering free entry to encourage wide participation.
– Visitors will be able to buy cheeses directly from stalls or purchase a seven-euro ticket to sample up to eight tapas portions, accompanied by wine, beer, or soft drinks. While the focus is on Spanish cheese, particularly Andalusian producers, the fair also broadens the experience with additional artisan products. These include ice creams by Piamonte D’Ambrosio, recognised as Spain’s top ice-cream maker, as well as Portuguese pastries and pork scratchings from Artesanos del Chicharrón. The event seeks to highlight the importance of the cheese industry while offering an accessible and festive culinary experience. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/sevilla/feria-quesos-espana-sevilla_6369574_0.html
EUROPE
United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada and Australia recognise the State of Palestine: {Translation, summary}
– UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer {pic} announced on Sunday the formal recognition of the State of Palestine with the aim of “reviving the hope of peace” for Palestinians and Israelis under a two-state solution. Canada, Australia and Portugal also confirmed on Sunday that they recognise the Palestinian state.
– In his speech, which lasted about 6 minutes, Starmer made it clear that this recognition is not a “reward” for the Islamist paramilitary group Hamas, as claimed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or US President Donald Trump, and announced more sanctions on its components in the coming weeks. “Hamas is a brutal terrorist organisation. Our call for a genuine two-State solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. So let’s be clear. This solution is not a reward for Hamas, because Hamas cannot have a future and cannot have any role in the government or in the security (of Gaza),” he said. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/mundo/reino-unido-une-portugal-reconocera_0_2004835716.html
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Estonia invokes NATO Article 4 after Russian jets breach airspace:
– Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace on Friday, remaining inside the country’s airspace for 12 minutes in what Estonian officials described as the most serious incursion since joining NATO in 2004. {Russia denies the accusation claiming they remained within their own airspace by several kilometres.}
– The incident occurred near the island of Naissaar, off the coast of Tallinn, and prompted Estonia to request consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty. The alliance confirmed that its North Atlantic Council would convene early next week to discuss the matter.
– According to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this was the fourth such violation by Russian aircraft in 2025. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the latest breach as “unprecedentedly brazen”.
– NATO aircraft from Finland, Sweden, and Italy were scrambled in response. Finnish fighters were the first to intercept the jets before handing over to Italian F-35s operating out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia. The Italian aircraft escorted the Russian fighters back towards Kaliningrad airspace. Sweden’s armed forces confirmed participation and published photographs of the MiG-31s.
– The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian Prime Minister, also condemned the event, calling it “an extremely dangerous provocation”. She warned that Russia was testing Western resolve. Full article: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/world-int/27957-estonia-invokes-nato-article-4-after-russian-jets-breach-airspace.html
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Greek sheep farmers devastated by sheeppox outbreak as flocks culled:
– Greek sheep farmers are in despair in central Greece as sheeppox destroys their flocks, while the Greek authorities are warning of a possible nationwide ban on the movement of animals. The outbreak of the highly infectious virus in the country is threatening to drive up food prices and affect the production of feta, Greece’s famous crumbly cheese.
– Across Thessaly, Greece’s agricultural heartland, sheeppox is wiping out flocks. More than 260,000 sheep and goats — roughly 2% of the national herd — have been culled in the last 12 months, forcing 1,100 farms to shut down, based on government figures. Authorities have launched a 10-day emergency plan, sending veterinarians to farms and setting up disinfection zones. But this came too late for many farmers. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/greek-sheep-farmers-devastated-by-sheeppox-outbreak-flocks-culled-2025-09-19/
MIDDLE EAST
Netanyahu warns that “there will be no Palestinian state” and announces that he will promote colonisation: {Translation, summary}
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that “there will not be a Palestinian state” in response to the recognition announced on Sunday by the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia and stressed that they will continue with colonisation projects in Palestinian territory.
– “I have a clear message for leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the terrible massacre of October 7: you are giving a huge reward to terrorism,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on social networks. “It’s not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan,” the Israeli leader added in his first response to the announcement by London, Ottawa and Canberra.
– In addition, he stressed that with him as prime minister Israel has “doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and we are going to continue on this path”. “The answer to this recent attempt to impose a terrorist state on us in the heart of our land will come when I return from the United States. Wait,” he added.
– Israeli President Isaac Herzog also reacted to the announcement by London and its allies, who also mentioned October 7, 2023. “After the atrocities of October 7 and while Hamas continues its campaign of terror, while cruelly holding 48 hostages in the tunnels and dungeons of Gaza, today’s recognition of a Palestinian state by some countries has been applauded by Hamas, to no one’s surprise,” he said in an official statement. “It’s not going to help a single Palestinian. It’s not going to help free a single hostage. And it is not going to help us reach any agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. It only emboldens the forces of darkness. It is a sad day for those who seek true peace,” Herzog said. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-netanyahu-advierte-no-habra-estado-palestino-anuncia-impulsara-colonizacion-20250921183636.html
FASHION
The Larios 2025 Fashion Show in Malaga, 19 & 20 Sept:
– See the full 161 image photo gallery here:
https://www.diariosur.es/gente-estilo/moda/pasarela-larios-2025-malaga-imagenes-20250919230952-ga_amp.html
FINANCIAL
OUCH! UK Pound Takes A Hit- At 3:25am Monday morning the pound was down to €1.1476: See currency chart below the comics.
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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics
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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com
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Last updated Sep 22, 2025, 01:34 UTC
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Fun & Games
National Geographic Photo of the Day: Click Here
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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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