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. Subscribers must be a “DigameXtra Donor” of at least €20 in the current year to make posts. Refer to the submission rules page for more info regarding how to make donations & post submissions: https://digamextra.com/about/
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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
I can only produce DigameXtra with the financial support of my readers. Once a year, during the year end holidays, I do an 8 week fundraiser to help pay production expenses throughout the whole year. This year’s goal is to receive donations from 4% of subscribers. This “4% Club” finances DigameXtra for the 96% group that don’t donate. Which group will you belong to? The generosity of the 4% Club members is greatly appreciated.
Just like your morning coffee,
what would you do
without your morning DigameXtra?
– Holiday Donation Info, 2 Methods –
DigameXtra subscribers must donate at least €20 (39 cents per week) to gain annual submission posting privileges.
#1. You may drop cash donations off in person and say hello, by appointment, or place them in my mailbox beside my door anytime. Please be sure to include your name on the envelope so I can put you on the list of subscribers with submission posting privileges for 2025-2026! Due to health reasons, unannounced drop-ins are inconvenient for me. But if I am expecting you, no problem! My mailbox has the name HARRIS on it. Email me for map and directions. Cash donations are strongly preferred.
#2. Alternatively, you may send me an Amazon ES (Spain) “eGift card” by email. You need to have an Amazon.es account. The only info you need is my email address and your name (the sender’s name). Remember, this is an “eGift card” you buy that Amazon.es emails directly to me, don’t buy a plain “gift card”. Use the link provided below to access the “eGift card” purchase page.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND AMAZON UK eGIFT CARDS. NO BANK TRANSFERS OR PAYMENT APPS.
Here is the Amazon.es eGift Card Link, (NOTE: YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT YOU LIKE ON THE FORM, THE DEFAULT IS €60):
https://www.amazon.es/Cheques-Regalo-Amazon-es-mail-Amazon/dp/B07SS5PFJK/?th=1&gpo=60
On the eGift card purchase form, enter the DigameXtra email as the recipient, as shown below in Spanish and with English translation.
Para/For : digamextra@protonmail.com
Please do not ask me about gaining posting privileges by making small donations of under €20, several times a year. Several people promised to do that for each of the last two annual fundraisers, and not a single one followed up.
Total Donations Received As Of Today: 88
Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations
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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule: DigameXtra will be closed for these holidays.
– Thursday & Friday, 1 & 2 Jan 2026, New Years break. Items scheduled for posting these holidays will be posted Wed, 31 Dec. Time your submissions appropriately.
– Tuesday, 6 Jan 2026, Epiphany (Spanish Public Holiday)
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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Nerja NYE & NY Day:
– Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve). Say goodbye to the year on the Balcón de Europa with the Chimes, presented by Blanca Pomar and José Manuel Medina, followed by the Fireworks Castle and the music of DJ Toutalan until 02:00 h. Plan to be at the Balcón de Europa before 11pm if you want a good spot for the countdown. Bring warm layers; nights by the sea can feel cool. If crowds are too big, lots of people end up celebrating at bars and restaurants nearby.
– Thursday, January 1st. The new year begins with the Pablo Alcázar Concert at the Hermitage (6:00 p.m.).
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Malaga New Years Eve Public Party: Wed, 31 Dec
A party to welcome the new year 2026 with a multimedia show and live music tomorrow, Wednesday, December 31, in the Plaza de lah Constitución. 5,000 bags with the 12 grapes for the bells and another 5,000 bags of party favours will be distributed among the attendees
Between 9pm and 11:45pm the bags of grapes and party favours will be distributed, while stocks last. The party bags will include hats, streamers, eye masks or Hawaiian necklaces, among other items.
From 11pm, the performance of the group Señor Mirinda will begin.
Minutes before 12am, the band will stop playing to give way to the chimes. At that moment, the clock in the Plaza de lah Constitución will be the protagonist with its bell ringing, indicating that the new year begins. At the same time, there will be a multimedia show that will accompany the chimes and will feature high-power and mobile projectors, with a total of 75,000 watts of lighting. The dance will continue until 1.30 p.m. Ref: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/malaga-despedira-2025-espectaculo-multimedia-musica-directo-20251229130204-nt_amp.html
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Villa de Nerja Cultural Center- Upcoming Events:
Info: https://www.giglon.com/todos?city=Nerja
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details
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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.
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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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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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CAMPO AGAVE GLAMPING
For sale, bottom prices, all in excellent condition!:
– 4 transparent chairs, wood/hard plastic, excellent condition! €40
– coffee table, scaffold, 140x80x53H, €40
– sofa bed, black iron frame, 200×80/160, 1 mattress incl. Condition: as new. €50
Contact Wouter in Sayalonga +34 656561697 / info@campoagave.es / https://campoagave.es/en/sale/
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RECOMMENDATIONS & REQUESTS
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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Hi Naythan: Just seen your article about ChatGPT quoting your site. Congratulations!! I’ve been telling people to subscribe and they have. You have the right mix and it’s very much appreciated. I wish more people would donate. Thanks and I hope you have a good new year. Jim
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READER’S SOAPBOX
Posts in this section are reader submissions. Being posted is not an indication of endorsement by your Editor or the DigameXtra sponsors, it’s simply the opinion of the reader who submits it.
Have your say: Submit up to 200 words. Keep it civil– personal opinions & reasonable criticism are fine, but name calling & verbal attacks are not. I must respect the EU Internet anti-defamation laws in what gets posted. You may include supporting webpage links to add validity to your post. You may include your first name and location, but simply signing with your initials is sufficient, however, they must be the initials of the name of the sending email account. I won’t post your email address unless you specifically ask me to.
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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
These four V16 beacons have been withdrawn from the DGT- Amazon, Temu and AliExpress affected- These models have been discontinued a few days before the mandatory V16 beacon comes into force in Spain: {Translation, summary}
– Spain’s traffic authority has withdrawn certification for four previously approved V16 roadside beacon models, meaning these units are no longer legally certified for sale, or recognised as compliant for the national mandate starting 1 January 2026. The withdrawn models were sold on major online platforms, including Amazon, Temu and AliExpress, and are now listed under “certificates of finalised validity”.
– The four models removed from the market certification are: Don Feliz V16IoT, The Boutique For Your Car V16IoT, and Ikrea V16IoT, all produced by Ledel Solutions and Yuyao Jiming Electronic, plus Call SOS XL-HZ-001-VC produced by Ditraimon S.L. These devices failed to meet updated DGT technical standards, including requirements for verified connectivity, battery reliability, 360 degree visibility, and periodic certification renewal.
– While existing owners may continue using their withdrawn units without fines until the end of the built-in service life (12yrs), the DGT warns new buyers to avoid these four models, as they will not meet the legal requirement. Drivers are advised to check the official certified list before purchasing. Source, Spanish: https://www.consumidorglobal.com/tecnologia/retiran-homologacion-dgt-cuatro-balizas-v16-amazon-temu-aliexpress-afectados_17624_102.html
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Unsustainable– New retirees receive more than 1,700 euros per month for the first time: {Translation, summary, comment}
– Pension spending in Spain has reached record levels due to more generous benefits, which are expected to rise further in future years. In 2025, total pension outlays exceeded 210,000 million euros for the first time, covering more than ten million people, mostly retirees. For the first time in history, salaried workers who joined the system receive a pension of over €1,700, €200 more than just three years ago, according to data published on Friday by the Ministry of Inclusion.
– Social Security allocated 189,598 million euros to pay 10.4 million contributory benefits to 9.4 million recipients. Around one million people receive two pensions, usually retirement and survivor benefits such as widowhood. This represents a 6.2% increase compared to 2024, when 178,500 million euros were paid.
– December’s payroll set a monthly record, with 13,750 million euros paid each month. Standard monthly payments totalled 162,985 million euros, plus 26,413 million euros in two supplementary payments, bringing the annual contributory total to 189,598 million euros for the year.
– Including pensions for 735,000 civil servants under the classes pasivas system pushes total spending above 210,000 million euros. The government allocated more than 21,800 million euros for this group in 2025.
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/pensiones/gasto-pensiones-cierra-2025-nuevo-record-superar-20251226110009-ntrc_amp.html
Editorial analysis of previous article- Spain’s Social Security System is unsustainable: {DigameXtra Exclusive}
– Spain’s rapidly rising pension bill is widely regarded as unsustainable in the long term because demographic and economic trends mean that the share of the economy devoted to pensions will keep growing while the working age population shrinks and the number of retirees expands, putting persistent pressure on public finances. The OECD forecasts that, without further reforms, Spain will have to devote an increasing share of its GDP to pensions, from around 13.7 % in 2025 up towards 17 % by 2050. This will be one of the highest pension burdens among industrialised nations and raises the risk of persistent financing gaps between contributions and payouts if demographic change continues and economic growth remains modest.
– It boggles the mind that the average new retiree now receives around €1,722 per month (14 monthly payments), or about €24,115 annually, which is roughly 60 % more than a full-time minimum wage worker earns (€15,120, 30% of the workforce), highlighting the growing financial pressure on Spain’s Social Security system. If retirees continue receiving pensions that far exceed the salaries of almost 40% of those currently financing the system, and their numbers continue to increase annually, this system will eventually collapse. SNAFU! The Netherlands, with similar pension funding problems, passed a new pension law in 2023 that no longer promises a defined retirement income. Payouts will depend, instead, on contributions, and will fluctuate with market moves. The fixes in Spain? Either raise the minimum wage to above the average pension rate or reduce pensions. Neither sounds likely.
– According to the 2024 wage results from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), the monthly gross salary distribution is roughly:
*30 % of employees earned less than €1,582.2 per month,
*40 % earned between €1,582.2 and €2,659.8 per month,
*30 % earned €2,659.8 or more per month.
The average new retiree pension figure of €1,722 per month sits within the middle range above €1,582. Workers with monthly gross wages below €1,722 would be all of the 30 % in the lowest bracket, plus a portion of the 40 % in the middle bracket (those earning between €1,582.2 and €1,722). Because the INE data do not break down that middle range further, I cannot compute an exact percentage directly from the published figures.
– One approximation would be:
30 % earn less than €1,582, plus an unknown share of the next 40 % who earn between €1,582 and €2,659 but below the average pension rate of €1,722. So well over 30 % of workers earn less than the average pension payment per month, but the true figure cannot be precisely determined from the available summary data. -Ed.
Refs:
https://www.europapress.es/economia/laboral-00346/noticia-seguridad-social-dice-informe-ocde-gasto-pensiones-incluye-informacion-desfasada-20251127132949.html &
https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/economia/macroeconomia/20251127/espana-pais-ocde-mayor-porcentaje-pib-destinara-pagar-pensiones-dentro-anos/1003744032231_0.html &
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/gobierno/news/paginas/2025/20250826-average-retirement-pension.aspx (blocks VPN users) &
https://www.ine.es/dyngs/Prensa/dsEPA2024.htm & https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/why-dutch-pension-fund-reform-matters-markets-2025-12-29/
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The over-55s exceed the rest in unemployment for the first time and accumulate more unstable jobs: {Translation, summary}
– In 2025, Spain experienced a historic shift in unemployment patterns: for the first time, workers over 55 had a higher overall unemployment rate (9.8%) than those aged 25 to 54 (9.4%). Moreover, seniors who are unemployed are far more likely to be long-term unemployed, with 57.9% of the unemployed in this category, compared with 36.1% for the 25 to 54 group and 17.8% for 16 to 24-year-olds. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/andalucia/mayores-55-superan-primera-vez-resto-paro-acumulan-empleos-mas-inestables/202512291017193188253.html
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‘Total collapse of Sanchismo’– Feijóo presents a list of ‘10 failures’ of the Government: {Translation}
– The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo {pic}, listed a total of “10 failures” of the Government this year regarding housing, migration policy, the insecurity faced by young people, the “lack of protection” for women, “international distrust”, the “inability” to manage European funds, the rise in poverty, the “blackout unworthy of a developed country”, corruption, the loss of purchasing power for families, and the absence of the State Budget. For this reason, he declared that this year has been “the total collapse of Sanchism”.
– “Over these months we have witnessed a political and moral overflow that undermines trust, erodes coexistence, and degrades politics. Because scandals, corruption, and poor government performance directly affect the lives of Spaniards,” Feijóo stated. At an end-of-year review from Génova, the president of the PP asserted that 2025 “has been the year of the total collapse of Sanchism” and stressed that this “total collapse” has “manifested in at least 10 failures”. “The current situation in our country is very serious. We are facing decline,” he said, calling on Spaniards to ensure that “nothing and no one” will “take away our collective self-esteem”.
– After stating that 2026 will be the “year of change” in Spain, the opposition leader emphasised that the PP “will not be trapped” in a “spiral of destructive politics” and that for every sign of “degeneration” it will respond with an idea “for regeneration”. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/espana/colapso-total-sanchismo-feijoo-presenta-lista-10-fracasos-gobierno/202512291411183188484.html
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We know what’s best– Elma Saiz advocates governing by regulation to pass measures by avoiding Parliament: {Translation, summary}
– Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and Government Spokesperson, defended the Government’s use of regulations to implement measures without requiring Parliamentary approval. She emphasised that the Legislature will not fall due to the absence of Budgets or corruption cases: “in no way”. In an interview on Cadena Ser, Saiz explained that there are many actions that can improve citizens’ lives without legislative rank, and that pursuing such measures respects the Rule of Law. She described this approach as “governing as we are in this country” and stressed the importance of having autonomous communities assume responsibilities within their competencies, citing housing as an example.
– Regarding the lack of approved Budgets during the current Legislature, Saiz acknowledged the period as “dark and difficult” but highlighted the importance of providing guidance and maintaining a clear agenda. Budgets are expected in the first quarter of 2026, and negotiations with political forces are ongoing. She insisted that the Legislature remains viable despite corruption scandals, requests for government reshuffles, and pressure from coalition partners.
– Saiz cherry-picked some positive indicators out of context to supposedly support her claims, including upward revisions in growth forecasts, reduced poverty rates, lower temporary employment, and 22 million Social Security affiliates, while affirming the Government’s commitment to act firmly against corruption with justice and a State-level plan.
– {Why Saiz’s positive indicators are unreliable:
*Growth forecasts: Upward revisions exist, but they are moderate and do not erase structural economic challenges such as high public debt, inflation pressures, or regional imbalances.
*Poverty rates: Slightly lower overall, but Spain still has one of the highest poverty rates in Western Europe, particularly for children and single-parent households. Quoting the drop without that context inflates the perceived success.
*Temporary employment: Numbers are improving, but heavy use of temporary contracts continues, some for only a few days. These distort the employment numbers– underemployment remains significant. Highlighting the slight decline as a major victory, out of context, downplays ongoing labour-market issues.
*22 million affiliates: This is not an officially confirmed average figure. She’s using a high-point approximation of a number that fluctuates daily to suggest a record, which is technically true on some days, but misleading as a general statement.
– In short, she’s selecting the most flattering metrics and framing them as broad victories, while omitting structural weaknesses– classic political spin. -Ed.}
Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-elma-saiz-defiende-gobernar-reglamentos-aprobar-medidas-no-tengan-pasar-parlamento-20251229103123.html
MALAGA PROVINCE
Salado denounces the “unacceptable chaos” at Malaga airport and demands an immediate solution from the Government: {Translation, summary}
– Francisco Salado, president of the Málaga Provincial Council and of Turismo Costa del Sol, criticised the long queues at Málaga airport during the Christmas period as “unacceptable” and demanded urgent action from the central Government to end the chaos caused by the new European passport control system. He warned that Málaga and the Costa del Sol are once again victims of government disorganisation, improvisation, and lack of investment, noting that a third of the more than 25 million airport passengers must pass these controls, facing shortages of National Police officers and out-of-service machines. Salado held the Ministers of the Interior and Transport responsible for the delays and called for urgent reinforcements, insisting that Aena demand action from the Ministry of the Interior. He stressed that the situation threatens tourism, the province’s main economic engine, and added that local businesses’ offers to assist visitors have been ignored. Each day of disruption is a serious blow to the image of the region and the country. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/malaga-turismo/salado-denuncia-caos-inadmisible-aeropuerto-malaga-exige-gobierno-solucion-inmediata/202512291306393188415.html
NERJA
Nerja City Council approves the project to renovate the awnings in the shopping streets of the centre: {Translation, summary}
– The Nerja Town Hall has approved the technical project to renew awnings on the town centre’s main commercial streets as part of the ‘Nerja Sostenible’ project, fully financed by European NextGenerationEU funds under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR). The works will be completed over 84 calendar days and have a budget of 355,125.67 euros.
– The project aims to enhance thermal comfort and environmental quality in the historic centre, especially during summer, creating a more pleasant space for residents and visitors. The streets involved include Pintada, Puerta del Mar, Almirante Ferrándiz, Hernando de Carabeo, Diputación Provincial, El Barrio and Málaga, all high-traffic commercial areas. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-ayuntamiento-de-nerja-aprueba-definitivamente-el-proyecto-de-renovacion-de-los-toldos-en-las-calles-comerciales-del-centro/
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Treatment applied against pine processionary caterpillars in Nerja’s pine trees: {Translation, summary}
– The Councillor for Municipal Services in Nerja, María del Carmen López, has reported that treatment against the pine processionary caterpillar has been carried out on the pine trees in the municipality, including those that are difficult to access. The treatment has been carried out at various locations in Nerja and Maro, including main avenues such as Alcalde Antonio Villasclaras and Pescia, the N-340 and the access roads to Maro, as well as sports areas, parks such as Verano Azul, the Nueva Nerja, Narixa and Las Maravillas schools, and various residential areas and public spaces. Be careful with pets in these areas as chemical residue and dead caterpillars may be present. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/aplicado-un-tratamiento-contra-la-procesionaria-en-los-pinos-de-nerja/
RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA
The weekend storm causes new damage to roads and areas near rivers in Rincón de la Victoria: {Translation, summary}
– Rincón de la Victoria experienced further incidents and material damage on roads and areas near rivers following the weekend storm that affected the province of Málaga. The Axarquía region, including Rincón de la Victoria, was placed under an orange alert due to intense water accumulation in coastal areas. Borja Ortiz, first deputy mayor, noted that much of the damage is linked to the Christmas Eve hailstorm, which intensified existing harm.
– Key incidents include damage to road infrastructure, a widening sinkhole on Calle Naufragio with Pepa Flores, isolated garage floods, and the fall of a streetlamp. No personal injuries were reported, and municipal services acted rapidly to restore normality. The La Candelaria school awning has been removed, with repairs pending cost estimation. The Añoreta golf course suffered severe damage, including landslides, ice accumulation, and destruction of grass and paths, requiring temporary closures and repair work estimated at around 150,000 euros, involving personnel, machinery, sand, and time to restore normal operations. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/rincon-de-la-victoria/temporal-semana-provoca-nuevos-danos_0_2005523353.html
ALMUÑÉCAR
Pope Leo XIV will choose Almuñécar for his first Holy Week in Spain: {Translation, summary}
– Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, will make his first official visit to Spain in April 2026, staying in Almuñécar for three days. The Vatican confirmed that he will reside at the Parish of the Incarnation and officiate the Good Friday procession of “El Paso”, a unique sacred drama performed in the town. The Pope, American by birth and Peruvian by citizenship, chose Almuñécar for its tropical microclimate and strong religious traditions, reminiscent of his years in Piura and Chiclayo. Preferring a modest stay, he wishes to maintain a low profile and connect directly with locals. Known for environmental and social advocacy, Leo XIV values Almuñécar’s balance of natural beauty and Church history. His fluent Spanish with an Andean accent will enable interaction with residents and brotherhoods. Local authorities are preparing a large security operation to host the 267th successor of Saint Peter. (Thanks to Nick for sending this link in) Source, Spanish: https://www.almunecarcomunicacion.com/exclusiva-el-papa-leon-xiv-elegira-almunecar-para-su-primera-semana-santa-en-espana/
CONSUMER INFO
The flip side of Brussels’ new CAP- the shopping basket will become up to €500 more expensive: {Translation}
– The Spanish agricultural sector has once again risen up in protest against the European Union’s proposed 20% budget cut to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Over 10,000 farmers and ranchers, many with tractors, demonstrated in Brussels against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They argue that the public is largely silent on the issue, failing to see the growing problems within agriculture, which could affect everyone, particularly in food and economic terms. The proposed CAP cuts are expected to raise food prices by 6.5% to 9.3%, adding an extra €350–€500 to annual family shopping bills.
– In Spain, the impact is devastating, with an 18% budget cut, translating to a loss of €900 million annually. Farmers have pledged to continue protesting until the EU revises its position. They are preparing a broader protest schedule across Europe, with the possibility of more demonstrations in Brussels and other capitals, demanding change. Source, Spanish: https://www.vozpopuli.com/economia/la-cara-b-de-la-nueva-pac-de-bruselas-la-cesta-de-la-compra-se-encarecera-hasta-500-euros.html
HEALTH
Fat is not your enemy– the surprising role of adipose tissue that is changing what we thought we knew about health: {Translation, summary}
– Fat is often misunderstood as merely an energy store, but adipose tissue is a crucial endocrine organ with multiple essential functions. It protects vital organs by cushioning them, regulates appetite, blood pressure, inflammation, and contributes to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, immunity, coagulation, reproduction, and bone health.
– Fat cells, or adipocytes, secrete signalling molecules called adipokines, which communicate energy levels to the brain and help control body weight. Leptin, a key adipokine, functions as a ‘lipostat’, indicating when energy stores are sufficient or need replenishing and influencing lipid metabolism. Biomarkers can show whether adipose tissue is healthy or dysfunctional, reflecting inflammation, stiffness, or misplacement in the body. Genetics can predispose individuals to obesity, but lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, can help offset inherited risks.
– Healthy fat is therefore vital for maintaining multiple physiological processes, while dysfunctional fat increases the risk of metabolic disturbances and associated health problems. Source, Spanish: https://www.infosalus.com/salud-investigacion/noticia-grasa-no-enemiga-sorprendente-papel-tejido-adiposo-cambiando-creiamos-salud-20251229083944.html
TRAVEL
Renfe declares it is above the law– Renfe president rules out compensation for delays of less than one hour despite new law: {Translation, summary}
– From 1 January, passengers on Renfe High-Speed and Long-Distance trains arriving with less than one hour delay will continue to receive no compensation, despite the Sustainable Mobility Law stipulating otherwise. Álvaro Fernández Heredia {pic}, Renfe president, stated that the State Attorney’s Office is studying a legal formula allowing Renfe not to apply the new legal provision obliging it to return to offering passengers the punctuality commitment currently in force, which compensates 50% of ticket prices for 15-minute delays and 100% for delays over 30 minutes. So for the time being Renfe plans on ignoring the new law.
– Renfe’s current rules, introduced in July 2024 before the new laws, compensate 50% from 60 minutes and 100% from 90 minutes.
– The new PP-backed law establishes punctuality commitments from 1 January 2026, extending them to Long-Distance trains and potentially increasing costs from 43 to 125 million euros annually. Fernández Heredia warned this could raise ticket prices by 10% and put loss-making trains at risk.
– To be fair, Renfe do have a point. The legal issue is complicated, the new obligations apply only to Renfe, not to competitors Ouigo and Iryo. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/presidente-renfe-descarta-volver-indemnizar-por-retrasos-menores-una-hora-pese-nueva-ley-principio-no_6915554_0.html
FINANCIAL
Spain abolishes requirement for unemployed to file an income tax return:
– Those receiving unemployment benefits in Spain will not be required to file an income tax return, according to an omnibus Royal Decree-Law published this Wednesday in the official state gazette (BOE). The decree acknowledges that such a requirement “exceeds the intention of the law” and “it is therefore necessary to remove this requirement for recipients of unemployment benefits to file an income tax return”. Read more, in English: https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/spain-abolishes-requirement-for-unemployed-file-income-tax-return-20251226133546-nt.html
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2025 Holiday Calendars by town, click/tap to view:
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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.
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Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
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Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
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Frigiliana: 952 533 231
Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
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Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112
Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
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Frigiliana: 952 533 126
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Local/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
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