Welcome to DigameXtra !
The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia
Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop. Header photo: LucasAlbuquerque/Unsplash
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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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Sincere thanks to all the Holiday Fundraiser donors! Donations continue to be accepted, info here: https://digamextra.com/donation-information/
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Next Public Holiday: Día de Andalucía
In 2026, Andalucia Regional Holiday falls on Saturday, 28 February.
When an Andalucia Regional Holiday falls on a weekend, many businesses and people will observe the previous Friday, or the following Monday, as a day off in order to create a three-day weekend. Ref: https://publicholidays.es/andalusia-regional-holiday/
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DigameXtra Will Be Closed Friday, 27 Feb, 2026
Items scheduled for posting in the Friday, 27 Feb. Weekend Edition, will appear one day early, Thursday, 26 Feb.
Time your submissions appropriately.
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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41 CLUB NERJA
41 Club Nerja Going From Strength to Strength:
– 41 Club Nerja is delighted to report that we really are going from strength to strength, our membership continues to grow and our doors are open for more new members to join our vibrant Club.
– Do you remember in your local communities all the events that the Round Table and 41 Club organised? Yes! that’s us!
– Do you love getting out and about in our beautiful Axarquia area and also like the idea of being with people who enjoy life and help the local community too? Well, that’s also us! So please come along, meet us, see how we do things, and you don’t even need to have been a member previously.
– We enjoy a wide variety of exciting activities, interesting meetings and tasty meals in many of the lovely restaurants we have in our local area. Our get togethers are attended by our members (who hail from ten different countries) as well as our partners, guests, friends and family too. We’re a very friendly bunch.
To get in touch you can
Email us: briankaret@sky.com
Phone Brian on +34 643510605
You can connect with 41 Club Nerja via Facebook.
Or visit our website to find out more at: https://41clubnerja.org/
We’d love to hear from you and we’d also love for you to come along and join in the fun!
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El Morche celebrates its Carnival this coming Sat, 21 Feb, from 4pm:
– Registration for the costume contest will take place in Plaza de La Marina from 4:00 p.m., the starting point of the parade, which will begin an hour later. From there, it will pass along the old national highway 340, Calle Axarquía, and the seafront promenade. The final stage of the costume contest will be set up at this point.
– After the catwalk show, the musical performances will begin, featuring the cover band Play and DJs Evelyn and Worzel.
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II Jornadas Gastronómicas del Espárrago Silvestre y la Tagarnina– Montecorto
(II Gastronomic Days of Wild Asparagus and Spanish Oyster Thistle– Montecorto):
Sat, 21 Feb
– Montecorto celebrates its second Wild Asparagus and Tagarnina Gastronomic Days this Saturday, featuring live cooking, an arts and crafts market, wine tastings and live music, amongst other activities. The day’s events will take place in the municipal marquee on the local football field from 12:00pm. The market will open at that time, followed by a live cooking demonstration from Canal Sur chef Enrique Sánchez, he will prepare an asparagus and tagarninas stew.
– At 12:00pm, the cooks from the Hotel El Horcajo will offer a tasting of traditional recipes, and the popular community meal will begin at 2:30pm.
– In the afternoon, visitors can enjoy a concert by Kalima (3:30pm), there will be a free children’s play area, and more live music into the evening with El Callejón and Natural Orquesta to close the festivities. Throughout the day, you can also take a ride on the tourist train, accompanied by the music of local artist ‘El Barra’.
– Wild asparagus and tagarnina are two native plants that play a fundamental role in the traditional gastronomy of this area of Andalucia, especially in spring. Wild asparagus, with a more intense flavour than cultivated asparagus, is highly prized for its versatility in dishes such as scrambled eggs, soups, and stews. Tagarnina, a plant with tender and bitter leaves, is commonly used in salads, stews or as an accompaniment to meats, especially in rural areas.
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El Burgo (Málaga)- Soup of the Seven Branches 2026: Sat, 28 Feb
XX edition of the Sopa de los Siete Ramales in El Burgo, Málaga. Gastronomic festival declared to be Tourist Singularity which takes place every year on February 28, Andalusia Day. The celebration begins in the early hours of the morning with the preparation of the soup, to which both locals and tourists are invited. The peak moment comes around 2:00 p.m., when we proceed to the tasting of this delicious soup. Throughout the day there are musical shows that liven up the stay. Also noteworthy is the mercadillo artesanal where you can buy typical products of the area.
Soup of the Seven Branches: This famous soup owes its name to the main ingredients with which it is prepared: tomato, pepper, onion, garlic, bread, mint and wild asparagus. Source: https://www.cuandopasa.com/index.php?v=v118395j
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details
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Latest Weather Alerts & Advisories For Andalucia: https://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/avisos?k=and
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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town
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SERVICES WANTED / OFFERED
Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra.
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TONY ROAM TRANSPORT & REMOVALS
Tony Roam Transport & Removals Spain To UK To Spain:
Fortnightly Runs Spain to UK and Up to 4 weeks free Storage. Spain or UK.
18 years Removals To & Fro Spain / UK Spain.
Man & Van, Local & Long Distance Removals
No subcontracting, all collection and delivery in house.
Transportation, Removals & light haulage company that have scheduled trips all year from UK to Torrox and back every month.
Also additional unscheduled to suit your needs.
Full or part loads undertaken.
Dedicated Delivery Personal Service Full or Part loads up to 60 cubic meters up to 5.5 tonne.
Up to £25,000.00 insurance with British Insurance Company.
Evidence of insurance can be supplied by email on request.
Hard Copies always carried on the vans.
This and a current Operators licence are a legal requirement.
Our International Operators Licence No UKGB / OG2043664
We live just behind Torrox Pueblo in Spain and in South Wales UK and have vans going back and forth UK to Spain to UK by way of Santander or Bilbao / Portsmouth or Plymouth Ferry.
For more information and prices for all to see please visit our website http://www.tonyroamremovals.com
email ; tonyroam@btconnect.com
Spain 0034636393542 – UK 00447973362003.
Face book Tony Roam – WhatsApp Either Number
Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.
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GREEK CASITA RESTAURANT & BAR
The Greek House – Greek Casita Restaurant & Bar –Torrox Costa: Now with Sunday Lunch!
Located on the sea promenade, between the Safari bar and Picadero restaurants, BLQ 80 bajo. We offer you a little piece of Greece with our Greek home made specialities. You can choose meat specialties (Gyros, Souvlaki, Bifteki, Sutsukaki, Mussaka), cheese (Feta Psiti, Feta Saganaki, Hallumi), vegetables (Greek salad, Hummus, Eggplant cream, Mezze, Tzatziki) or sea fruits (prawns or octopus), all of this accompanied with our special Greek pita bread. For dessert… HOMEMADE BAKLAVA! We offer a lovely meal time in a quiet and exquisite atmosphere, accompanied with the best Greek music. See you soon! Hours: 6:30pm to close, Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. For reservations call 642585049. https://la-casita-griega.business.site/ We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES & JUBILEE HOUSE
ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES IN THE AXARQUIA REGION:
Do you have health or mobility issues?
Would support enable you to remain independent in your own home?
Liz Brown, probably the only nurse registered to practice in Andalucia to hold the ENB 941 (Specialist qualification in care of the older person), together with her fully insured and police checked home care support team offers one-on-one support and companionship in the comfort of your own home. COE Malaga reg. 17425
HOME CARE/NURSE SUPPORT
Palliative care / Companionship / Health monitoring English Nurse / Hospital sitting / Respite at home / 24 hr live in care / Housekeeping / Correspondence & Communication / Medication collection & dispensing systems / Dressing, bathing & daily hygiene / Shopping & meal preparation / Fast response Falls Team / Provision of medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hoists
Email: info@englishnurse.care ; Website: https://englishnurse.live-website.com/
Tel: 951550581 or 692419548
JUBILEE HOUSE – Close Care Unit in Torrox
5 ground floor individual units all en-suite
24-hour care at all stages from the English Nurse Care Team
Main language- English / Extensive sea views / Wheelchair accessible / Garden / Home cooking / Wifi / Air conditioning / Visiting physiotherapist, hairdresser, chiropodist and nutritionist
And we welcome guests for the day. Email: jubileehousetorrox@gmail.com
VACANCY- We are now able to accept a couple in spacious accommodation with en-suite facilities. Unique nurse-led facility, offering 1st class personalised care packages, tailored to individual needs. We support independent living. We have a dedicated, compassionate team of English speaking staff, visiting physio, chiropodist, hairdresser.
To discuss your requirements or to arrange to view our beautiful accommodation on Torrox Costa please call Liz (RGN/Enferma-Malaga College) on +34 692419548
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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DOCTORLAPTOP’S COMPUTER REPAIRS & SALES
DoctorLaptop’s Full Maintenance Clean & TuneUp: Only €65
If you rely on your computer and want it running at peak performance, free of data collectors and trackers, an annual professional servicing is necessary. You wouldn’t drive your car till it runs out of oil before servicing it, would you? I do the most comprehensive cleaning and tune-up possible: verify all System files replacing any found to be corrupt, test all hardware and do hard disk sector repairs if needed, use 5 tool malware/adware/spyware/tracker removal protocol, clean out junk files/logs/history/etc., update Windows+all drivers+programs and finally optimize your settings and registry for fastest overall performance.
Heavily infected comps, computers taking more than 2 minutes to startup or shutdown, or showing error messages– those need a repair, not a maintenance service, ask for rates. HDD hard disks of 1000Gb or more add €10.
DoctorLaptop’s Computer Repairs- Torrox Costa
Windows & Linux computers only. No tablets or phones.
I don’t work on computers made before 2019 unless I have been servicing then annually.
Contact: doctorlaptop AT protonmail DOT com
or call 675 993 069 (no calls before 12noon, missed calls returned asap). Always include the make & model number of the device when requesting assistance.
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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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These 2 laptops are great deals as laptop prices skyrocket. I bought from pre-Christmas “flash sales” and pass the savings on to you. Only 3 remain in stock. Discounts of €100 & €220 off current prices !!!
For Sale: Brand New Powerful Business Grade Laptop
HP 15-FD0079NS
Special features for seniors: Large characters on keys + extra large touchpad.
15.6″ premium FHD Intel iRISxe display, 250 NIT.
Windows 11 Pro installed in English; Keyboard is Spanish.
1000Gb SSD M.2 hard drive, lots of room for large media collections.
16Gb ram, extra fast at 3200MHz.
Intel i5-1334U processor, 10 cores/12 threads, up to 4.6GHz!
Wifi 6, USB 3.2 x 2; USB-C x 1; HDMI; Dual speakers.
Battery, 7hrs, with fast-charge. Weight 1.59kg, 18.6mm thick. Factory warranty upon registration.
Price €450 cash. (€670 on Amazon.es, without Windows!), https://www.amazon.es/-/en/HP-Laptop-i5-1334U-Graphics-Operating/dp/B0D1YGX2NC/ Only one left in stock. DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
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For Sale: Brand New Powerful Laptop- Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15
Windows 11 Pro. System, UK English. Keyboard, Spanish.
15.6″ Full HD IPS LCD (1920 x 1080) display with Acer BluelightShield to reduce blue light exposure.
512Gb SSD MVMe; 16 Gb RAM
AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (up to 4.3GHz), 6 core, 12 threads
3x USB 3.2; 1x USB-C; Wifi 6; HDMI 2.1; Bluetooth 5.1; Ethernet
Weight: 1.8kg. Mfg. date: 15Mar25 (Win 12 ready). Factory warranty upon registration.
Ref: https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-aspire-go-15-laptop-ag15-42p-silver
Price: €420 cash (£549.99 on Acer UK website, ) a great price for a solid, mid-line laptop! Only 2 left! DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS, COMMENTS & SUBSCRIBER SOAPBOX
When making a recommendation always include the phone number or website of the biz, service, etc., so readers can reach them. Note: I can’t post third party email addresses.
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NEWS & ARTICLES
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
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SPAIN
The BOE publishes the increase in the minimum wage to 1,221 euros per month with effect from January 1: {Translation, summary}
– The Official State Gazette has published the Royal Decree increasing the minimum interprofessional wage by 3.1 per cent for 2026, setting it at 1,221 euros per month over fourteen payments, or 17,094 euros annually. This represents an increase of 37 euros per month compared to 2025 and will benefit approximately 2.5 million workers, applied retroactively from 1 January.
– The new minimum wage, agreed by the Ministry of Labour with CCOO and UGT but without employer support and with great opposition by small business owners, will not be subject to personal income tax, via an offsetting tax deduction of up to €590.89 for people earning below €20,048.45 annually. Separate rates apply for casual, seasonal and domestic workers. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/economia/laboral-00346/noticia-boe-publica-subida-smi-1221-euros-mensuales-efectos-enero-20260219082445.html
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Communist Second Vice President and Minister of Labour, Yolanda Díaz’s Minimum Wage Claim Challenged by €23,400 Annual Employer Cost Revelation: {Translation, summary}
– Yolanda Díaz {pic} has criticised business groups for not backing the minimum wage rise, dismissing claims that small firms cannot afford an extra 37 euros a month per worker, stating that such a business would not be solid.
– However, economist Pilar García de la Granja has challenged this, highlighting that the real annual cost to an employer is 23,400 euros when social security taxes for pensions are included. The economist explained that the increase is not 37 euros per month added to paychecks, as the new minimum wage stands at 1,221 euros per month in fourteen payments (€17,094 annual salary + employer contributions for social security taxes).
– With 2.9 million SMEs in Spain, many cannot sustain continuous hikes in wages, taxes, and social contributions. This financial pressure, she warns, leads directly to mass job losses. The tax burden, which also sees the government taking a share of pension increases, undermines the stability and expansion of the Spanish business sector. Source, Spanish: https://www.cope.es/programas/la-linterna/clases-de-economia/audios/no-dice-yolanda-diaz-coste-impuesto-seguridad-social-pagar-pensiones-actuales-situa-salario-minimo-23-400-euros-empleador-20260218_3310805.html
ANDALUCÍA
Andalucia breaks mortgage record- housing prices cause the average loan to skyrocket to nearly €150,000: {Translation, summary}
– Andalusia recorded a new mortgage record in 2025, with 98,052 house purchase loans formalised, a 19 per cent increase from 2024 and the highest figure since 2010. The total capital lent reached 14,448 million euros, nearly 40 per cent more than the previous year and the highest since 2008. The average mortgage amount rose 11 per cent to 147,352 euros, reflecting increasing house prices, which grew 12.7 per cent annually to an average 1,855 euros per square metre, up over 300 euros in three years. This exceeds the national mortgage growth of 17.8 per cent, with Spain’s average mortgage amount reaching a record 163,738 euros and total capital lent soaring 32.6 per cent to exceed 82,044 million euros, the highest in fifteen years. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/andalucia/2026/02/19/andalucia-bate-record-hipotecas-viviendas-127041078.html
MALAGA PROVINCE
Malaga’s reservoirs reach over 90% of capacity: {Translation, summary}
– Recent storms have filled Malaga’s reservoirs to near capacity, averaging 91 per cent. La Viñuela, the largest reservoir, has dramatically recovered from 8.3 per cent in September 2023 to 83 per cent currently, following thirteen storms since October 2025. It now holds 136.5 cubic hectometres, just 28 from full capacity, compared to 100 hectometres less a year ago.
– The Guadalhorce complex reservoirs are at 98-99 per cent, with Conde del Guadalhorce releasing water after exceeding safety levels. Guadalteba holds almost five times its February 2025 reserves at 98.9 per cent. La Concepción remains stable at 84.9 per cent, crucial for Costa del Sol supply. Regulation dams Casasola and Limonero, designed for flood control rather than storage, are near capacity, with Limonero at 99 per cent and likely to release water again to maintain its safety margin. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/malaga/2026/02/19/embalses-malaga-alcanzan-cotas-maximas-126982638.html
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Burkas in municipal buildings- Vox submits a proposal to ban them in several town halls in Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– Vox is registering motions in several Malaga province town councils to restrict access to municipal buildings for individuals wearing face-covering garments such as the burka or niqab. The initiative, already filed in Malaga city, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and others, argues that visual identification is essential for procedures with legal effects, preventing identity fraud and ensuring safety of staff and users. The proposed regulation would apply regardless of the garment’s origin or meaning, with exceptions for medical reasons, public health or occupational safety.
– Antonio Sevilla, Vox Malaga president, calls the measure common sense, warning that universal face covering would facilitate impersonation and compromise security. The motion will extend to other municipalities where Vox has representation. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/malaga/2026/02/17/burka-edificios-municipales-vox-registra-prohibirlo-126952801.html
EUROPE
How to rig an election– Christine Lagarde, the head of Europe’s most important financial institution, plans to leave her job before her eight-year term ends in October 2027, the Financial Times reported:
– European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde {pic} is intending to leave her position before her term ends in October 2027, the Financial Times said on Wednesday. The newspaper cited a source as saying Lagarde wanted to give outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron a say in any new appointment to the job before next year’s French presidential election, in which Macron is constitutionally unable to run.
– What has been said about Lagarde’s plans to quit early? According to the FT, a person familiar with the matter said Lagarde had not yet decided exactly when to leave but that she wanted Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to play key roles in choosing her successor at Europe’s most important financial institution. There has been no direct confirmation from the ECB of Lagarde’s departure plans. A spokeswoman said Lagarde was “concentrating fully on her tasks and has not made a decision on the end of her term.”
– The news comes amid fear in some quarters that the far right might win the French election in the spring of 2027, which would complicate the selection of the new ECB leader. The FT report comes just a week after the governor of the Bank of France, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, said he would prematurely step down in June to allow Macron to name his successor.
– Although all leaders from the 21-nation eurozone have a say in picking the ECB president, German and French support has in the past proven to be vital for any successful candidate.
– Who could succeed Lagarde? According to Reuters news agency, there are no formal candidates for Lagarde’s job yet, but several names have already been floated. They include former Dutch central bank chief Klaas Knot, the general manager of the Bank for International Settlements, Pablo Hernandez de Cos, and the chief of Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank’s Joachim Nagel. Source, Spanish: https://www.dw.com/en/ecbs-christine-lagarde-planning-early-exit-report/a-76014737
UK
King Charles’ brother Andrew arrested over misconduct relating to Epstein:
– King Charles’ younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was on Thursday arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, was arrested and questioned by detectives from Thames Valley Police. {Update: He was released “under investigation” after 10 hours.} Earlier this month, the police force said it was looking into allegations that he had passed documents to the late convicted sex offender while working as a trade envoy.
– The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, is unprecedented in modern times. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” King Charles said in a statement. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-police-arrive-home-king-charles-brother-andrew-telegraph-reports-2026-02-19/ & Update source: https://www.rte.ie/news/uk/2026/0219/1559293-andrew-uk-arrest/
ENERGY CRISIS
US to West’s energy watchdog- scrap net zero focus or we’ll quit:
– U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright {pic} gave the International Energy Agency on Thursday a one-year deadline to scrap its support of goals to reduce energy emissions to net zero or risk losing the United States as a member. European countries played down the threat at the agency’s biennial meeting and restated their commitment to pursuing cleaner fuel. “There has been such a group mentality, 10 years invested in a destructive illusion of net zero by 2050, that the U.S. will use all the pressure we have to get the IEA to eventually, in the next year or so, move away from this agenda,” Wright said. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-energy-secretary-wright-pressures-iea-quit-net-zero-agenda-2026-02-19/
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Solar industry accelerates shift from silver as costs soar:
– Solar panel producers are intensifying efforts to replace silver with alternatives such as copper after silver rallied 130% over the past year, squeezing margins already under pressure from production overcapacity, particularly in China, industry experts said.
– “Silver is the greatest contributor to the increased cost of manufacturing solar panels,” said Derek Schnee, senior commercial solar consultant at JK Renewables, adding that the cost of solar panels has increased 7-15% over the last 12 months. Silver paste, a key material for photovoltaic panels, makes up 30% of total solar cell costs, Heraeus analysts noted.
– With copper trading at roughly 0.5% of the price of silver, potential for further cost reductions from such switch is massive, he added. Damiani at Cherry Street Energy estimated switching from silver to copper-based metallisation could represent roughly $15 billion per year in savings for the sector globally at 500 gigawatts of annual solar production. However, replacing silver is not straightforward, with its higher electrical conductivity versus copper, experts said. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/solar-industry-accelerates-shift-silver-costs-soar-2026-02-19/
SPORTS
Tennis News- Alcaraz rallies past Khachanov in Doha, hits perfect 10 for 2026:
– Carlos Alcaraz prevailed in a Doha tussle on Thursday at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open to preserve his perfect start to 2026.
– The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings overcame Karen Khachanov 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-3 to seal his semi-final spot at the hard-court ATP 500. With both players striking the ball with relentless power from the baseline, Alcaraz held his nerve at key moments to forge a comeback victory and set a last-four meeting with defending champion Andrey Rublev. Full article: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/alcaraz-khachanov-doha-2026-qf
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Vuelta Ciclista Ruta del Sol News– Spaniard Iván Romeo, winner of the second stage and new leader of Ruta del Sol: {Translation, summary}
– Spain’s Iván Romeo, from Team Movistar, won the second stage of the 72nd edition of the Vuelta Ciclista-Ruta del Sol on Thursday, covering 138 kilometres between Torrox (Málaga) and Otura (Granada). He put on a spectacular performance, with more than 100 kilometres in the breakaway, to become the new leader in the general classification.
– Romeo, born 22 years ago in Valladolid, finished in a time of 3 hours, 27 minutes and 12 seconds, finishing 7 seconds ahead of Norway’s Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility), with whom he was in the breakaway for more than 100 kilometres. New Zealand’s Josh Burnett (Burgos BH) was also a key player in the breakaway until he fell behind about 20 kilometres from the finish line. Source, Spanish: https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/ciclismo/exhibicion-espanol-ivan-romeo-ganador-127046334
GASTRONOMIA
Gastronomic Festivals In Malaga, Feb 28 – Sep 5:
Source, with 3 pages of events:
https://www.cuandopasa.com/index.php?v=m1033000n281f
HEALTH
Experts warn of the advance of the allergy period in Andalusia after the rains: {Translation, summary}
– Recent rains in Andalusia, followed by a dry spell, have prompted an early start to the allergy season, typically from March to June. Research from the University of Cordoba confirms the grass pollen season, a primary cause of respiratory allergies, has lengthened by nearly four days annually over two decades, due to earlier flowering and later finishing.
– Cypress pollen is currently moderate in the south but predicted to reach high levels next week, especially in Malaga. Plane tree pollen will also increase along the coast by late February, with nettles rising inland. Grass pollen levels, however, remain low. This seasonal extension is attributed to a combination of rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns, which first accumulate pollen locally and then disperse it widely. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/expertos-avisan-adelanto-periodo-alergias-andalucia-niveles-polen-malaga_0_2005950193.html
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Blood infections grow by 35% in a decade in Spanish hospitals: {Translation, summary}
– Bloodstream infections in Spanish hospitals have risen by 35 per cent over the past decade, according to a major study analysing nearly 580,000 patients from 2013 to 2023. Cases per 1,000 hospitalised patients increased from 18 to 24.3, a sustained annual rise of 3.5 per cent.
– Hospital-acquired bacteraemias account for nearly half of all cases, with 44 per cent linked to catheters, particularly central venous catheters {pic}, which increase infection risk more than eightfold. These devices are increasingly used outside critical care units, raising risks on general wards where staff have less expertise. Hospital infections also show greater antibiotic resistance. Attributable mortality can exceed 20 per cent, with patients staying up to 30 extra days and costs averaging 14,700 euros per case.
– Despite programmes like Bacteraemia Zero reducing some infections, overall incidence remains high. Researchers recommend daily catheter reviews, early removal, staff training, continuous monitoring, digital alerts, and better management of urinary infections, a leading cause of secondary bacteraemias. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/salud/actualidad/las-infecciones-sangre-crecen-un-35-una-decada-los-hospitales-espanoles_6936340_0.html
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A new technique using electrodes could increase survival rates for lung cancer patients: {Translation, summary}
– Oncologists are using Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), a technique applying alternating electric currents via adhesive electrodes on the skin to interfere with tumour cell division and slow growth, offering a non-pharmacological, non-radiotherapy option.
– Patients carry a portable generator, using the device at home for at least 18 hours daily without hospital admission. Clinical trials show TTFields, combined with immunotherapy, improve survival in solid tumours, particularly glioblastoma multiforme, where it is used post-surgery alongside standard care. It is also effective in thoracic tumours like non-small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma, with studies ongoing for other cancers. While it delays progression rather than enhancing concurrent treatments, longer TTFields use correlates with increased survival.
– Suitable for adults with solid tumours, it excludes children and haematological cancers. Already authorised in the US and EU, TTFields is available in Spain for eligible patients, offering a well-tolerated, low-side-effect option. Source, Spanish: https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/salud/nueva-tecnica-electrodos-aumentar-supervivencia-127014483
SPACE
Spain Can’t Maintain Trains or Roads, Is a Space Mission a Really a Good Idea? The first 100% Spanish private space mission is planned for 2027– Miura 5 will launch 2 Tritó satellites: {Translation, summary}
– PLD Space and Sateliot have signed a commercial contract for the 2027 launch of two 160-kilogramme 5G D2D satellites on a dedicated Miura 5 mission. This agreement consolidates the first fully private Spanish space mission, covering the entire industry value chain and demonstrating national capabilities. Sateliot chose PLD Space for its ability to offer an independent, tailored service, giving it an advantage over competitors needing shared launches.
– The new Tritó satellites represent a qualitative leap in capacity for defence and security, providing D2D connectivity for data, voice and video based on 5G, alongside IoT connectivity. This enables critical applications in security and civil protection when terrestrial networks fail. Miura 5 is a reusable two-stage launcher designed to guarantee European technological sovereignty. Its first demonstration flight is scheduled for 2026 from French Guiana, with a qualification model already presented to reduce in-flight risk and ensure reliability. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/ciencia/laboratorio/noticia-primera-mision-espacial-privada-100-espanola-prevista-2027-miura-lanzara-satelites-trito-20260217103253.html
SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES
*Click links to read the English language articles*
– Nerja growers voice concerns over future use of Larios land {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/nerja-growers-voice-concerns-over-future-use-20260218120945-nt.html
– Malaga’s neighbourhood markets with tarnished reputation due to empty stalls
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/malagas-neighbourhood-markets-fight-the-problem-empty-20260218092903-nt.html
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CHURCHES & WORSHIP
Churches: Please submit your posts on Thursdays only, before 6pm.
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NEW LIFE CHURCH
New Life Church
– Sunday Service:
Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us on Sundays at 11.00am. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards.
– Prayer Meeting:
You are also welcome to join our prayer meetings on Wednesday mornings at 11.00am for 1 hour, where we meet for prayer and worship.
– Jesus said: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. (John 14:6)
Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780. Directions: Click Here
Email: info@nlcnerja.com
Website: www.nlcnerja.com ; Facebook
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EL PUENTE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
El Puente Christian Fellowship (Vélez-Málaga): We are a friendly, multi-national, Bible believing community of Christ. We meet each Sunday at 11am to worship the Lord. We enjoy a time of worship with contemporary songs and traditional hymns, and a message brought to us by our Pastor, one of our members or a visiting speaker.
The church meeting hall is situated at: Res: El Olivar 5, 8 Bajo 1, Calle Arbequin, Velez Malaga 29700.
Full directions and further information can be found on our Facebook page, or you can contact us by email on elpuentechristianfellowship@gmail.com or by phone on 665626342.
For those who cannot join us in person, we aim to stream Sunday services via the Facebook page (subject to a good internet connection).
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DOG ADOPTIONS
Axarquia Animal Rescue – Voluntary Charity – non profit organisation:
CIF G93245116 ; Charity Number 10567 (Spain)
Email: axarquia-rescue@hotmail.com
Website: www.axarquiaanimalrescue.com
– Lily 4 yrs old & Norma 5 yrs old. Both are big girls weighing 52 & 50 kg. Sadly, due to health issues of their owners they are looking for new homes, together or separate, they get on very well together, both are good with cats and children. They love to go out for walks, but are also happy mooching around outside and lying in the sun. Fully vaccinated and neutered.
Please take a look at our website, where you will find more information and photos, plus details of other dogs and pups that we have in our care. Our adoption costs are 110e for pups that have been fully vaccinated, rabies, chip and passport. 180e for older dogs that have all vaccinations, neutered and passport. This contributes towards their vet and care costs, and helps us to continue rescuing abandoned dogs and cats.
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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics
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Nerja Spain Beautiful Town February 2026 Update Sunny Costa del Sol Walk: Video Link
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Video Tour- Los Hijanos district, Comares, La Axarquia, Malaga: Video Link
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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com
Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies
Last updated Feb 19, 2026, 22:52 UTC
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Fun & Games
National Geographic Photo of the Day: Click Here
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: Click Here
Word of the Day: Click Here
Quote of the Day: Click Here
Fact of the Day: Click Here
Born Today: Click Here
Today in History: Click Here
Today’s Front Pages (New Link), worldwide: Click Here
Daily Mail UK- Daily Sudoku: Click Here
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: (Will be updated to 2026 when the town halls get around to posting them)
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‘ 2026 “, 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
Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily: The direct link to the old familiar chart page no longer works. Here is the new way to access it. This link takes you to the map version.
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/visor/visorE ; to see the chart version click this link, then in the menu bar click Data (Datos) > Reservoirs (Embalses) > Breaking News (Datos de ultima hora)
Weekly Markets
Monday: Torrox Costa
Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
Wednesday: Rincon de la Victoria, Algarrobo Costa
Thursday: Velez Malaga, Torre del Mar, Frigiliana
Friday: Almunecar, Salobrena, La Herradura- Summers only, Mercadillo de La Cala del Moral- Rincon de la Victoria.
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: Nerja Car Boot
Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
Torrox: 952 531 030
Frigiliana: 952 533 231
Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
National Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112
Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
Nerja: 952 521 545
Frigiliana: 952 533 126
Torre del Mar: 952 549 238
Local/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
Local Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/torre-del-mar/306652/weather-forecast/306652
Bus Info: https://www.alsa.com/en/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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Mandy’s Tel: 680739577
Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869
Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.
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