DigameXtra No. 3162 WEEKEND EDITION Friday, January 9th, 2026

 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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Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor

Home Page  and  FB Page

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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: 108

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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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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Flamenco by Del Paso: Friday, 9 Jan, 8pm
Bar El Molino, C/ San Jose 4, Nerja
Info: FB

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Jazz Competa presents: Thurs, 22 Jan
The Daniel Amat-Francis Posé Trio at Siddhartha on the Rock in Cómpeta. Doors open 6pm. Music from 9pm. Tickets available now direct from Siddhartha at €20 pp. If you have problems getting the tickets please email jazzcompeta@gmail.com ; mitchbanjo@hotmail.com or whatsapp 616891473.
A special menu is available on the night or just come along for the concert.
The Daniel Amat-Francis Posé Trio blends Cuban rhythm, Spanish lyricism, and dynamic jazz improvisation, powered by pianist Amat, bassist Posé, and drummer Jessie Valdés.
Supported by The Cool Cats featuring New York jazz singer Pamela.
Check them out here: Video Link, click on video or use this link.

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details

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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: 7pm 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 Computer Repairs & Sales- Torrox Costa
Windows & Linux computers only. No phones or tablets. Be aware– due to the growth of AI there is a worldwide shortage of RAM & SSD hard drives, this will drive up the prices of new computers significantly. If you plan on getting a new computer, sooner will be cheaper than later. I have new laptops in stock.
I don’t work on computers made before 2018 unless I have been servicing them 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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Beautician Services Offered: Hi, I’m Nancy. I’m currently working from my studio in Torre del mar. My services include acrylic and gel nails, and pedicure spa treatment.
Also available– eyebrows, waxing, hairdressing, makeup, etc…
I speak both English (native) and Spanish so I can assist you with ease to achieve the results you’re looking for.
If you would like to book an appointment with me, you can call or send a text on WhatsApp to this number +34 679714873
I’d love to see you there and help you get the look you most desire.

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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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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

Feijóo accuses Sánchez of turning La Moncloa into ‘a pawn shop’– ‘The equality of Spaniards is not a bargaining chip.’: {Translation, summary}
– Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the Partido Popular, has fiercely criticised Pedro Sánchez’s administration for its latest capitulation to ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, accusing Sánchez of transforming the Palacio de la Moncloa into “a pawn shop to shore up a government in ruins” through a secretive deal granting Catalonia an extra 4,700 million euros in special regional financing- up to 12 percent more budgetary power. This cynical power grab, Feijóo warns, treats “the equality of Spaniards” as mere “currency for exchange”, pledging that a PP government would prioritise the “common good” instead.
– PP deputy secretary for the Treasury, Juan Bravo, labels the pact “a clear case of political corruption”, with Sánchez deploying “all Spaniards’ money to buy votes” to cling to office while propping up Salvador Illa in Barcelona. “If you look at the PSOE’s election programme, you will not find special financing, debt forgiveness or anything similar,” Bravo cautioned. He further condemned “left-wing parties” PSOE and ERC for shattering constitutional solidarity: “Those who have more help those who have the most difficulties. They have just broken that.”
– Elías Bendodo, PP deputy for Regional Policy, echoed the outrage at a Málaga housing event, decrying the deal’s price as burying “what should be sacred in this country, which is equality and solidarity among all communities”. “What is Junqueras doing in the Moncloa, a leader who is disqualified?” Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/pp-denuncia-que-sanchez-implore-oxigeno-junqueras-para-negociar-poca-vida-politica-que-le-queda_6918615_0.html 

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No Honour Among Socialist Thieves– Aldama rats out José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García then asks for reduced sentence– Will Ábalos & García do the same with Sanchez?: {Translation, summary}
– Víctor de Aldama {pic}, accused in the mask case, seeks a lighter sentence than the seven years requested by prosecutors, arguing that his extensive cooperation justifies a further reduction. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office acknowledges Aldama’s key role in advancing the investigation into PSOE corruption, noting his early, proactive collaboration, full confessions, and provision of documents that exposed wider corruption.
– His statements implicated former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his adviser Koldo García in accepting bribes, and also pointed to irregularities in public works contracts during Ábalos’s tenure. Prosecutors confirm Aldama’s evidence was decisive in uncovering a separate probe into manipulated tenders that also involves Santos Cerdán.
– Aldama’s lawyer, José Antonio Choclán, calls his cooperation truthful, detailed and non-self-serving, arguing it directly supported the identification of other suspects. Both prosecution and defence accept his criminal responsibility but differ on the extent of the sentence reduction sought. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/aldama-reconoce-los-hechos-caso-mascarillas-pide-rebajar-pena-que-solicita-para-anticorrupcion_6918576_0.html 

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The EU votes on the agreement with Mercosur this Friday amid tractor protests blocking Spanish roads: {Translation, summary}
– After 25 years of talks, the EU concluded a trade deal with Mercosur in December 2024, but ratification remains stalled due to opposition from several Member States, including France, Italy, Ireland and Hungary. The agreement would boost trade with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, improving access to a 700-million-person market. Spain strongly supports the deal, with Agriculture Minister Luis Planas calling it a major opportunity. However, farmers across Europe are protesting, arguing it endangers food sovereignty and allows imports of products using banned pesticides or hormones. Demonstrations have blocked roads in Catalonia and other Spanish cities, while unions demand clarity on EU funding under the next Common Agricultural Policy. The main protest in Santander, led by COAG and other groups, denounces both the Mercosur agreement and CAP cuts that, they warn, could accelerate closures of thousands of European farms. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/tractores-cortan-ap7-cerca-figueras-protesta-acuerdo-20260108084902-ntrc_amp.html

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Doctors prepare new “more intense” mobilisations for February and threaten the ministry with an indefinite strike: {Translation, summary}
– Doctors’ unions across Spain (CESM, SMA, Metges de Catalunya, Amyts, O’MEGA, Sindicato Médico de Euskadi) unite for “much more intense” February protests against Sanidad Ministry’s draft Estatuto Marco, warning indefinite strike after 2025 stoppages.
– CESM secretary Víctor Pedrera denounced broken talks: “The ministry is now meeting with generalist unions and deciding the working conditions that affect the medical collective. We are not represented there.”
– SMA president Rafael Ojeda expressed “enormous satisfaction” with unity highlighting “the gravity of the challenge we face”. Pedrera vowed protests “will not end until the ministry comes to its senses” since “four consecutive days of strike are not enough”.
– Metges de Catalunya’s Xavier Lleonart demanded regional governments end 24-hour shifts: “There is not one regional government that cannot abolish them,” adding “we rule out no type of measure” including indefinite strike or Iniciativa Legislativa Popular (citizen proposed congressional bill), coordinated separately from scheduled 14-15 January strikes by Madrid, Catalonia, Basque Country and Galicia unions, which they support but will not actively participate in. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/los-medicos-preparan-nuevas-movilizaciones-mas-intensas-para-febrero-no-terminaran-hasta-que-minsiterio-recapacite_6918584_0.html 

AXARQUÍA

An earthquake in the Alboran Sea is felt in the Axarquía region: {Translation}
– An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale was recorded on Thursday in the Alboran Sea and was felt in several parts of Malaga, including Axarquía. The USGS rates it a 4.4 on the Richter scale.
– The earthquake struck at 17:32 UTC {18:32 Andalucia time} at a depth of 96 km in western Alboran. In the region, it was felt in Benagalbón, La Cala del Moral, Torre de Benagalbón, Rincón de la Victoria, Benajarafe and Torre del Mar, with a gentle tremor. It also reached Fuengirola, Mijas and Estepona. Sources: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map… & https://www.axarquiaplus.es/un-terremoto-en-el-mar-de-alboran-se-deja-sentir-en-la-axarquia/

MALAGA CITY

Two criminal organisations dismantled after 44 robberies in industrial warehouses in Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– The National Police have dismantled two Albanian-Kosovar criminal organisations responsible for 44 break-ins at industrial warehouses in Málaga since May 2025. Eighteen people were arrested, with six remanded in provisional custody on charges of robbery, documentary forgery, and membership of a criminal group.
– These highly organised itinerant networks targeted cash stored in safes, which they forced open on site or removed to remote locations for later cracking, causing substantial material damage. The perpetrators conducted meticulous prior planning, selecting specific warehouses and using rented vehicles registered to third parties. They swapped number plates, deployed specialised tools, and employed frequency jammers to disable alarm systems during night-time operations that never exceeded ten minutes.
– The crime wave generated significant alarm among local businesses. Four house searches in Málaga, Fuengirola, and Alhaurín el Grande recovered cash and burglary equipment, with connections identified to the Levante region. Although investigations continue, police consider both organisations neutralised. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/malaga-sucesos/desarticuladas-dos-organizaciones-criminales-44-robos-naves-industriales-malaga/202601081509253192053.html 

NERJA

Demolition work at the former Narixa nightclub in Nerja has been assigned: {Translation, summary}
– Nerja’s mayor, José Alberto Armijo, has announced that the demolition of the old Narixa nightclub has been awarded to the local company Antelo S.L., following a proposal from the Tender Committee. The contract amounts to €37,552.69, with a completion period of one month.
– Armijo noted that this project will make way for the construction of a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the sea and a new pedestrian access connecting it with the El Salón beach path and the Chanquete viewpoint. He also expressed satisfaction that progress is being made toward this major urban improvement.
– The Councillor for Infrastructure, Alberto Tomé, detailed that the work involves the full demolition of the building, bringing the structure down to street level at the frontage and ground level inside. The project includes all necessary phases: demolition, dismantling, debris removal, responsible waste management, and final site cleaning to prepare the area for the next stage of urban redevelopment. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/adjudicadas-las-obras-de-demolicion-de-la-antigua-discoteca-narixa-en-nerja/ 

EUROPE

Storm Goretti- A Bomb Cyclone brings Sting Jet winds across the English Channel Thursday night & Friday morning:
– A powerful bomb cyclone, known as Storm Goretti, is on the way to Western Europe tonight, impacting southern UK, the English Channel, and northern France. A rapidly developing Atlantic low was named Storm Goretti by Météo-France, as its effects are forecast to be significant. Storm is expected to produce a sting jet wind maximum with severe, potentially damaging winds.
– Parts of Wales and south-central England could see 15-30 cm of snow, as the colder side of the low develops an environment conducive to heavy snowfall as the storm’s core travels across the English Channel tonight. Full article: https://www.severe-weather.eu/global-weather/storm-goretti-sting-jet-english-channel-england-france-snow-western-europe-mk/ 

 

UKRAINE WAR

Russian strikes plunge Ukraine’s industrial southeast into blackouts & water outages:
– Nearly 500,000 households in the industrialised region of Dnipropetrovsk, one of Ukraine’s largest, were still without power on Thursday afternoon, according to private energy provider DTEK. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said more than 1.7 million households in Ukraine faced water supply problems after Russia’s overnight attack.
– Most services had been restored but around 20,000 households still had no water, and 250,000 no heating, Kuleba added. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ukraine-says-repairs-services-ongoing-after-russian-strikes-dnipropetrovsk-2026-01-08/ 

WORLD

‘Profoundly damaging’– Most EU leaders condemn Trump’s withdrawal from UN climate treaty:
– World leaders have condemned the Trump administration’s decision to pull the US out of the United Nations global climate treaty and more than 60 other international environmental organisations.
– In a statement announcing the move on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the move in explicitly political terms, declaring that global climate institutions are no longer relevant to the country’s interests. “As this list begins to demonstrate, what started as a pragmatic framework of international organisations for peace and cooperation has morphed into a sprawling architecture of global governance, often dominated by progressive ideology and detached from national interests,” he said.
– Washington skipped the COP30 climate summit in Brazil last year, following remarks from President Donald Trump calling climate change “the greatest con ever perpetrated on the world” and dubbing renewable energy a “joke”.
– Trump has also withdrawn the US from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN body instrumental in supporting the EU’s climate policies, such as the European Green Deal, which sets goals for climate neutrality by 2050 and the 1.5°C Paris Agreement targets.
– Condemnation of the Trump administration’s move has come fast in the US and abroad, including in Europe, where political leaders responded by reiterating the importance of the global climate treaties and organisations as drivers of global climate cooperation to slash global temperatures.
– However, lawmaker Roman Haider (Austria/Patriots for Europe) sided with Donald Trump’s decision, arguing that international climate agreements “don’t serve our interests in any way”. “Under Ursula von der Leyen, EU climate legislation has evolved into a dense and intrusive control instrument that interferes in every detail of citizens’ and businesses’ daily lives, making everything more expensive while improving nothing,” Haider told Euronews. The Austrian lawmaker said the EU’s “climate fundamentalism” is isolating the bloc from global peers and jeopardising citizens and companies. “Europe must now follow the American example without delay – because we are now obviously the only ones still subjecting ourselves to these shackles,” Haider added. Full article: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/01/08/profoundly-damaging-eu-leaders-condemn-trumps-withdrawal-from-un-climate-treaty 

HEALTH

Sharp drop in flu in Andalucia, incidence drops by more than seven points: {Translation, summary}
– Flu and respiratory infections have both fallen in Andalusia in early January. Flu incidence stands at 37.8 cases per 100,000 people, down from 45.2 at the end of 2025. Acute respiratory infections dropped from 299 to 286.2. Cádiz currently reports the highest provincial rates, with 419.6 for respiratory infections and 44.64 for flu symptoms, followed by Seville and Jaén.
– Despite the improvement, Minister Antonio Sanz has extended the mask recommendation in healthcare and elderly centres until 6 February 2026, warning that data may appear artificially low due to the holiday period and urging continued caution and vaccination.
Sources, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/andalucia/fuerte-caida-gripe-andalucia-incidencia-desciende-mas-siete-puntos/202601081243123191951.html 

SCIENCE

Researchers from Granada dismantle the Nutri-Score food labels– they do not measure nutritional quality: {Translation, summary}
– University of Granada researchers exposed flaws in the Nutri-Score labelling system through a pioneering study. The system, used across Europe to rate food quality, fails to capture the nutritional and metabolic complexity of foods, basing scores solely on sugars, saturated fats, salt, and calories while ignoring beneficial bioactive compounds like phenolics, peptides, and antioxidants.
– Analysis of 54 products from 19 brands, rated A to D, showed no correlation between Nutri-Score categories and actual composition. Purer, nutrient-rich options often scored poorly (C or D), while highly processed items with additives earned top marks (A or B). Various statistics confirmed the system’s limited ability to discriminate real metabolic profiles.
– The study, applying untargeted metabolomics for the first time to labelling evaluation, urges more comprehensive approaches. “Nutri-Score cannot grasp the complexity of bioactive-rich foods, risking consumer misinterpretation,” stated researchers Marta Palma and Celia Rodríguez. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/sociedad/investigadores-granadinos-desmontan-etiquetas-nutri-score_0_2005594887.html 

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60,000-year-old poison arrows from South Africa are the oldest poison weapons ever discovered:
– A handful of 60,000-year-old arrow tips unearthed in a South African rock shelter are the oldest evidence of poison weapons in the world, a new study finds. The discovery pushes back the confirmed use of poison weapons by hunter-gatherers by over 50,000 years.
– In the new study, scientists chemically analyzed 10 arrow tips that had been found decades ago at Umhlatuzana rock shelter. They found that five still contained traces of slow-acting poisons. These substances, likely derived from a species of tumbleweed, would have weakened targeted prey and substantially cut down the time and energy required for persistence hunts, the authors wrote in the study published Wednesday (Jan. 7) in the journal Science Advances. Full article: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/60-000-year-old-poison-arrows-from-south-africa-are-the-oldest-poison-weapons-ever-discovered 

SCAMS

Notice from the consumer associations– fake discounts and misleading advertising proliferate in sales (rebajas): {Translation, summary}
– Consumer organisations Facua and Asescon warn that the winter sales often conceal various tricks. Some shops advertise discounts of 50% or 70% that apply to only a handful of products, creating fake bargains. Others inflate prices shortly before the sales so that the reduction appears greater, when in fact it is not. Facua specifies that the “previous price” must be displayed on the tag and must be the lowest during the prior 30 days, not the most expensive. A further deceit involves producing or purchasing items specially for the sales and labelling them as “discounted”, even though they were never sold at a higher price. Minimal reductions of just a few cents are also denounced as a mockery. Stores may misuse the term “sales” by including damaged, outdated or clearance items without marking them as such. Other irregularities include hiding restrictive return policies, refusing card payments despite displaying credit‑card logos, or mixing full‑price and discounted goods on the same shelf. Both associations remind consumers that rights, guarantees and refund options must remain fully valid, even during the sale season. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/andalucia/aviso-asociaciones-proliferan-falsos-descuentos-publicidad-enganosa-rebajas/202601081024273191856.html 

FINANCIAL

The Social Security letter that thousands of pensioners will receive and that is positive: {Translation, summary}
– Thousands of Spanish pensioners are starting the year with good news in their post. The Social Security office has begun sending letters confirming each recipient’s updated pension for 2026, following the Government’s latest inflation-linked adjustments. The Council of Ministers has approved a 2.7% increase for contributory and civil service pensions, and more than 7% for minimum pensions. In total, over 9.4 million people will benefit, gaining around 500 euros more this year, or about 570 euros for retirees. Minimum and non-contributory pensions will rise even further to support those most in need, while the maximum pension reaches 3,359.6 euros per month, 92 euros higher than before. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/pensiones/carta-seguridad-social-recibiran-miles-pensionistas-positiva-20260106195129-nt_amp.html 

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The Supreme Court prohibits double banking penalties- no more charging late payment interest & fees for the same overdraft: {Translation, summary}
– Spain’s Supreme Court has banned banks from imposing double penalties on overdrafts, ruling that charges like default interest and excess fees cannot apply to identical sums. In a 17 December judgment, the court extended consumer protections to businesses, upholding a firm’s challenge against Banco Santander’s dual levies: 4.5% for tacit overdrafts and 29% interest on the same debts. Drawing on contract law and Bank of Spain guidelines, justices declared such overlaps unjustifiable, even for corporate clients. Fees are valid only for genuine, distinct services, such as occasional credit extensions beyond limits. The verdict reinforces that banks must pre-inform clients of costs for accepted services, curbing exploitative practices.
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/mibolsillo/supremo-prohibe-doble-penalizacion-bancaria-cobrar-intereses-demora-y-comision-mismo-descubierto-20260108132506-nt_amp.html

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Netflix’s first major series of the year was filmed in Malaga province
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/ronda/netflixs-first-major-series-premiere-the-year-20260107124826-nt.html
– Maro waterfall reappears after recent rains
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/watch-eastern-costa-sol-waterfall-reappears-after-20260108115258-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
Nina – 10 months old, found on someone’s land, she has started her vaccinations, gets on well with other dogs, will be large in size.
Oreo – 4 months, fully vaccinated, a cheerful, happy pup, gets on well with everyone, expected to be medium in size.
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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1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car – Jay Leno’s Garage: Video Link Click on video or use this link to view.

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Jan 9, 2026, 00:42 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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

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Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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ATTENTION! New EU internet privacy laws are now in effect, known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I have to inform you that the DigameXtra archive saves follower’s email addresses in the WordPress server. By subscribing/following you implicitly accept this; if you make submissions you acknowledge that anyone can view old issues online and see your contact info as you provided and you accept this. If you don’t want me saving your email address do not subscribe/follow, you can unsubscribe and remove yourself from this list using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every subscription issue. Takedown notices must include proof of ownership as well as the date and issue number of the DigameXtra issue containing the infringing content.  These may be submitted to digamextra@protonmail.com. Proper takedown notices will be complied with immediately. All images have been credited or copied from what I believe to be copyright free sources.

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DigameXtra No. 3161 Thursday, January 8th, 2026

 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. 

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

DONATIONS INFO PAGE LINK 

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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: 105

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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Miga Solidaria benefit for ANNE Axarquía- Lagos:
Sun, 11 Jan, Lagos Tanit Parking, near the river
2pm- Migas, olives & wine served (€3)
3pm- The Tribute performance
4:30pm- performance by Dani Marquez
In addition, there will be a bar serving typical festival food at affordable prices. 

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Flamenco Show “De Raiz” in Almuñécar: Sat, 17 Jan, 7pm
Auditorio J. Martín Recuerda
Puerta de Granada 19, (18690) Almuñécar
A new proposal from Al Son del Arte– a flamenco show called De Raiz, featuring a stellar cast of artists. Eva Esquivel dancing; Sergio Gómez “El Coloroao” and Aroa Paloma singing; Luis Mariano on guitar.
Info & tix (€15): https://bravoentradas.es/es/events/de-raiz-flamenco 

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Flamenco In Progress- Torrox: Sat, 31 Jan, 8pm
Presenting a new show, “Cuestión de Tiempo” featuring Diego and Hugo Aguilar.
Teatro Villa de Torrox
Info, map & tix (€15): https://www.mientrada.net/evento/torrox-cuestion-de-tiempo/ 

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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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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
We are open throughout the festive season, and if you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to get in touch. Demand remains strong, and we currently have both Spanish and international clients actively looking for properties in our area.
Over the coming months, members of the BluCee team will also be meeting buyers in key international locations:
– January: Belfast and Dublin
– February: A Place in the Sun Live, Manchester
– March: Dallas, USA
If you’re thinking of selling, please contact us to arrange a free, honest, no-obligation property valuation. There’s no pressure, just clear, professional advice to help you make the right decision.
Contact us:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Website: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27 ; Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738 Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra — our contact details can be seen every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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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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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.
Price €450 cash. DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com 

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For Sale: 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 (2.3 – 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)
Ref: https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-aspire-go-15-laptop-ag15-42p-silver
Price: €420 cash, a very good price for a solid, mid-line laptop! DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com

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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

More Stalling Tactics? Ábalos left without lawyers (again) – they refuse to defend him due to financial disagreements: {Translation, summary}
– José Luis Ábalos has lost his lawyers again in the “Koldo case”, just as he is about to face trial before the Supreme Court for alleged misconduct in mask procurement contracts. Former prosecutor Carlos Bautista and lawyer Luis Chabaneix have withdrawn from his defence due to unpaid fees and financial disagreements.
– This marks the second time Ábalos has been left without legal representation; last October he dismissed his previous lawyer, José Aníbal Álvarez, citing “irreconcilable differences” only two days before testifying.
– Parliamentary sources note that this pattern of losing counsel may reflect a stalling tactic he has used before, as frequent lawyer changes delay proceedings. Meanwhile, Ábalos remains suspended from his duties and salary as a deputy after being placed in provisional custody. He has asked Congress to reconsider the suspension while awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on his appeal against the preventive imprisonment order. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/espana/abalos-queda-abogados-renuncian-defenderle_20260107695e64b722f0db7daf07dc9c.html 

MALAGA PROVINCE

2026 brings several long weekends to Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– Malaga residents can look forward to several attractive long weekends in 2026. The first comes in spring, when Easter falls on 2 (Thurs) and 3 (Fri) April, creating a natural four-day weekend ideal for travel or local celebrations.
– Labour Day on Friday, 1 May, allows a three-day break as the Costa del Sol enters its best weather.
– In autumn, Spain’s National Day on Monday, 12 October, provides a long weekend
– Next is All Saints’ Day on Sunday, 1 November, with Monday, 2 November, observed as a holiday, giving another extended break.
– December brings two more long weekend opportunities: Constitution Day moves to Monday, 7 December, and Christmas falls on Friday, 25 December, creating one last three-day weekend to close the year. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/adios-cuesta-enero-hola-puentes-2026-malaga_0_2005578327.html 

MALAGA CITY

The first nests of the Asian hornet, an invasive and deadly species, have been detected in Malaga city: {Translation, summary}
– Málaga is on high alert after the first confirmed nests of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) were found near Arroyo Pachurraco, close to the Jauría de Canes lagoon. The discovery, made by a rural warden and swiftly handled by specialist teams, marks a critical moment in the region’s battle against invasive species. The hornet, blamed for three deaths in Galicia in late 2025, poses a growing risk to both public health and biodiversity. Its voracious appetite for honeybees threatens Málaga’s beekeeping industry and the wider ecosystem that depends on pollination. To make matters worse, the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis), another invasive species, has been established in the province since 2022. Environmental authorities are deploying drones with thermal cameras and targeted traps to locate and contain nests. Citizens are urged not to intervene themselves as vigilance becomes crucial to prevent further spread across Andalusia. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/andalucia/malaga/20260107/detectan-malaga-capital-primeros-nidos-avispon-asiatico-especie-invasora-mortal_371826.html

EUROPE

Power restored in Berlin after longest blackout since World War Two:
– Electricity was restored to southwestern Berlin on Wednesday after a suspected arson attack on a power station by leftist activists caused a blackout for tens of thousands of households, the longest outage in the German capital since World War Two. This has been particularly concerning as the early mornings temperatures at around -6 °C have been recorded, while daytime maximums have barely reached between -2 °C and 0 °C in large areas of the city, with an even lower thermal sensation due to the wind and humidity. 
– A blaze early on Saturday destroyed a cable duct over a canal, cutting off power in about 45,000 households and more than 2,000 businesses in southwestern districts of the city at a time of freezing temperatures. The far-left Volcano activist group, which in 2024 said it attacked a power pylon near Tesla’s factory outside Berlin, claimed responsibility.
– The German army was called in to support residents struggling with the outage, which also affected mobile phone connections, heating and trains. Full articles: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/berlin-restore-power-after-arson-attack-causes-record-outage-2026-01-07/

WORLD

Trump orders Venezuela to expel agents from China, Russia, Iran and Cuba operating in Caracas: {Translation, summary}
– The United States has intensified its pressure on Venezuela’s interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, to expel official advisers and security personnel linked to Cuba, Russia, China and Iran, US officials confirmed to The New York Times. This step would imply a radical change in the South American country’s strategic and security alliances. Washington maintains that these countries have maintained a deep presence in Venezuela through intelligence, military and economic personnel, and seeks to have the new Rodríguez government end those relationships before allowing the reopening or expansion of oil exports to the United States.
– These demands were apparently made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a classified meeting with congressional leaders. Washington would allow some diplomats to remain, but is demanding the departure of spies and foreign military personnel as a condition for stabilising bilateral relations.
– The pressure comes after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, who relied on Cuban protection, considering it more loyal than sectors of the Venezuelan armed forces.
Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/internacional/… 

HEALTH

A new test can detect Alzheimer’s with a finger prick: {Translation, summary}
– An international study led by the Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona has validated a blood test capable of identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s disease using a dried capillary sample from a simple finger prick. The method achieved an 86% diagnostic accuracy by measuring proteins such as p-tau217, GFAP and NfL, which are linked to brain damage and tau accumulation. The Drop-AD project involved 337 people at different disease stages, including those with Down syndrome, who have a higher risk.
– Researchers say the new test could complement, though not replace, existing invasive techniques like lumbar punctures or amyloid PET scans, which are costly and less accessible. Its simplicity and low cost could make large-scale screening possible, especially in primary care or low-resource settings. The lead researcher, Xavier Morató, emphasised that this innovation aims to make early diagnosis widely accessible and enable faster referral and treatment planning for Alzheimer’s patients. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/salud/nuevo-analisis-permite-detectar-alzheimer-pinchazo-dedo_20260107695e73d1af09df50109dd57f.html 

SCIENCE

Hominid remains from 770,000 years ago found in Morocco, revealing an African lineage prior to Homo sapiens: {Translation, summary}
– Researchers have identified 773,000-year-old hominid fossils in a quarry at Casablanca, Morocco, illuminating early African populations that predate the first Homo sapiens known from Jebel Irhoud. The study, published in Nature, links these remains to the search for the last common ancestors of modern humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans, thought to have lived between 765,000 and 550,000 years ago. The fossils are similar in age to the Homo antecessor remains from Atapuerca in Spain, previously proposed as ancestral candidates, but they show clear morphological differences. They combine primitive and more derived features that recall later Homo sapiens and archaic Eurasian hominids. As all reliably dated Homo sapiens fossils older than 90,000 years come from Africa or its immediate Asian periphery, the new Moroccan material reinforces an African origin for our species. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/ciencia/laboratorio/noticia-hallan-marruecos-restos-hominidos-hace-770000-anos-revelan-linaje-africano-anterior-homo-sapiens-20260107182028.html 

TRAVEL

New controversy with V16 beacons- public DGT map shows all active devices (locations of all disabled vehicles) in real time: {Translation, summary}
– Concerned citizens claim this map provides thieves and rouge tow-truck operators with the locations of potential victims.
– The rollout of Spain’s mandatory V16 emergency beacons, effective since 1 January 2026, has triggered concern over privacy after the Traffic Directorate (DGT) began showing their real-time locations on official maps on their website. The connected devices replace traditional warning triangles, emitting bright flashing lights to alert drivers to stationary vehicles without requiring anyone to exit the car. Each beacon also transmits its GPS position to the DGT 3.0 platform, feeding live traffic data. Officials insist the information is entirely anonymous, yet critics warn that exact locations of immobilised vehicles could be exploited for improper purposes or pattern tracking. The DGT maintains the feature aims solely to improve safety, prevent collisions, and speed emergency responses. Users can view the map online, which displays road closures, diversions, accidents, and weather alerts. Each beacon entry includes the cause, road and direction, activation time, province, and municipality to improve navigation and assistance.
– In the image below, all the exclamation marks in circles are disabled vehicles with an activated beacon.
DGT Traffic map website: https://etraffic.dgt.es/etrafficWEB/
Source, Spanish: https://okdiario.com/motor/nueva-polemica-balizas-v16-mapa-dgt-muestra-todos-dispositivos-activos-tiempo-real-16031860

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Renfe offers discounts for travelling from Malaga- train tickets from €7: {Translation, summary}
– Renfe has launched its January “Superprice” campaign offering Avlo journeys from 7 euros and AVE or Long-Distance trips from 15 euros. The tickets, available from 8 to 18 January, can be used for travel from 8 January onwards to any destination on AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and International AVE services. The promotional tickets will be sold until supplies last. Passengers can upgrade from the Basic to the Elige fare for an extra 3 euros, gaining flexibility in changes and cancellations (except for International AVE). Members of Más Renfe will also collect points in addition to discounts. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/renfe-ofrece-descuentos-viajar-malaga-billetes-tren-7-euros_0_2005580047.html 

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Ouigo launches cheap train tickets from €9 to travel throughout Spain: {Translation, summary}
– Ouigo has announced a new edition of its well-known Pink Days, encouraging passengers to plan short trips and holidays up to Easter at highly competitive prices.
– From 7 January until 14 January, Ouigo is offering 680,000 seats at reduced fares for travel between 12 January and 25 March, with fixed prices of 9, 15, 19, 25, 29 and 33 euros depending on the route and journey:
– On routes between Madrid and the South, including destinations such as Seville, Córdoba and Malaga, tickets range from 9 to 25 euros.
– On routes between Madrid and Levante, covering Valladolid, Madrid, Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, fares range from 9 to 29 euros.
– On the Madrid to Barcelona route, with stops in Zaragoza and Tarragona, ticket prices range from 19 to 33 euros.
– How to buy cheap tickets: From 7 to 14 January (inclusive), passengers can access this promotion through the Ouigo website and mobile app for travel between 12 January and 25 March.
– In addition, the high-speed train company offers affordable fares, XL seats and special rates for children: a flat rate of 7 euros for those aged 4 to 13, and free travel for children under 3 years old. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/mibolsillo/ouigo-lanza-billetes-baratos-tren-viajar-20260107132136-nt_amp.html 

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– New craze in Spain for renting out living rooms in occupied villas by the hour at up to 1,200 euros per booking {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/the-new-craze-for-renting-the-living-20260105143613-nt.html
– Cold days remain in Malaga province until upcoming weekend
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/the-cold-continues-malaga-but-will-change-20260107083027-nt.html
– Predictions, what will 2026 bring?
https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/what-will-2026-bring-the-colour-fashion-20260107134144-nt.html
– 80% of private detectives’ cases in Andalucía concern reports of suspected fraudulent sick leave
https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/private-detectives-cases-are-for-fraudulent-sick-20260107124124-nt.html 

CORRECTIONS

In yesterday’s article, “Trump rules out calling elections in Venezuela in the short term- I’m in charge”: I left out the last name of María Corina Machado. It should have read: “… while opposition figure María Corina Machado was dismissed as an unfit interlocutor. {Machado was the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize,…”

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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

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Jan 7, 2026, 22:05 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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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Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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DigameXtra No. 3160 Wednesday, January 7th, 2026

 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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*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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: 100

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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January Quiz Night- Vinuela: Mon, 12 Jan
7.30pm At El Horno, Vinuela
Quiz masters Pete and Nicci will be hosting the evening
Come along and test your brains after all the Christmas excesses.
Tickets will be on sale for our 2026 events and you can buy your 2026 memberships. STILL ONLY €10
Please email any questions to:
info.elvalleasociacion@gmail.com

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Malaga Upcoming Events This Week:
– Visit venue website for tickets & info. Put the name of the venue into any search engine- Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo-Search, etc.

 

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76 biggest classic rock tours in 2026– See tour dates for Eric Clapton, Deep Purple, Paul Simon, Rush, AC/DC and many more:
https://nypost.com/ticket-sales/76-biggest-classic-rock-concerts-of-2026-get-tickets-artists/

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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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COMPARE FUNERALS

Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain:
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.

 

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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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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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Three Kings Day with Surfers & Fishermen: Photos by Christine

 

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NEWS & ARTICLES

(Click the link to read the full article) 
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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ANDALUCÍA

The cold settles in Andalucia- yellow warning in five provinces this Wednesday: {Translation, summary}
– Andalucia has registered this Tuesday, January 6 the lowest minimum temperature in the country, with -17.3ºC in Pedrollano (Granada), within the Sierra Nevada National Park, reached at 9.40 am.
– Aemet has issued yellow warnings for minimum temperatures across several inland areas of Andalusia between 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday and 9.00 a.m. on Wednesday, due to a night-time cold spell and the risk of frost. The warnings cover the Almanzora Valley and Los Vélez in Almeria, several districts in Jaen including Morena and Condado, Cazorla and Segura, and the capital and surrounding mountains, Sierra and Pedroches and the countryside in Cordoba, and the countryside in Seville. In the most exposed areas, temperatures may fall to minus 4 degrees Celsius, with frost likely during the night and early morning.
– Regionally, minimums range from 6 degrees in Cadiz and Malaga to minus 2 degrees in Cordoba and Granada, with 5 degrees in Almeria, 3 in Huelva, 1 in Jaen and 2 in Seville, reflecting a generally cold, frost-prone night in inland parts of Andalusia. Photo: SUR. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/andalucia/frio-instala-andalucia-aviso-amarillo-cinco-provincias-miercoles/202601061810083191256.html 

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Youth Rental Voucher Applications Reopen on 13 January: {DigameXtra}
– The Regional Government of Andalusia will reopen applications for the Youth Rental Voucher on 13 January at 4.00 p.m., after allocating an additional 34.2 million euros to the programme. The call will remain open until 15,000 applications have been received.
– The voucher offers 250 euros per month to renters aged 18 to 35 with income that does not exceed three times the IPREM for individuals or four times for family units. The rented home or room must be the applicant’s main and permanent residence, verified through municipal registration.
– Applicants must provide a lease contract or a contract commitment signed by both parties. Maximum rent limits range between 600 and 900 euros per month for entire dwellings and between 300 and 380 euros for room rentals, excluding additional costs.
– Applications are processed in order of arrival and must be submitted exclusively online through the Junta de Andalucía’s official website:
https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/fomentoarticulaciondelterritorioyvivienda/areas/vivienda-rehabilitacion/fomento-alquiler/bono-alquiler-joven.html
– A user manual and FAQ are available on the same portal to assist applicants.

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Andalucia attends to 135 cases of elderly people in a situation of unwanted loneliness: {Translation}
– The Helpline for Unwanted Loneliness in Older Adults (tel: 900 100 300) has received 667 calls in six months. It offers emotional support and guidance from specialised professionals, addressing loneliness by connecting users with community resources. Seville accounts for the highest number of calls, while most affected individuals are widowed or divorced women aged 71 to 80 living in urban areas. So far, 135 cases of loneliness have been identified, 61 of them serious, all receiving tailored follow-up care.
– The service, run by the Andalucian Government, operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and complements their website, aimed at coordinating resources across the region. The initiative also revealed that over half the callers were unaware of the Active Participation Centres, which promote social activities and active ageing, highlighting the need for better information dissemination to combat emotional and social isolation among older adults.
– Official website: https://www.juntate.es/que-es-la-soledad/
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/andalucia-atiende-135-casos-mayores_0_2005564326.html 

 

MALAGA PROVINCE

Strong winds cause hundreds of incidents in municipalities along the coast of Málaga: {Translation, summary}
– Vélez-Málaga and Marbella were among the most affected areas; no injuries reported. Strong gusts caused a busy Tuesday for emergency services along the Málaga coast, with nearly a hundred incidents coordinated by Emergencias 112 Andalucía. Most occurred during the morning, affecting mainly Vélez-Málaga and Marbella, with additional reports in Estepona, Fuengirola, Mijas, Torremolinos and Benalmádena.
– The wind brought down trees and branches, displaced Christmas lights and street furniture, and damaged urban items exposed to the seafront. Despite the number of alerts handled, no personal injuries were reported.
– The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) kept a yellow alert active for strong winds and coastal conditions from midnight until 6.00 p.m. on Tuesday. In response, several councils adopted preventive measures. Benalmádena and Marbella temporarily closed all public parks to limit risks in wooded areas while the alert remained in effect. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/provincia-de-malaga/fuerte-viento-deja-veintena-incidencias-municipios-costa-malaga/202601061306133191166.html 

 

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Storm Francis hit Málaga hard, particularly Tolox and Monda, where it left behind ‘historic’ rainfall of over 250 litres: {Translation, summary}
– Storm Francis brought a “historic” weather episode to Málaga province on Sunday, prompting a red alert for heavy rain across the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley. Aemet’s Málaga director, Jesús Riesco, described the event as exceptional for its scale and rainfall intensity. Tolox and Monda exceeded 250 litres per square metre in 24 hours, with nearly 200 in Ardales, Casarabonela and Alhaurín el Grande, and around 130 in Cártama and Estepona. Other towns saw lower totals, including 84 in Marbella and 33 in Málaga city.
– Emergency services faced flooding, river overflows and preventive evacuations, particularly in Cártama, where thirty residents were relocated after the Guadalhorce overflowed. The Government Subdelegation placed the Military Emergency Unit on alert, while the regional administration urged maximum caution. By midnight, Andalusian officials confirmed the situation was stable and under control after widespread mobilisation across affected municipalities. Photo: healthplanspain. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/borrasca-francis-malaga-lluvias-historicas_0_2005557518.html 

TORROX

Torrox completes its Three Kings parade with the attendance of thousands of people along the route:
– See photo gallery here: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/torrox-completa-su-cabalgata-de-reyes-magos-con-la-asistencia-de-miles-de-personas-en-todo-el-recorrido/ 

NERJA

Urban development law blocks plans for Maro’s major hotel and golf project, land back to agricultural use until permission granted: {Translation, summary}
– The Maro plain development known as ‘Maro Golf’ remains stalled after a 2023 strategic environmental assessment progress paper. There is an unresolved legal dispute between the Junta de Andalucía and the company, Larios, over whether planning should continue under the current LISTA sustainability law, or the older LOUA framework used when the scheme was first designed. Nerja Town Hall is waiting for a final regional ruling before proceeding.
– Amid the deadlock, Larios has issued notice ending lease contracts on about 400 agricultural plots across 150 hectares, most used as leisure allotments or informal permanent homes converted from former storage sheds. Company sources say only about 50 tenants farm professionally, with the rest largely leisure users, including many foreign nationals or non-residents. Contracts are being terminated with one year’s notice, staggered to summer 2026, completing a land management process begun over 20 years ago. The company plans a costly full clearance, demolishing unlawful structures, removing tanks, and managing waste, to restore strictly agricultural use while planning law is clarified.
– The proposed tourist complex would include a golf course, three hotels (around 700 rooms, one in the old San Joaquín and Santa Ana factory) and 500 homes, but Larios states that the eastern section in the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural area would remain undeveloped.
– The mayor of Nerja indicates that agricultural land use now appears likely to continue. The PSOE calls for mediation to protect families, local identity and organic farming projects backed by EU funds, citing serious social and economic impact and warning that farmers may lose land worked for generations. The tourism scheme awaits a legal resolution that may determine whether it can proceed or remain blocked. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/proyecto-urbanistico-vega-maro-pendiente-escollo-legal-20251229162132-nt_amp.html & Video Link To play video click on it, or use this link.


TORRE DEL MAR

The first prize of the El Niño Lottery distributes luck in Torre del Mar, Riogordo and Malaga city: {Translation, summary}
– The first prize, number 06703, has been felt in the province of Malaga. This top prize, the “Gordo” of the draw, is worth 2 million euros per series, that is, 200,000 euros per ticket. The number has been sold in Malaga city (Duque de Rivas, 2) and in the municipality of Riogordo (Plaza de la Constitución). The winning number has also been sold in Torre del Mar, Torremolinos, and in Catalpico Street, 3, and Juan Valdés Street, both in the city of Malaga. Check your ticket here: https://www.diariodesevilla.es/loteria-de-navidad/comprobar-decimos-numeros-premios/
– In Torre del Mar, the lottery outlet on Avenida de Andalucía 85 has sold one ticket of the first prize of the El Niño draw. Lottery vendor Dolores Atencia learnt of the win from Diario Sur while she was watching the draw on television, initially unsure of the exact value of the prize issued at her point of sale. This win marks the second consecutive year that Atencia has brought El Niño luck to her customers, after selling a third prize in 2025. With more than 40 years’ experience handing out prizes from El Gordo, El Niño and other games, she continued serving customers on the festive Tuesday as many locals kept trying their luck. She was also awaiting the arrival of officials with the official notice board announcing the latest prize for her Torre del Mar outlet. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/primer-premio-de-la-loteria-de-el-nino-reparte-suerte-en-riogordo-y-malaga-capital/ 

GRANADA

Andalucia registers the lowest minimum temperature in Spain with -17.3ºC in Sierra Nevada: {Translation}
– Andalucía recorded the country’s lowest minimum temperature this Tuesday, 6 January, with -17.3ºC in Pedrollano (Granada), within the Sierra Nevada National Park, reached at 9:40 a.m. According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), this record is followed by Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara), with -14ºC at 5:40 a.m., and Cap de Vaquèira (Lleida), where the same temperature was reached at 9:30 a.m.
– After these records, two other locations in Granada occupy the fourth and fifth places in the ranking of minimum temperatures. In fourth position is the area of the Sierra Nevada Radio Telescope, where -13.9ºC was reached at 9:40 a.m., followed by Laguna Seca, also in Sierra Nevada, which recorded -13.4ºC at 9:40 a.m.
– Additionally, another point in the province of Granada appears in tenth place on the list, Camarate 2, in the Sierra Nevada National Park, where the thermometer marked -12.2ºC at 10:00 a.m.
– In Andalucía, the minimum temperatures forecast for today range between 8ºC in Almería and -2ºC in Granada. By province, 5ºC is expected in Cádiz, 0ºC in Córdoba, 3ºC in Huelva, 0ºC in Jaén, 6ºC in Málaga and 3ºC in Sevilla. Photo: Cicerone Granada. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/andalucia-registra-temperatura-minima-mas-baja-espana-con-17-3oc-sierra-nevada_6917798_0.html

WORLD

Trump rules out calling elections in Venezuela in the short term- “I’m in charge”: {Translation, summary}
– US President Donald Trump has ruled out elections in Venezuela “until the country recovers its health”, and announced that Secretaries of State and Defence, Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, along with adviser Stephen Miller, will coordinate the transition. He confirmed that acting president Delcy Rodríguez “is cooperating”, saying, “I have a feeling that they are cooperating. They need help. And I have a feeling that Rodríguez loves her country and wants it to survive.”
– Trump stressed his authority over policy: “I am in charge,” adding, “The United States will govern Venezuela… we are in charge.” He warned Rodríguez she faces “a future worse than Maduro’s” if she does not “do the right thing”. Vice President JD Vance is also part of the transition team, while opposition figure María Corina Machado was dismissed as an unfit interlocutor. {Machado was the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, an award Trump reportedly felt he deserved, and that Machado dedicated to Trump, but evidently that was not sufficient to gain his trust. -Ed.} Trump described the handover as “a whole-of-national-security effort.” Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/trump-descarta-una-pronta-convocatoria-elecciones-libres-venezuela-da-los-nombres-los-funcionarios-que-estaran-cargo-venezuela_6917681_0.html 

GASTRONOMIA

The tuna of almost 3 million euros: {Translation}
– The traditional first auction of the year at the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo set a new record this Monday with the sale of a bluefin tuna for the astronomical sum of 2.78 million euros (510 million yen), a price that has surpassed all records since 1999, when such data began to be collected, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.
– The specimen was caught in the city of Oma, in Aomori Prefecture, an area especially prized for the quality of its tuna. The fish weighed 243 kilos, less than last year’s most expensive tuna, which weighed 276 kilos but was sold for 1.13 million euros (207 million yen), less than half of this year’s price. This year’s figure is the highest ever paid, exceeding the previous record set in 2019, when 1.81 million euros were spent. Doing the calculation, the most expensive tuna in Tokyo cost 11,500 euros per kilo, just over 1,100 euros per hundred grams.
– “When I saw the tuna, I could not help buying it. The price surprised me a little, but I want as many people as possible to enjoy this tuna,” said the winner of the auction, Kiyoshi Kimura, owner of a Japanese sushi chain based in the popular Tsukiji district on Tokyo Bay, known as the ‘tuna king’. Conscious of the media attention the moment attracted, Kimura posed smiling for photographers before making the first cuts of the tuna in the flagship restaurant of his chain. He did so with a knife designed specifically for slicing tuna (a kind of very long and pointed sword with a single-edged blade) called Maguro bocho.
– The auction, a true ritual combining tradition and spectacle and marking the start of the year for Japan’s fishing and restaurant sectors, began at five o’clock in the morning Tokyo time, when, at the sound of a bell, the first specimens began to be sold, both fresh tuna and frozen tuna sent from ports around the country and abroad for wholesale trade.
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sociedad/atun-millones-euros-20260105131815-ntrc_amp.html 

RECALLS

Nestle recalls infant formula batches in 25 countries over toxin risk:
– Nestle said it was recalling some batches of its infant nutrition products, including: Alfamino, SMA, Nativa 1, Nidina, BEBA and NAN formulas, mostly in Europe.
– Nestle said the recall covered batches sold across Europe {including Spain}, as well as in Turkey and Argentina, due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus.
– After a quality issue was detected in an ingredient from a leading supplier, Nestle undertook “testing of all arachidonic acid oil and corresponding oil mixes used in the production of its potentially impacted infant nutrition products,” a Nestle spokesperson said. With testing complete, Nestle has recalled affected products and is activating alternative suppliers of arachidonic acid oil, ramping up production at several factories and accelerating the release of unaffected products from distribution centres to maintain supply.
– You can check individual batch numbers involved here: https://www.nestlebebe.es/retirada-preventiva
– If the batch coincides with those indicated, avoid consumption. You may return the product at the point of purchase for refund or replacement.
Refs: English, https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/nestle-recalls-infant-formula-batches-food-safety-concerns-2026-01-06/
Spanish, but with more specific details: https://teleceuta.com/nestle-amplia-la-retirada-preventiva-de-formulas-infantiles-por-posible-contaminacion-bacteriana/

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Authorities warn in Andalucia of the presence of histamine in a batch of anchovy paste: {Translation, summary}
– The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has issued a health alert after detecting histamine in the Italian product Pasta acciughe (Anchovy Paste) from the Zarotti brand, batch number PH 24, packaged in a 60-gram aluminium tube with an expiry date of 24 July 2026. The affected items have been distributed in Andalucia, Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Madrid, with possible distribution in other regions. AESAN has informed all autonomous communities through the SCIRI system to ensure product withdrawal.
– Consumers are advised not to eat items from this batch and to seek medical assistance if symptoms such as hives, headaches, dizziness, or digestive discomfort appear. Histamine can develop naturally in fish due to poor preservation, causing food poisoning. Current regulations set maximum histamine levels in fish products, particularly anchovies and canned goods, to prevent these health risks. Full article: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/autoridades-alertan-andalucia-presencia-histamina_0_2005558555.html 

OBITUARIES

Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan, dead at 80:
– Michael Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, has died at 80, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced in a statement released from Simi Valley, California, on Tuesday.
– Reagan was a conservative author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and frequent public speaker who spent decades actively defending and promoting his father’s legacy through close involvement with the Reagan Library and Foundation.
– The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the passing of Michael Reagan,” describing him as “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.” Full article: https://nypost.com/2026/01/06/us-news/michael-reagan-son-of-former-president-ronald-reagan-dead-at-80/

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Malaga’s Three Kings parade, see full photo gallery here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/malagas-three-kings-parade-pictures-20260106110205-ga.html

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PETS FOR ADOPTION

Harvey Needs A Home: I’m Harvey, I will be your best friend. I need a forever home. My lovely owner took me in when I was only 3 months. She really saved my life, now I need to repay her, and find a new home. I think I’m just over a year old. I’m a very handsome boy, I look like a Black Labrador.
Can you be my new family? Harvey is fully up-to-date with his vaccinations and he is neutered.
Please contact Julie, Algarrobo 643137735. 

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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

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Jan 6, 2026, 23:42 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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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By supporting our sponsors you help support DigameXtra!

DigameXtra Sponsors

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Home Page  and  FB Page

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Get Windscribe Pro or Free Versions Here

Home Page and FB Page

FB Page

Home Page

Mandy’s Tel: 680739577

Home Page

Home Page

Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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How to Subscribe and make submissions: Click Link

https://digamextra.com/about/

DigameXtra cannot be responsible for incorrect info in reader or sponsor posts or event announcements. Always confirm the details to avoid disappointment.

ATTENTION! New EU internet privacy laws are now in effect, known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I have to inform you that the DigameXtra archive saves follower’s email addresses in the WordPress server. By subscribing/following you implicitly accept this; if you make submissions you acknowledge that anyone can view old issues online and see your contact info as you provided and you accept this. If you don’t want me saving your email address do not subscribe/follow, you can unsubscribe and remove yourself from this list using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every subscription issue. Takedown notices must include proof of ownership as well as the date and issue number of the DigameXtra issue containing the infringing content.  These may be submitted to digamextra@protonmail.com. Proper takedown notices will be complied with immediately. All images have been credited or copied from what I believe to be copyright free sources.

©DigameXtra.com 2015-2026. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to republish any DigameXtra.com content. Sharing content for personal use is permissible as long as it is source credited to https://digamextra.com.

DigameXtra No. 3159 Monday, January 5th, 2026

 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. 

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

DONATIONS INFO PAGE LINK 

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor

Home Page  and  FB Page

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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: 93

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule: DigameXtra will be closed for these holidays. 
– Tuesday, 6 Jan 2026, Epiphany (Spanish Public Holiday)

NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, 7 JAN, 2026

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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~
February 2026
– 3rd – Trip to Gibraltar
March
– 3rd – Trip to Gibraltar
– 12th – Table Top Sale
April
– 7th – Easter trip to Gibraltar
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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Torrox Three Kings Parade- Town Hall Announcement:
Due to weather forecasts, the Three Kings parade is brought forward to 11:00 a.m. today, Monday, January 5. Source, check it for updates and full schedule: https://t.me/s/iTorrox

 

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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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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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REDWELL INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS

Redwell Infrared Heaters for Inside
Manufacturer warranty 10 years
ONLY products from Germany and Austria
Product Range:
– Wall and ceiling infrared heaters
Mirror, Pictures, Glass, white & color
– Mobile Heaters, free standing on wheels
– Under table Heaters
– Analog & Digital Controlling Systems, Thermostats Systems
– LED Light Frames, 2 year warranty
For 20 years we have supported clients in Spain with the highest quality Infrared Heating Systems available on the market. 
Request information without any obligation.
Location:
Axarquia Service-Center, Postbox 028
Dipl.-Ing. Svend Scharler
29793 Torrox Park, Malaga
E-mail: sscharler@gmx.de Web: https://redwell.com/
Office: 952539742 ; Mobil: 606423869

Pipewave

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MANDY’S PAINTBOX

Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area. NEW JOB PHOTOS.
Painting work undertaken. Inside and outside, large or small. Furniture painted or sprayed. Kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes doors any colour any surface. Check out the before and after photos, all the furniture was spray painted. Call for advice. WhatsApp 680739577
Email: josiahamanda@gmail.com
My contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue. Here are “before” (left) and “after” (right) pics from my latest job.

  

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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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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
We are open throughout the festive season, and if you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to get in touch. Demand remains strong, and we currently have both Spanish and international clients actively looking for properties in our area.
Over the coming months, members of the BluCee team will also be meeting buyers in key international locations:
– January: Belfast and Dublin
– February: A Place in the Sun Live, Manchester
– March: Dallas, USA
If you’re thinking of selling, please contact us to arrange a free, honest, no-obligation property valuation. There’s no pressure, just clear, professional advice to help you make the right decision.
Contact us:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Website: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27 ; Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738 Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra — our contact details can be seen every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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AXARQUIA SILVER & GOLD TRADE

Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade– Unique Handcrafted Coin Rings & Much More: 
***Services Offered***
– Buying all kind of Silver and Gold:
Silver coins and Gold coins, bullions and bars.
Jewellery and cutlery (no collector prices!).
– Selling handcrafted Coin Rings and Jewellery: Handcrafted rings, made from silver or gold.
There are many options possible– I will handcraft your individual silver or gold ring. Choose, for example: a coin from your year of birth; a custom present for a friend; choose a JFK ½ Dollar coin; or a $1 Dollar coin from 1921 is available. I have silver from Spain; 100 Pesetas coins from 1966 for something special; and many more. You can get it shiny or black or a mix. I look forward to creating something very special for you. You want big sizes for men? No problem!
– General Metals Markets Information:
I am trading now more than 10 years in physical silver and gold. If you are interested, make an appointment.
– Make an appointment by mail or phone.
Mail: sscharler@gmx.de
Call Svend Scharler: +34-606423869
I have my office and meeting point at the Axarquia Service Centre, local 101, 29793 Torrox Park.

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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.
Price €450 cash. DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com 

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For Sale: 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 (2.3 – 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)
Ref: https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-aspire-go-15-laptop-ag15-42p-silver
Price: €420 cash, a very good price for a solid, mid-line laptop! DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com

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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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ANDALUCÍA

The lack of personnel and investment compromises the safety of some 40 dams in Andalucia: {Translation, summary}
– Last winter, a nightmare plagued the residents of Cueva de la Mora in Almonaster la Real (Huelva), sparked by fears of a dam collapse that could engulf the village. After torrential rains and a crack was detected in the Monte Félix-Toril dam, the authorities ordered an evacuation, raising concerns over the safety of the region’s 500 dams. Spain has one of the highest numbers of dams per capita in the world, and 60% of state-owned dams will soon require safety reinforcements.
– The Ministry for Ecological Transition’s report for 2023-2033 urges improvements, as over 40 dams in Andalucia need thorough inspections to prevent potential failures. The report highlights insufficient human resources and inadequate safety investments. The Association of Roads (Asociación de Caminos) points to dangerous dam conditions in Jaén and Seville, calling for an independent body to oversee control. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/falta-personal-e-inversiones-compromete_0_2005539096.html 

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The Regional Government aspires to turn Andalucia into a world leader in nuclear fusion: {Translation, summary}
– The Junta of Andalucia aims to position the region as a global leader in nuclear fusion (as opposed to the nuclear fission tech currently in use) with two pioneering scientific projects: the Ifmif-Dones particle accelerator in Escúzar (Granada) and the Tokamak Smart reactor at the University of Seville. These projects focus on harnessing fusion technology to provide a new source of clean energy while fostering high-value technological innovation. The Andalucian government has committed 219.95 million euros to support both initiatives, which are crucial to advancing nuclear fusion as a viable energy solution.
– The Ifmif-Dones accelerator will spend 30 years testing materials for future fusion power plants, with the first ten years focused on construction and setup, and 20 years dedicated to operations. Meanwhile, the University of Seville’s Tokamak project, funded with eight million euros, will aim to achieve controlled fusion through advanced magnetic fields to generate electricity. Both projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and attract leading researchers, establishing Andalucia as a key centre for nuclear fusion research and development. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/andalucia/junta-aspira-convertir-andalucia-referente-mundial-fusion-20260104185139-nt_amp.html 

NERJA

The symbol of mountaineering in Nerja shines again at the Pico del Cielo: {Translation, summary}
– The cross of the Pico del Cielo, one of the most recognizable symbols of Nerja mountaineering, has been repaired and relocated this Saturday thanks to the initiative of a group of 35 volunteers who love the mountains, who took on the work after the damage caused by vandalism just a few days ago. The action has been carried out through complex logistics, in which the participants transported tools, cement, sand, water and metal material on foot to the summit, given the difficulty of access to the enclave. The intervention has been promoted, among others, by the Kapurro’s Team-Entrenamientos and the La Gineta Mountain Club of Nerja, some of whose members already participated in a similar repair in 2016 , when the cross also suffered fastening problems and was knocked down.
– Originally installed in 1971, the cross of Pico del Cielo, also known as Cuesta del Cielo, rises at an altitude of 1,508 meters within the natural park of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. Located just six kilometres as the crow flies from the coast, the summit offers privileged views of the Malaga and Granada coastline and is one of the most demanding and popular routes in the municipality, with a difference in altitude of more than 1,200 metres in about ten kilometres from the surroundings of the Nerja Cave. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/simbolo-montanismo-nerja-vuelve-lucir-pico-cielo-20260103202017-nt_amp.html 

ALGARROBO

Algarrobo begins 2026 with a burnt-down nativity scene and the destruction of public spaces: {Translation, summary}
– The New Year in Algarrobo began with an alarming incident. In the early hours of 2 January, the nativity scene in Plaza España was set ablaze, shocking local residents. According to the mayor and nearby neighbours, the fire occurred between 2:00 am and 3:00 am, raising concerns among locals. The family of Mercedes Lupiáñez, who lives on Francisco Ariza street, was quick to act, with her two children extinguishing the fire and removing the damaged figures. The area is now covered in ashes, and fireworks packets were found nearby. Local police suspect the incident was another act of vandalism.
– Since the beginning of 2026, Algarrobo has witnessed further acts of vandalism. These include the theft of lights from a Christmas tree in Parque de la Escalerilla and the vandalism of grilles near the Health Centre, which were repaired. Additionally, a cabin in Parque de la Vega was destroyed. The mayor has called for public help to find those responsible for these crimes. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/provincia/algarrobo-comienza-2026-belen-quemado_0_2005536113.html 

UK

UK, France conduct joint airstrikes on underground ISIS facility in Syria:
– The UK and France have carried out a joint airstrike on an underground ISIS (Daesh) facility in central Syria, according to a statement from the British government on Saturday, Anadolu reports. British Defense Secretary John Healey described the strike as part of ongoing efforts to prevent Daesh from rebuilding its capabilities and spreading what he called its “dangerous and violent ideologies.”
– “Careful intelligence analysis identified an underground facility in the mountains some miles north of the ancient site of Palmyra. This facility had been occupied by Daesh, most likely to store weapons and explosives. The area around the facility is devoid of any civilian habitation,” the statement said.
“RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, therefore joined French aircraft in a joint strike on the underground facility on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 3,” it noted. “Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility; whilst detailed assessment is now underway, initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully. There is no indication of any risk having been posed to civilians by the strike, and all our aircraft returned safely,” the statement concluded. Full article: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260104-uk-france-conduct-joint-airstrikes-on-underground-isis-facility-in-syria/ & X Link

 

EUROPE

Bulgaria celebrates entry into euro zone, lev currency banished into history:
– EU member Bulgaria marked its entry into the euro zone on Thursday with a display of euro coins on the façade of the central bank in Sofia and fireworks to celebrate a long-awaited milestone. As of midnight the euro became the country’s currency and the lev was banished into history.
– Bulgaria’s entry into the euro zone will take the number of Europeans using the currency to more than 350 million. The last country to join the single currency group was Croatia in January 2023.
– Some Bulgarians worry that using the euro will push up prices, or are suspicious of a domestic political establishment that is in crisis. The government stepped down last month amid widespread protests against proposed tax increases. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/bulgaria-celebrates-entry-into-euro-zone-lev-currency-banished-into-history-2026-01-01/ 

WORLD

Venezuela’s military recognizes Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as acting leader after Maduro’s capture:
– Venezuela’s military said it recognizes Vice President Delcy Rodriguez {pic} as the country’s acting leader after Nicolas Maduro was extracted from Caracas by U.S. forces on Saturday. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez issued a statement endorsing a Supreme Court ruling that appointed Rodriguez as acting president for 90 days.
– Rodriguez, who is next in the presidential line of succession, served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, overseeing much of Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy as well as its feared intelligence service. On Saturday, Venezuela’s high court ordered her to assume the role of interim president.
– President Trump said on Saturday that the U.S. had been in touch with Rodriguez and that “she’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.” Mr. Trump then issued an apparent threat against Rodriguez, telling The Atlantic in an article published Sunday that “if she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”
– On Saturday night, Rodriguez called Maduro’s capture during a daring overnight U.S. military operation “barbaric” and an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping.” In a speech broadcast on state TV, she said the U.S. actions were an attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty and demanded the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife. Rodriguez left open the door for dialogue with the U.S., while seeking to calm ruling party supporters.
– Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez in his televised statement on Sunday said that some of Maduro’s bodyguards were killed “in cold blood” during the U.S. raid. He did not give an exact figure of casualties. Venezuelan authorities have not yet given an official toll for people hurt or killed in the US operations. Mr. Trump said Saturday that some U.S. forces were injured, but none were killed. Padrino Lopez also urged Venezuela’s citizens to resume normal activities “of all kinds, economic, work and education, in the coming days.” “The homeland must follow its constitutional course,” he said. Full article: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-military-delcy-rodriguez-acting-leader-nicolas-maduro/

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Thousands of Venezuelans celebrated in Buenos Aires, Argentina; the military overthrow and the arrest of the narcoterrorist Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela: X Link

HEALTH

A treatment that would allow natural teeth to be regained, possibly available in 2030: {Translation, summary}
– For decades, losing a tooth meant unattractive options such as bridges, dentures, or costly implants, with none restoring a natural tooth. By late 2025, however, Japan began human clinical trials for a drug designed to regenerate lost teeth, offering hope to millions worldwide. Thirty adults aged 30 to 64, who lost at least one molar, are receiving experimental intravenous medication for a year. The goal is to stimulate the body’s natural mechanisms to regenerate teeth, as seen in earlier animal trials.
– The key discovery involves a protein called USAG-1, which inhibits tooth development. Blocking this protein triggered the growth of complete, natural-like teeth in animals. This suggests humans might have the potential for a third set of teeth, once thought impossible. If successful, the treatment could revolutionise dentistry, offering a biological alternative to artificial replacements, reducing costs, and improving long-term outcomes. Trials will also include children with congenital tooth loss, aiming to improve their quality of life and development. Although the journey is still long, the horizon already has a date. If the various clinical phases are successfully completed, this treatment could reach the healthcare system around 2030. It would be the first time that medicine offers a real solution to recover lost teeth through regeneration, rather than artificial replacement. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/andalucia/ensayan-tratamiento-que-permitiria-volver-tener-dientes-naturales/202601040937413189593.html

TECH

DoctorLaptop’s Tips #120– Trouble In Linux-land, new graphics system “Wayland” being pushed in updates not ready for primetime yet: {DigameXtra Exclusive}
– Linux systems are currently switching to “Wayland”, a modern graphics system that controls how windows, menus, and the login screen are drawn, and away from the 30 year old, very reliable “X11” method. System updates are making this change without clearly alerting users. Wayland aims to make Linux feel smoother and safer, but the change has caused problems for users on popular Linux distros (systems). This problem has been documented in Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Fedora and KDE distros; and on a variety of common desktop environments.
– A common issue shows up on the login page, where parts of the screen may flicker, look broken, or freeze, stopping people from typing their password properly. Another fail can happen when opening web browsers. Firefox works, but Chrome-based browsers, including Brave and Opera, won’t load due to a conflict with old graphics drivers, the browser may crash or refuse to open. Updating the graphics drivers, especially with Nvidia graphics cards, may fix the issue.
– The easiest fix to the entire problem is to switch back to the older system, X11, at the login page. Most Linux login screens include a small gear icon or menu near the password box. Clicking it reveals choices for how to start the desktop. Picking options like GNOME on Xorg, or X11 on Plasma, tells Linux to use X11 instead of Wayland. X11 has been around much longer and works with more computers, so this switch often repairs the login screen and lets browsers open normally again.
– I recommend sticking with X11 for at least another year. Give the developers a chance to work out the bugs. No reason for us to do their beta-testing for them.
Refs: https://discourse.gnome.org/t/gnome-wayland-and-chromium-based-browsers/32970 & https://www.opensourcefeed.org/insights/wayland-common-problems-fixes/

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Your charger has an expiration date and you probably didn’t know it- this is its lifespan symbol: {Translation}
– Have you ever thought that your charger has an expiration date? Although it may sound strange, these small electronic devices we use daily are not designed to last forever, and like other devices, they have a limited lifespan. In case you didn’t know, chargers hide a clue in the form of a symbol that indicates how long it is recommended to use them safely.
– On many chargers, this information is engraved directly onto the device, alongside other certification symbols. Just like food, over time, a charger’s components wear out and its performance can decline. This means slower charging and the accessory becomes less safe, increasing the risk of electrical faults or overheating.
– But how can we tell if our charger has expired? To find out, we need to look at the symbols engraved on the casing. For example, as can be seen in the image below, my laptop charger has a number inside a circle with arrows—similar to recycling symbols. The number ten indicates how many years of recommended use the charger has since it was manufactured, meaning I can safely use it for the next ten years.
– Once the expiry date arrives, even though the charger may still work, its safety and efficiency may decrease. Over time, materials can degrade, increasing the risk of faults, including the possibility of a short circuit, so it is not advisable to keep using it long after its estimated lifespan.
– Other symbols to watch for on your charger– each symbol serves an important function related to safety, compatibility, or durability. Understanding the meaning of each one can help us use the device safely:
*Voltage and current: This usually comes with the words Input (indicating the voltage and frequency the charger can receive) and Output (showing the energy the device provides). To distinguish between current types, two symbols are used: the sign ~ for alternating current (AC), and the symbol of a solid line with a line of dashes below for direct current (DC).
*House-shaped icon: This indicates the charger is intended for indoor use only, not for outdoor or damp environments.
*Crossed-out bin symbol: This means the charger should not be thrown away with household waste, as it is electronic waste and must be disposed of in a recycling point or designated container.
*Certification elements: These ensure the charger meets European safety standards. Specifically, the CE symbol confirms it complies with European regulations.
*Square within another square: This symbol means the charger is Class II, with double electrical insulation, offering greater protection against electric shocks. If only one square is shown, it means it is Class I and requires grounding. If three horizontal lines appear, it indicates Class III, and the charger works with very low voltage.
*Other letters and numbers: Some chargers may include energy efficiency symbols like VI or a small thermometer showing the maximum recommended temperature for safe operation. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/tecnologia/moviles-dispositivos/cargador-tiene-fecha-caducidad-seguramente-no-sabias-asi-es-simbolo-oculto_6916398_0.html

SCAMS

Princess Leonor, victim of identity theft– “Her Highness does not solicit, offer or manage financial contributions”: {Translation, summary}
– The Princess of Asturias Foundation has expressed concern over fraudulent activities involving the use of Princess Leonor’s image. In a statement on its website, the Foundation warns that scammers are exploiting the future queen’s likeness to deceive citizens and illegally obtain money. The Foundation clarified that it does not offer financial aid, project grants, or run any monetary-related programs for individuals. It also stressed that Princess Leonor does not request, offer, or manage any financial contributions through the Foundation. Any message or profile claiming otherwise is fraudulent.
– The Foundation has identified fake social media profiles and deceptive communications impersonating both the Foundation and the Princess to solicit money or propose financial schemes. The public is advised to report such incidents to the relevant authorities. The Foundation regretted the inconvenience and harm caused by these criminal activities using its name. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/gente/princesa-leonor-victima-usurpacion-identidad-su-alteza-no-solicita-ofrece-gestiona-aportaciones-economicas_6917218_0.html

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Drivers in Spain turn their backs on electric cars and switch back to petrol
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/trend-reversal-drivers-turn-their-backs-electric-20260102151800-nt.html
– Almuñécar’s Mediterranean sea life aquarium reopens four years after closure {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/costa-tropical/costa-tropicals-mediterranean-life-aquarium-reopens-four-20251231124517-nt.html

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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

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Jan 4, 2026, 19:04 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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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ATTENTION! New EU internet privacy laws are now in effect, known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I have to inform you that the DigameXtra archive saves follower’s email addresses in the WordPress server. By subscribing/following you implicitly accept this; if you make submissions you acknowledge that anyone can view old issues online and see your contact info as you provided and you accept this. If you don’t want me saving your email address do not subscribe/follow, you can unsubscribe and remove yourself from this list using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every subscription issue. Takedown notices must include proof of ownership as well as the date and issue number of the DigameXtra issue containing the infringing content.  These may be submitted to digamextra@protonmail.com. Proper takedown notices will be complied with immediately. All images have been credited or copied from what I believe to be copyright free sources.

©DigameXtra.com 2015-2026. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to republish any DigameXtra.com content. Sharing content for personal use is permissible as long as it is source credited to https://digamextra.com.

DigameXtra Special Edition – US Invades Venezuela, Captures Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro, Trump declares “US would now take over running the South American country”

 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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DigameXtra Alert – US Invades Venezuela, Captures Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro, Trump declares “US would now take over running the South American country”
{6pm Sat, 3 Jan, 2026}
– President Trump told the nation Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was captured “in the dead of night” and that the US would now take over running the South American country.
– “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said at a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago resort as he provided new details on the stunning military operation. “We’re going to run it, essentially” through the transition, he said.
– The president called it “one of the most stunning effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” “Not a single American servicemember was killed” and no US equipment was lost in the operation, Trump said.
– “It was dark. The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have. It was dark. And it was deadly” he said.
– Trump addressed the nation hours after US special forces snatched the Venezuelan dictator and his wife Cilia Flores. The couple is currently headed to New York City.
– Attorney General Pam Bondi posted that the pair had been indicted in the Southern District of New York, referencing a 2020 indictment on drug conspiracy and other charges.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” she said on X.
– The attack came overnight, with at least seven blasts heard over Caracas. Targets included military bases and airports. Full article: https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/trump-says-us-will-now-take-over-running-venezuela-after-nicolas-maduro-was-captured-in-the-dead-of-night/


Video Link Click on video player, or use this video link

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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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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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By supporting our sponsors you help support DigameXtra!

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Home Page  and  FB Page

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Home Page

Home Page

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Get Windscribe Pro or Free Versions Here

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Home Page

Mandy’s Tel: 680739577

Home Page

Home Page

Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

***********

How to Subscribe and make submissions: Click Link

https://digamextra.com/about/

DigameXtra cannot be responsible for incorrect info in reader or sponsor posts or event announcements. Always confirm the details to avoid disappointment.

ATTENTION! New EU internet privacy laws are now in effect, known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I have to inform you that the DigameXtra archive saves follower’s email addresses in the WordPress server. By subscribing/following you implicitly accept this; if you make submissions you acknowledge that anyone can view old issues online and see your contact info as you provided and you accept this. If you don’t want me saving your email address do not subscribe/follow, you can unsubscribe and remove yourself from this list using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every subscription issue. Takedown notices must include proof of ownership as well as the date and issue number of the DigameXtra issue containing the infringing content.  These may be submitted to digamextra@protonmail.com. Proper takedown notices will be complied with immediately. All images have been credited or copied from what I believe to be copyright free sources.

©DigameXtra.com 2015-2026. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to republish any DigameXtra.com content. Sharing content for personal use is permissible as long as it is source credited to https://digamextra.com.

DigameXtra No. 3158 – SPECIAL NEW YEARS EVE EDITION – Wednesday, December 31st, 2025

 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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*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

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*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

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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. 

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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: 89

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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31/12/25 FUNDRAISER UPDATE– Donations are urgently needed! Only 1.7% of subscribers have donated to this fundraiser!:
– Dear Readers, The Holiday Fundraiser only has 9 days remaining until I had planned to end it on 9 Jan, 2026. Unfortunately we are lagging behind last year’s results, so it may need to be extended
– In 2025, I was only able to pay myself €90/week, for 40+hr weeks, from the 157 donations to last year’s fundraiser. With 200 donations my wages go up to a whopping €115/wk, so that’s the target.
– Hourly income needed to be above Spanish poverty line: €6.53 per hour with a 40hr work week, or €261/wk. So I currently pay myself at 34% of the poverty level! 
– I don’t like to ask, you don’t like to be asked, so lets just get this unpleasantness finished up so we can move on. Or not…it’s all up to you! Huge thanks to all who have donated!
-Ed.

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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)

NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ON MONDAY, 5 JAN, 2026

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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New Years 2026 in Rincón de la Victoria: programme
Info: https://www.turismoenrincon.es/navidad/

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New Years 2026 in Frigiliana, programme:

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Mezquitilla and Lagos Three Kings Day:
– Sunday 5 January
Event: Three Kings Parade
Time and locations: 4pm, Mezquitilla; 5pm, Lagos
Note: Parade will take place even in case of rain, with covered areas available.

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Greek Casita Restaurant, Torrox Costa:
OPEN NEW YEARS EVE & NEW YEARS NIGHT, from 7pm.
Reservations strongly recommended to confirm availability! 
Call 642 585 049 to reserve tables.
Block 80, bajo, Paseo Maritimo, Torrox Costa.
Between Safari Bar and Picadero Restaurant. {If you’re a hungry meat-eater, I recommend the “baked pork hock with white beans”. Followed by home-made baklava & Irish coffee. The high-point of my Christmas! -Ed.}

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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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COMPARE FUNERALS

Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain:
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.

 

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
We are open throughout the festive season, and if you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to get in touch. Demand remains strong, and we currently have both Spanish and international clients actively looking for properties in our area.
Over the coming months, members of the BluCee team will also be meeting buyers in key international locations:
– January: Belfast and Dublin
– February: A Place in the Sun Live, Manchester
– March: Dallas, USA
If you’re thinking of selling, please contact us to arrange a free, honest, no-obligation property valuation. There’s no pressure, just clear, professional advice to help you make the right decision.
Contact us:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Website: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27 ; Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738 Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra — our contact details can be seen every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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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: 7pm 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 Computer Repairs & Sales- Torrox Costa
Windows & Linux computers only. No phones. Be aware– due to the growth of AI there is a worldwide shortage of RAM & SSD hard drives, this will drive up the prices of new computers significantly. If you plan on getting a new computer, sooner will be cheaper than later. I have new laptops in stock.
I don’t work on computers made before 2018 unless I have been servicing them 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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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.
Price €450 cash. DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com 

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For Sale: 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 (2.3 – 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)
Ref: https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-aspire-go-15-laptop-ag15-42p-silver
Price: €420 cash, a very good price for a solid, mid-line laptop! DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com

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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: Congratulations on being quoted as a reference for reliable information. This is a well-deserved acknowledgement for your work which, regretfully, is not appreciated enough.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year, Jill

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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

The Euribor rises in December, has been rising for five months and will make mortgages that are reviewed every six months more expensive: {Translation}
– The one-year Euríbor, the main benchmark for variable-rate mortgages in Spain, closes December at 2.27 per cent, down from last year’s rate of 2.436 per cent, ensuring cheaper loans for those reviewed annually. However, the benchmark has risen for five consecutive months, so mortgages updated every six months are already becoming more expensive.
– According to EFE calculations, an average 150,000 euro mortgage over 25 years could save just over 12 euros a month, or about 150 euros a year. For a 300,000 euro loan, the saving amounts to around 25 euros monthly or 300 euros annually.
– The reference stands two points below its 2023 peak, recorded amid the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary tightening to combat inflation, but it has rebounded in recent months as the supervisor has stabilised interest rates.
– According to Kelisto data, the Euríbor averaged 2.53 per cent in January, more than a point below the same month’s 2024 reference of 3.64 per cent. However, the gap has narrowed through the year, reaching just a few hundredths in December. The Euríbor hit its low in July at 2.08 per cent.
– The ECB decided to keep eurozone interest rates unchanged in its December meeting, marking four consecutive sessions without alteration. This impacts the Euríbor’s trajectory, which is likely to remain stable in coming months.
– ECB President Christine Lagarde explained the monetary policy decision at her press conference, stating that the bank “is in a good place” with rates at 2 per cent, though this stance is not fixed and will depend on economic developments. Further cuts to stimulate the economy would likely push the Euríbor lower, while hikes to cool eurozone inflation could reverse the downward cycle. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldiario.es/economia/euribor-sube-diciembre-encadena-cinco-meses-alza-encarecera-hipotecas-revisan-semestre_1_12877299.html

AXARQUÍA

The La Viñuela reservoir closes 2025 with twice as many water reserves as a year ago: {Translation, summary}
– The rains in December, apart from the hail and storms of recent days, continue to leave records that invite optimism in the La Viñuela reservoir, which will close 2025 with twice as much water reserves as a year ago. Thus, as of 29 December, it has just over 74 cubic hectometres, which represents over 45% of its total capacity. Since the beginning of December, the dam that supplies the Axarquía region has gained 3.87 cubic hectometres, of which 1.63 correspond to the last seven days.
– A year ago, the La Viñuela reservoir only had 35.87 cubic hectometres, compared to the more than 74 cubic hectometres it currently has. However, both now and a year ago, the situation is fortunately far from the dam’s historic low, when in July 2023 it had less than 15 cubic hectometres, below 9% of its capacity. It is expected that during the last days of December 2025 and the first days of January 2026, the reservoir will maintain or even slightly increase its reserves due to the contribution of runoff after the recent rains. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-embalse-de-la-vinuela-cierra-2025-con-el-doble-de-reservas-de-agua-que-hace-un-ano/ 

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The PSOE criticises Moreno’s ‘neglect’ of the Axarquía region in the Andalusian budget: {Translation, summary}
– The PSOE accuses the Andalusian Government of abandoning the Axarquía through a 2026 budget it says fails to meet regional needs, particularly underfunding the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) for the raisin grape, whose allocation has been cut from about 120,000 euros to 10,000.
– Murillo also denounces deteriorating public transport and unfulfilled promises to upgrade the A-356. Almáchar’s mayor contrasts Axarquía’s GIAHS with the well-funded Añana Saltworks GIAHS, arguing the region receives no meaningful backing from the Junta.
– El Borge’s mayor recalls Axarquía was the first GIAHS recognised in Europe and calls the current funding “shameful”. Both warn that without a stronger financial commitment, this unique agricultural landscape and its traditional activity risk disappearing, and they demand around two million euros of annual support. The PSOE has lodged a parliamentary amendment to restore funding and vows to keep pressing the regional government. Source, Spanish: https://www.teleprensa.com/articulo/malaga/psoe-critica-abandono-moreno-axarquia-presupuestos-andaluces/202512301437342306537.html 

MALAGA PROVINCE

Driving on Malaga’s motorways will be more expensive in 2026: {Translation, summary}
– The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has approved new toll increases for 2026 of up to 4.68 per cent on state motorways under concession, affecting roads such as the AP-7 Málaga-Guadiaro and AP-46. Increases between 3.64 and 4.68 per cent will apply from 1 January 2026, as part of the annual price revision, while tolls on SEITT managed motorways such as the R-3, R-5 and AP-41 will rise by 2 per cent. Drivers will continue to benefit from free travel between midnight and six a.m. on SEITT tollways, and the AP-7 Alicante ring road will remain toll-free.
– The ministry attributes the rise to CPI growth and to the phased elimination of the government subsidy introduced in 2022 to offset inflation, which will end in 2026. Without it, tolls would have increased up to 5.86 per cent. Around 15 million euros will be allocated in subsidies for 2026 while more than 73 million was allocated between 2023 and 2025. Several routes retain bonuses for frequent or local users, including the AP-7, AP-9 and AP-53. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/economia/2025/12/30/transportes-aprueba-actualizacion-peajes-125261154.html 

MALAGA CITY

The Nao Santa María will dock for the first time in the Port of Malaga in January: {Translation, summary}
– The Nao Santa María will visit Málaga for the first time and will dock at Muelle Uno, IGY Málaga Marina, from 9 January.
– With three decks open to the public, the Nao Santa María becomes a floating museum that transports its visitors to the era of the great navigators. Visitors will be able to discover what life was like on board the replica of the ship that linked two worlds: the discovery of America under the command of Christopher Columbus.
– Tickets and opening times: The ship arrives on 9 January and will be at IGY Málaga Marina until the 25th of that month, during which it can be visited from 10.00 to 18.30 without interruption. To board, it is necessary to book tickets on the website [ https://tickets.naosantamaria.org/content ], with prices from 4 euros for children up to 10 years old, 8 euros for adults, and discounts for families, groups and guided tours. In addition, children under 5 years can enter free of charge. This visit by the Nao Santa María is part of a major tour of the UK and various European ports, including Málaga. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/malaga/2025/12/30/nao-santa-maria-atracara-malaga-125248818.html 

RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA

The Three Kings Parade of Rincón de la Victoria will have eight floats and will distribute more than 10,000 kilos of candy: {Translation}
– The Rincón de la Victoria Three Kings Parade in 2026 will include eight floats and a train, distributing over 10,000 kilos of sweets and 3,000 collection bags, making it the most complete and community driven parade in the town’s history. The route direction has changed: it will start in La Cala del Moral and finish in Torre de Benagalbón at Jaime Pimentel Children’s Park, where families can enjoy a children’s show from 19:00 while waiting for the kings’ arrival. Earlier in the day, at 11:00, the Three Kings will arrive by horse drawn carriage at the Municipal Auditorium, accompanied by their pages on horseback, for an emotional meet and greet where children can hug and take photos with them. The floats feature popular cartoon themes, including Tom and Jerry, Minions, and Smurfs, alongside cultural tributes to Goya and Charlie Chaplin, and the traditional floats of Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. Two large street performances, inspired by The Lion King and Enchanted Venice, will bring circus entertainment with acrobats, dancers, and stilt walkers. Local schools, cultural groups, and CD Rincón are participating, and a low sound section will support noise sensitive attendees. A special show, Cartero a la fuga, will run 2 to 4 January ahead of the main event. Info at: https://www.turismoenrincon.es/noticias/cabalgata-reyes-magos-rincon-2026
Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/la-cabalgata-de-reyes-de-rincon-de-la-victoria-contara-con-ocho-carrozas-y-repartira-mas-de-10-000-kilos-de-caramelos/ 

ALMAYATE

Man trapped under three metres of rubble rescued in Almayate: {Translation}
– A man was rescued on Tuesday by Málaga Provincial Fire Consortium (CPB) crews after becoming trapped under around three metres of rubble in the El Capitán urbanisation in Almayate, specifically in Murillo. A structure had collapsed, prompting fire crews from Vélez-Málaga and Nerja to attend the scene.
– The incident occurred at about 11.20 on Wednesday morning. The Andalucía 112 Emergency System alerted the Provincial Fire Consortium, National Police, Local Police, and medical services. The victim was apparently buried under three metres of earth, and firefighters carried out a manual clearance operation to extract him successfully. He had leg wounds and various bruises. Crews then carried him to an ambulance, from where he was taken to hospital.
– According to ABC, during concreting work on the structure, one worker became buried. A hand protruded from the sand mounds, and a faint voice confirmed he was alive. Firefighters performed manual excavation, occasionally assisted by a digger. The four-hour operation freed him around 4.30 p.m., after which he was hospitalised with leg injuries. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/rescatan-a-un-hombre-atrapado-bajo-tres-metros-de-escombros/ 

UK

Power failure paralyses Channel Tunnel rail traffic, causing travel mayhem:
– Train services through the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and continental Europe were suspended for much of Tuesday after a power supply failure, bringing chaos to peak winter holiday travel. The disruption, caused by a fault in the overhead power supply, upended plans for thousands of passengers in London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
– In a statement on its website at 1530 GMT Tuesday, high-speed train operator Eurostar said that the 31-mile-long (50-km) tunnel was partially reopened and that services were resuming gradually. But it warned passengers that the power fault was persisting. “We strongly recommend that all our passengers postpone their journeys to another date,” Eurostar said.
– Britain’s Port of Dover said it was operating a “turn up and go” system for passengers affected by the tunnel disruption and that Channel ferry operators currently had capacity to take extra travellers. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/eurostar-flags-severe-delays-cancellations-due-power-supply-issues-channel-2025-12-30/ 

UKRAINE WAR

Zelenskyy says he cannot ‘give up’ on Donbas’s 300,000 people as Russia conquers more ground in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia: {Translation, summary}
– The peace process between Ukraine and Russia remains blocked by disputes over Donbas and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. President Zelensky reaffirmed in a Fox interview that Ukraine will not withdraw its troops unless Russia does the same, proposing a demilitarised and free trade zone subject to a referendum.
– Russia maintains a tough stance, accusing Ukraine of a drone attack on Putin’s holiday home just days ago, which Kyiv denies as disinformation. Kremlin spokesman Peskov labelled it a “terrorist attack” and hinted at a diplomatic reassessment. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged nations not to fall for Russian claims and defended the recent progress in peace discussions. Meanwhile, Russia claims new territorial gains in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv as fighting intensifies despite ongoing diplomatic manoeuvres. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/zelenski-dice-que-no-puede-renunciar-las-300-000-personas-donbas-mientras-rusia-conquista-mas-terreno-jarkov-zaporiyia_6916103_0.html 

SCIENCE

Implants that communicate with the brain- the future of neurotechnology is already underway: {Translation, summary}
– Brain computer interfaces are a new field of neurotechnology that link electronic devices with the nervous system using electrical signals. Recent advances include brain implants that allow people with paralysis to move limbs, control devices, or interact with video games. Some systems decode neural signals into words almost instantly. These developments are mostly proof of concept studies or small clinical trials testing surgery methods, biomaterials, or AI models trained to predict brain commands.
– Research shows the brain can function normally even when the body cannot move, letting interfaces send neural activity to robotic limbs to perform actions like lifting or reaching. Interfaces use implanted sensors to capture and interpret neuron signals. Some are bidirectional, reading signals and sending data back, aiming for safe, reliable, and effective communication. Development requires collaboration among neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, engineers, robotics specialists, AI experts, and biomaterials researchers.
– Key challenges include infection prevention, biocompatibility, miniaturised batteries, high energy needs, and fully wireless operation. Ethical safeguards must advance with innovation to protect mental privacy, autonomy, dignity, data security, and personal freedom, ensuring the technology benefits users safely as it develops. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/capaces/implantes-que-se-comunican-con-cerebro-futuro-neurotecnologia-ya-esta-marcha_6915426_0.html 

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Head of Costa del Sol tourist board blames central government for border control queues at Malaga Airport
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/francisco-salado-blames-the-government-for-the-20251230071748-nt.html
– High-impact storm Francis is on its way to Spain and this is what it will bring in first few days of 2026 + Three Kings forecast
https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/high-impact-storm-francis-20251230131351-nt.html
– Torrox leads population growth on eastern Costa del Sol
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/population-growth-eastern-costa-del-sol-20251230071839-nt.html
– Vandals target historic symbol marking peak on Malaga mountain popular with hikers {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/vandalised-mountain-cross-nerja-20251230071837-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 (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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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics

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Click on video to play, or use the Video Link

Nile Rodgers & Chic- New Years 2018 London: Video Link

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Ramones – Live At The Rainbow, London: Dec 31, 1977. Video Link

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Classic Classical Concert– John Williams with Vienna Philharmonic, Live in Vienna, January 2020 (HQ): Video Link

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Dec 30, 2025, 21:05 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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

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Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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How to Subscribe and make submissions: Click Link

https://digamextra.com/about/

DigameXtra cannot be responsible for incorrect info in reader or sponsor posts or event announcements. Always confirm the details to avoid disappointment.

ATTENTION! New EU internet privacy laws are now in effect, known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I have to inform you that the DigameXtra archive saves follower’s email addresses in the WordPress server. By subscribing/following you implicitly accept this; if you make submissions you acknowledge that anyone can view old issues online and see your contact info as you provided and you accept this. If you don’t want me saving your email address do not subscribe/follow, you can unsubscribe and remove yourself from this list using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every subscription issue. Takedown notices must include proof of ownership as well as the date and issue number of the DigameXtra issue containing the infringing content.  These may be submitted to digamextra@protonmail.com. Proper takedown notices will be complied with immediately. All images have been credited or copied from what I believe to be copyright free sources.

©DigameXtra.com 2015-2025. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to republish any DigameXtra.com content. Sharing content for personal use is permissible as long as it is source credited to https://digamextra.com.

DigameXtra No. 3157 Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

 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. 

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

DONATIONS INFO PAGE LINK 

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor

Home Page  and  FB Page

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Dec 29, 2025, 21:02 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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

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Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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DigameXtra No. 3156 Monday, December 29th, 2025

 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. 

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

DONATIONS INFO PAGE LINK 

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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: 86

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. (1 Jan, 2026 is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– 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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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~
January 2026
– 7th – Hit the sales at La Canada. 20€pp
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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Nerja’s San Silvestre Race Rescheduled:
Old date: Sun, 28 Dec.
New date: Sun, 4 Jan.
Start & finish: Plaza Espana, 10am. Approx 4km.
Info & reg: https://www.nerjaatletismo.com/

 

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New Year’s Eve Parties in Granada, Wed, 31/12:
– Noche Vieja en La Marida. 00:30 – 06:00
C/ Montalbán 13, Local 1, Centro, 18002 Granada
Info, map & tix (€12-15): https://www.conciertosengranada.es/conciertos/110081-fiesta-de-nochevieja
– Noche Vieja at Vogues.
Vogues Disco. C/ Duquesa 37, Granada. 00:00.
Info, map & tix (€15-20): https://www.conciertosengranada.es/conciertos/109735-fiesta-de-nochevieja 

 

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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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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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REDWELL INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS

Redwell Infrared Heaters for Inside
Manufacturer warranty 10 years
ONLY products from Germany and Austria
Product Range:
– Wall and ceiling infrared heaters
Mirror, Pictures, Glass, white & color
– Mobile Heaters, free standing on wheels
– Under table Heaters
– Analog & Digital Controlling Systems, Thermostats Systems
– LED Light Frames, 2 year warranty
For 20 years we have supported clients in Spain with the highest quality Infrared Heating Systems available on the market. 
Request information without any obligation.
Location:
Axarquia Service-Center, Postbox 028
Dipl.-Ing. Svend Scharler
29793 Torrox Park, Malaga
E-mail: sscharler@gmx.de Web: https://redwell.com/
Office: 952539742 ; Mobil: 606423869

Pipewave

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MANDY’S PAINTBOX

Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area. NEW JOB PHOTOS.
Painting work undertaken. Inside and outside, large or small. Furniture painted or sprayed. Kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes doors any colour any surface. Check out the before and after photos, all the furniture was spray painted. Call for advice. WhatsApp 680739577
Email: josiahamanda@gmail.com
My contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue. Here are “before” (left) and “after” (right) pics from my latest job.

  

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BUY / SELL / TRADE / RENT / WANTED

Click on pics to enlarge

How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a 
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/

Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
We are open throughout the festive season, and if you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to get in touch. Demand remains strong, and we currently have both Spanish and international clients actively looking for properties in our area.
Over the coming months, members of the BluCee team will also be meeting buyers in key international locations:
– January: Belfast and Dublin
– February: A Place in the Sun Live, Manchester
– March: Dallas, USA
If you’re thinking of selling, please contact us to arrange a free, honest, no-obligation property valuation. There’s no pressure, just clear, professional advice to help you make the right decision.
Contact us:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Website: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27 ; Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738 Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra — our contact details can be seen every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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AXARQUIA SILVER & GOLD TRADE

Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade– Unique Handcrafted Coin Rings & Much More: The Holiday Season Is Here– Order Your Gifts Now!
***Services Offered***
– Buying all kind of Silver and Gold:
Silver coins and Gold coins, bullions and bars.
Jewellery and cutlery (no collector prices!).
– Selling handcrafted Coin Rings and Jewellery: Handcrafted rings, made from silver or gold.
There are many options possible– I will handcraft your individual silver or gold ring. Choose, for example: a coin from your year of birth; a custom present for a friend; choose a JFK ½ Dollar coin; or a $1 Dollar coin from 1921 is available. I have silver from Spain; 100 Pesetas coins from 1966 for something special; and many more. You can get it shiny or black or a mix. I look forward to creating something very special for you. You want big sizes for men? No problem!
– General Metals Markets Information:
I am trading now more than 10 years in physical silver and gold. If you are interested, make an appointment.
– Make an appointment by mail or phone.
Mail: sscharler@gmx.de
Call Svend Scharler: +34-606423869
I have my office and meeting point at the Axarquia Service Centre, local 101, 29793 Torrox Park.

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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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DigameXtra Hits The BIG TIME– ChatGPT is now using DigameXtra as a prime source of news & information:
– Having the industry-leading AI (Artificial Intelligence) ChatGPT include DigameXtra as a trusted news source puts us in the big leagues– global exposure. See the example below, where I asked ChatGPT “Find articles that specifically say rent control is needed in Andalucia”. A DigameXtra article appears at the top of the list, above industry leaders Europa Press and Cadenaser! -Ed.

 

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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

The Government freezes self-employed quotas in 2026 due to the lack of agreement with the associations: {Translation, summary}
– Self-employed contributions in Spain will remain frozen in 2026, with the Government confirming the same contribution bases as 2025. The Ministry of Social Security had initially proposed substantial increases across the fifteen income brackets from the 2023 reform, prompting strong opposition from the main sector association, ATA, and political obstacles from Junts. Faced with resistance, Social Security proposed freezing contributions for lower-income workers and limiting increases to 2.5 per cent, below inflation. No consensus was reached among unions and other sector organisations demanding higher increases for top earners.
– Minister Elma Saiz, newly appointed Government spokesperson, emphasised the ongoing need to align self-employed contributions with social benefits, highlighting the existing gap with salaried workers. ATA president Lorenzo Amor welcomed the extension, noting workers can voluntarily contribute more within their income bracket. The original aim of the 2023 reform, to equalise contributions with salaried workers by 2032, now appears increasingly difficult to achieve given political and sectoral resistance. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/gobierno-congela-las-cuotas-autonomos-2026-ante-falta-acuerdo-con-las-asociaciones_6914105_0.html 

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Sánchez the invisible man– has not attended a single Senate plenary session in 2025, has not attended any sessions where he could be questioned by parliamentarians for 21 months: {Translation, summary}
– Pedro Sánchez has avoided participating in Senate scrutiny sessions in 2025, marking over 21 months since he last answered questions from the opposition. Despite the PP (People’s Party) using its majority to amend Senate regulations, forcing him to attend at least once a month, Sánchez has not complied. His only appearance during this legislature was on 12th March 2024, when he responded to questions on the ‘Koldo case’ and various issues related to his government, including his wife being linked to an investigation.
– Sánchez has cited scheduling conflicts as reasons for his absence, while Moncloa sources suggest he feels poorly treated by the Senate, where the PP holds a strong majority. Despite formal complaints from the PP, Sánchez has no intention of attending the regular scrutiny sessions, though he has attended under duress for specific investigations, such as the Koldo case. The PP has hinted they may call him again before the inquiry ends. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/espana/sanchez-ido-ningun-pleno-senado-2025-lleva-21-meses-someterse-control_20251228695106b622f0db7dafff7ac7.html 

ANDALUCÍA

Andalusia sets all-time highs in the price of housing, both for purchase and rent– The Andalusian real estate market closes the third quarter of 2025 with prices increase of 19.8% in sales and 12.1% in rentals: {Translation, summary}
– Andalusia’s housing market is under severe pressure, with both sales and rental prices reaching all-time highs. Coastal provinces such as Malaga lead in cost, but inland provinces including Seville, Granada, Huelva, Cordoba and Jaén have also experienced substantial increases. Tourist and seasonal rentals have further reduced the supply of primary residences in urban and popular areas, intensifying affordability challenges. The Bank of Spain estimates that, in tourist areas, the conversion of residential homes to holiday use can absorb up to 50% of the available stock.
– Although wages and pensions have risen and weekly working hours have declined, housing costs continue to outpace household income, placing significant strain on young people and the middle class. Unexia recommends public-private partnerships and build-to-rent schemes to provide stable, affordable housing, alongside mandatory registration of real estate agents to ensure professionalism, transparency and social cohesion, aiming to prevent speculation and support long-term access to housing. Full article: https://www.elconciso.es/construccion-e-inmobiliario/andalucia-marca-maximos-historicos-precio_0_2005489661.html 

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Rewarding Themselves A Decrease In Accountability– Public officials who do not provide information will no longer have to pay fines out of pocket: {Translation, summary}
– Andalusian politicians are effectively giving themselves more freedom to delay or withhold public information with minimal consequences. From January, officials will no longer pay fines from their own pockets for failing to provide requested data or for unjustified delays, a sharp reversal from the 2014 Transparency Law, which imposed strict fines, dismissal, and a three-year ban for serious offences.
– The PP’s controversial “stray amendment” has been widely criticised as a way to reduce accountability and protect officials from immediate sanctions. Financial penalties now only apply when public finances are harmed and must pass through slow, general administrative procedures, allowing officials to evade personal responsibility for lesser but still significant transparency failures. Dismissal and long bans are limited to very serious offences that threaten citizens or public funds. Oversight powers of the Transparency Council’s director are curtailed, returning disciplinary authority to slower procedures. Criminal offences remain subject to prosecution, but everyday transparency lapses now carry minimal risk. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/cargos-publicos-no-den-informacion_0_2005513337.html 


AXARQUÍA

The rains leave moderate and well-distributed accumulations in the Axarquía: {Translation, summary}
– Axarquía has recorded a period of moderate and fairly even rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to measurements taken by rain gauges in the Hidrosur Network. The precipitation, while not particularly heavy, has proved beneficial for agriculture and has helped restore soil moisture after a long period of water scarcity.
– The highest totals were recorded in Colmenar, reaching 22.8 litres per square metre, followed by Torrox with 20.8 l/m² and Alcaucín with 19.1 l/m². These areas were the greatest beneficiaries of the rainfall period.
– At key water management locations, including the La Viñuela reservoir, accumulated rainfall measured 13.7 l/m² in 24 hours. This is considered a positive contribution, though not sufficient on its own to deliver a major rise in reservoir levels. Technical teams note that continued episodes of this kind are essential for gradual improvement of water reserves.
– Meanwhile, stations at Alfarnatejo and the El Trapiche treatment facility recorded the lowest totals, close to 9 litres per square metre, reflecting the local variation typical of short rainfall events.
– Technical services emphasise that most rainfall occurred within a period of under 12 hours, confirming a short but effective weather episode. Although this rainfall does not represent a structural change in regional water conditions, it offers temporary relief and a useful contribution to crops and surface level aquifers. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/las-lluvias-dejan-acumulados-moderados-y-bien-repartidos-en-la-axarquia/ 

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MALAGA PROVINCE

The interior of Malaga recovers from the storm– “You couldn’t walk in the streets and the electricity went out at times”: {Translation, summary}
– The storm that struck inland Málaga from 27 to 28 December caused intense rainfall and hail across towns including Tolox, Coín, Alhaurín el Grande, Guaro, Carratraca and Monda. Tolox, in the Sierra de las Nieves, saw rivers surge rapidly, causing a riverside pavement section to collapse, though residents reported calm overall due to steep terrain preventing overflow into homes.
– In Coín, 80 to 90 litres per square metre fell within 12 hours under a red alert, with no injuries and only light road damage. A river bridge was closed temporarily for safety but reopened, and debris was cleared from main avenues. Alhaurín el Grande faced heavy hail that dented vehicles and covered avocado crops, prompting one family’s evacuation and relocation to a local apartahotel. Guaro experienced blocked rural paths, flickering power and water outages linked to electrical faults, later partially restored. Carratraca had an underpass obstructed by a large branch and water ingress in municipal buildings, while Monda recorded 120 litres per square metre, leaving some rural areas cut off. Damage was mostly minor infrastructure impacts, with no personal harm reported. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/interior/interior-malaga-repone-temporal-andar-calles-luz-20251228141454-nt_amp.html 

MALAGA CITY

Verdiales- Malaga celebrated its roots Sunday, photo gallery by Carlos Guerrero: See the full photo gallery here– 
https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/verdiales-malaga-celebra-raices_3_2005520657.html#slide-1

 

ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE

Hailstorm in Alhaurín el Grande with flooded streets: {Translation}
– Alhaurín el Grande was another municipality that saw its streets flooded with water and hail during the red alert, which dumped almost 100 litres of rain in some parts of the province of Málaga, especially late on Saturday, exceeding that amount in Casarabonela. Alhaurín el Grande was one of the municipalities that received the Es-Alert message sent by the Regional Ministry of Health and the Town Council on their mobile phones at 9.16 p.m. Before the message, it did not hesitate to activate the Territorial Emergency Plan. There have been no major incidents in this town, apart from the flooded streets.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/videos/video-granizada-alhaurin-grande-calles-anegadas_8_2005519167.html Click video to play, or visit the website.

UK

Social Media Posts & Silent Prayer to be Decriminalized– “Common Sense” is Back, UK to Scrap Non-Crime Hate Incident (NCHI) Laws Nationwide: {Summary}
– Police chiefs will reportedly seek to scrap non-crime hate incidents in plans they will present to the Home Secretary next month.
– The Telegraph reports that police leaders have decided that NCHIs are no longer “fit for purpose” after warnings that recording them undermines freedom of speech and diverts officers away from fighting crime. Under the plans, NCHIs will be replaced with a new “common sense” system, where only a fraction of such incidents will be recorded under the most serious category of anti-social behaviour.
– An NCHI falls short of being criminal but is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person with a particular characteristic. They stay on police records indefinitely and can come up in background checks.
– The move to scrap them follows high-profile cases such as that of Graham Linehan, the Father Ted co-creator, whose arrest for a series of posts on X was criticized by the Trump administration as a “departure from democracy”.
– The plans will be published next month by the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and are expected to be backed by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary.
– Their exclusion from crime databases means any incidents will no longer have to be declared as part of checks in job applications. Police forces would be instructed not to log “hate” incidents on crime databases, instead treating them as “intelligence” reports.
– Police guidance on the recording of NCHIs was first published in 2005, following recommendations by an inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence – the London teenager who was stabbed to death in a racist attack in 1993. As The BBC reports, Lord Herbert said “an explosion of social media” in the years since they were introduced has meant police had been drawn into monitoring “mere disputes” online.
Officers do not want to be “policing tweets”, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today program.
– Last year, The Telegraph reported that 43 police forces in England and Wales had recorded more than 133,000 NCHIs since 2014.
Full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/common-sense-back-uk-finally-scraps-non-crime-hate-incident-laws-nationwide
Longer, original article in The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/12/22/non-crime-hate-incidents-to-be-scrapped/ 

WORLD

US says it struck Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria:
– The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria’s government, President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
– The strike comes after Trump in late October began warning that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities. Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the strike was carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-launches-strikes-against-islamic-state-militants-northwest-nigeria-trump-says-2025-12-25/ 

HEALTH

A mobile application will replace the SAS health card: {Translation, summary}
– The breast cancer screening crisis has exposed both healthcare and internal management weaknesses in the Andalusian public health system, along with a “communication problem” between patients and primary care doctors. To address this, the SAS will implement a digital health strategy with a 316 million euro budget, affecting all Andalusians. Physical health cards will be replaced by a mobile application containing appointment management, medical history, and test results, with training provided to prevent digital exclusion among older users.
– The four current access systems will be replaced by the single Salud Responde platform, aiming to consolidate data, maintain accurate contact information, and prevent reliance on relatives for care. Minister Antonio Sanz emphasises improved accessibility, digital security, and greater use of telemedicine and telecare. Internally, the 380 current applications will be merged into a single system to simplify operations, accommodate new therapies, and update management for emerging diseases, modernising the previously cumbersome system.
– Those who wish to keep a physical card may do so, and the SAS plans to launch a training plan through “puntos vuela” to prevent digital exclusion among older people. The goal is for the application to be available in the first quarter of next year. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/aplicacion-movil-sustituira-tarjeta-sanitaria_0_2005510398.html 

SPORTS

Tennis News- Nick Kyrgios sweeps Aryna Sabalenka in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ with controversy and disparate rules: {Translation}
– The controversial tennis exhibition, dubbed the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, ended with Nick Kyrgios defeating Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets (6-3, 6-3). Ranked 671 in the ATP, Kyrgios only faced difficulties in sections of the match where Sabalenka exploited the advantages given to her by the organisers, but she ultimately fell short. To compensate for physical differences, Sabalenka defended a court half nine percent smaller than Kyrgios’s and had only one serve per point.
– The serve became a central issue, leaving her uncomfortable, while after the serve play quickly shifted to Kyrgios’s advantage. Despite taking an early lead in the second set, Sabalenka’s lack of confidence on serve and Kyrgios’s power and tactical use of drop shots and underhand serves allowed the Australian to win five consecutive games. The result continues the historical tradition of mixed-gender exhibitions, following precedents such as Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs and the Williams sisters versus Karsten Braach. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/tenis/nick-kyrgios-aryna-sabalenka-batalla-los-sexos-directo-resultado-ultima-hora_6915161_6.html & Video Link 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The Real War Of The Century- Artificial Intelligence: {Summary}
– Debates about determinism and free will once felt like safe academic fun, interesting but without real-world impact. That period has ended. Artificial intelligence has shifted determinism from an abstract philosophical topic to a practical foundation shaping institutions, governance, and accountability. Unlike human reasoning, AI systems are built to follow deterministic mathematical structures, operating through statistical inference, optimisation, and probability. These systems do not deliberate, reflect, interpret, or accept responsibility. Even when outputs seem unexpected, they remain mathematically constrained and fundamentally non-judgmental.
– Institutions increasingly treat algorithmic outputs as decisions rather than tools, creating a quiet but powerful change. Predictability appeals to bureaucracies because humans are variable, emotional, slow, and accountable, whereas algorithms promise standardised outputs at scale, without fatigue or dissent. However, this creates a critical confusion: prediction differs from judgment, optimisation from wisdom, and consistency from legitimacy. Human decisions rely on interpretation, context, memory, experience, and moral reasoning, all tied to personal responsibility.
– Algorithms, when denying loans, reprioritising care, or moderating speech, shift blame to systems and data, allowing determinism to serve as an institutional alibi. AI alters the balance by converting probabilities into policies and recommendations into mandates, limiting challenge by framing outputs as objective science. The central risk is not machine consciousness but reduced human accountability disguised as efficiency. The coming conflict is between deterministic optimisation and interpretive reasoning under uncertainty. The choice ahead is between scalable systems and accountable ones, and AI compels society to determine which governs life. Full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/real-war-century-artificial-intelligence 

RELIGION

Last group of Nigerian schoolchildren kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school reunited with their families:
– After weeks of uncertainty a moment of joy as the last group of Nigerian schoolchildren kidnapped from their school in Niger state were reunited with their parents. Authorities now say 230 students and teachers were abducted in November from a Catholic boarding school in Papiri. One of the largest mass abductions in Nigeria’s history, it’s been an ordeal for parents and children alike.
– When they were first released on Sunday, some children appeared malnourished or in shock. Most of those seized in the attack were aged between 10 and 17, the school said.
Officials did not say whether a ransom had been paid to secure their release. Full article: https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/24/last-group-of-kidnapped-nigerian-schoolchildren-reunited-with-their-families/ 

OBITUARIES

Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65:
– The Cure guitarist/keyboardist Perry Bamonte, who played on such iconic albums as 1992’s Wish and was onstage with the U.K. band for nearly 500 shows over the past 35 years, has died at the age of 65 after a short illness. Full article: https://www.spin.com/2025/12/perry-bamonte-the-cure-obit/ & Video Link

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Brigitte Bardot, French actress and animal rights activist, dies at 91:
– Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and singer who became an international sex symbol before turning her back on the film industry and later in life embracing the cause of animal rights activism, has died aged 91.
– Bardot’s death was announced on Sunday by her foundation in a statement sent to Agence France-Presse, which did not say when or where she had died. “The Brigitte Bardot foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” it said. Full article: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/28/brigitte-bardot-french-screen-legend-and-animal-rights-activist-dies 

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

DGT clarifies obligation to register electric scooters in Spain in 2026; personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) weighing more than 25 kilos and with a speed that exceeds 14 km/h must be insured before 26 January 2026
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/dgt-clarifies-registration-obligation-for-scooters-2026-20251226072254-nt.html
Residents take cover as youths armed with axes, curved swords and metal chains clash in Malaga neighbourhood
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/residents-take-cover-youths-armed-with-axes-swords-clash-20251224071429-nt.html
– Alleged squatters kill two men sent by owner of a luxury villa in Elche (Alicante) to evict them
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/two-squatters-villa-elche-violently-kill-two-20251226072259-nt.html {pic}

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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

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Dec 28, 2025, 20:16 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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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DigameXtra No. 3155 Wednesday, December 24th, 2025– CHRISTMAS LONG WEEKEND SPECIAL EDITION

 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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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. 

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#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.
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Total Donations Received As Of Today: 83

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule: DigameXtra will be closed for these holidays. 
– Thursday & Friday, 25 & 26 Dec, Christmas break. (25 Dec is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– Thursday & Friday, 1 & 2 Jan 2026, New Years break. (1 Jan, 2026 is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– Tuesday, 6 Jan 2026, Epiphany (Spanish Public Holiday)

NEXT ISSUE WILL BE MONDAY, 29 DEC.

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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Christmas 2025 in Frigiliana, programme:

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Christmas in Rincón de la Victoria: programme
Info: https://www.turismoenrincon.es/navidad/

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Mezquitilla and Lagos Christmas programme:
– Thursday 26 December. From 4pm
Location: Lagos, marquee in the Tanit car park, Cartero Real
Events: Visit from the Royal Postman, Christmas workshops, tasting of traditional sweets, musical entertainment by the choir, collection of letters for the Three Kings
– Sunday 5 January
Event: Three Kings Parade
Time and locations: 4pm, Mezquitilla; 5pm, Lagos
Note: Parade will take place even in case of rain, with covered areas available
– Saturday 11 January

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Salobreña– Christmas carols and music:
See the full programme here: https://www.ayto-salobrena.es/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/programacion-cultural-diciembre-2025.pdf

  

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Greek Casita Restaurant, Torrox Costa:
OPEN CHRISTMAS NIGHT, from 7pm, Thursday, 25 Dec.
Reservations are strongly recommended.
Call 642 585 049 to reserve tables.
Block 80, bajo, Paseo Maritimo, Torrox Costa.
Between Safari Bar and Picadero Restaurant.

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Tickets Still Available- “Mad Dogs”– A Tribute to Joe Cocker: Fri, 26 Dec, 9pm
La Cochera Cabaret, Av. de los Guindos 19, 29004 Málaga
Led by Pepe Salas (vocals) and this great rock band, you will be able to relive the great songs that the brilliant Joe Cocker performed with his unique and unrivalled style. Two hours of an intense show in which you will take a journey through the legendary hits that made this great singer famous. A unique occasion, don’t miss it.
Info & tix (€15}: https://lacocheraentradas.com/shows/details/2241/mad-dogs & Video Link

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Johan Strauss Orchestra celebrates its Great New Year’s Concert in Malaga:
The Strauss Festival Orchestra, together with its Ballet Ensemble, will perform on January 11, 2026, 5pm, at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (Fycma).
Info & tix (€59.15): https://checkoutentradas2.elcorteingles.es/elcorteingles/events/46742 & Video Link

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details

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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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COMPARE FUNERALS

Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain:
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.

 

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
We are open throughout the festive season, and if you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to get in touch. Demand remains strong, and we currently have both Spanish and international clients actively looking for properties in our area.
Over the coming months, members of the BluCee team will also be meeting buyers in key international locations:
– January: Belfast and Dublin
– February: A Place in the Sun Live, Manchester
– March: Dallas, USA
If you’re thinking of selling, please contact us to arrange a free, honest, no-obligation property valuation. There’s no pressure, just clear, professional advice to help you make the right decision.
Contact us:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Website: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27 ; Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738 Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra — our contact details can be seen every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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CÓMPETA SOLAR

Cómpeta Solar:
-Solar Electric (PV) (Self-Consumption)
-Grid Connected or Off Grid Solar Electric
-Solar Hot Water
-Solar Pool Heating
-Heat Pumps
-Installation and Repairs
Contact: James Bain, Competa
Tel: +34 652970608 (Spain)
Email: info AT competasolar DOT es
Web: www.competasolar.es
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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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

OPEN ON CHRISTMAS! 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: 7pm 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 Computer Repairs & Sales- Torrox Costa
Windows & Linux computers only. No phones. Be aware– due to the growth of AI there is a worldwide shortage of RAM & SSD hard drives, this will drive up the prices of new computers significantly. If you plan on getting a new computer, sooner will be cheaper than later. I have new laptops in stock.
I don’t work on computers made before 2018 unless I have been servicing them 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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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.
Price €450 cash. DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com 

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For Sale: 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 (2.3 – 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)
Ref: https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-aspire-go-15-laptop-ag15-42p-silver
Price: €420 cash, a very good price for a solid, mid-line laptop! DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com

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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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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. 

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Reader’s Soapbox: While we are constantly criticising our governments, sometimes with good reason, regardless of where we come from and where we live, let us pause and celebrate the fact that we can do so without being persecuted, ending up in prison or even being murdered.
Let us fight for our democracies and be happy that we do not have to endure yet another winter at war, like so many others have to.
Feliz Navidad a todos y todas. Monika

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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 PP sees Sánchez in a ‘bunker’ and in his ‘parallel reality’– ‘He is unaware of the tsunami coming his way.’: {Translation}
– The PP spokesperson in the Congress of Deputies, Ester Muñoz {pic}, stated this Tuesday that the reaction of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to the debacle of the PSOE in Extremadura shows that the socialist leader remains in a “bunker” and in his “parallel reality”, and that he “is not aware of the ‘tsunami’ that is coming down on him” in the next electoral cycle.
– Speaking at a press conference in the Congress, Muñoz explained that in Extremadura it has become evident that fear of the far right “no longer works”, and that if in that community, historically socialist, sixty per cent of this week’s Extremadura vote went to the right of Pedro Sánchez’s party candidate, “what will the anti Sánchez vote will be like elsewhere?”
– In her view, corruption has taken its toll on the PSOE, and the discourse of fear and polarisation “fed by Pedro Sánchez” has not brought down the PP, but rather the PSOE. “He should take a look at himself”, advised the PP deputy. “In the Moncloa bunker they are not aware that the tsunami is coming at them”, Muñoz added. “They live in a parallel reality. One only has to look at their press conferences and their decisions after the elections”.
– The PP leader maintains that “Sanchismo is incapable of seeing the seriousness of the situation” and that the Prime Minister has not wanted to use the government reshuffle to bring in “fresh air”, but instead has given the spokesperson role to the PSOE of Navarra and to a person, Elma Saiz, who is involved in contracts under judicial investigation, and has brought into the Government “a Sanchista” such as Milagros Tolón. “Sánchez is prepared to throw his party and his country overboard”, she concludes. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-pp-ve-sanchez-bunker-realidad-paralela-no-consciente-tsunami-le-viene-20251223124412.html 

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Too Much Monkey Business! – The Senate takes the Government before the TC for failing to present the Budget and calls for the extensions to be declared null and void: {Translation, summary}
– TC stands for Tribunal Constitucional, Spain’s Constitutional Court, the body responsible for interpreting the Constitution and ruling on whether laws or actions by public authorities comply with it.
– The Senate has taken a new conflict of powers to the Constitutional Court against the Government for failing to present the draft Budget Bill and for maintaining repeated budget extensions. Using its absolute majority, the PP secured approval in the Senate to pursue this action, which was formally sent to the Government and later referred to the court after no Budget was presented.
– The Senate argues that the failure to submit the Budget on time and the continued use of extensions breach several constitutional articles, including those governing parliamentary monarchy, parliamentary approval of Budgets, citizen participation, annuality, and limits on budget modifications. It also maintains that changes to the extended Budgets are being made outside Parliament. The Senate cites past precedents as a constitutional convention and claims further constitutional breaches. It therefore asks the court to rule on the legal consequences and to set a deadline for the Government to fulfil its constitutional budgetary obligations. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/senado-lleva-gobierno-ante-tc-por-no-presentar-presupuestos-pide-declarar-nulas-las-prorrogas_6914028_0.html 

MALAGA CITY

Be careful if you come to Malaga by car for Christmas- radars, controls and a new low emission zone: {Translation, summary, if this applies to you, I recommend reading the full article}
– Málaga expects a record number of Christmas visitors, and authorities advise careful driving to avoid fines ranging from 80 to 200 euros. Road surveillance is intense in winter. Notable speed traps include the A-7 at kilometre 1,021 towards Almería and the A-92 in the Montes de Málaga, where exceeding 80 km/h triggers fines. The MA-20 at kilometre 112 towards Churriana is another hotspot.
– In the city, the Low Emission Zone (ZBE) covers central areas, and vehicles without C, ECO or ZERO labels face 200 euro fines. Visitors are encouraged to use park-and-ride facilities, such as Martínez Maldonado near Martín Carpena or parking near María Zambrano station, then use public transport. Blue zone parking outside the ZBE is safer.
– On the outskirts, narrow streets and poor weather increase risks. Pavement or beach-side parking often results in fines and towing, with particular enforcement near shopping centres, using parking garages is recommended. Stopping in lanes marked “Red Básica” is prohibited.
– Winter-specific advice includes ensuring tyres have sufficient tread, avoiding bulky coats that interfere with seatbelts, carrying chains on mountain roads, and using lights correctly in fog. Safety distances on wet roads must be doubled. By following these guidelines, drivers can avoid fines, protect their safety, and enjoy Málaga’s festive season with greater peace of mind. Full article: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/andalucia/malaga/20251223/cuidado-vienes-malaga-coche-navidad-radares-controles-nueva-zona-bajas-emisiones_367942.html 

TORROX

Torrox will kick off the Tour of Andalusia cycling race: {Translation, summary}
– Torrox will once again feature prominently in professional cycling after confirmation that it will host a stage start of the Vuelta Ciclista a Andalucía Ruta del Sol. The announcement follows the signing of a collaboration agreement between the Torrox Town Council and the race organisers, reinforcing the municipality’s connection to tourism and sport. Local officials confirm that Torrox will serve as the starting point of the second stage of the race, with the stage finishing in Otura.
– The mayor highlights the international prestige of the event and its value for promoting Torrox, while the Sports Councillor underlines its global television exposure and status as a major showcase for southern Europe. Representatives of the race organisation praise Torrox’s organisational capacity and favourable landscape and climate, describing its inclusion as a privilege. Further details of the full route and technical aspects of the stage are to be announced in the coming weeks.
– The Vuelta Ciclista a Andalucía Ruta del Sol 2026, is scheduled to take place from 18 to 22 February 2026. The second stage will start in Torrox on 19 February 2026, with the finish in Otura. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/deportes/torrox-dara-banderazo-salida-vuelta-ciclista-andalucia/202512221642083186157.html 

ALGARROBO

Algarrobo Costa will have its own health centre: {Translation}
– The residents of Algarrobo Costa will have their own health centre. This was announced by the regional Health delegate of the Junta, Carlos Bautista, during a visit to the municipal health centre, alongside the mayor of the town, Natacha Rivas (PP). Bautista stated that the 2026 budgets of the Junta de Andalucía include a budget allocation of more than 666,000 euros for the opening of a clinic in Algarrobo Costa next year.
– This new centre will have nine consulting rooms, a physiotherapy room, a paediatrics room, and a multipurpose room, according to Carlos Bautista. The delegate added that these “resources complete the expansion of services that we have already carried out in the health centre of this town thanks to the physical space provided by the Town Council”.
In recent months, the Junta has renovated the facilities of the Algarrobo health centre, with an investment of 230,000 euros, to accommodate new paediatrics and dentistry consultations, as well as the remodeling of the physiotherapy room and the women’s consultation room.
– Bautista added that the Junta will invest around four million euros in 2026 in new health facilities in the Axarquía region, mainly in the works at the Nerja health centre, which is expected to be completed next year, and at the Rincón de la Victoria health centre, which has just been put out to tender.
Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/axarquia/2025/12/23/algarrobo-costa-contara-propio-centro-salud-125070393.html

SPORTS

Carlos Alcaraz shares a photo with Samu López, his new coach, after parting ways with Ferrero: {Translation, summary}
– Carlos Alcaraz ends 2025, described as the most successful year of his career, with a major change after separating from Juan Carlos Ferrero, the coach who guided him to the top level of tennis. Looking ahead to 2026, at least for the Australian Open, Alcaraz will work with Samu López, who had already been part of his coaching team. The new partnership aims to help Alcaraz win the only Grand Slam title still missing from his career. The player has hinted at this transition through social media, sharing a post that summarises his recent week, including attending a Copa del Rey football match and getting a tattoo inspired by New York landmarks. One of the photos shows Alcaraz and López together on court, appearing relaxed and close. López also briefly shared, then deleted, a message describing a completed first week of pre season training. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/tenis/carlos-alcaraz-comparte-una-primera-foto-muy-complice-con-samu-lopez-su-nuevo-entrenador-tras-romper-con-ferrero_6913891_0.html 

GASTRONOMIA

The price of EVOO rebounds as the outlook for the current campaign falls: {Translation, summary}
– Extra virgin olive oil prices are rising again after forecasts for the current campaign proved less positive than initially announced. Prolonged absence of rainfall and unusually high temperatures mean olive groves will not exceed last year’s yields. Agricultural organisations in Málaga had already warned of this scenario. Updated forecasts have led to higher prices, with extra virgin olive oil again breaking through the €4.20 per kilo level, with virgin oil around 3.8 euros, and lampante about 3.5 euros, slightly higher when sold within Andalucia. Large retail chains are using stocks from previous harvests to offer temporary price reductions ahead of the arrival of early oil from the current harvest. Sector organisations note a persistent labour shortage as a major threat, with unions calling for policies that support rural employment and incentivise work in the field. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/malaga/2025/12/23/precio-aceite-oliva-virgen-repunta-perspectivas-campana-125070017.html 

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Tap water declared safe in all three Malaga villages where high chlorate levels were detected
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/tap-water-safe-drinking-cooking-20251222123852-nt.html
– Torre del Mar town hall vows not to expropriate homes for visitors centre near historic castle
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/eastern-costa-sol-town-hall-vows-not-20251222145735-nt.html
– US considers closing its ports to Spanish ships after Spain bans American cargo vessels carrying weapons from docking on way to Israel {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/us-considers-spanish-ships-ban-gaza-conflict-20251222070450-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 (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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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics

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Click on video or video link to view.

Elvis Sings Blue Christmas Live In Concert: Kansas City, Missouri. June 29, 1974. Video Link

Elton John – Step Into Christmas (1973): Video Link

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Freebird – 7/2/1977 – Oakland Coliseum Stadium (Official, original lineup): Video Link

Rory Gallagher – Shadow Play: “Live at Montreux” Music Festival in Switzerland 1979. Video Link

George Thorogood & The Destroyers- Rock And Roll Christmas (1983): Video Link

Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean: Episode 7. Video Link

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Dec 23, 2025, 15:22 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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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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Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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DigameXtra No. 3154 Tuesday, December 23nd, 2025

 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. 

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

DONATIONS INFO PAGE LINK 

*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed. 

*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/

*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor

Home Page  and  FB Page

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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: 76

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule: DigameXtra will be closed for these holidays. Posts scheduled for 25/12 will be posted the day before, posts scheduled for 26/12 will be posted the following Monday, so time your submissions appropriately.
– Thursday & Friday, 25 & 26 Dec, Christmas break. (25 Dec is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– Thursday & Friday, 1 & 2 Jan 2026, New Years break. (1 Jan, 2026 is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– 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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Villa de Nerja Cultural Center- Upcoming Events:
Info: https://www.giglon.com/todos?city=Nerja

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Greek Casita Restaurant, Torrox Costa:
OPEN CHRISTMAS NIGHT, from 7pm, Thursday, 25 Dec.
Reservations are strongly recommended.
Call 642 585 049 to reserve tables.
Block 80, bajo, Paseo Maritimo, Torrox Costa.
Between Safari Bar and Picadero Restaurant.

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Mississippi Gospel Choir: Sat, 10 Jan, 17:30
Fycma – Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga.
Avenida Ortega y Gasset, 201, Malaga 29006
The Mississippi Gospel Choir, made up of 20 passionate artists, offers us an intense journey from 19th-century spiritual songs to a tribute to protest songs and freedom marches, including such well-known songs as Oh Happy Day!
The great voices of black music return to our country for the eighteenth time, this time with a renewed proposal seasoned with the rhythms of funk and blues. Hallelujah!
Info: https://fycma.com/evento/mississippi-gospel-choir/?lang=en
Tix (€48-€54): https://checkoutentradas2.elcorteingles.es/elcorteingles/select/2549754 

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Retro Málaga 2026- Classic Car Show: Fri-Sun, 23-25 Jan
The classic, vintage and collectible car show Retro Málaga will be held on 23, 24 and 25 January 2026 at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA).
Once again this year, all lovers of classic and collector vehicles in the south of the country and especially in the Andalusian community have an unmissable date at the Malaga retro show par excellence, where you can find exhibitions, stands of accessories, spare parts, gifts, sale and purchase of classic cars and motorbikes, among many other contents. Info: https://fycma.com/evento/retro-malaga-2026/?lang=en 

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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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For Sale: Samsung soundbar, subwoofer and remote control.
VGC, Optical digital audio output (no Bluetooth). 40 euros.
Contact Bill, Torrox Pueblo – 643 585 075.

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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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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

Check your Christmas Lottery ticket here:
– Remember that you have up to three months to collect your prize. In other words, the prizes of the draw expire on March 23, 2026.
https://www.20minutos.es/loterias/loteria-navidad/comprobar-numero-loteria-navidad-averigua-decimo-premiado_6902540_0.html 

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Elma Saiz, new government spokeswoman and Milagros Tolón will be the Minister of Education in replacement of Pilar Alegría: {Translation, summary}
– Pedro Sánchez has announced a limited reshuffle of his Government following the departure of Pilar Alegría. Elma Saiz {pic}, who continues as Minister for Inclusion and Social Security, has been appointed Government Spokesperson, while Milagros Tolón takes over the existing ministries of Education, Vocational Training and Sport. Sánchez thanked Alegría for her work over the past four and a half years, describing her record as outstanding, and wished her well in her new responsibilities in Aragón. He said her legacy would continue through Tolón, highlighting her academic background, her experience as the first female mayor of Toledo, her role in the Castilla La Mancha regional parliament, and her experience in education policy and dialogue. Sánchez also praised Saiz, noting Spain’s near 22 million Social Security contributors, and said she will be the voice of the Executive in the second half of the legislature. He ruled out a deep reshuffle, reaffirming confidence in his current Cabinet. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/elma-saiz-nueva-portavoz-gobierno-milagros-tolon-sera-ministra-educacion-sustitucion-pilar-alegria_6913434_0.html 

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The PP accuses Sánchez of making appointments marked by corruption and scandals and of working to succeed Page: {Translation, summary}
– The Popular Party accuses Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez {pic} of making senior appointments linked to corruption allegations and PSOE scandals rather than renewing his government. They argue that appointing Milagros Tolón as Minister of Education reflects internal manoeuvring over the future succession of Emiliano García-Page, rather than a clean break from controversy. The PP also attacks the appointment of Elma Sáiz as government spokesperson, highlighting her past role in the Government of Navarre, which they claim awarded contracts to a corrupt network. In Aragón, they criticise the choice of Pilar Alegría as candidate, citing her lunch with former Moncloa adviser Paco Salazar after allegations of sexual harassment were already known. According to the PP, these decisions show Sánchez’s failure to interpret electoral setbacks, particularly in Extremadura, and his persistence in backing figures they describe as tainted by corruption or scandal, reinforcing what they portray as a wider credibility crisis for the PSOE.
Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-pp-acusa-sanchez-hacer-nombramientos-marcados-corrupcion-escandalos-trabajar-suceder-page-20251222100429.html 

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Far-right surge in western Spain shapes outcome of regional election, huge losses for the Socialists as VOX more than doubles:
– Spain’s far-right Vox party doubled its seats in the Extremadura region in Sunday’s election, complicating coalition talks with poll leaders the conservative People’s Party and highlighting its strength ahead of other regional votes next year.
– The PP won 29 seats, one more than in 2023 but four short of a majority, while Vox rose to 11 seats from five, again leaving the conservatives reliant on far-right backing to govern.
– The Socialist Party fell to 18 seats from 28 in one of its historic strongholds. Days earlier, the party had apologised for failures in handling sexual harassment complaints, prompting criticism from coalition partners and the opposition.
Sunday’s election extends a rightward shift in Extremadura that began in 2023, with the combined PP–Vox bloc now taking just over 60% of ballots cast. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/far-right-surge-western-spain-shapes-outcome-regional-election-2025-12-22/ 

ANDALUCÍA

The Regional Government activates a single platform to manage all business procedures: {Translation, summary}
– The Junta de Andalucía is set to launch a new digital platform, Carpeta Empresas y Autónomos, designed as a single, secure access point for administrative procedures affecting large companies, SMEs and self employed workers. The platform provides access to 420 procedures and introduces tools such as a calendar with deadlines, relevant events and appointment management.
– Available both online and via a mobile app, it also includes a grants search engine and automatic notifications to prevent missed deadlines. A key feature allows companies to check whether they are up to date with obligations to bodies such as the Andalusian and State Tax Agencies and Social Security. According to Raúl Jiménez, head of the Digital Agency of Andalucía, the service prioritises clarity, simplicity and time saving for businesses. Developed through a participatory process with sector representatives, it builds on the earlier Carpeta Ciudadana platform, which facilitates citizens’ dealings with the Junta across hundreds of procedures.
Info & apps: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/servicios/tramites/servicios-digitales/carpeta-empresas-autonomos.html
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/andalucia/junta-activa-plataforma-unica-gestionar-tramites-empresariales-20251222000217-nt_amp.html 

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European justice rules again against wastewater management in Andalucia: {Translation, summary}
– The Court of Justice of the European Union has again ruled against Spain over failures in wastewater management, with Andalucía accounting for 17 of the more than fifty non compliant urban areas. The court backed the European Commission, opening the possibility of a new fine for repeated breaches of EU discharge rules. This would be the second sanction in eight years, following penalties imposed since 2018 for untreated sewage in areas such as Alhaurín el Grande. Despite accelerated investment by the central government and the Junta de Andalucía in treatment plants, the court found continued non compliance with EU wastewater directives. Since 2018, Spain has paid around 100 million euros in fines, which ultimately fall on regional or local authorities. Since 2018, the Junta de Andalucía has been paying more than 600,000 euros every six months for the lack of sewage treatment in Alhaurín el Grande-Málaga Norte, a sanction for which it must continue to respond until there is a treatment plant in accordance with the standard.
– The ruling itself declares the breaches rather than imposing sanctions, but further penalties may follow if deadlines set by the Commission are missed. Poor wastewater treatment is highlighted as a serious environmental and public health risk. The judgment lists multiple affected municipalities and prompts renewed calls for overdue infrastructure reports and investment execution. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/justicia-europea-vuelve-fallar-gestion-aguas-residuales-andalucia_0_2005493775.html 

AXARQUÍA

The eastern area of the Axarquía has benefited the most from the latest rains: {Translation, summary}
– The municipalities of Algarrobo, Nerja, and Torrox in the eastern Axarquía region received the heaviest rainfall last weekend due to a cold front. Algarrobo recorded nearly 43 litres per square metre, while Nerja and Torrox saw close to 40 and 38 litres, respectively. The rains boosted the La Viñuela reservoir by over two hectometres of water, marking significant gains. Snowfall on La Maroma, the highest peak in the Tejeda mountains, also led to a considerable drop in temperatures. Although rainfall in the higher Axarquía areas such as Colmenar and Alfarnatejo was less intense, La Viñuela still received nearly 24 litres over the weekend. The reservoir’s current water level is 44.11% of its total capacity.
– Looking ahead, the forecast predicts more rain in the Axarquía, with the possibility of storms on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th, Christmas Eve. Precipitation could spread, though not with significant intensity, throughout most of the week. On the coast, maximum temperatures will be around 15°C, with minimums at approximately 7°C. In the inland areas of the region, maximums will be 11°C, with average minimums around 5°C. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/la-zona-oriental-de-la-axarquia-ha-sido-la-mas-beneficiada-por-las-ultimas-lluvias/

MALAGA PROVINCE

Torre del Mar and El Morche awarded the third prize of the Christmas Lottery with 90693: {Translation}
– The third prize of the Christmas Lottery, number 90693, has been widely distributed across the country and has been sold in Torre del Mar and El Morche, among other places. The lucky winners will receive 50,000 euros for each tenth ticket sold.
– The tickets were validated at the offices on Calle Angustias 10, in Torre del Mar, where four tenth tickets were sold, and at the tobacconist’s in El Morche, where a single tenth ticket was sold.
– In the province, it has also been sold in Málaga, Benalmádena and Estepona. The number has been very widely distributed throughout the country, being sold in municipalities such as Santa Fe, Granada, and in cities such as Madrid and Jaén. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/torre-del-mar-y-el-morche-agraciados-con-el-tercer-premio-de-la-loteria-de-navidad-con-el-90693/ 

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

Dreambeach Festival begins a new chapter in Vélez-Málaga under the name Costa del Sol: {Translation, summary}
– Dreambeach changes from Almeria to the Costa del Sol! The Andalusian electronic music festival begins a new stage by moving to Vélez-Málaga, at the fairgrounds of Avenida Juan Carlos I. The organisation presents this change as an evolutionary step that will allow it to expand its artistic offer and offer a Top-level international line up.
– The comfort of attendees will be a priority in a venue with spectacular structures and four independent stages.
– Attendees will be able to enjoy two intense days, July 31 and August 1, with a line-up that will combine big international names, support for local talents and unique experiences within the new format of Dreambeach Costa del Sol. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/malaga-cultura/dreambeach-festival-inicia-nueva-etapa-velez-malaga-denominacion-costa-sol/202512221244433185995.html 

MOTRIL

27 people arrested in Motril (Granada) in a macro-operation against illegal immigration: {Translation, summary}
– In Motril, Granada, the National Police arrested 27 people, all Colombian nationals, in a large-scale operation targeting illegal immigration and Social Security law violations. The operation, called ‘Bogotá’, included inspections of four nightlife venues frequented by Colombian residents and led to the identification of 74 individuals, with five administrative sanctions initiated.
– The investigation began following citizen complaints submitted via the police portal, which reported irregularities and alleged drug trafficking that caused public concern. Authorities suspected that these nightlife venues were involved in activities threatening public health and breaching immigration legislation. The coordinated operation involved multiple National Police units, the Labour and Social Security Inspection of Granada, and the Local Police. The 27 detainees are accused of facilitating illegal immigration and violating Social Security regulations. All have been brought before Court Number 4 of Motril, which was on duty at the time. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-detenidas-27-personas-motril-granada-macrooperacion-contra-inmigracion-ilegal-20251222132450.html 

GRANADA

The passage of the latest storm leaves 30 centimetres of fresh snow in Sierra Nevada: {Translation}
– The storm that passed through this past weekend left 30 centimetres of fresh snow at the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, which expects to reach 46 kilometres of skiable terrain on Monday.
– The Granada resort is approaching the start of the Christmas period with an estimated hotel occupancy rate of around 70 per cent and an improvement in snow conditions forecast thanks to the latest snowfall. Sierra Nevada has already finalised its Christmas programme with activities for all audiences, especially families.
– Santa Claus will appear on the slopes of the resort (23rd and 24th December), the best musicians of Sierra Nevada will perform in Borreguiles (27th, 28th and 29th December; 2 and 3 January), a Christmas market will offer traditional products in the Plaza de Andalucía (from 16 to 29 December), children’s films will entertain the little ones in the afternoons (2, 3 and 4 January) and the Three Kings will work their magic on the El Río slope (5 January). However, the most important Christmas event in Sierra Nevada will be the broadcast, for the first time in history, of the New Year’s Eve chimes from Plaza de Andalucía on Canal Sur Televisión.
Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-paso-ultima-borrasca-deja-30-centimetros-nieve-nueva-sierra-nevada-20251222130319.html 

WORLD

Japan prepares to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant, 15 years after Fukushima:
– Japan took the final step to allow the world’s largest nuclear power plant to resume operations with a regional vote on Monday, a watershed moment in the country’s return to nuclear energy nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. Since then, Japan has restarted 14 of the 33 that remain operable, as it tries to wean itself off imported fossil fuels.
– Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, located about 220 km (136 miles) northwest of Tokyo, was among 54 reactors shut after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi plant in the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/japan-prepares-restart-worlds-biggest-nuclear-plant-15-years-after-fukushima-2025-12-21/ 

FINANCIAL

Gold smashes past $4,400/oz (€3,740), Silver hits record high of $69.44/oz (€59.34):
– Gold crossed the $4,400-per-ounce level for the first time on Monday, propelled by expectations of U.S. rate cuts and continued safe-haven buying, while silver followed suit, soaring to a new record high. Spot gold climbed 1.7% to $4,410.54 per ounce as of 1139 GMT, after hitting a record high of $4,420.01 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for February delivery rose 1.3% to $4,443.90 per ounce.
– Spot silver climbed 2.9% to $69.05 after hitting a new record high of $69.44 earlier in the session. Silver has risen 139% year-to-date, driven by an ongoing supply deficit, growing industrial needs and strong investment demand.
– Elsewhere, platinum jumped 5% to $2,072.01, hitting its highest in more than 17 years, while palladium climbed 3.7% to $1,776.69, hitting a near three-year high.
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/gold-hits-record-high-fed-rate-cut-bets-silver-scales-fresh-peak-2025-12-22/ 

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Fuengirola breaks tasty world record with 2,344 pizzas in a row {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/mijas-fuengirola/pizza-world-record-20251219065907-nt.html
– Bureaucracy costs each self-employed person in Spain some 200 hours in lost time and 3,000 euros per year
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/self-employed-autonomo-costs-20251219064708-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 (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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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Dec 22, 2025, 14:41 UTC

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Fun & Games

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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:
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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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/

DigameXtra is now on X (formerly Twitter) at @DigameXtra. I also post articles there that are too controversial for the daily newsletter. However, you need a free X account to visit the @DigameXtra page on X. 

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Mandy’s Tel: 680739577

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Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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