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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. |
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos
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News from the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
If you like to go to the Pet-Friendly Beach, help us to follow these five basic rules to make your visit with your pet more pleasant.
Dog owners must bring bags to collect their pet's feces.
The hours of use are Mon-Sun 6a-5p.
Dog owners may not tie their pets to bushes or equipment.
Dog owners should bring water and food in containers especially for their dogs.
The beach can't be used when it is raining.
Know more about the Goddess Ixchel
Isla Mujeres owes its name to the Mayan deity Ixchel, and there was a shrine on the isle dedicated to her.
When the Spanish arrived in 1517 and saw many figures in the form of women, they said, "This is the island of women/La isla de las mujeres".
Ixchel was worshiped in Isla Mujeres so that there would be an abundance of salt and fish.
The offerings given by the Maya were female images made of clay, stone, wood, or ceramics.
The Maya had more than 32 different representations of the Goddess Ixchel.
At Punta Sur, there are remains of Mayan ruins that served, principally, for observing and predicting weather.
The planet Venus was one of those and was called Chak Ek, which means "Star of the Rain". The Shrine to Ixchel was in the Hacienda Mundaca and it is possible to see its foundation.
Although now we can only see the remains of one, the historians of the Conquest said there were four buildings of "cal y canto" (cement-like material and stones).
The vestiges of Punta Sur also served to guide the pre-Colombian navigators
After 1517, the Maya abandoned Isla Mujeres and Punta Sur was visited by sailors, pirates, fishermen, and harvesters of salt. (1517-1850)
Isla Mujeres is on the forefront of sea turtle care LINK
The municipal government has implemented the use of microchips for better monitoring and care of the sea turtles at the Tortugranja facilities, under instructions from the Mayor, with support from the State Committee of Sea Turtles. Forty-five microchips have been inserted, and at least ten more will be implanted in upcoming days, by veterinarian Ana Negrete and the biologist Gisela Maldonado.
They were placed in the right front flipper, near the neck, and allow the caregivers to know the the turtle's state of health, weight, size, cranial size, carapace design, age, development of their growth, and even if they need food, which is data that will facilitate their care and monitoring.
The director of the Tortugranja, Deline Garcia Canto, explained that these devices were placed in turtles that are sheltered at the facility, which include the species loggerhead, greens, and hawksbills, to better control their health.
She expressed her gratitude toward the mayor for this project, as well as for his commitment to the environment and protection of the marine fauna who visit the coasts of Isla Mujeres. She said, "In Isla Mujeres we have always worked for the protection of sea turtles, however, thanks to the efforts of the present administration and the support of the public, both island residents and others, now there is a greater awareness about the care that these animals require."
Reminder posted yesterday that Tuesday's are junk collection days
Tuesdays & Thursdays 11-2
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FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
Three suspects charged with kidnapping a Cuban couple LINK
In 2017, in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, a Cuban couple who had arrived irregularly by sea, were held from Feb 4-15 by kidnappers who wanted $20,000 dollars from their relatives in the United States. However, due to investigative work of the Anti-Kidnapping division of the State Prosecutor's office, they were rescued, safe and sound, without any payments.
On Tuesday, there was a hearing for two men and a woman who were arrested on October 10th, when the judge determined they will be held in preventive detention with a two and a half year deadline for the investigation to be concluded. Another person had previously been arrested in this case, and it is presumed that this criminal group has been dismantled, however investigations continue. The suspects are: Raiza “N”, Cesar “N” and Ligia “N”.
The heroic fire fighters and personnel of the Civil Protection Department are trained to serve the community LINK
Isla Mujeres Al Dia
VIDEO and photo of a leaning electrical post in Sac Bajo that residents want the CFE to attend to. The video notes there is also an Aguakan register that needs attention and is causing a pothole and potential hazard.
Photos of items in the median of Rueda Medina downtown, noting they should be removed.
Photos of a group of visitors from Guanajuato
Video of Playa Norte, free of sargasso, after the government and community worked together to remove it.
There are weather reports from yesterday and a graphic about the system down by Central America, noting it had a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression, but represents no threat to Quintana Roo.
Noti Isla Mujeres
VIDEO invitation to the inauguration of the basketball season with the Cahuameros vs the team from Modelo University of Merida this weekend at the Convention Center (see events section).
IM Noticias
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Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos
Lobster fishermen experiencing a slump
Pesca de langosta en crisis
Lobster fishermen were expecting abundant catches, anticipating that the lobster would be 'on the move' following the poor weather of "Michael", but in recent days the cooperatives only caught about 20-30 kilograms each, for a total of only 150 kilograms per day between them.
However, recently they've had the opportunity to catch "sozin" fish, which appear in September and October, and are used by the fishermen use or sell later for bait to capture shark, marlin, and sailfish. It is also used as an additive for hamburger and fish nuggets, but it isn't very appetizing for consumption in other manners because of its strong smell and many spines.
Activities against cancer
Actividades contra el cáncer
On October 16, World Cancer Day, residents will be invited to donate their hair to be made into wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. Various activities have been scheduled throughout the month to raise awareness about breast cancer and its prevention, which include informative talks, free mammograms, and this hair donation event.Donations may be made at the CRIM facility between 9a and 4p of hair that is clean, without dyes or other treatments, and preferably at least 25 centimeters long.
On Oct. 21, there will be a walk of1 kilometer starting at 7am, and a run of five and ten kilometers, to raise funds to provide more mammograms. For those of the community who are unable to participate, they are invited to provide support by purchasing a ticket and donating it to someone else.
Nautical restrictions on small boats
Limitan operaciones náuticas
At 9am on Tuesday, nautical restrictions were placed on boats under 40 feet, who were limited to operations in the area of El Farito and the lagoon, due to increased wind and waves. About 57 small boats of the tourist cooperatives in Puerto Juarez were unable to operate, since they weren't allowed to cross. In Isla Mujeres only nautical tourism activities were allowed in the area of El Farito and lagoon area, while they were suspended in the Caribbean Sea, including trips to Isla Contoy, diving tours, and sport fishing.Altars to honor the dead
Altares para convivir con muertos
The Director of the Institute of Culture and Art, Hilda Cristina Gomez Avila, said that various activities have been organized for the season of Day of the Dead, including a Hanal Pixan altars competition and a Festival Vivos y Muertos ("Living & Dead". Hanal Pixan means Food for the Souls in Mayan).On Oct. 26, an altar competition will take place on the Town Square with two categories, awarding prizes to the top three winners in the private individual category, and giving recognition to the top three in the hoteliers category. On Oct. 27, also on the Town Square, there will be an altar contest between various governmental agencies. Registration can be done at the Casa de la Cultura until the Oct. 24th deadline. In addition to evaluating the altar as a whole, judging will include an explanation of the elements and their meaning.
On Nov. 4, the public are invited to enjoy one of the traditional Noches Magicos evenings, which will be dedicated to the Festival of the Living and the Dead. (on the Town Square. It usually starts at 8p).
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The
Orionid meteor shower is expected to peak this weekend, after midnight,
with the most "shooting stars" appearing in the few hours before dawn,
after the moon sets. In Isla Mujeres, on Friday night/Saturday morning,
the moon sets at 3:08am, and on Sunday morning at 3:59am. The meteors
should also be prolific on Sunday night/Monday morning, but there is a
smaller window before dawn, with the moon setting at 4:51am.
These streaks of light are caused by vaporizing bits from Halley's
comet, and you may see 10-15 (or more) if you watch for an hour during
the peak periods & allow another 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
Some experts predict this will be a good year.LINK
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| View from the rooms. |
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left. |
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| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks, BBQ grills, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts
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| Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me. |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery , Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk downtown.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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Oct. 24 6:39 Oct. 25 7:21 Oct. 26 8:07 Oct. 27 8:58 Oct. 28 9:52 Oct. 29 10:51 Oct. 30 11:52 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~6:30 to ~6:10p (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise ~6:40 |
October Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturdays LINK and here's the Accion Isla LINK who are having events associated with project RESCATE.
Monday, Oct. 1 Lighting of the pink lights at the Town Square for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at 8:30 pm
Sunday, Oct. 7 All Star Baseball game 11a at El Pescador stadium (in front of Chedraui).
Monday, Oct. 8: 43nd Anniversary of the Free & Sovereign State of Quintana Roo
Tuesday, Oct. 9 Day of Fishermen
Wednesday, Oct. 10 Tournament Finale for the municipal inter-company Futbol Rapido/Fast Soccer competition and the stadium in Salina Chica. The game for 3rd place is at 8 between the "Taxistas" and the "Dolphin Discover" teams, and the contest for 1st & 2nd starts at 9p between "Bepensa" and "Garrafon".
Thursday, Oct. 11 Performances on the Town Square 6p-9p by students as part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the middle school, "Benito Juarez"
Friday, Oct. 12 Student race from 7a-8a from the middle school "Benito Juarez" to Playa Centro beach, where there will be activities and music until 1:30 as the finale for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the middle school, "Benito Juarez"
Friday, Oct. 12 Dia de la Raza
Saturday, Oct. 13 Plogging Clean-up Event. Location TBA
Saturday, Oct. 20 Plogging Clean-up Event. Location TBA
Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8pm and Sunday, Oct. 21 at noon at the Convention Center: Isla Mujeres Cahuameros VS Escuela Modelo (a Merida University team). Grand inaugural game of the season!
Sunday, Oct. 21, starting at 7am at Playa Centro, the Pink Race. 1km, 5km, and 10km.
Funds will be used to help women obtain testing for timely detection of breast cancer.
Sunday, Oct. 21 Anniversary of the birth of Ramon Bravo
Friday, Oct. 26 Festival of the Living for the Dead, Hanal Pixan Altar Competion on the Town Square.2 categories: Merchants & Hoteliers and the General Public. Register at the Casa de la Cultrua 9a-4p. Surprise Prizes!
Saturday, Oct. 27 Plogging Clean-up Event. Location TBA
Wednesday, Oct. 31 Halloween on Hidalgo after dark. Bring lil toys & such and expect to be mobbed by cute kiddos & enjoy the clever costumes. There's also a golf cart/scooter procession planned with Chedraui as the meeting point at 6pm to toss treats & participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and to wear costumes.
Thursday, Nov. 1 All Saint's Day Dia de los Muertos
Friday, Nov. 2 All Soul's Day Dia de los Muertos
At this time of year, Mexican families remember & celebrate their departed relatives. Hanal Pixan is the name of the Mayan celebration. Altars are made with photos of the deceased, where offerings of favorite foods and items are placed, copal incense is burned, and marigold flower petals are often used.
All Saints Day & All Souls Day, Nov. 1 & 2, are the Dias de los Muertos...one for children, one for adults, when families visit graves & clean & decorate them. On the island, these are private moments in the cemeteries, not public celebrations like in many parts of Mexico. Try some seasonal Pibi Pollo tamales & Pan de los Muertos pastry.
There is usually a silent procession from the Cemetery down Hidalgo, ending at the Casa de la Cultura, where there are usually altars representing various regions of Mexico, and a Catrina contest. Most of the participants in the procession are in catrina makeup or wearing regional clothing, and the rest are in white, and they carry candles.
Efforts are made to not let the Halloween overshadow the Mexican celebrations and traditions, and there are usually altar contests and/or exhibitions in the schools. There have also been competitions on the Town Square, and altars can be seen in various businesses, at the Town Hall and they are present in many homes.
Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion")
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
LINK to Tropic Watch (in English)
LINK to NHC in US (in English)
LINK to Tropical Tidbits (in English)
