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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)
Patron Saint festivities conclude without incident LINK
The events lasted for more than a week, and concluded with a "saldo blanco", maintaining the reputation of Isla Mujeres as the safest municipality in the state. The Chief of police talked about the commitment of the Mayor and his department safeguarding the safety of island families and the tourists who arrive daily to the Pueblo Magico.
When you visit Isla Mujeres, get to know the Mundaca Hacienda
It's the responsibility of everyone to keep the beaches clean, remember to pick up your trash.
Together, let's keep the beaches clean
City protecting the islanders by controlling the sale of fireworks LINK
In recent days, during the start-up of the operation "December Vacations: Guadalupe-Reyes 2018", Isla Mujeres Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis announced the start of the security protocols corresponding to the sale of fireworks. This work will be carried out with the objective of reducing the risks these items represent to the citizenry during this holiday season and will be carried out by the municipal police, the Navy, the Department of Civil Protection & Firefighters, and the municipal department of Fiscalization (Inspection/Enforcement).
They will ensure that whoever sells fireworks has the proper permits and understands the correct manner of handling and storing these materials. Residents are advised to be aware about the use of these items and to never leave their children alone when they are being used.
Merced Ortíz Maya, Director of Civil Protection and the Firefighters, said that the works of supervision of the sale of fireworks in the public mercados, misceláneas, groceries, and homes has already begun throughout the municipality.
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FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres Al Dia
VIDEO of procession thru the streets to the pier for the blessing of the boats out in the bay.
VIDEO that starts at the Posada with street scenes & Playa Centro
Hotel Gomar is ready for the December holidays (photos)
VIDEO of a boat returning from Isla Contoy tours & other boats in the Bay.
Governor Carlos Joaquín attended the swearing in and reception of the Mando de Armas Commander at the Naval base in Isla Mujeres. VIDEO
Noti Isla Mujeres
Complaints continue from families saying their electrical bills are exorbitant and they are unable to pay. VIDEO
VIDEO of wastewater pouring out of an Aguakan sump in colonia Salina Chica and running down the street, with the reporter noting they will eventually end up in the salina lake.
VIDEO of personnel with "El Pescador" restaurant having a procession in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe
IM Noticias
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Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos
Concerns about electrical interruptions
Inquietud por contantes cortes de la CFE
Recently, there have been brief interruptions in electrical power, which have caused concerns, especially by business owners as high season is beginning. Most of the cuts have only lasted a few minutes, but there was one that lasted more than ten minutes earlier in the month.Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres
Lucía Navarese and Pamela Garduño are planning to swim from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on Dec. 22 for the benefit of those with Down syndrome. They plan to depart from the Mocambo beach at 7am and return to Playa Tortuga, facing a challenge from the current, which runs from south to north. For safety, they will be accompanied by two boats and a kayak on the swim, which is a journey of about 25 kilometers and expected to take about five or six hours. They plan to touch the island at Garrafon Park.Wastewater spill in colonia Salina Chica
Aguas residuales van a parar a la Salina Chica
At noon on Sunday, for several minutes, wastewater poured from an Aguakan sump station down Jesus Martinez Ross avenue in colonia Salina Chica, causing bad odors, then it went down a storm drain and into the lake. Apparently, there was a failure of the pump which sends sewage to the treatment plant at the southern part of the island. It has a capacity of 32 cubic meters, and an estimated several liters per second appeared to be running down the stairway to the sidewalk and road. For several minutes, the wastewater went into a storm drain about 30 meters away, next to the tortilleria, which drains into the salina lake.It is noted that two months ago, due to a clogging by fats poured into the wastewater system, sewage spilled for hours in colonia Salina Grande, and ended up in that salina lake.
For each sump pump, Aguakan has dedicated a generator, to be prepared in the event of electrical power outages by the CFE, which has occurred in recent times.
Yesterday....
Residents welcome Urban Cleaning Regulations
Bienvenido el Reglamento de Limpieza Urbana
Many citizens look forward to enforcement of this recently approved regulation, to put an stop to leaving trash and construction materials in the public streets, alleyways, and sidewalks. There are also complaints about businesses who obstruct the sidewalks.Bishop participated in the closing of the Patron Saint festivities in Isla Mujeres
Obispo clausura fiestas patronales de IM
The Bishop of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Monsignor Fabio Martínez Castilla, who is a native islander, returned to enjoy the Patron Saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. He participated in the closing of the festival with the traditional First Communion Mass. The women's gremio "Las Conchitas" participated in the Saturday morning celebrations, and in the afternoon the traditional final procession took the icon out on the Bay, where the boats were blessed, before returning her to her niche. The festivities closed with performances on the Town Square and the usual dancing to live music, provided by "Picante Plus" from Merida, and fun for the whole family.Profeco will install a booth at the ferry terminal in mid-December
Profeco atenderá a turistas en la terminal
PROFECO is the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, who will be available for any complaints concerning fraudulent goods or services, and have already conducted some negotiations, which were concluded without requiring sanctions.Seeking renewal of the Blue Flag designation for Playa Centro
Buscan refrendar Blue Flag 2019 en Playa Centro
The City is seeking to win the Blue Flag designation for the fourth consecutive year at Playa Centro, which consists of 600 linear meters of beach. There is a list of criteria, and specialists were randomly evaluating the sand in various areas, centimeter by centimeter on Friday. The inspectors also evaluate the quality of the water, the lifeguards and other personnel, including the staff of ZOFEMAT, the Federal Zone agency and those working the information module and those who are responsible for providing the amphibious chairs for people with disabilities, to ensure they are knowledgeable about their jobs and performing them competently.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pinatas aren't just for birthdays...they're an essential part of this month's festivities Navideñas, with both indigenous & European roots, and a strange history involving religious conversions.
Pinatas & Catholics: Changing Customs
Pinatas are an essential part of the Christmas posada celebrations, which take place Dec.16-24. "Posada" means inn, and these celebrations commemorate Mary & Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. The parties include refreshments, songs and prayers, (or may be less religious) and the breaking of a pinata, which traditionally has seven points, representing the seven deadly sins. Although much of the religious significance has been lost over the years, traditionally, breaking it symbolized the triumph of good over sin, and receiving rewards from God. Although blindfolds aren't usually used in Isla, they're said to symbolize blind faith, and the person providing guidance represents the guidance of the Church. Here, the pinata is usually suspended on a pulley so it can be hoisted up and down, while attendees sing the 'pinata song' and children take turns swinging at it.
The custom of breaking pinatas among Europeans is said to have come from
the Chinese, via Marco Polo. In our region, the Maya had a game in
which each player, blindfolded, hit a clay pot suspended by a rope,
which contained valuable cacoa seeds.
When the Spanish arrived in the "New World", they found the Aztecs celebrated the origins of their God of war for 20 days in the month of panquetzaliztili, aka December. During these festivities, the Mexica priests hung banners and placed a clay pot, richly adorned with colored feathers, on a pole of the temple. When it was broken, small treasures fell as an offering at the feet of Hitzilopochtli. The Spanish Conquistadors made use of these Aztec traditions when converting them to Christianity, covering the clay pot with colored paper, and imposing new meanings and traditions.
The Spanish exchanged these December celebrations for events called "Misas (Masses) de Aguinaldo" in which passages & representations allusive to Christmas were read, and small gifts, called "aguinaldos", were given to attendees. Nowadays, this is the name of the end of year payments that are mandatory for workers in Mexico, (and the equivalent of two week's pay).
There are free pinata making classes (in Spanish) on Mondays & Wednesdays at 5:30 in the park in colonia La Gloria, next to the futbol rapido field, sponsored by the municipal Cultural Institute.
When the Spanish arrived in the "New World", they found the Aztecs celebrated the origins of their God of war for 20 days in the month of panquetzaliztili, aka December. During these festivities, the Mexica priests hung banners and placed a clay pot, richly adorned with colored feathers, on a pole of the temple. When it was broken, small treasures fell as an offering at the feet of Hitzilopochtli. The Spanish Conquistadors made use of these Aztec traditions when converting them to Christianity, covering the clay pot with colored paper, and imposing new meanings and traditions.
The Spanish exchanged these December celebrations for events called "Misas (Masses) de Aguinaldo" in which passages & representations allusive to Christmas were read, and small gifts, called "aguinaldos", were given to attendees. Nowadays, this is the name of the end of year payments that are mandatory for workers in Mexico, (and the equivalent of two week's pay).
There are free pinata making classes (in Spanish) on Mondays & Wednesdays at 5:30 in the park in colonia La Gloria, next to the futbol rapido field, sponsored by the municipal Cultural Institute.
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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 & fast 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,bikes, BBQ grills, safes, 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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Dec. 22 6:25 Dec. 23 7:28 Dec. 24 8:33 Dec. 25 9:38 Dec. 26 10:42 Dec. 27 11:42 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~6:04 to ~6:16p (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise ~7:08 to 7:24 |
December 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
Saturday, Dec. 1...HORSES!
Noon: Cabalgata (probably on the runway)
1p: Horse caravan (procession around the isle)
Sunday, Dec. 2
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Monday, Dec. 3
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Tuesday, Dec. 4
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Wednesday, Dec. 5
7:30 Juanita Mendez & local singers perform
Thursday, Dec. 6
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Friday, Dec. 7
7p Large caravan in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
10p Las Mañanitas Mass
11p Mariachi
11:30 Local artists singing Las Mañanitas
Saturday, Dec. 8
3p Boat procession with the icon in the Bay
5:30p Mass for the returning of the icon to her niche
7p Juanita Mendez & dance troupes perform
8p Closing dance with band Picante Plus
The other schedule shows events by the private groups in her honor at their facilities. The confirmations are at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7pm.
"Toro Goal" events at the "Plaza de Toros y Feria" in Amplification La Gloria are where two teams of audience members get a small bull to chase them between chairs for goals. Regarding event tonight (Saturday) at 7p, Isla Mujeres al Dia says: Organizers have told us that they do not kill or mistreat the bulls, it will be good to go and see in what manner the event takes place. The stadium is in Amplificacion La Gloria (along the coastal road, just north of Isla 33).
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Saturday, Dec. 1 Inauguration Day
Plogging clean up 8a-10a meeting at the Mundaca palapa to clean the mangroves
Saturday, Dec. 8 Plogging clean up 8a-10a Join the Plogging crew behind the Casa de la Cultura, (backstreet Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo) by the Isla Mujeres photo op sign & spend a couple hours with some great folks making the isle a lil cleaner & enjoying the breezes & beauty of the Caribbean sea!
Saturday, Dec. 8 Friend's of Isla Mujeres 2nd Annual Festival of Culture & Family at the Open Air Theater in colonia La Gloria at 5:30pm featuring shows, clowns, prizes & more. Family Fun, Surprises, Free. Don't Miss it!
Sunday, Dec. 9 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm
Tuesday, Dec. 11 Singing of Las Mananitas outside the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Salina Chica)
Wednesday, Dec. 12 Dia de Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico.There is usually a run in the morning from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.There is usually a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses, probably between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church.
Thursday, Dec. 13 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo. The captions says it starts at 4p.
Saturday, Dec. 15 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.
Saturday, Dec. 15 at 8p and Sunday, Dec. 16 at noon at the Convention Center the Isla Mujeres Cahuamers will play the Chetumal Manatees (basketball).
Sunday, Dec. 16 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm
Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the Town Square, featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.
Thursday, Dec. 20 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.4p-8p
Dec. 21 Winter Solstice
Friday, Dec. 21 "Elmo's" Golf Cart caravan meeting in front of the Bachilleres dome at 5:30 with decorated carts, led by Santa, Minnie & Mickey, and Elmo, tossing treats & toys to the kids.
Saturday, Dec. 22 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.
Sunday, Dec.23 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm
Thursday, Dec. 27 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.4p-8p
Thursday, Dec. 27 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.4p-8p
Friday, Dec. 28 Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"
Monday, Dec.31 New Year's Eve celebration on the Town Square. Tables can be purchased in advance, details TBA. The last ferry is usually cancelled.
Tuesday, Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.
