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| Here's the webcam LINK, which also has time lapse of the past 24 hours. |
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During their first decade on Isla Mujeres, the war refugees who founded
"Dolores" survived two hurricanes & rebuilt the town, while learning
to earn their living from the sea. Meanwhile, the government sold
nearly half of the isle to a slave trading Spanish pirate.
Isla
celebrates her 169th anniversary this weekend with cultural events on
the Town Square, in the Bay, & a run around the isle.
August 17, 1850: Founded as the Pueblo of Dolores
This
weekend, Isla Mujeres is celebrating the anniversary of its foundation
as the pueblo of Dolores 169 years ago. The isle was settled by refugees
from the Caste War, who petitioned the government for permission to
settle & were promised property deeds if they resided continuously
for six years and grew crops. They were required to obtain permission to
leave the isle and risked losing rights to their land if they were gone
more than six months.
In the decades before the refugees
arrived, the island was uninhabited except for a few visiting fishermen
who camped in makeshift shacks. For centuries, it had been a refuge for
pirates, until the Lafitte brothers were expelled in the early 1820's.
The approximately fifty families of Dolores were required to
construct their own roads & infrastructure, to establish a police
force & build a barracks, and to report any visiting foreigners. The
Mexican government was concerned about the British in Belize, who had
allied with the Mayan rebels and were taking advantage of the chaos from
the war to increase their presence and smuggling along the Caribbean
coast. Meanwhile, the Caste War raged across the peninsula, reducing the
population by half, as those who survived the bloodshed sought safety
elsewhere. Occupants of the new island settlement lacked protection from
the government and feared attacks by Mayan rebels.
Within
two years, the villagers had endured their first major hurricane, then
the town was destroyed by a hurricane five years later, in 1857.
Tropical diseases like cholera and yellow fever also took a toll.
Eight years after foundation, records first mention the presence
of pirate-slave trader Fermin Mundaca, when he was 33 years old. He
purchased 40% of the island and is credited with construction of the
first permanent buildings, using stones from the Mayan temple ruins
(which were actually the first permanent buildings).
Sixteen years after the town was founded, a census by the reigning
French government of Mexico in 1866 revealed there were 468 residents.
Nearly half of the inhabitants hadn't reached the age of twenty, and 130
were children below the age of ten. Of the 148 working males, more than
a hundred earned their living from the sea. The rest were
laborer-farmhands, except 4 carpenters, 2 cobblers, a tailor & a
governmental employee.
The first photographs of Dolores
were taken in 1876, when a fifty year-old eccentric archeologist visited
with his 25 year-old British bride. Alice Le Plongeon described Mundaca
as a strange character who lived an austere, isolated, selfish
existence, and said his cattle roamed loose, spoiling the crops of the
villagers. She also mentioned the towers left behind by the Lafitte
brothers.
She described the lake in the middle of the
isle which was nearly three miles long (at that time) where the
villagers harvested salt, using large turtle shells as vats. The large
lake was subject to tides & navigable by the fishermen's canoes,
which is how the salt was transported, since the only 'roads' to that
part of the isle were narrow, rocky pathways. She learned about the
importance of catching turtles during the summer months & joined the
families on a moon-lit night, hiding behind bushes along the beach.
She gave an account of her first sight of the isle: "The water
of the bay was as unruffled and crystalline as a sheet of emerald; and
the village of Dolores made a charming picture, with its thatched
cottages, boats hauled up on the white beach, and tall palms waving like
feathered canopies above the dwellings; while the perfect stillness
made us almost imagine that we beheld an enchanted island awaiting the
touch of a magic wand. That wand was the first golden sun-ray that shot
from the east, calling every creature to life and action. Doors were
thrown open, faint columns of smoke wreathed their way to the cloudless
sky, children ran to the beach to float their toy ships; fishermen
launched their boats; women passed to and fro, and feathered songsters
warbled their sweetest lay."
The Le Plongeons took the
first photograph of the Punta Sur ruin, and recorded the Mayan icon they
dug up there, accidentally breaking it with a shovel. At that time, the
temple consisted of two rooms, and its doorway lintels of zapote wood
were still intact, where foreign visitors had carved their names.
Mundaca was 51 at the time of the Le Plongeon's visit in 1876 and
caught up in the throes of his infatuation with Martiniana (Prisca)
Gomez Pantoja, aka "La Trigueña", who turned 14 that year. She rejected
his attentions, which included building gardens full of exotic plants,
statuary and benches, with arched entrances dedicated to her. He carved
himself a tombstone dated 1877 which says "As you are, I was...and as I
am, you will be", that is presumed to be a message to her. His tomb on
the isle is empty, and it's believed he died several years later in
Merida from yellow fever....and a broken heart.
(#1-4 by the Le Plongeons, #5 of Mundaca's tomb & architecture is from Yank in Yucatan, Schell, 1963)
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Happy 169th Birthday Isla Mujeres!!
Remember when Texas claimed the island?
And when there was nearly a "Yucatan, USA"?
Some pre-Dolores history . . . .
In honor of the 169th anniversary of the founding of Isla Mujeres as
the pueblo of Dolores, yesterday I published an article about the first
couple decades after settlement. This one is about events that preceded
settlement, when Texans tried to claim the isle & helped Yucatan
secede from Mexico.
In 1517, the first Spanish expedition
to Mexico landed on Isla Mujeres & named the uninhabited isle for
the female icons left in the temple by Mayan pilgrims. In the following
centuries, the island was a refuge for pirates, and for fishermen who
harvested turtles that come ashore to nest every summer.
In the 1820's Mexico became independent from Spain, and evicted the last
pirates from the island, which was considered part of the Territory of
Yucatan, Mexico, leaving the isle to the itinerant turtle fishermen.
Until the middle of the 20th century, the Yucatan Peninsula was
isolated from Mexico by land, but united with the world by sea. Trade
with Cuba, the US, Europe, and various Caribbean islands was more
significant than commerce with Mexico. Railways & highways
connecting the peninsula with the rest of Mexico weren't built until the
1950's & 60's, leaving the region with a history of rebelliousness
& attempts at independence.
After Mexico won its
independence from Spain in 1821, inhabitants of the remote regions of
Yucatan and Texas resented the political decisions forced upon them by
the central government in far-away Mexico City, who demanded taxes and
obedience, but offered few services in return.
In 1836, the
Republic of Texas seceded from Mexico, starting a war. Texas promptly
formed a four-ship Navy and captured a Mexican merchant ship just off
the Yucatan coast, which was smuggling military supplies to Mexican
President Santa Ana's troops in Texas. These supplies were turned over
to Houston's troops, who used them at the decisive battle of San
Jacinto, where Santa Ana surrendered. Although Texas won its
independence, hostilities continued between the two countries.
In 1837, the Texas Navy was reduced to two ships, which President
Houston ordered to cruise the Texas coasts, protecting the ports &
shipping. However, Texan Naval officials believed the best defense was a
good offense and they sailed off to the Yucatan without his consent.
They split up in the Gulf of Mexico, agreeing to meet at Isla Mujeres.
The smaller 89-foot "Invincible" arrived first, and the "Brutus"
joined it on July 8th, anchoring offshore in deep water to avoid the
coral reefs. They claimed the island for Texas and their crews spent the
next three days traveling to the isle and the mainland in small boats
to replenish their water supplies. They also collected a large number of
turtles, emptying the pens without paying the fishermen. Turtles were
in great demand on ships because they could be kept alive for months
below deck as a source of fresh meat.
The Texans sailed
south to Cozumel, claiming possession in a ceremony that included a
23-gun salute. They enthusiastically described the island's deep harbor,
healthy trade winds, good soil, and abundant supply of water and trees.
One of the captains said it was "one of the most desirable places in
all the circle of my travels", adding, "I am convinced that the island
will be one of the greatest acquisitions to our beloved country that the
Admiral aloft could ever have bestowed on us." (Meaning: "Cozumel is
one of the best things God gave Texas" (!) )
They raised
the Republic of Texas flag above the island, and Captain Boylan reported
that the residents of the island had welcomed them and sworn allegiance
to their cause. They sailed north past Isla Mujeres to Isla Contoy,
where they found domestic animals & evidence that there had been
people in the huts recently. They also found several pens of turtles,
which they took.
They sailed to Cabo Catoche, looking for
Boca Iglesia, but they didn't find anyone, so they took some clay
images, noting they had seen similar images at the Mayan temple on Isla
Mujeres. They continued up the coast, engaging with Mexican ships and
cavalry, and burning two villages. After capturing six boats, they
sailed back to Texas, where their luck ran out when they encountered
superior Mexican ships and ran aground, putting an end to the First
Texas Navy.
In 1841, Yucatan followed Texas's lead and seceded
from Mexico, striking a deal with President Lamar of Texas to form an
alliance against Mexico. Yucatán agreed to pay Texas $8000 a month for
the services of three ships to defend its coast against Mexican
blockades and raids, and the two upstart Republics would split the
proceeds from any prizes seized. As long as Yucatán remained in
rebellion, Mexico would be tied up there and unable to mount a fresh
invasion of Texas. The agreement also promised an infusion of badly
needed capital for the Texans.
However, Sam Houston had
just been elected to another term as president, and it was feared he
would countermand the deal as soon as he took office. On the day he was
sworn in, half of the Texas Naval fleet sailed for Yucatán. Two days
later, Houston issued an order recalling the ships, but it was too late.
The Texas Navy patrolled off Yucatan, capturing
several commercial Mexican ships, until April 1842, when Yucatan
negotiated a temporary truce with Mexico and suspended payments. The
Texas-Yucatan alliance continued, with embassies in Merida and Austin. A
year later, two Texas Naval ships returned to the Yucatan, battling
with various Mexican vessels. However, Houston proclaimed the Texas Navy
to be pirates & requested an friendly country to capture them and
return the ships to him in Galveston. Upon hearing this, the Navy
returned to Texas in July, 1843, which was the end of its operations.
Texas became part of the US in 1845, which led to a war between the US
& Mexico the following year.
In 1846, the government of
the Republic of Yucatan was divided into two factions, and the US Navy
was imposing coastal blockades as part of its war against Mexico.
Yucatan President Mendez sent a delegation to Washington declaring his
government's neutrality in the Mexican-American War, and seeking an end
to the US Naval blockades.
In 1847, the Caste War broke
out when Mayan rebels took up arms against the Yucatecan whites &
mestizos, spreading terror across the peninsula and disrupting
communications. In desperation, President Mendez offered sovereignty to
Cuba, Jamaica, Spain, and the United Kingdom in exchange for military
assistance, but they didn't respond to his pleas. The Yucatan delegation
in Washington DC made a formal offer of annexation of Yucatan to the
US, which pleased President Polk. The "Yucatan Bill", to provide
military assistance and pave the way for annexation, passed the House,
but not the Senate.
In 1848, Yucatan rejoined Mexico, seeking
economic and military assistance with the Caste War. The US &
Mexico ended their war with the Treaty of Hidalgo, in which Mexico ceded
approximately 525,000 square miles (55% of its prewar territory) in
exchange for a $15 million lump sum payment, and the assumption by the
U.S. Government of ~$3 million in debts owed by Mexico to U.S. citizens.
The President of Mexico sent 150,000 pesos to Yucatan, along with arms
and ammunition.
Thousands of Caste War refugees fled to
Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, escaping the war-torn peninsula.
Fifty
families were given permission to settle here, and the pueblo of Dolores
was founded 169 years ago today. Last night, they and their descendants were honored on the Town Square, with the reading of the original
Decree, and everyone's invited to join in the festivities that continue tonight and tomorrow.
#1 Republic of Yucatan Flag
#2 Republic of Texas Flag
#3 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo aka Mexican Cession
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From the City....
Anniversary celebrations attract more tourists, despite it being the last week of holidays.
The Governor attended the City Council Public Special Session commemorating the 169th anniversary of the founding of Isla Mujeres LINK VIDEO
Two companies
, Scandar Tour and Consorcio Empresarial del Sur TPE S.A de C.V,. are interested in competing for the 25 year concession to provide bus service on four routes in the municipality, which requires a registration fee of 50,000 pesos. They decided a follow-up meeting for clarifications wasn't necessary. The presentation meeting is scheduled for August 27, and the decision will be announced later that day at 3:30pm.
Isla Mujeres in the 90's--
From Por Esto :
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres
The Cockteleros of Isla Mujeres will play in Puerto Morelos on Sunday at 1p, against the Chuchos of Playa del Carmen in the semifinals for the B Group of the Puerto Morelos League.
The companies Puritronic and Aguavera, who supply purified drinking water, say they don't plan to raise prices this year.
Hotel occupancy is beginning to decline
For the first week in August, hotel occupancy statistics on the island only decreased from 57.5% to 57%, compared to the last week in July. For the overall figures, which include the Continental zone, the occupancy rate went from 73.6 % tp 71.5%. In the Continental Zone, occupancy went from 83.5% to 79%.
Coronation of the ambassador of the anniversary festivities
See yesterday's edition.
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This blog is brought to you by....
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| View from the rooms. |
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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
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| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
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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
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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August 15 7:42
August 16 8:20
August 17 8:55
August 18 9:29
August 19 10:03
August 20 10:37
Painting by Pamela Haase
Sunset ~7:25-7:05p (start-end/mo)
Sunrise ~6:20-6:30-a (start-end/mo)
Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower thru August 23, peaked in late July Perseids peaks Aug. 12, but nearly full moon will interfere. |
August Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Wednesday nights at 8:45p, the bicycling group "Isla en Bici" invite people to join them for healthy
recreation, meeting at Juarez & Abasolo. Lights required, helmet
recommended.
LINK
In August, fishermen in this region are banned from catching Shrimp & Conch LINK
The baseball games at the El Pescador stadium in front of Chedraui are usually held on Sundays, starting around 1p, when there's a 'home' game.
The new date for the Women's Fishing Tournament "El Dorado del Caribe" hasn't been announced yet.
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| Guests assisting Tortugranja worker collect from two nests on July 29th. |
Turtle nesting season continues throughout August. The
turtles nest along the eastern beaches in the wee hours of the night
and Tortugranja staff and
volunteers gather the eggs and incubate them in a pen
outside the facility. Three species nest annually in Isla Mujeres;
Greens, Loggerheads,
and Hawksbills. The sex of the turtles is
determined by the temperature of the sand, which is common in reptile
s.
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| Photo by Tony Garcia Whale sharks are filter-feeders who eat plankton. |
Whale shark tour season
continues throughout August, ending in mid-September. The eight-month
lobster catching season thru the end of February, and this year's prices are:
whole live- 400 to 450 pesos per kilo and tails- 580 to 600 pesos (~$16us/lb-tails).
Thursday-Sunday August 8-11: At the children's baseball field "Ariel Picho Magana" Players age 11 & 12 from the states of
Tabasco,
Campeche, Yucatan and of course Quintana Roo, including some from Isla
Mujeres will compete. About 100 players and their families are expected.
Monday, August 12: Perseids Meteor Shower peaks, but the nearly full moon will interfere.
Events celebrating the 169th anniversary of the founding of the island as the town of Dolores:
Thursday, August 15
11am Photographic Exhibition at the lower level of the Town Hall "Isla Mujeres of Yesteryear"
1p Conference at the Naval Auditorium (in Spanish) "Isla Mujeres Yesterday & Today"
7p Night of the Assumption at the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
9p
Special "Isla Fest 2019" Edition of Isla Mujeres Noches Magicas &
the Coronation of the Foundation Ambassador with performances by the
dance troupes Mestizas de Agua Salada & Ballet Tuumeen Kiin
Friday, August 16
6p
Special City Council Session on the Town Square honoring the 169th
Anniversary of the Founding of Isla Mujeres, recognizing the founding
families and awarding the medals of
Citizen Merit and Tourism Merit and the winners of the XXII
Artisans Competition 2019, "Let my hands speak to you", will be
announced
9p Special Edition of Isla Mujeres Noches Magicas "Bohemian Night with Nicho Hinojosa"
Saturday, August 17
8a Wreath ceremony for the Anniversary of the Cross in the Bay departing from the wooden pier
8p Special Edition of Isla Mujeres Noches Magicas featuring the Latin Dance, Dance Studio
Sunday August 18
7a Islanders 8K Run
8p
Special Edition of Isla Mujeres Noches Magicas with performances by
the dance troupes Al Son del Corazon, Senior Citizens Group, & El
Corazon de Conchi
The City will hold an Art Fair ("Primera Feria del Arte") on the Town
Square at 7:30p on Friday, Saturday & Sunday featuring more than a
thousand pieces. There will be 29 local artists and 20 from other parts
of the state. An invitation is extended to visitors & locals
to attend & to become familiar with, appreciate, and acquire artisan
products that preserve techniques learned from previous generations,
which strengthen the economic, social, cultural and environmental
sustainability of the island.
Friday, Aug. 30 The 7th Lion Fish Culinary Contest at 5p
on the Town Square. The City invites residents, restaurateurs,
independent chefs & fishermen to participate. Registration deadline
is Monday, Aug. 26. The dishes can be prepared with filets or a whole
fish, and participants can compete in both categories. Recipes must by
provided. BYOLF. Booths can promote your business or yourself & may
feature menus, drink samples, and decorations. Winners are given
recognition, a pass for two to Dolphin Discover, and 5000, 3000, and
2000 pesos for the top three.
They are an invasive species who eat many young lobster, grouper, and
other commercial seafood. They are caught by spearfishing, and are a
mild-flavored white fish. Asia Caribe has won awards in this competition
,as well as recognition for featuring them on their menu (when
available), and will prepare them a variety of ways.
The
Circuito Maya race will probably be held in August in Isla Mujeres, and
is one of a series of four races held annually in four Pueblos Magicos
in Q.Roo and Yucatan, named after the four elements. The
race in Isla Mujeres is the "Air" (Iik') and the others are Fire (K'aak'), Earth (Lu'um), and Water
(Ha'), for the races held in Tulum, Bacalar, and Valladolid.
.
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
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
LINK to NHC
