Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Wednesday, March 18

The second issue of 
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
 to benefit Isla charities 
 is online, 
featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers!

  Here's a link to the Magazine 
Please share the charity document, patronize the supportive businesses, & enjoy the articles, photos, & videos! If you'd like to donate $15 to your favorite charity to have an ad in this 2015 issue, contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

 

  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

link to their Isla articles

Security & safety preparations begin for Easter holidays

Blindarán a turistas

Inician preparativos en materia de protección civil para la Semana Santa

Lanrry PARRA See translation in the City section below...
ISLA MUJERES, 17 de marzo.-

Leer más...

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From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (you can join this FB page at this link)







Tuesday morning an important meeting took place, preparing to safeguard the safety and security of the thousands of tourists that will visit the island during the upcoming Easter holidays, with interagency coordination with Civil Protection.
 The meeting was attended by representatives of the following agencies: Fifth Naval Region, Ministry of Health, Harbor Master, Mexican Red Cross, the Port Authority of Quintana Roo and the Municipal Departments of Tourism, Fishing, Public Services, Public Safety & Traffic Control, and Civil Protection, among others.
       The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate between the agencies to provide efficient service to tourists and to assure the upcoming Easter holidays are safe and without incidents. Another objective was to make an inventory of the infrastructure available to each agency to assure an operation of one hundred percent. The exchange of knowledge and experience is this regard is essential for achieving the objectives of Civil Protection to assure Isla Mujeres retains its reputation as a safe place for visitors. 
       The municipality will provide officers and staff to ensure the protection and safety of tourists. Each of those attending the meeting expressed willingness to participate professionally in Operation Easter Holidays 2015, offering their services, resources and knowledge to the community, including human as well as technical and material.
   It important to emphasize two important issues. There will be checkpoints set up at strategic location to monitor traffic during the holidays and there will be an ongoing presence of lifeguards on the beaches and security at the pier where people arrive to the island.

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ISLA MUJERES SE PREPARA PARA UNA SEMANA SANTA SIN INCIDENTES

March 20, 8pm, Town Square, Symphonic Orchestra of Quintana Roo. Free admission
Este 20 de Marzo a las 20:00hrs en la Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción Centro, se presenta la Orquesta Sinfónica de Quintana Roo.
Entrada Libre.

Ana Carolina Magaña Lemus, young islander member of the women's Under 13 team of Quintana Roo won a gold medal in the regional tournament and will continue on to the National Olympics.
Ana Carolina Magaña Lemus, jovencita isleña miembro del equipo femenil sub13 de Quintana Roo que ganó medalla de oro en el pasado torneo regional y con eso su pase a la Olimpiada Nacional.

Again, as every year, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, will be the scene of exciting competition for experienced fishermen , as well as for fans of the exciting sport of fishing. (See yesterday's news for more info about this tournament in May)
De nuevo, como cada año, las aguas azul turquesa del Caribe, serán el escenario de la emocionante competencia en el que se dan cita experimentados pescadores, lo mismo que aficionados de la trepidante actividad deportiva de Pesca.

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From Tvisla Mujeres (You can join this fb page at this link)











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Noti Isla Mujeres (you can join this page on FB at this link & view the photos)

Stores selling souvenirs say sales are over 60%.
- Comercios que se dedican a la venta de artesanías, informaron que sus ventas están a más del 60 por ciento.



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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles

  Preparing for Operation Easter Holidays 2015

Preparan Operativo Semana Santa 2015[+] Ver mas

Assistance for fishermen during the closed season

Se acabaron los apoyos para la temporada de veda[+] Ver mas

Baltazar Gómez Catzín, president of the Regional Federation of Commercial Fishing Cooperatives in the State, said this year the period for reception of documents applying for the assistance program of replacement of boats and engines has been delayed.
    He said this is because the new rules and formats have not yet been published in the Official Journal, so there is still no designated date. Therefore the windows are closed at the office the receives these documents.  He said the windows will be open again at the end of the month to receive  applications for coolers and GPS from the fishermen.
      The deadline has passed for applications for assistance of 8000 pesos during the current four month ban on lobster fishing. (March 1-June 30).
        During the ban, the hyperbaric chamber will receive maintenance and be closed during the maintenance. He said, "When it reopens, it will be available to serve the general population which may require treatment for conditions such as diabetic foot."

With the name of Jesus on their lips (Con el Jesús en la boca)
    Residents are nervous in colonia La Gloria who live along Pampano street, in manzana 193; because there is an electrical post that is leaning a little more each day, and the rods in the post are visible, with increasingly larger cracks in the concrete.
     One resident said, "We are particularly concerned because there is a transformer at the top of this pole, and when hurricane season begins there could be winds that are strong enough to cause it to fall on a house, which could lead to disastrous consequences." Residents say they have repeatedly reported the problem to the CFE (Federal Electrical Commission), without response, yet.

Extra crossings

 José Sunza Chi, company administrator, (for the 'transborder'...the vehicle ferry) said they will have a minimum of eight more crossings at the start of the Easter holiday season, and that number could increase if there are larger numbers of visitors arriving.
    He explained they currently have eight crossings on weekdays, when there are more trucks supplying island businesses, while the crossings are reduced on the weekends with five on Saturdays and four on Sundays. During the Easter holidays, where there are more passengers and vehicles. He said, "We will provide eight crossings from Monday to Sunday, and even more, because we must not forget that  with the many tourists visiting the to the island and with those staying overnight, it is necessary to provide goods and supplies. "
     He explained that the general public only pays 40 pesos for a ticket, and children under ten years of age travel for free. He invited tourists and residents from the neighboring city of Cancun to visit the island, noting his company's  tickets are more affordable than those sold by the other two ferry companies.


Ministry of Tourism officials announce visit
Anuncian visita de funcionarios de Sectur[+] Ver mas

Officials with SECTUR, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, will visit the island March 19 & 20 as part of the process to determine if Isla Mujeres will be given the Pueblo Magico designation. They will visit the tourist attractions of the island as part of the process to see if the island will be giving this distinction and included in this program.
       They will tour the downtown area to see typical houses that are build with local materials, and they will visit Punta Sur, Garrafón, Tortugranja, Hacienda Mundaca, and the beaches. Also participating in the tour will be state officials; the program coordinator in Isla Mujeres, Jose Jesus Castillo Magana, and personnel with the municipal Department of Tourism.
    Prior to the visit, the required documentations has been submitted to the Tourism Ministry, including an inventory of  the attractions; a review of the history of the island, from its beginnings until today;  the official declaration of assets of the Hacienda Mundaca; the Municipal Development Plan; and the Program of Tourism Development.
   The municipal director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodríguez Orozco, said,  "All the documentation has been validated and passed the first stage with high marks. We are now working on the second installment of submission of other documents concerning plans and programs for work, and the regulations of the municipality. We also must officially inaugurate the Magic Town/Pueblo Magico Committee.

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  This blog is brought to you by....

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.   

 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

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.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.   Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for 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

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 traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the 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.

March Events

Sunset ~6:50

Moonrise over the Caribbean
March 5, Thurs.    7:01    Full Moon   
(a 'minimoon'...the most distant moon of 2015)

March 6, Fri.         7:50
March 7, Sat.        8:39
March 8, Sun.       9:28
March 9, Mon.      10:19
March 10, Tues    11:10

Sunrise ~7am
From Time & Date

March 5 , Thursday Town Square Artist Fair 4-9 & Taste of Isla 5-7
March 8 Daylight Savings Time begins in US. Isla is on EST year round, not observing DST.
March 8 International Women's Day
March 16, Monday: Day off for March 21, Birth of Benito Juarez. 
March 17, Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day  (Celebrated in some bars)
March 18 Oil Expropriation Day (an observance, no closures)



TODAY!!
You are invited to attend a dance and exposition "Ixtabay, living legend" on Wednesday, March 18. Free admission. It says "Art & Dance...at the Punta Sur/South Point palapa at 5pm"

 Friday, March 20 8pm Catholic Church on the town square downtown Symphonic Orchestra

March 20 Equinox   Total Solar Eclipse
March 21 Benito Juarez's Birthday
March 26 Bus Booze Cruise benefit for Isla Seniors & Friends (Sold out)
March 29 Palm Sunday
Fri March 27 - Sun April 12: Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.


 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

 Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Items for Little Yellow School House, Moto Helmets for kids...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

For donations to Zapatos Para Los Ninos.. please contact Greg at bullridersnider@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook at "Shoes For The Children."

Music (By band & location)

Miguel's high season schedule:
Sunday: The Sol Rockers @ El Patio 9p - 11p
Monday: Miguel solo @ El Patio 6:30p - 8:30p
Tuesday: La Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio 9:15p - 11:15p
Wednesday: The Sol Rockers@ El Patio 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Thursday: Miguel Solo @ el Patio 6p - 8p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Friday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a
Saturday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a

 John Cain's schedule  
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm   ElPatio Sol Rockers 
Thurs 9-11 El Patio 
Sats. El Patio 630-830 
Sunday at El Patio w Sol Rockers from 7 to 9 pm

 El Patio House of Music...(formerly Comono)

Sundays 7-9 - Sol Rockers
Mondays 630 to 830 Miguel / 830 to 1130 Ryan Rickman -
 Tuesdays  9-11 Banda Sin Nombre
Wednesdays 7 to 9 Sol Rockers /  DJ 9-12
Thursdays 6 to 8 Miguel / John Cain from 8 to 11
 Fridays 630 to 815 Fabio & Ryan / band 830 to 1130 
Saturdays 630-830 John Cain solo Country music / 830 to 1130 Ryan and Band..

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo 
Mon - Tues 7pm - 9pm - Jazz with Norman and Darin 
Wed- Sat 8pm - 11pm - Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge


Javier Martinez Cen La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till 12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa music, from 12:39 till 2:00  (I'm not sure if this is still current) 
  

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


Fenix  ~1p~4p   Live music at the beach in the afternoons including  Chucho (Jesus Campuzano) on Wednesdays, the Cuban musicians Thursdays, La Guerra & Pao & others on Fridays, someone on Saturday, Cuban musicians w Barbie playing Salsa on Sundays. Tuesday might be reggae.


Marina Paraiso has live music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7-9

Bahia Tortuga has live music at times...announced on their streetside signboard.

You may find live music at night on Hidalgo 
Fayne's: 10:30-12 (see above)
La Terraza: 9 or 10-12 
Morgan's:  7 or 8 - 9 or 11 (see above)
El Patio (see above)

And at Poc Na Hostel: 9:30-11

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant


Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30
Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Tuesday -  Fenix live music 1-4
Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15

Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Wednesday - Fenix live music (Chucho?) 1-4
Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Thursday -Fenix  live music 1-4
Miguel @El Patio house of music 6-8/ Faynes 10:30 - 12
John Cain @ el Patio 9-11
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Friday - Fenix- 1-4 La Guera & band
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
Miguel @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
Fabio @ El Patio house of music 6:30 - 8:15
Ryan and Band @ El Patio house of music 8:30 - 11:30
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Saturday - Cuban Music at El Veradaro's 3-5
Banda Sin Nombre - Chuuk Kay 3:30
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre - Faynes 10:30 - 12:00
Banda Sin Nombre - Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 @ El Patio house of music Ryan and Band 8:30 - 11:30
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30


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 Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.