Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Saturday, April 4

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

"Invasion" of beaches by domestic tourists

“Invasión” en las playas

Paisanos se hacen presentes en los principales balnearios de la Isla

Lanrry PARRA
Large numbers of tourists flocked to the beaches of Isla Mujeres from all over the country, beginning on the early hours of Good Friday. They came via different routes including Punta Sam, Puerto Juarez, Gran Puerto, and the Cancun Hotel Zone. Most arrived with coolers full of drinks and bags full of food. These visitors enjoyed the sunny day, white sands, and clear waters of Isla Mujeres beaches and most began to return to the mainland at five in the afternoon. 

      With many tourists arriving in the morning and departing in the afternoon, the transport systems are affected, and instead of the usual crossings that are scheduled every half hour, the ferries were departing every 15 minutes in the mornings, when many people arrive in Isla Mujeres and in the afternoon, when many visitors depart for the mainland.
ISLA MUJERES, 3 de abril.-

Leer más...

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








For the first time, the Isla Mujeres DIF social service agency held a march to commemorate International Day of Autism.
      An invitation to the general public was shared some days in advance, to encourage more people to participate in the march and create awareness about autism.
      The march was held Thursday and was colorful with banners, balloons, golf carts, and motorcycles, and included autistic people. The march went from the bust of Benito Juarez near the naval base and concluded at the Posada beach. At that site a number of people voluntarily joined the event, and emotional speech was given and the island sky was 'dressed' in colors as balloons were released.
    According to statistics from the DIF, there are currently about 15 cases of autism in the municipality. People with this disorder have been helped by the foundation DODOMO through the DIF agency of Isla Mujeres.

 

POR EL DÍA INTERNACIONAL DEL AUTISMO, EL CIELO ISLEÑO SE TIÑE MULTICOLOR

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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)

A representation of the Viacrusis was presented in this municipality. Hundreds of islanders expressed their faith in this most important week for Catholics.  There are more photos at their FB page.
Se da la representación del viacrucis viviente en este municipio, cientos de isleños desbordan su fe en esta semana mayor de la grey católica.

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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles



Isla Mujeres: Thousands of tourists visiting
Isla Mujeres, repleta y descuidada[+] Ver mas

Cabbies tarnished the tourism image by detaining golf carts
Los taxistas manchan la imagen turística al detener carros de golf[+] Ver mas

Rene Contreras, of the rental agency Prisma, said his golf cart that was detained in error, on Thursday when taxi drivers intervened. The situation was clarified and the golf cart was immediately released and put back in to circulation. Sr Contreras showed photographs of the old cart and the new one that was detained. They have the number 27 and the out of service cart no longer has a rear tire, and the new one has a license plate of 91-11-TRR.
   He said "We do not oppose the right of authorities to conduct operations to detect irregularities, but this does not mean that individual's rights can be violated and the freedom of movement that our Constitution grants to all citizens." He said that Isla Mujeres has authorities who can do these duties, "But we must recognize that there are over 100 private golf carts that are being rented without contracts, without insurance, and at prices that are below-market, by individuals, to the detriment of all, and most of these are located at a rental agency in Punta Sur and at various marinas, he said. He denied that his agency rents carts without documents. He complained that there are taxis who do not pick up Mexicans, who then must wait half an hour for a taxi. 
   It is recalled that on Thursday three carts were detained in Sac Bajo by taxi drivers, that were leased from the rental agencies "Indio", "Prisma", and "Garrafon de Castilla". The chief of police and the representative of Communications and Transport of SINTRA arrived immediately and an agreement was reached that irregular golf cars would be detained by authorities.

Two Viacrucis representations celebrated
Celebran las dos viacrucis [+] Ver mas

On Friday, in the intense heat, two ordeal representations were held of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ. It was the third annual edition for the Sacred Heart church (“Sagrado Corazón de Jesús"), which was different this time and did not have actors representing Jesus Christ and his accusers. Instead various young people carried a giant cross and at each station there were audiovisual scenes from the "Passion of Christ" by filmmaker Mel Gibson. As they went through the streets of La Gloria, many young people and adults carried small wooden home made crosses, including one that weighed about 10 kilos.  This is a manifestation of faith for the sacrifice the Son of God made for our sins. There were fewer participating in this first performance this year, which some interpreted as a consequence of the bickering that arose among some of the parishioners when father Jesus Martinez Penilla was retired for advanced age by the Bishop of Quintana Roo. 
     The main representation maintained the usual level of participation and organizers estimated there were about two thousand people. The route was from the chapel La Guadalupe over about two kilometers to the church of Immaculate Conception downtown. This annual event has taken place for 23 years, and includes women and children, and all safety measures were implemented. 
    The path was marked with crosses at various stations or altars, where people prayed in memory of the route of Jesus walking to Calvary. The police monitored the eastern coastal road by the Chapel Guadalupe, and after the representation of the trial of esus of Nazareth, the people walked up the street Cesar Mendoza to take Jesus Martinez Ross avenue, and then they went down Othon P Blanco to take prolongation Rueda Medina, going over to Nicolas Bravo street to reach the Town Square, where the representation of the crucifixion took place.

Families participate in march to commemorate "International Day of Autism"
Caminata familiar para conmemorar el “Día Internacional del Autismo”[+] Ver mas

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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)



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"

Thursday, March 19  Red Cross Donation Drive begins with march down mainstreet. Includes kindergarten kids & marchers wear white. Time TBA..late afternoon/early evening usually.


 March 20th from 1 to 4pm there is a sterilization and vaccination campaign for pets at the Community Veterinary center at Hacienda Mundaca. Completely free.




 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 25 & 26  Pet sterilization campaign
March 26 Bus Booze Cruise benefit for Isla Seniors & Friends (Sold out)
Fri March 27 - Sun April 12: Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.  Isla schools close a day early, on Friday.

Saturday March 28 6:30 at the Mundaca Tourism Center.
The Legend of Xtabay Dance spectacular presentation of folk dancing, ballet, art, and painting, with a children's area, and more


March 29 Palm Sunday




Note the date change announcement (made Monday).....

April 2, Thursday  
April 1, Wednesday: Last Artist Fair until next high season
 On the Town Square. Food samples are 10 pesos.

Thursday, April 2 Town Square 7p  Reenactment of Last Supper
Friday, April 3  Passion of Christ reenactments "Via Crucis" in the streets

Friday, April 3, Noon-2p: >3000 people are to expected to join in the Viacrucis event walking from Guadalupe chapel (Meteorologico) to the Immaculate Conception church on the Square, with (parishioner) actors in costumes playing the parts.
  The other representation of the martyrdom of Christ is at 10a in La Gloria..departing & returning to the Catholic church there..down the main streets, with parishioners carrying the cross.

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

Fishing Tournament May 22, 23, & 24

 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 ?? Now Playitas


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


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 ~Nov-April. 
Now the City is having Arte en Todas Partes events on Fridays.