Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Monday, April 6

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

 

Numbers of Mexican tourists arriving to the island exceeds expectations: Excellent hotel occupancy

Supera las expectativas

El arribo de paisanos a la Isla: Hoteles siguen a tope

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 5 de abril.-

Leer más...

The Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco, said it is very difficult to find available hotel rooms on the island, because they are unavailable and occupancy has been at 100 percent since last Friday, which was expected to continue until Sunday April 5. On Holy Thursday, hotel occupancy was at 95 percent, and was expected to reach 100 percent for Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
      Reservations for these Easter holidays were made well in advance by both domestic and foreign tourists. He said there has been a good influx of visitors in recent days, generating good income for tourism service providers, restauranteurs, and even the local population.
   The Director of Tourism said the usual number of visitors arriving to Isla Mujeres daily is between five and six thousand, a figure that increased considerably in recent days. It is estimated that there are between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors arriving daily during this period, from different points including Punta Sam, Puerto Juarez, and the Cancun Hotel Zone.
       Tourists arriving in Isla Mujeres hae access to a variety of activities for the day, ranging from bicycle tours, golf cart or scooter rentals, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and dining of seafood, for all types of budgets.


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







It is the pre-election period when there are limitations on governmental publications, like press releases.

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










After three months since they arrived on a little boat, two Cuban refugees turned themselves in.

A 3 meses de haber recalado a bordo de una pequeña embarcación, 2 cubanos decidieron entregarse al INM http://t.co/GFS8AwlX4f

TV ISLA MUJERES (@tvislamujeres) posted a photo on Twitter

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

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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles



Representation of the Resurrection of Jesus
Representación de la Resurrección de Jesús[+] Ver mas

The representation took place at the highest point at the Immaculate Conception Church, where balls of fire were dropped to set afire a huge cross on the floor, a scene that enchanted those present, which included many visitors. The ritual began outside, taking advantage of the large public state, and the ritual continued at the entrance of the church for the liturgical celebration that took about two hours. This was the 23rd edition of this event.

Undocumented Cubans in custody
Se entregaron cubanos ilegales ocultos[+] Ver mas

Two undocumented Cubans turned themselves in, who had entered the country in a balsero boat in December. José Alvarez Maderos, 48, and Odalmis Reyes Pineda, 39, said they were tired of evading the police, hiding in the bushes and cliffs of Punta Sur, and they had run out of money to buy food.
        On December 19, a boat arrived at an early hour near the Casa de las Rocas, by the islet Yunque, where the Mia hotel is located. The police captured four undocumented Cubans, but the rest escaped, including these two.
    The two men turned themselves in voluntarily at the guard house in La Gloria, and were immediately turned over to INM (National Migration Institute), said the police chief, Joaquin Poot. It is estimated that there were about a dozen refugees in the boat, and that several have have achieved their goal of heading to the United States, which is the ultimate goal of most Cubans who come this way.
      This is the first time that a voluntary surrender by undocumented immigrants has occurred in Isla Mujeres. It is thought that usually those who evade the authorities on the isle, proceed to Cancun, where there is a network of traffickers, and it seems odd that these men did not contact them in the past four months. And there has been talk of safe houses in this port, so the voluntary surrender by these two men is considered strange.

Marketing visits to Boca Iglesia
Comercializan visita a Boca Iglesia [+] Ver mas

A year after the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) resumed its studies of the Spansih convent of Boca Iglesia, for eventual restriction, it is being visited by groups of visitors from Cancun and Isla Mujeres, with sites on the internet openly promoting ecotourism at the location.
   In April 2014, it was announced that the INAH had regained interest in the ruin, and after two decades was initiating work of investigations at the request of the municipal government, with the possibility of restricting the whole area of up to 30 hectares, for safekeeping, but this property is already private. This is literally a cultural heritage that is up for sale, and the rescue process is a legal process that seems to have already started.
    Aboard boats under forty feet, there is access between the mangroves to go in a good distance to sight the belfry of the convent, traveling several miles from the north entrance of Boca Iglesia church. In this area, visitors can see birds, fish, stingrays, and crocodiles. Entering the areas means knowing the access or having a good guide, otherwise the boat will collide with sharp rocks, or the propeller will become tangled or broken.
   At the site there is evidence of the existence of wells, rehollada, calera, stone arches, and a military site, among other buildings on the west side of the monument. According to law, the procedure for the eventual declaration would need to be signed by the President, and in some cases is expedited by the Secretary of Public Education. It is unknown whether this notice has already been published in the Official Journal of the Federation, and notice would need to be given to the Public Registry of Property, and the Public Registry of Monuments, and the appropriate Zones for registration, since the land where the buildings sit is private.
   Archeologist Luis Leira Guillermo said that 20 years ago there was the excellent possibility to realize a claim on this cultural Franciscan Convent from the 16th century, through a governmental decree. The visible building is located on less than one hectare amid weeds, but on the perimeter more buildings were found later, on a platform of about 300 meters of the solid points, in the form of a half horseshoe. This area could account for a total of 25-30 hectares, based on the water surface along the east side, where the landing area is located.

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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.

April Events

Sunset  ~7p
Sunrise ~6:30a

Moonrise over the Caribbean
April 4   6:42
April 5   7:20
April 6   9:07
April 7   9:59
April 8  10:53
April 9  11:46

Fri March 27 - Sun April 12: Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.  



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.

Sunday April 5: Easter  (Mexico changes to DST, except not QRoo)

Tuesday, April 7: UN World Health Day

Friday, April 10: Arte en Todas Partes event TBA

Friday, April 17: Arte en Todas Partes event TBA

Tuesday, April 21: Commemoration of Defense of Veracruz

Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day 

Friday, April 24: Arte en Todas Partes event TBA

 Friday, April 24 Start of Regata del Sol al Sol Yachts depart from St Petersburg, Florida on the ~500 mile journey

          LINK to history of the Regata del Sol al Sol  (The Regata al Sol, the other regatta, occurs every other year, on even years)

Wednesday, April 29 Regata del Sol al Sol  Golf Cart Poker Run (10a) & Cocktail party at Rock House (1p) & Crew Party at Buhos (1p) Basketball game by Town Square 7p

Thursday, April 30 Regata del Sol al Sol Cocktail Party at Ballyho's (1:30)  , Poker Run (3:30p), Mayor's Reception (7p)

Thursday, April 30 Dia del Nino...Children's Day

Friday, May 1  Regata del Sol al Sol Amigo's Regatta: Children board (10:30a), Departure (~11:30a) Awards ceremony at Buhos (7p)

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

There may be a Children's Fishing Tournament in April,  Date TBA
DIF Hat Breakfast, Desayuno de Sombrero is usually in April,  Date TBA
No Artists Fair in May, scheduled to resume in November 

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: Schedule likely to change for low season (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.