Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Sunday, December 27

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  Both issues of 
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
 to benefit Isla charities 
 are here, 
featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers!

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  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

link to their Isla articles

Ferries back on usual schedule  

Regularizan actividades

Las navieras, tras suspensión de travesías por festejos navideños

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de diciembre.-

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  The ferry schedules are back to normal after being adjusted for Christmas Eve and Christmas, with similar adjustments being planned for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  The vehicle ferry had issued a statement announcing the suspension of the six o'clock crossing, its first trip of the day, on December 25 and January 1st. Regarding increasing the number of crossings, there have been extra crossings according to demand, without official schedule changes. On December 25, the first departure from Isla Mujeres to Punta Sam was at 8am and the first departure from Punta Sam to Isla Mujeres was at 9am.

    The Ultramar cancelled its last crossings from Gran Puerto after 10:30 and from Isla Mujeres after 11pm on Christmas Eve and resumed activity at 7am on December 25th. On December 26, the normal schedule was in place, departing Gran Puerto at 5am and Isla Mujeres at 5:30. (This information is in the Events section below, including the changes for New Year's Eve & New Year's Day.)

Turtles missing from monument near Town Square    

Se “extinguen” las tortugas

De monumento a espaldas de iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de diciembre.-

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    Due to a lack of preventative maintenance and the high level of corrosion which shortens the lives of sculptures in Isla Mujeres, the two representations of turtles are no longer on display at the monument near the Town Square, behind the Catholic Church. According to comments, one of the turtles is at the Convention Center, and there are concerns that it could disappear, like the bronze plaque that once was on that building. At the bust to the Hero of the Americas (Benito Juarez, at the south end of Juarez Avenue), two columns have fallen. At the statue of the Iguana at Punta Sur, the colors have faded until it resembles an albino iguana, due  to the effects of sunlight. 

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From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)








Part of the malecon at Salina Grande has been renovated by the City of Isla Mujeres, providing an improved appearance and more security for the neighborhood.
Con las obras de restauración que realiza el Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres, una parte del malecón de la Salina Grande luce una nueva imagen brindando mayor seguridad a los vecinos.

Celebrate the start of 2016 in Isla Mujeres and enjoy an incredible fiesta 
Celebra el inicio del 2016 en Isla Mujeres y vive una increíble fiesta.

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link)








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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles




Restricting use of beaches with "concessions"
Restringen uso de playa “concesionada”.. [+] Ver mas
     There is an old practice that is in force on the beaches of Isla Mujeres, of restricting access in areas of a beach concessions to customers of that business, and not allowing other people the freedom to use that area. There are guards and personnel of the hotels and restaurants at Playa Norte and Playa Centro (aka the Posada Beach) who do this 'dirty work' and prevent non-clients from settling in these areas. Hoteliers who are not located on the beachfront want these practices to stop because it is bad for the image of Isla Mujeres. Some said, "Our clients are prevented from entering the beaches and they charge too much for the loungers."
   The vice president of the Association of Small Hotels Fascinantes of Isla Mujeres, Gerardo Magana Barragan, said this is an unfortunate practice and it is hoped/expected that those concessions holders will reconsider their attitudes for the sake of this vacation destination.
     It appears that those who suffer the most are the Mexican tourists who are denied places to put their coolers, and sometimes local people have the same problem. Amalia Ordaz Caamal complained of having to relocate their chairs and tables, saying this occurred at NaBalam. This is why local families prefer to settle on the southern part of Playa Centro, where they can enjoy freedom, while on Playa Norte this is difficult.
       Citizens have proposed the Playa Centro be made a public beach. It is currently under concession to the family of former Governor Jesus Martinez Ross, and there is no public beach, although an attempt at this was made six years ago, unsuccessfully.


Many tourists & no incidents   
Viento en popa ritmo turístico[+] Ver mas
  Dec. 26   Many tourists were at the beaches well before noon on this partly cloudy day, and the lifeguards reported there were no mishaps. Tourists were also enjoying themselves in the waters of el Farito, Sac Bajo, and the lagoon area, and visiting the Turtle Farm, Mundaca Hacienda, and Punta Sur. The fishermen were unable to go out, except in close proximity to the island. An official of the Harbor Master's office, Jose Vicencio Borges, reported at 9am that the port was closed for small boats due to (surada) winds from the  south east of 24-27 kph.
     The National Water Commission (CONAGUA)'s forecast for Sunday predicts effects from the Surada winds, which could be up to 60 kph in the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula, with a low probability of rain over the northeastern area of the country. On Monday, the effects of humidity over the Caribbean Sea could cause potential for isolated rains over the Yucatan Peninsula.

Assisting residents of the Agricultural Zone
Satisfecho por actividades comunales .. [+] Ver mas
   This article is about activities on the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres by the Asociación de Amigos de la Zona Agrícola (AZA) in 2015, and their plans to help this community in 2016.

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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, Bahama Mama, Brisas, 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.

December events

Sunset ~6:05
Moonrise over the Caribbean

Dec. 25   6:46
Dec. 26   7:43
Dec. 27   8:38
Dec. 28   9:32
Dec. 29  10:24
Dec. 30 11:09
Dec  31  12:03am (Jan. 1)

Casa de Cultura:  The photography exhibition of Isla's biological diversity is scheduled to continue thru Dec. 7. It features 70 photographs of native flora & fauna by local amateur photographers, including city employees, and students, rotated in groups of 40.

Casa de Cultura: "Una Mujer en Isla Mujeres" continues thru Dec. 11.  Includes photographs and works on handmade bark paper.

  On Thursday Dec. 3  you are invited to come to the esplanade (outdoor plaza) of the Casa de Cultura Isla Mujeres for the 10p food samples (from 5-7) and the artist fair (from 4-9), & dance troupe performances.

  Thursday, Dec. 3 World Disabilities Day 4p March from police station to Salina Chica Green Dome where there will be workshops, educational activities, testimonials, and a performance by a pair of dancers from Cancun.  Cancelled due to weather

 

 

Friday, December 4 Inauguration of exhibition "A Tribute to the Mexican Muralistas" by the high school students of Bachilleres

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 Nov 28 - Dec 8 Festival for the Virgin of Immaculate Conception, the Town Saint. is held annually. Link
Photos from two years ago (City press release)

 Saturday, Nov. 28  Church of Immaculate Conception Mass at 7p followed by the taking down of the icon and a procession thru downtown, followed by fireworks, with music and folkloric performances of traditional dances in regional clothing at the church esplanade

Festival events at 8p nightly.

Sunday, Nov. 29: Miraflores neighborhood guild, with music and a dance

 Monday, Nov. 30: The union of the Public Security Department (police) with a presentation of the  ballet folclórico at the Casa de la Cultura, starting at 8pm.

Tuesday, Dec. 1: Two groups. The CROC gastronomic union and the neighborhood guild of colonia Salina Chica, where the RDS dance troupe will perform at 8pm

Wednesday, Dec. 2: Colonia Salina Grande neighborhood guild, with a presentation by the Senior Citizens Dance troupe and a performance by local artists  César López and Anabel Burgos.

Thursday, Dec. 3: The cooperatives Caribe and Isla Bonita with a presentation of the ballet folclórico La Isleña at 8pm.

Friday, Dec. 4: Five groups together: Barrio de Pescadores, Cooperativa Adolfo López Mateos, Isla Bonita, Colonia El Cañotal, and the Youth Group, with a grand concert and a velada juvenil with Rene Francisco.

Saturday, Dec. 5: Four groups: Patria y Progreso fishing coop, Justicia Social fishing coop, el esperado woman's group, and the neighborhood guild of colonia La Gloria, with a presentation of the program  Lluvia de Estrellas (Cascade of Stars) with local singers. 

Sunday, Dec 6: The cooperative Isla Mujeres and the children's group, and the confirmations will take place

Monday, Dec. 7: Mega caravan with participation by all the people, with  Las Mañanitas being sung to the Virgin of Immaculate Conception at the chapels of  Caridad del Cobre, Sagrado Corazón and La Guadalupe.

Tuesday, Dec. 8: The guild of Las Conchitas, the first communions will take place, and the grand boat procession with dozens of vessels depart from the concrete pier at 4pm. THE POSTER SAYS 3P.
 8p Celebration (Gran Kermes), Dancing, Concert Town Square

   Dec. 11 Community Center in La Gloria   10a-12p: Human Rights Commission lecture about rights of people living w HIV or AIDS
    Dec. 11 Casa de Cultura:      noon  2p  Isla Mujeres-Caribbean Poetry Contest awards 
Dec. 11 Chapel of Guadalupe Salina Chica-overlooking the Caribbean  People gather to sing Las Mananitas to the Virgin of Guadalupe at midnight
   

 Dec. 12  Dia de la Virgen Guadalupe...patron saint of Mexico  Link to info about Guadalupe & Juan Diego    

       3pm there will be dozens of small children dressed as Juan Diego (who saw the vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the hill at Tepeyac, 484 years ago) and as shepherds and shepherdesses in a procession going ~2km from the downtown church to the Chapel of Guadalupe in colonia Salina Chica, where the priest will hold a mass at 5pm.
 Start of Guadalupe-Reyes Holiday period, which ends January 6th. School vacation begins Dec. 12

Dec. 15, Tuesday  Inauguration of Community Hospital (which began operations in September) time TBA

Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas... There is usually a children's Posada play during this time  Link to information  
During the posadas, there is usually a dance on the town square, featuring dances & costumes from different regions of Mexico

Dec. 17 Naval Band performance 8pm Town Square

 
Dec. 19 Annual Golf Cart Parade 6p from Bachilleres thru the colonias

Dec. 20 Cancun Hotel Zone area 5p  Annual decorated boat parade Link  

 Dec. 24  Noche Buena / Christmas Eve 
 Last Ultramar ferry departs Gran Puerto at 10:30p and Isla Mujeres at 11p

  Dec. 25 Dia de Navidad / Christmas Day   
 First Ultramar crossing from Gran Puerto is 7a and from Isla Mujeres 7:30a
  Car ferry departs Isla Mujeres at 8am and Punta Sam at 9am. The earlier crossing is cancelled.

December 25-30 Casa de Cultura  8p nightly for National except the 28th. Times below for costume displays   Performances by dance troupes of the National Congress of Mexican Folkloric Dance..."A fragment of the mosaic mural of Mayan culture"

Dec. 26  Usually the annual  Quinceaneras event and Mass at the Church of Immaculate Conception for young women who turned 15 during 2015 and who will be wearing beautiful gowns. More info TBA when available

Dec. 28 Dia de los Santos Innocentes  A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"  
 
Dec. 29  you are invited to come to the esplanade (outdoor plaza) of the Casa de Cultura Isla Mujeres for the 10p food samples (from 5-7) and the artist fair (from 4-9), & dance troupe performances.



Dec. 31  New Year's Eve Festival on the Town Square.  Tables can be reserved at the entrance to the Town Hall 10am-3pm.
 Last Ultramar ferry departs Gran Puerto at 10:30p and Isla Mujeres at 11p 
   People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur on New Year's morn.

Jan. 1  
 First Ultramar crossing from Gran Puerto is 7a and from Isla Mujeres 7:30a
Car ferry departs Isla Mujeres at 8am and Punta Sam at 9am. The earlier crossing is cancelled

Every Tuesday and Thursday: Free spay/neuter clinic  (Isla Animals)
 Consults 100p, Vaccines: parvo & distemper 50p, flea & tick meds 20p, wormer 10p. Helpers always welcome! Isla Animals, Mundaca Hacienda, 10am-4pm (No food morning of surgery/water ok)