Thursday, December 3, 2015

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, December 3



This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

HERE is a timelapse version, that you can set to slow or fast (fps-frames per second). It takes a few seconds to load.

  Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos  HERE.

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


  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

link to their Isla articles






Theft from sailboat that went aground two weeks ago  

 Ladrones aprovechan que encalló desde hace 15 días en Isla Mujeres

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 2 de diciembre.-

    On Tuesday, the owner-captain of a sailboat that  has been grounded in the area of Isla Blanca for about two or three weeks realized that the vessel had been burglarized, when he went to the site to work at rescuing the boat. The thieves took the sails, all the navigational equipment, and the transmission was disconnected, but apparently its weight made it difficult to steal.
        During the last rescue attempt, they realized that the keel of the sailboat is deeply buried in the sand, and it will require two boats and more personnel to remove it. 

Mayor meets with business leaders concerning Pueblo Magico before holiday season begins    

Agapito se reúne con cámaras empresariales en vísperas de periodo vacacional

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MIUJERES, 2 de diciembre.-

  See translation in the City section below....

Expecting an historic number of visitors this winter    

En afluencia de visitantes

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 2 de diciembre.-

   The municipal Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco, said that prospects are excellent for the winter holiday season, since 2015 has been one of the best years for tourism in Isla Mujeres, which he attributes to excellent, effective tourism promotion making the island the focus of world attention.
      He said hotel occupancy is currently at 60 percent and slowly increasing, and hotels have a large number of reservations in the second half of December, and could be filled to capacity. He said the Pueblo Magico designation is likely to increase the number of domestic tourists, while the Blue Flag certification of the beaches is expected to increase the number of foreign tourists. He expects a high season like never before, which he says is almost a given. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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







The City announced its approval of property tax discounts and is prepared to receive payments from citizens and to process their paperwork
La convocatoria del Ayuntamiento para aprovechar los descuentos en el pago del impuesto predial fue bien recibida y desde temprana hora los ciudadanos acuden a realizar sus trámites.

December 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery   
Hoy 2 de Diciembre, Día Internacional para la Abolición de la Esclavitud.
‪#‎ComunidadEnAcción‬


Mayor has meeting with business leaders regarding Pueblo Magico
    On Wednesday morning, a meeting was held in the mayor's office with the island's business leaders, who expressed their willingness to cooperate with the commitments and responsibilities required by the business community, the government, and the residents since Isla Mujeres received the Pueblo Magico designation. 
       Among other things, they agreed to have meetings with the people involved to make arrangements regarding the problems of stray animals, because it is a public health problem that harms both locals and visitors. 
         They spoke about the issue of the facades of the downtown businesses and homes, where there is an opportunity to show the world the influence of the Mayan-Caribbean identity, and how they will work toward achieving agreements among the members of their business organizations. 
     Another serious problem that affects public health and the image of the island is trash. In this regard, trash collections are made five times daily, yet the problem of accumulation of garbage remains. In many cases, this is caused by business and property owners who lack social conscience and a sense of social responsibility and will put their trash in the street right after the collection truck has just passed by. An agreement was made to conduct an educational campaign with collection schedules, and information about fines for non compliance with the regulations and schedules. It was emphasized that this measure is urgently needed and unavoidable. 
        Regarding the training about what it means to be a Pueblo Magico and the responsibilities involved, it was agreed that after the New Year, there will be training and lectures on this subject for hotels and restaurant staff, as well as for personnel of stores and other businesses, to assume a sense of ownership of the new status.
     Business leaders who attended included Guadalupe Martínez Márquez; Juan Carrillo Figueroa; Baltazar Maldonado and Gerardo Magaña Barragán, among others. Municipal governmental officials who attended included  Álvaro Magaña Galué; José Jesús Castillo Magaña, Jaime Torres Juárez and Guillermo Pinto Aguilar.


Certificates were issued at a graduation ceremony for five summer job training courses that were offered by the municipal Women's Institute and the Institute for Job Training
Clausuramos y entregamos constancias de cinco cursos de verano que impartimos en coordinación con el Instituto para la Capacitación en el trabajo en la Instancia Municipal de la Mujer.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



link to Quequi's Isla Mujeres articles  




Expecting excellent occupancy rates this winter   

Turismo

Ocupación a reventar en temporada invernal

0 03 de diciembre de 2015

0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

Thieves burglarize sailboat   

Delincuencia

Despojan los rateros velero

0 03 de diciembre de 2015

0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia
     
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


From Tvisla Mujeres ( link)








~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



 
From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles




More than 14 years  
Más de 14 años.. [+] Ver mas
   Most of the information in this article has already been translated regarding ideas for the airstrip, whose operations were turned over to the state government from the Navy recently. It says the business community has been requesting the reactivation of the airstrip for 14 years, because they consider it an opportunity to attract visitors with a high level of purchasing power.
     One suggestion is the arrival and departure of international flights, which would be complicated because it requires representatives from Immigration (INM), Customs, International Health, and SAGARPA; therefore extra resources would be needed to establish their offices. Another possibility would be to attract tourists by air from destinations like Cozumel to swim with the whale sharks, which would give them more free time after the tour is concluded, allowing them to spend money at restaurants and shops. It is noted that there would be an opportunity to provide air ambulance service for tourists or residents who might require it.
      There is a proposal that large cruise ships could dock near the southern end of the runway, after eliminating the nearby lake by adding fill, from Enrique Lima Zumo, made in a previous interview. This interview involved the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, Juan Carrillo Figueroa.

Students want rate respected  
Estudiantes piden que les respeten la tarifa] Ver mas
   Students collected more than 400 signatures supporting their list of demands for the Ultramar ferry company during their protest on November 30 near the Maritime Terminal. They want a discounted parking rate, for their discounted ferry rate to be honored throughout the year, for the Ultramar personnel to take sensitivity courses about being friendly and having a good attitude, and that 40% of the Ultramar staff should be islanders, among other demands.
     The main organizer behind the event was student Jose Alfonso Lopez, who put out a call across social networks, and quickly received many responses complaining about mistreatment by some of the Ultramar employees. In a telephone interview, he said the 14 point list of demands, with over 400 signatures, was given to general manager Arturo Baez, and that a follow up meeting will be scheduled.


A great deal remains to be done  
Aún falta mucho por hacert.. [+] Ver mas
   This is about the meeting between municipal governmental officials and business leaders, which is translated in the City section above.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
  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.
Friday, December 4 Inauguration of exhibition "A Tribute to the Mexican Muralistas" by the high school students of Bachilleres
This free photography exhibition continues thru Monday Dec. 7, featuring the biological richness of Isla Mujeres and its native flora and fauna at the Casa de la Cultura Isla Mujeres. It includes 70 photos, rotated thru in groups of forty, taken by local amateur photographers.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 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 Kermesse), Dancing, Concert Town Square

Dec. 11 Casa de Cultura noon  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    


 Start of Guadalupe-Reyes Holiday period, which ends January 6th.

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. 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  

Dec. 25 Dia de Navidad / Christmas Day


Coming December 25-30! 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  Usually celebrated with a large party on the square with fireworks and dancing until dawn or beyond. People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur on New Year's morn. Tables can be reserved in advance, until sold out. More info TBA when available.

A New Year's article I wrote a couple years ago entitled "Did you eat twelve grapes? What color is your underwear?"
        In Isla Mujeres, families celebrated the arrival of the New Year together. Some set up tables in the streets and dined on turkey stuffed with ground beef, with pinatas strung overhead, while others crowded the zocolo downtown for the bands and main fireworks. Every neighborhood brought in the New Year with a Bang, and the skies exploded with color in all directions. The stores have been selling dried salted cod, "bacalao", a traditional New Year's food that is pronounced "bah-kah-LAH-oh". 
       The newspapers mentioned the tradition of eating twelve grapes. These uvas de buenas suerte (grapes of good luck) should be consumed  during the countdown, and each represents one month. The champagne toast is often an inexpensive cider that is shared by the whole family. Other customs include cleaning your house on New Year's eve & sweeping out bad luck. Wearing red underwear could bring you love in the New Year, or  your white undies may bring you peace, and yellow represents wealth. Chocolate coins also represent wealth. Those who hoped to travel, grabbed an empty suitcase and took it around the block a couple times, or may have set it by the door, or circled it in the living room. 
        The old year may be represented by a life size character called El Viejo, The Old Man, who is filled with fireworks and set ablaze in the street.  He may represent a politician, or he may be holding cigars & tequila. Fireworks are everywhere, and their names include  metralletas (literally "machine guns" – but it means fire crackers), cañones (larger fire crackers), voladores (rockets) in many different sizes, chifladores (whistlers) and barre pies ("foot sweepers", that shoot sparks while spinning on the ground). 
      If you drop a shoe on New Year's morn and it lands "boca arriba" (mouth/face up)  you will enjoy good luck in the upcoming year. Now it's time to shop for toys for the kids for Dia de los Reyes on January 6, and look up a recipe for rosca de reyes...King's cake, or they'll be available for sale. You eat this with hot chocolate, and if you get the Baby...it means you'll be hosting the next party & providing the tamales on Candlemas Day, Feb. 2.


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)



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.