Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Sunday, December 4

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

  Both issues of The Isla Mujeres Magazine 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 & photos

DQR has an article about a health fair in the Continental Zone at the mainland part of the municipality.


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



"Discuss our Future" link for the government to collect suggestions from the residents.
Queremos saber que propuestas tienes, participa en #PlatiquemosDelFuturo para saber tu opinión entrando al siguiente link: http://islamujeres.gob.mx/consulta-ciudadana/


The ports of Isla Mujeres and Xcalak were declared free on Dec. 3, 1938
Un día como hoy pero de 1938 se declaran perímetros libres los puertos de Xcalak e Isla Mujeres.

Dec. 3 has been celebrated as International Day of People with Disabilities since 1992.
Desde 1992, cada 3 de diciembre se celebra el #DíaInternacionalDeLasPersonasConDiscapacidad.

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)




The students of the middle school.born in 1986-1989 are the 28th generation of the school and are planning 28 activities to maintain and improve the school facilities. They challenge the other generations (alumni) of the school to participate. Their posada celebration will be Dec. 17 and the work will begin Jan. 7.  The tasks they have committed to include improving the school computers, maintenance, painting the sports fields, and changing the fans in the classrooms.The idea grew from a discussion in a chat room.



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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos

Concerns about trash workers exposure to gases  
Trabajadores de basura expuestos a gases[+] Ver mas Full article at this link
    There are concerns that City employees who work at the Trash Transfer Facility are being exposed to toxic gases from the garbage because they are not equipped with protection for their respiratory systems, as provided by Mexican law (NOM-017-STPS-2008). The workers are also concerned about the poor state of the vehicles and potential for accidents. They say they have not received new protective equipment since this administration began (in September).
   This law which was passed in 2008 by the Federal Department of Labor and Social Security deals with personal protection equipment selection, usage, and management at work centers. This includes protection for the head against impact, for the eyes and face, ear plugs, eye protection, masks, gas masks, self contained breathing apparatus, gloves, arm protection, coveralls, footwear, and occupational clothing.


Preparing a joint program for Isla Contoy National Park
Preparan programa conjunto [+] Ver mas Full article at this link
      Due to the presence of invasive species of animals that impact the flora and fauna of the National Park of Isla Contoy, a joint program will be instituted to eradicate them, with the State Committee of Plant Protection. This is in accordance with the revised Management Plan for the reserve.
     A year after the official publication of this updated Management Plan, activities have been established to develop plans for both short and long term to eradicate the presence of species  of birds such as grackles and pigeons, and of  pests such as red mite, among others, which are affecting this natural refuge of thousands of migratory birds.
           In Isla Contoy, there have been some cases of exotic and invasive species, both flora and fauna, which have had different degrees of impact on ecosystems.  "Some of them have become communities which apparently do not affect the functioning of the island's ecosystems, but they have displaced natural communities, as in the case of the coconut trees planted on the south part of the isle by former fishermen to improve their stay on the island, where there was originally very little shade and no source of fresh water; With time, these palms seems to have favored colonization by white-crowned pigeons, " said the publication.       
          Other species have had to be eradicated, such as domestic animals that became feral or the cactus moth, which was controlled and eradicated before affecting Opuntia (a type of cactus, including agricultural cacti) populations in the park. But unfortunately there are some that have colonized the Caribbean region and that at this moment are part of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of the Natural Protected Area (ANP), along with the lionfish and red mite palm.     
         Therefore, it is necessary to take immediate measures for the early detection of alien, invasive, or harmful species in the ecosystems, in order to avoid future invasions and to detect the routes of introduction.  The implementation of any strategic plan aimed at the control, prevention, and management of invasive species will only be effective if it also includes permanent monitoring of the affected areas and /or strategic sites, to permit the diagnosis and evaluation of the ecological impacts caused by this problem.Objective     The specific objective of the proposal is to prevent, control and eradicate the presence of exotic and invasive species,  and of specimens or populations that become harmful or are detrimental  (from pests and diseases), through the establishment and execution of monitoring programs. These programs include established targets and expected results via prevention, control, and eradication of these invasive, exotic species whose populations have become harmful, and of pests and diseases that are harming species. It also includes classes and workshops to train the staff and raise awareness about control of these species and prevention of the introduction. This work with the Plant Health Committee of Quintana Roo should proceed according to the protocols which will be officially published for the Management Plan.     

Seeking urban transportation  
Exigen servicio de transporte urbano.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
   It has been six months since the Isla Turicun company's concession ended, and they stopped providing bus service long before that. Workers in Isla Mujeres say they do not earn enough to cover 30 pesos or more per day to get to and from work, and sometimes they must walk long distances, especially when there are unexpected expenses at home, like medical costs. They want the members of the City Council to work to obtain public transportation for the island.
    One worker said, "They earn a lot of money. Now we find out that each of the council members earns more than 60,000 pesos monthly, while we do not make even 5000 pesos for the maintenance of our families. We need a miracle to cover the costs of transportation and education of our children. This is not fair, and they are indolent."
   Local leaders of the PAN political party are also insisting that the City Council fulfill its obligation to provide public transportation, especially when the population is at the mercy of the taxi drivers as the only means of transport. The Council member who chairs the Urban Transport Commission is encouraged to solve this problem which affects the budgets of the islanders and of users in general.
   They say that buses should not be stopped from covering any urban route just to prevent damaging the monopoly of taxi drivers, because it is not fair to workers who live in areas that lack urban transportation, such as Sac Bajo, Punta Sur, and the coastal road, who have to spend up to 45% of their wages on taxi service.
  (IMN&E Editor's note: The contract with Isla Turicun which expired in May, met opposition from the taxi union when service initiated in 2001. The contract provided for two buses and routes that included Punta Sur and Sac Bajo. The union felt this intruded into their tourist fares and objected. PAN politicians note that the current administration and the taxi union are both affiliated with the PRI party.)


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  This blog is brought to you by....

View from the rooms.

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 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. A queen & single bed.

Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers. 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. 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 southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes southwest to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options. 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.

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The holiday period in Mexico from Dec. 12 to Jan. 6 is called Guadalupe-Reyes (from Dia de Guadalupe to Dia de los Reyes/King's Day). In Isla Mujeres, this is preceded by patron saint festivities Nov. 28-Dec. 8.

Festivities for the Patron Saint the Virgin of Immaculate Conception 
On the Town Square

Nov. 28 Opening at 8p with the band Los Marlins .
Nov. 28, The Mestizas de Agua Salada;
Nov. 29, Folkloric dance troupe: Son del Caribe at 7:30p;
Nov. 30th, Academy La Isleña;
Dec. 1 Cavalcade (Horse procession) in Honor of the Virgin, noon;
Dec. 2, Dance group Añoranzas;
Dec. 3, Dance group Entorno and musical group Mar & Arena
Dec. 4, Dance Studio Renatta and Academia La Isleña;
Dec. 5,  Mestizas de Agua Salada;
Dec. 5, Dance group Entorno;
Dec. 6  Caravan procession at 6:30,
Dec. 7 Yucatan band Picante Plus will perform and “Las Mañanitas” will be sung to the Virgin
Dec. 8 Boat Procession of the Virgin in the Bay 3pm
Dec. 8 Day of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception

At the bullring at the end of the runway, by the car ferry

Thursday, Dec. 1  Horse procession (12p), and a performance by horses & a band (4p).
Friday, Dec. 2   Bullfight  (4:30)
Saturday, Dec. 3 Rodeo  with a band (4:30).
Sunday, Dec. 4 Bullfight (4:30)
Thursday, Dec. 8 Bullfight with dwarfs (8p).

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December Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
 Dec. 1 Thursday  
12p Horse procession 
4-9p Artist Fair at Casa Cultura w live music, craft beer, food, & art.
5p Anti-AIDS/HIV march & Health Fair at Bicentennial Dome La Gloria
6p Horse performance & live music 6p North end of runway.

Dec. 2  Friday
4:30p Bullfight at North end of runway
7:30p Dance group Añoranzas at Town Square

Dec. 3  Saturday
4:30p Rodeo & live music at North end of runway
7:30p Dance troupe Entorno and band Mar & Arena at Town Square

Dec. 4 Sunday
7:30a Charlie & Friends Marathon 5 & 10km Garrafon/P.Sur along Caribbean coast
4:30p Bullfight at North end of runway
7:30p Dance Studio Renatta and Academia La Isleña at Town Square

Dec. 5 Monday
 7:30p Mestizas de Agua Salada dance troupe at Town Square
           Entorno dance troupe at Town Square

Dec. 6 Tuesday 6:30p Caravan procession for Patron Saint

Dec. 7 Wednesday 8p Yucatan band Picante Plus at Town Square
 “Las Mañanitas” will be sung to the Virgin at Town Square

Dec. 8 Thursday  Day of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception
3pm Boat Procession of the Virgin in the Bay
8p Bullfight with Dwarfs North end of runway

Dec. 11 Sunday  Celebration in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Chapel Guadalupana in Meteorolgocia (which overlooks the Caribbean, across from Mango cafe), with singing of Las Mananitas before midnight, possibly with Mariachis.

Dec 12  Monday  Day of Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron Saint. 
People honor her with pilgrimages and efforts of endurance, such as the annual run around the island, which will probably be held in the morning
 There is a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses usually between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church, and sometimes there are horses.  Juan Diego saw the vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the hill at Tepeyac, 485 years ago.  See article below. I will update this info when it is available.

Sunset ~6:05p

Moon rise over the Caribbean

Dec. 13  6:12  Full Moon
Dec. 14  7:13
Dec. 15  8:15
Dec. 16  9:16
Dec. 17 10:14
Dec. 18 11:10 
Painting by Pam Haase

Dec. 15, Thursday
4-9  Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura  Art, music, food, craft beer

Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas.
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the t\Town Square, featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.

Dec. 21 Wednesday Solstice

Just before Christmas, the government has a procession of decorated carts and vehicles with a Santa, which goes thru the colonias playing music tossing candy and small toys, There is also one by the residents, foreign & local, that is planned again this year. Dates TBA. There is a decorated boat parade annually at Cancun.

The DIF (social service organization) collects toy donations for a big give away, as does Rueben's restaurant, where you can drop off donations now. Dates TBA. Kids in Mexico receive presents on King's Day/Dia de los Reyes on Jan. 6.

Dec. 24 Saturday  Noche Buena / Christmas Eve
Ultramar ferry is usually cancelled after ~11p, as well as the first crossing Christmas morn. Some businesses are not open in the evening, because families are celebrating together.

Dec. 25 Sunday  Dia de Navidad / Christmas Day  The first ferries may be suspended. 

Usually around this time the annual Quinceaneras event and Mass are held at the Church of Immaculate Conception for young women who turned 15 during 2015 and who wear 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. 31 New Year's Eve Festival on the Town Square with live music and fireworks. Tables can be reserved in advance, with information TBA. The last ferries are usually suspended.

Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.

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Día de Guadalupe is an important holiday in Mexico
    According to accounts published in both Nahuatl and Spanish in the 1600s, the image of the Virgin Mary appeared to the indigenous peasant, Juan Diego, in the hills of Tepeyac in the outskirts of Mexico City on December 9, 1531, when he was on his way to the city from his village. (Later she appeared to his sick uncle also.) The dark-skinned young woman was surrounded by light & spoke in Nahuatl, telling Juan Diego that a church should be built in her honor at the top of Tepeyac hill, where there had once been an Aztec Temple to the goddess Tonantzin.
    But when Juan Diego related this to the Spanish archbishop, the cleric didn’t believe him and told him to go back to Tepeyac and ask the Virgin for a miracle.  The Virgin told Juan Diego to gather roses from the top of the hill (unseasonably and in an area of cactus & scrub). She helped arrange the flowers in Juan Diego’s tilmátli (cloak), and he carried them back to Mexico City.
     When he arrived on December 12 and opened his tilmátli in front of the archbishop, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe had been imprinted onto the cloak. The tilmátli with the imprint is still on display at the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited shrines in the world.

 
Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres
   To celebrate New Year's Eve, some  Isleno families set up tables in the side streets with pinatas strung overhead, and dine on turkey stuffed with seasoned ground meat, while others crowd the Town Square for live music, dancing, and fireworks. Each neighborhood brings in the New Year with a bang, and the skies explode with color in all directions. 
     During the NYE countdown, there is a tradition of eating twelve uvas de buenas suerte (grapes of good luck), each representing a month, with a toast of champagne or cider. The party on the town square continues all night long. At the other end of the isle, people gather at Punta Sur to greet the first rays of the sun at the eastern-most point in Mexico.  
     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, while yellow represents wealth. Those who hope to travel should grab an empty suitcase and carry it around the room or the block, and set it by the door. If you drop a shoe on New Year's morn and it lands "boca arriba" (face up)  you will enjoy good luck in the upcoming year. 
 The old year is represented by a life sized character called El Viejo, The Old Man, who is later filled with fireworks and set ablaze. He may resemble a politician, and he is usually holding cigars & tequila. Fireworks are everywhere, and their names are 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 spin on the ground & shoot sparks).
      Kids receive toys on Dia de los Reyes, January 6, when families, friends, and coworkers share rosca de reyes. King's cake, usually with hot chocolate. If you get the Baby Jesus,it means you'll be hosting a party & providing the tamales on Candlemas Day, Feb. 2.
 
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The Artist's Fairs are scheduled twice a month, on the First and Third Thursdays, at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9.