Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Saturday, 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

  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

There are no new articles in the Isla Mujeres section at this time.

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


This morning the first digital library in #islamujereswas opened,  "Q.F.B. Gilberto Pastrana Novelo"
Esta mañana se llevó a cabo la inauguración de la primera biblioteca digital en #IslaMujeres "Q.F.B. Gilberto Pastrana Novelo".

Toward the eradication of all forms of slavery, today we celebrate the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Con el fin de erradicar toda forma de esclavitud, hoy celebramos el #DíaInternacionalParaLaAboliciónDeLaEsclavitud

 

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)



Offering discounts for early payment of Property Tax in Isla Mujeres 
Ofrecen descuentos en el pago anticipado del Impuesto Predial en Isla Mujeres - http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/ofrecen-descuentos-en-el-p…/

The CROC union offers educational services for the completion of equivalency of primary, middle school, and high school, as well as English language and computer skills -
La CROC se fortalece con servicios educativos de nivel Primaria, Secundaria, Preparatoria, Inglés y Computación - http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/la-croc-se-fortalece-con-s…/



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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos

Controversy concerning 50% property tax discount for union members  
Descuento en el Predial, discriminatorio .. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The inclusion of 135 municipal union workers (who have full benefits) for a 50% discount on property taxes has generated anger among the excluded one thousand employees, of whom 300 are not en nómina (lit. on the payroll/salaried) and who earn ~150 pesos per day, without benefits.


Unresolved trash problems 
La basura, problema sin solución.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
  There is about 3000 square meters of organic trash at the southern part of the Trash Transfer Facility, causing concerns about potential for a fire, as occurred last year, as well as about the odors. During a tour the stench was noted because a machine was removing part of the remaining 500 tons, to try and meet the commitment to remove the trash before Christmas.


Caution advisory for boats  
Extreman precauciones para la navegación. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
   In its daily weather forecast, the Department of Communications and Transport (SCT) recommended extreme caution for smaller boats in the Yucatan channel because the seas are choppy.
   The festivities in honor of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception continue with participation on Friday afternoon by the groups from the colonias of  Cañotal, Miraflores and Salina Grande, On Saturday the fishing cooperatives of Caribe and Justicia Social will celebrate, as well as the group of the Señoras, They will offer food and drinks to their families and fiends. In the evening there will be live music at the Town Square in front of the church, starting at 7:30 with the musical group Entorno (The poster says 'grupo de baile': Dance group)


Digital library at Casa de la Cultura  
Biblioteca digital en Casa de la Cultura.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
This morning a digital library opened at the Casa de la Cultura with a collection of more than a thousand physical books and 10 computers for online consultation, which will benefit elementary and middle school students. It was named after the legislator Gilberto Pastrana Novelo, who was present at the event, among other politicians. 
  This technology will allow children to have quality education and it will increase citizen connectivity. One of the assistants said this library is a window into the world of knowledge where citizens will have access to the digital information they need, and the conventional library will be reopened in January with more than three thousand books. This was reported a few days ago by the Director of the Institute of Culture and Arts, Ruben Perez Martin. 
   High school and middle school students  were invited to try out the computers that were available to them to do research for their schoolwork. There are plans to expand the free wireless Internet in the public spaces of the island and the Continental Zone, which will expand connectivity and be a resource for the schoolchildren.

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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. 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.