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| 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!
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
Mayor establishes service center for benefit of islanders
Trato directo con isleños
Garantiza Juan Carrillo con Centro de Atención en el municipio
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 16 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 16 de diciembre.-
The Islander Service Center will provide a direct and permanent link between the citizens and the government so tha requests can be attended to and resolved in a timely manner., said Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis. It will be coordinated under the program Audiencias Ciudadanas (Citizen Audiences), with support from various governmental agencies, to provide a direct dialogue with citizens, in an open, public space. Now that the regulations have been approved, they will be officially published. This center has been created to give prompt and expeditious service to the citizens of the island as well as of the Continental Zone.
Carnaval Organizing Committee
The Carnival Organizing Committee was founded, with unanimous approval from the Council, and Victor Manuel Rosado Sanchez was sworn in as its general Coordinator. There was a vote to modify the internal regualtions of the Institute of Culture and Arts, which previously had the responsibility for the orgainzation of the Carnaval festivities, which will now be conducted by this committee.
This was proposed by third Councilman, Diego Genaro Gonzalez Aguilar, and the Committee will be responsible for issuing the announcements for selection of the Kings and Queens, the information for registration of the troupes (comparsas) and floats, contracts with participating companies, and the general coordination of the event.
Conflict over cabbies selling services at ferry terminal
Enfrentamiento taxista en muelle
No les gustó que los retiraran de terminal marítima
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 16 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 16 de diciembre.-
Taxi drivers have been working in the ferry terminal, trying to sell their services and tours to visit the attractions of the island, but they have been annoying other workers, as well as the Port Authority personnel, and even the tourists.
In response to this situation, staff with the municipal Department of Tourism asked several taxi drivers who were selling to leave the area of the Maritime Terminal, resulting in a small altercation between the two parties, which was observed by dozens of visitors.
Mary Delgado, who works for the Department of Tourism, said the taxi drivers had literally invaded the area of the Maritime Terminal, with the intention of 'snagging' tourists, and when they were spoken to, some of them became rude.
One of the tourism services 'comisionistas' explained that with the intention of helping the taxi drivers sell their tours around the island, the Department of Tourism had allowed three of them to have a space in the Maritime Terminal. But on this occasion, there were more than half a dozen. He said the taxi drivers are abusing the opportunity that was given to them to gain work, and then in addition, they were offensive with a worker from the Tourism Department. He said that three cabbies should offer their services, and after they have customers, three more should replace them, but the taxistas were not respecting this system.
A taxi union representative said it is important that the cabbies respect the established agreement, otherwise they will lose the area that has been allocated to them, although some taxi drivers do not look at it this way. Those cabbies who were warned argued that "they are not being measured by the same measuring stick" as the others who carry out this activity, alleging there is favoritism and preferences, in reference to the comisionistas who work freely.
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
There is a video of the statue of Ixchel and the Mayan ruin at Punta Sur.
It shows the statue and says "She was Ixchel, the principal Mayan goddess. Goddess of fertility, health, and love." It shows the ruin and says, "The temple dedicated to Ixchel...is located at the Southern Point of the island" and it shows Punta Sur. "Visit Isla Mujeres and learn more about her" LINK
Congratulations to Victor Manuel Rosado Sanchez, who is the general coordinator for the Committee for Isla Mujeres Carnaval 2017.
Muchas felicidades Víctor Manuel Rosado Sánchez, estoy seguro del gran papel que desempeñarás como coordinador general del Comité del Carnaval Isla Mujeres 2017.
City Council approved Service Center for Islanders
Aprueba cabildo de #IslaMujeres reglamento interior del Centro de Atención Isleño.
To improve the quality of life for islanders, we continue working to reduce the quantity of trash at the Trash Transfer Facility.
Mejoramos la calidad de vida de los isleños, es por eso que seguimos trabajando en disminuir la cantidad de basura de la Zona de Transferencia.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Mayor signs collaboration agreement with University of Technology in Cancun.
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/alcalde-de-isla-mujeres-re…/Full article at this link
Mayor recognizes Volunquest teachers for teaching English classes to grade school children
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/volunquest-buscara-extende…/Full article at this link
Successful suicide prevention conference for youths
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/imparten-exitosa-conferenc…/Full article at this link
(The information in these articles was translated yesterday in similar articles)
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Increasing numbers of yachts arriving
Repunta el turismo de yates.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Personnel at the marinas and representative of the agencies of Customs, Migration, and International Health have reported that dozens of yachts and sailboats have been arriving since last month. Several marinas are nearly full, with many receiving regular customers.
There is an annual route taken by boats from the United States and Canada down a 'nautical staircase' along the coast of the Mexican Caribbean and Central America, with the arrival of winter. Even though there are new docks in the area, nearly everyone has customers. There are some 30 facilities inside and outside the Makax lagoon, where yachts and boats can be seen, as well as boats anchored out in the bay.
The Mexican authorities said the boats have been arriving without incident, with the crews following the regulations in international and national waters. These arrivals occur when the winds are relatively strong out in the Yucatan Channel and the Gulf of Mexico.
Holidays
During the holiday season there will be more than 5000 students on vacation until January 2 when classes resume. Due to the large number of tourists arriving, the Ultramar ferry will offer services every 15 minutes at the busiest times of the afternoon. ( Departures every 15 minutes on weekdays 3:30-7:30 and on weekends 2-8. There's an additional crossing daily from P. Juarez at 9p and from Isla at 9:30.)
There are increased security measures to ensure that visitors can enjoy the island and its beaches in complete safety. There will be assistance from FIDENA for supervising the recreatonal boats, due to the daily arrival of more than 10,000 visitors. On Saturday, 10 FIDENA agents will be assisting in regulating the daily activities of about 1000 boats registered on the island and the will be verifying the the crews have proper documentation, safety equipment and that the boats do not exceed capacity.
Opponents of "Wato" plan to boycott assembly
Opositores al “Wato” no acudirán a la asamblea Ver masFull article at this link
Those who make up the Allied for Democracy party advised the members of the taxi union not to attend the Assembiles, after the JLCA notified taxi union leader Peniche Rodríguez on Dec. 12 that they were not valid for not being announced in a legal fashion and for violating the internal statutes of the union. These include the following five candidates for General Secretary of the Isla Mujeres Taxi union: Miguel Chan, Julio Osorio, Darwin García, Manuel Valdez and Marcelino Cetzal
The candidate for the Morilla party, Miguel Chan Mena said, "We will obey the mandate of the Labor Authorities, and we will adhere to the rule of law and to the mandates of the statutes of our union." They said they do not want to expose people to a conflict where full security is needed to exercise a normal and secret ballot.
It is known that Sr Peniche is determined to continue with the meeting, and if he is re-elected for another three years, he would complete a total of 15 years, and the situation would be in the hands of the labor courts after January 4, when there must be a new Board, according to the statutes.
The final stance of the other two contenders, José Magaña Galué and Amada Hernández is unknown.
Service Center for Islanders approved
Aprueban reglamento del Centro de Atención al Isleño.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Difficult year for fishing industry
Año difícil para el sector pesquero [+] Ver masFull article at this link
I'll translate this one manana.....
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| 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.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| 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. |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| 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). Friday Dec. 9 Bullfight w little people 7p |
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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
4-9 Art Fair at Casa de Cultura
Dec. 10 Saturday 8p
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, usually from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.
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.
Sunset ~6:05p
Moon rise over the Caribbean
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| 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 |
Starting Mon. Dec. 12 for the Christmas holidays...departures every 15 minutes on weekdays 3:30-7:30 and on w/e 2-8. There's an additional crossing daily from P. Juarez at 9p and from Isla at 9:30.
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 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. 17 Saturday 5:30p Resident parade of decorated golf carts thru the colonias, tossing candy & toys
Dec. 18 Sunday 8p Noches Magicas on the Town Square
Dec. 21 Wednesday Solstice
This is a holiday play with black humor, in Spanish.
You can drop off donations of toys at Rueben's restaurant, across from the Mercado on Guerrero. Kids in Mexico receive presents on King's Day/Dia de los Reyes on Jan. 6. Currently the DIF is collecting blankets, coats, and other warm items for residents in need in the Continental Zone on the mainland.
Dec. 22 Thursday Artist Fair 4-9 Casa de Cultura. Art, music, food, craft beer
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. No Noches Magicas performances.
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 Wednesday Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"
Dec. 29 Thursday 4-9 Artist Fair Casa de Cultura. Art, food, craft beer, music.
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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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
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