Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Sunday, December 25

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 this morning in DQR.



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


Tonight is for being together with family and enjoying every moment. We wish you a Merry #Christmas Eve   LINK to video  which says...During these Christmas holidays, we share unforgettable moments with our loved ones. May our hearts be filled with joy and hope. The City of Isla Mujeres wishes you peace, love, and happiness this Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2017.

Esta noche es para juntarse en familia y disfrutar cada momento. Te deseamos una feliz #NocheBuena

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)



Toy donations are being collected at the restaurant of  Rubén Chávez Martínez until January 5th and will be distributed on January 6th. (Rueben's restaurant is on the northern end of Guerrero, the back street, across from the Mercado, near Las Palmas hotel).
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/empresarios-de-isla-mujere…/


Ultramar hours on regarding the last crossing on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, and the first crossing on Christmas and New Years Day. "Desde" means From.

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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos

Hotels & houses are full  
Llenos los hoteles y hasta casas. [+] Ver masFull article at this list
        On Saturday, there were large numbers of tourists visiting to spend Christmas in this vacation destination, and filling the beaches by noon. About 50 medium and large boats sailed across the Bay in the early morning bringing visitors from various piers in the Cancun Hotel Zone, Puerto Juarez, and Punta Sam. The hotels were nearly full and no incidents were reported as of the afternoon. The hotels expect to remain full until after the New Year, according to their reservations.There was still space available in the afternoon at several small hotels, which are expected to fill up in the upcoming hours.
      The Port Authority (APIQRoo) estimated more than 10,000 visitors had arrived to the island, most of whom would be returning to the mainland in the afternoon. The tourists enjoyed the beaches, and touring the island in golf carts, motorcycles, bicycles, and taxis. Friends of local families also arrived to fill the patios, yards, and even the sidewalks on Christmas Eve.


Civil Defense closed gas station   
Clausura Protección Civil una gasolinería] Ver masFull article at this lis
         On Friday the gas station near the airfield, owned by OXXO, was closed by the Civil Defense department for failure to comply with safety regulations. Ulises Berman Graniel, head of the PROFEPA unit (Consumer Protection Agency), said during an inspection it was found that the personnel do not have training in handling fire extinguishers and are not familiar with the Civil Protection Internal Plan nor other emergency protocols and documentation, and the tanks lack the standard color codes. There were also electrical connection problems.
      The business has been sanctioned by PROFECO and must comply with regulations before it will be allowed to dispense gasoline again. These measures were taken to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and to prevent potential accidents during this vacation period.   


Cool nights the rest of the year  
Noches frescas por el resto del añod.. [+] Ver masFull article at this list
      Nights will remain "fresh" for the remainder of the year, including Christmas and New Years, with temperatures of 21 to 24 degrees on average, according to the forecasts of CONAGUA (National Water Commission). The noon forecast by the SCT (Department of Communications & Transport) on Saturday said there would be clear to partly cloudy skies, due to the entry of maritime air from the Caribbean Sea toward the coasts of the region and the Yucatan Channel. Strong winds were not expected for Christmas Eve, and the cold front that was expected didn't arrive. The effects of the next front, #17, are not expected until Monday. By afternoon North beach had fewer people and boats. Conditions are expected to be good for enjoying the beaches for the rest of the year.
   (There are whitecaps and large breakers,  & it's breezy & partly cloudy at 10a.)

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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).
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 Town Square Federal Police Rock Band Free event  Cancelled.

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

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 Art & Food Fair Thursday 5-9 at the Casa de la Cultura with electronic jazz by Chucho, various types of Tamales, craft beer, & photos with Santa Claus! 

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 twice a month, on the First and Third Thursdays, weekly on Thursdays at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9 thru April 20.