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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
Electrical service interrupted while CFE changes posts downtown
CFE cambia postes en la Zona Centro
Suspende servicio
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 7 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 7 de diciembre.-
The CFE has been changing about 20 poles which are in poor condition in the downtown area, causing an interruption of electricity in two areas of el Centro on Wednesday. A notice was sent out in advance, which asked for the understanding of customers for any inconvenience and it advised them to take the necessary precautions.
Power was interrupted for seven hours on Guerrero Avenue. On Thursday, they will be working on Nicolas Bravo street, suspending power there between 8am and 5pm. These works will improve and guarantee the supply of electricity.
Controversy over upcoming taxi union election
Ilegal, convocatoria de “El Wato”
Enlistan irregularidades que la invalidan
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 7 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 7 de diciembre.-
Regarding the requirements for candidates, the regulations say they must be over 21 years of age and must have been a member of the union for at least five years and up to date on their dues. He said it is not required that candidates present a voters card, union credentials, or anything other than meeting those two requirements.
He said if the election meeting is not announced in accordance with the statues, it will not be valid. He said all the irregularities are being documented to be presented to the Board of Conciliation and Arbitration.
Operation Lupe-Reyes begins
Mayor inaugurates special committee for security of vacationers
Operativo Lupe-Reyes
Instala Juan Carrillo comité especializado en seguridad de vacacionistas
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 7 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 7 de diciembre.-
See translation in Por Esto section....
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
There is an announcement about the inauguration of a multipurpose sports dome in Ranch Viejo, in the mainland part of the municipality.
Discounts on 2017 property taxes of 25% in December, 15% in January, and 10% in February.
There is a link to the Citizen Forum "Let's Discuss the Future" encouraging citizens to share their opinions. This says 79.62% of respondents said it is important to help small businesses.
Today the Municipal Council was installed. The "Guadalupe-Reyes" Operation Committee was also installed, which will be in operation December 7 to January 6.
El día de hoy se instaló el Consejo Municipal y Comité Operativo "Guadalupe-Reyes" que abarcará del 7 de diciembre al 6 de enero.
Christmas is a time of hope, generosity and sharing with our neighbors.
Join the #recolectanavideña by donating: Toys, piñatas, sweets,Christmas baskets and groceries. We'll provide a Christmas dinner to anyone who needs it most.
Bring your donations to municipal DIF office (social service agency)
This is for the benefit of families who live in the mainland part of the municipality at Rancho Viejo, Francisco May, and the Agricultural Zone.
La navidad es una época de esperanza, generosidad y de compartir con el prójimo.
Únete a la #RecolectaNavideña donando: Juguetes, piñatas, canastas navideñas, dulces y despensas. Regalemos una cena navideña a quien más lo necesite.
Recepción de donativos: en las instalaciones del DIF Municipal.
To generate and strengthen global awareness about the importance of civil aviation in the social and economic development of countries, today we celebrate the International Day of Civil Aviation.
Para generar y fortalecer la conciencia mundial sobre la importancia de la aviación civil en el desarrollo social y económico de los paises, hoy celebramos el #DíaInternacionalDeLaAviaciónCivil.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Cuts in electrical service by the CFE continue downtown and will take place December 7 & 8.
Continuarán los cortes en el servicio eléctrico para el primer cuadro de la ciudad por parte de la CFE, aquí las circulares para los días 7 y 8 de diciembre.
Concession holders express a vote of confidence for the SINTRA delegates and their disapproval of the violent actions against the inspectors in Isla Mujeres.
Concesionarios dan voto de confianza al delegado de Sintra y desaprueban acciones violentas contra inspectores en Isla Mujeres - http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/concesionarios-dan-voto-de…/
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Operation Guadalupe-Reyes begins
En marcha Operativo Guadalupe-Reyes.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Guadalupe-Reyes Operating Committee was set up this afternoon to guarantee the safety of thousands of vacationers who will visit this destination between today and January 6, with coordination between the three levels of government to meet this common goal.
Within this framework of shared responsibility, business leaders have offered to collaborate so that the goal of a "saldo blanco" (no incidents, lit "white balance") will be achieved during this month-long period of increased security measures for the festivities for the Virgin of Guadalupe, Christmas, New Year and Kings Day.
The Municipal Civil Protection Council for the period 2016-2018 offered to supervise the Operating Committee, "To ensure the safety of citizens and tourists during the winter holiday season, involving the three levels of government".
"Safeguarding the life, integrity and heritage of families and visitors in this well-deserved holiday season is our priority," said one of those present. The state director and the coordinator of Civil Protection for the Northern Zone, Adrián Martínez Ortega and Roberto Vargas Arzate, respectively, accompanied the Mayor to preside over the installation of the Municipal Civil Protection Council for the period 2016-2018.
As part of the actions to be carried out during the Guadalupe-Reyes operation, patrols by vehicle and foot will be increased throughout the municipality, the Breathalyzer operation will be increased, and surveillance will be done at the most crowded sites.
Visitors are invited to observe all safety measures, passengers in motor vehicles should comply with all traffic regulations, they should drive within the speed limits, and especially no one should drive when they are tired or under the influence of alcohol.
Ulises Berman, director of Civil Protection in Isla Mujeres, explained that with the signing of this document and the installation of the Municipal Council of Civil Protection, agreements will be made for actions between the public, social. and private sectors to achieve disaster risk reduction and to develop greater understanding and awareness in order to reduce the vulnerability of the population and their assets.
Vargas Arzate said that both the State Civil Protection System and Municipal Civil Protection System have the obligation to coordinate all types of activities in order to minimize or mitigate any risk that occurs at the traditional annual events.
Councilman opposes use of funds to renovate Salina Grande walker
Se llenan bolsillos con dinero del pueblo g.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Councilman for the MORENA party, Roberto Martinez, spoke in a video questioning the use of funds to improve the walkway around Salina Grande, and says it would be better if the money were used for educational scholarships, ecology, or to hire specialized doctors for the hospital. He also made accusations about the motives of the other City officials.
Tourism begins increasing
Comienza la reactivación turística de la islaes... [+] Ver masFull article at this link
On Wednesday, a few days before the start of the winter high season for tourism in Isla Mujeres, it was already evident that tourism has increased, with the presence of thousands of visitors who arrived by pleasure boats and who visited Isla Contoy National Park, filling it to capacity.
At the CROC union center, they said hiring of hotel and restaurant staff has been at a high level for more than a week. Available jobs include work for waiters, dishwashers, cooks, receptionists, security guards, lifeguards, bartenders, bakers, carpenters, gardeners, and other jobs.
About 50 boats which were nearly filled to capacity brought visitors from the Hotel Zone, Puerto Juarez, and Punta Sam on package tours to spend the day, while the ferry boats also brought overnight visitors. Hotel occupancy has been at an average of 60 percent, but hoteliers report their reservations schedules are full from next week until early January, when occupancy drops off somewhat.
"We are ready to take care of people on the beach and provide security," said Javier Juarez, a hotel security guard at Playa Norte, the main site for recreation, which together with Playa Centro are the main attractions for those who like to swim and to walk on the white sands.
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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). |
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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. 10 Saturday 8p Town Square Federal Police Rock Band Free event
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
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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 |
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
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