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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 visits Food Bank & appreciates altruism
Asistencia social, fundamental
Juan Carrillo visita Banco de Alimentos de Cáritas y aplaude labor altruista
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 12 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 12 de diciembre.-
This is about the food bank on the mainland in the Continental Zone of the municipality, which the Mayor visited.
Improving "Comisionistas" who offer tourism services
Mejorarán actuar de comisionistas
Con el turismo
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 12 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 12 de diciembre.-
In addition to receiving anti-drug testing, in upcoming days the tourism services providers known as 'Comisionistas' will be given several training courses about treatment of tourist and tourism culture. The municipal Director of Tourism, Jose de Jesus Castillo Magana, said that agreements have been made with State Ministry of Tourism who have given their support. This is part of a program to regulate these workers, to revise their work areas, and to remove anyone from the list when their situation warrants it.
Regarding the drug tests for the 32 comisionistas who make up the list, there have been some positive results, but they may continue to work as long as they always treat the tourists with respect and behave with cordiality. The tests began on Monday, Nov. 28 and ended a week later. There have been complaints from some of the comisionistas about this testing since it is only required of the 32 members of the group in Isla Mujeres, but does not account for the people that work on various boats coming from Cancun, doing the same job. They say this works against members of the Isla Mujeres group and it works to the advantage of those who offer the same services while they cross over on the boats from Cancun.
The Director of Tourism said the intention of this program is not to reduce the number of comisionistas, but rather to train them and prepare them to interact with the visitors in accordance with the standards that this municipality seeks to have.
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
For the benefit of the Islanders, tonight the president Juan CARRILLO put 14 new streetlights into operation on the eastern side of the island.
Para beneficio de los isleños, esta noche el presidente Juan Carrillo puso en funcionamiento 14 nuevas lámparas en el sector Oriente de la isla.
There is a post from the Mayor visiting a food bank in the Continental Zone in the mainland part of the municipality.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Taxi union festivities honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe end in arrests & injuries
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/festejo-de-los-taxistas-en…/
There was a fight at the annual Taxi union raffle and gathering in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, resulting in the arrest of eight taxistas. Sra Teresa Gamboa was taken to the Naval Hospital with a leg injury and another wound requiring stitches, and was discharged.
The taxi leader, Sr. Peniche Rodriquez, condemned the violence, as did the other candidates for leader of the taxi union, and union members. There are concerns regarding the election scheduled for December 17, and requests for intervention from state and local authorities to provide increased security.
The group known as "Tiburones de Rancho Viejo", who are also members of the Taxi union, are blamed for the violence, along with the consumption of alcohol. It is noted that this is a family oriented event that occurs annually, which was going along peacefully, until some of the taxistas were under the influence of alcohol. It is not known at this time what sparked the incident, which resulted in injuries and eight people being taken into custody by the municipal police.
The leader of the Taxi Union said there will be an investigation and they will seek to identify those responsible for starting the fight and causing injuries.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Controversy continues regarding "Wato"
Artimañas ilegales del “Wato”.. [+] Ver masFull articleat this link
Controversy continues over the upcoming election for Secretary General of the taxi union, concerning the current leader's bid to remain in power for another three years, after 12 years in the office. Five of the seven opposing candidates have requested intervention by the JCLA (Local Board of Conciliation and Arbitration), alleging that Eduardo "Wato" Peniche for using illegal means to stay in power. They say that Sr. Peniche's argument that that statutes are "only a guide" does not give him legal justification.
The five candidates who have requested intervention by the JCLA, from the State Secretary of Government (Francisco Lopez Mena) and from the State Human Rights Department are: Miguel Chan, Julio Osorio, Darwin García, Manuel Valdez and Marcelino Cezal.
After the meeting between the eight registered candidates on Sunday, they addressed the issue of which colors each will use for the vote. Sr. Peniche said that the union's statutes are only a guide, and the highest authority is the assembly, who will decide if he is re-elected again. His opponents said "Wato" refused requests to have the Special election session first and the General assembly meeting second, (in which he must present the last financial report about the dues). The election and general meeting are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17th.
Port reopened for navigation by small boats on Monday
Reabre el puerto para la navegación menor [+] Ver masFull article at this link
It is noted that the season for sport fishing of blue marlin and sailfish in the Yucatan Channel is about to start and includes a fleet of about 15 boats, with the season formally beginning on Thursday, Dec. 15th. The fishermen seeking these rapid fish may travel distances of more than 50 nautical miles to find a school.
Supervision of tourism boats
Supervisión De embarcaciones turísticas [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Isla Mujeres Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez, said that personnel from the Training Section of the National Merchant Navy (FIDENA) will give assistance this holiday season with supervising the operation of recreational boats. Beginning on Saturday, ten agents will assist with the regulation of the daily activities of the ~1000 boats registered on the island, to ensure that the crews have proper documentation, the required security items, and are within capacity limitations. The crews should have their papers in order and be aware that the administrative procedures of the Harbor Master are not processed after Dec. 23, until that is resumed on January 12th.
The Harbor Master said in the past four years since this was implemented, there have been minor irregularities such as lacking sufficient life jackets or exceeding capacity. The FIDENA agents will act against any of the nautical tourism providers who do not respect the regulations, to ensure compliance and a 'saldo blanco' for the season. (no incidents).
The 10 FIDENA agents will also assist with activities in Puerto Juarez and boat traffic within the Bay. Of the 1000 boats registered in Isla Mujeres, 350 operate in the tourism industry, 250 belong to fishermen, and the rest belong to private individuals. Crew members are advised to have up to date documents on hand, to carry the required safety equipment, and not to exceed capacity.
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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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Today is Día de Guadalupe
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.
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. There will probably be an evening event on the Square. 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. 17 Saturday 5:30p Resident parade of decorated golf carts thru the colonias, tossing candy & toys
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. 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.
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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