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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
25th year of reenacting the Viacrucis
Celebran 25 años de Viacrucis
Con notable muestra de fe católica
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 14 de abril.-
ISLA MUJERES, 14 de abril.-
- The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the representation of the Living Viacrucis was carried out with the participation of hundreds of parishioners, who witnessed the journey of almost four kilometers as well as the reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Three representations were carried out, in the framework of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Viacrucis. The first took place at 10:30 am in the Sacred Heart of Jesus church, in colonia La Gloria.
The second representation was in the chapel of Guadalupe, in colonia Salinas, beginning at 11:30 am, with the scenes with Pontius Pilate and Herod, then the Viacrucis continued, going to downtown.
The third enactment was at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church, downtown, starting at 3p, with the beginning of the representation of the Crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross, the celebration of the Seven Words and it culminated with the March of Silence, the Rosary of the Condemnation and the Adoration of the Cross. (Marcha del Silencio, el Rosario del Pésame y la Adoración de la Cruz).
The ViaCrusis left the Guadalupe Church in colonia Salinas and walked to the Immaculate Conception church, downtown. The tour was was about four kilometers, which was carried out under an intense sun, which was reflected in the physical condition of the actors, mainly the one who played Jesus carrying the cross.
The event cause street closings along almost the entire island, for almost five hours, which of course affected the thousands of tourists and locals who wanted to visit the attractions of this destination.
Despite this year's Viacrucis being extensive, under an intense sun and on very hot pavement, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, hundreds of parishioners accompanied the young people who reenacted these passages from the Bible, the Stations of the Viacrucis.
This year, the representation of the Viacrucis included around 90 local actors, who represented various characters such as Jesus, Mary, Herod and Pilate, among other characters.After the first scene, which represented the delivery of Jesus to Pilate and Herod, where he was whipped, he was given the cross to start the tour of the 12 stations, and proceeded to walk about a kilometer, and later to go to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church, where the final scenes were presented on the Town Square in front of the church, including the scene where Jesus dies on the Cross.
Increasing overnight tourism: Mayor Juan Carrillo
Crece interés de turistas
De pasar más tiempo en destino: Juan Carrillo
Cecilia SOLIS
ISLA MUJERES, 14 de abril.-
ISLA MUJERES, 14 de abril.-
Mayor Juan Carrillo: Promotion results in increased tourism
Bonanza turística
Rinde buenos frutos promoción: Juan Carrillo
Cecilia Solis
ISLA MUJERES, 13 de abril.-
ISLA MUJERES, 13 de abril.-
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Many tourists visiting for Holy Week
During Holy Week (Semana Mayor) 100% occupancy is expected. Overnight occupancy has increased with the average stay of guests increasing from 2.4 nights to 3.4 nights and an average occupancy of 84%. since December. This extension of the average stay doesn't include the repeat tourists from the US and Canada who spend long winter seasons and consider the island their second home.
By the end of the year, the island and the Continental Zone are expected to have a total of 7216 rooms, which is a little more than double the current number of 3617 thanks to four new projects and two expansions of existing complexes that are in progress. Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis said the Isla Mujeres is among the main tourist destinations of the Mexican Caribbean, with economic benefits for island families.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Everything is ready in Isla Mujeres for the Via Crusis (reenactment of the stations of the cross, passion play)
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/todo-listo-para-el-viacrus…/
Banks and governmental agencies close for Easter vacation
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/cierran-bancos-y-otras-dep…/
Workers will return to their jobs on Monday, April 17. The Revenue Office were closed on Thursday and Friday, as well as Saturday and Sunday, and there were long lines of people there on Wednesday to get their license plates. Although banks will be closed, ATM's will be in operation.
Benito Juarez municipality interfering with clearing out the Trash Transfer Facility
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/obstaculizo-benito-juarez-…/
The Director of Public Services said that despite objections from the neighboring municipality of Benito Juarez about Isla Mujeres trucks entering the dump that is shared by the two municipalities, they are very close to cleaning out the Trash Transfer facility. He said there are about 800 to 1000 tons of trash remaining to be removed, but this could increase with the hundreds of tourist visiting the island. He said 90 percent of the accumulated trash has been removed. He said there are problems with the managers of the landfill on the mainland, which is located in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, and for which Cancun has a debt which has not been paid in more than five years.
Mayor gives go-ahead to create Rescue Committee
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/vamos-a-crear-el-comite-de…/
Municipal President Juan Carrillo Soberanis gave the go-ahead for the creation of the Isla Mujeres Rescue Committee, which will have a legal framework and would include not only experienced people (fishermen) but also agencies such as the Navy, Civil Protection, the Harbor Master, municipal Police, Port Authority, and Red Cross.
He acknowledged that on this recent event, coordination was fundamental and to be better prepared, it is necessary to be prepared, such as with this Committee. He said, "I have already instructed the Secretary General of the City Council to start working on the creation of this committee with everything and its legal basis."
The mayor said there are many stories of fishermen lost at sea, many of them with tragic ending, but others with a happy ending, as happened last weekend when three fishermen were rescued. It is indispensable to create this committee and I can tell you that we are already working on it," he said. He said when emergencies happen it is important to act quickly and in a coordinated manner, and a committee such as this can use resources efficiently to search successfully.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Car ferry is an alternative for passengers
Ferrys son la alternativa de acceso. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
For tourists visiting Isla Mujeres, an alternative to the Ultramar ferries is the vehicle ferry from Punta Sam, whose boat are currently transporting 2000 people daily. They have added three extra crossings to their schedule. It is recommended that customers arrive an hour before departure to reserve their spaces. Advance tickets are not sold for subsequent departures, and sales are made for each departure.
The "Sergio Gracia A" takes less than 30 minutes to cross and the other boat takes about 40 minutes. The waiting passengers cannot board immediately because there is only one ramp in Punta Sam, although the company has requested another. The cost has not increased since last year, despite a 20 percent increase in diesel costs and the changed exchange rate with the dollar.
A visitor from Yucatan arrived with his family and was surprised to be charged 300 pesos round trip on Ultramar, when it was 50 percent less last year. He complained that this was an excessive rate, noting they are not foreigners and that the boat travels a short distance, while Cozumel is three times as far and in the open sea.
Pedestrians & drivers at risk
Peatones y conductores en riesgo.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
There are areas on the island where the sidewalks and curbs are unfinished, such at at the Bay side near Garrafon, and there are obstacles along some sidewalks, which contribute to falls by pedestrians. It is noted that Aguakan poorly patched the area it opened in the road between the airfield and La Gloria a decade ago. There are complaints about the state of the entrance to Sac Bajo, which was renewed in 2013. There are also street lights in Sac Bajo which need repair.
North Beach was very busy
Playa Norte al tope.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
North Beach was very busy and it is noted that one of the lifeguard towers has deteriorated and isn't in use, and it is suggested that the municipality repair it. The buoy line is in place with swimmers inside and boats outside, and the lifeguards are monitoring and reported no incidents. Some tourism service providers and private lifeguards say there should be another shift of lifeguards, because when they go off duty at 5 pm, there are still many people in the water for the next two hours.
Chicken replacing fish this season
Pollo sustituye al pescado en esta temporada [+] Ver masFull article at this link
With a shortage of fish this Easter holiday season, chicken meat is being eaten as a replacement, especially when the supply of traditional tiknxic has been exhausted, such as at the buffets at Playa Tiburon, where the lanchero boatmen bring groups. Members of these groups enjoy resting on the beach and viewing the cat shark in the corral, at this location in Sac Bajo. Other tourists visit Playa Lanchero, to enjoy a variety of entrees with white or red meat, or no meat at all.
Passion and Death of Jesus Christ
Pasión y Muerte de Jesucristo [+] Ver masFull article at this link
This article includes a description of the 14 Stations of the Cross, which were reenacted over a walk of four kilometers by more than 50 actors before an audience of more than 1000 people, with volunteers to maintain control, as well as personnel with the police, traffic police, Civil Protection, Red Cross and other agencies. This was the 25th edition of this event, which went from the Sacred Heart Church in La Gloria to the Immaculate Conception Church downtown, where the crucifixion was reenacted. The night before, after the rain, there were two reenactments of the Last Supper and the washing of the feet of the disciples.
Full ferries
Al tope los barcos de ruta.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
April 14 More than 20,000 passengers passed through the two Maritime Terminals on Thursday, which were filled to capacity at certain time of day, with no incidents reported. The Punta Sam ferry gave extra service on Wednesday night after 9pm, to help get all the people across. At times the massive numbers of people affected traffic at some points, especially with the passing of the ViaCrusis (Passion Play). APIQRoo personnel said that the flow of visitors continued from the early hours until late at night, with large numbers of people Thursday and Friday, which is expected to continue on Saturday and Sunday.
No incidents were reported and the beaches were very busy, as were the streets with 700 rental golf carts in circulation. The tour boats & lancheros were busy and the port remained open for navigation by all boats, with Isla Contoy reaching capacity and the dive shops staying busy.
Ready for the Second Seabed Cleaning
Alistan segunda limpieza del lecho marino [+] Ver masFull article at this link
A group of 100 people plan to participate in the second cleaning of the seabed near Isla Mujeres, during an event on Saturday, April 22, World Earth Day. Last year 67 volunteers participated and this year there are 100 people registered and more are expected to join in, said one of the organizers, Kaiulani. Last year they removed, sorted and weighed 650 kilograms of trash, which is shown on a video that is being broadcast on social media, and includes glass, aluminum cans, t shirts, tires, and plastic chairs, among other items. Air tanks will be available for the divers, and all trash that is removed will be documents as part of the global assessment of the pollution of the oceans.
COFEPRIS prohibits consumption of barracuda
Cofepris prohíbe consumo de barracuda+] Ver masFull article at this link
Representatives of the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) are monitoring establishments to ensure they do not sell barracuda to diners because these fish are carriers of the disease ciguatera. They are monitoring four fish sellers of bbq'd fish and about 30 other seafood businesses. The volume of fish consumption is high in Isla Mujeres during this holiday period, but not everything that is consumed is caught in the surrounding waters, however almost everything comes from the Yucatan area, said some business owners.
The water on both of the busy beaches has been tested regularly and meets international quality standards.
Two reenactments of the Last Supper
Hubo dos representación de la Última Cena y Lavatorio de pies. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Authorities update street signs
Autoridades renuevan señales de vialidad.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Several traffic signs downtown have been renewed to facilitate traffic movement during this holiday season, when traffic is heavy. There are plans to update the entire system of road signs to avoid accidents in this Pueblo Magico. They also removed branches that could obstruct visibility and asked owners to keep their ornamental plants and bushes from invading public areas or covering traffic signs.
It is estimated that during this high season of tourism, there are about three thousands vehicles on the public roads, including golf carts, taxis, motorcycles, bicycles, and other private vehicles. The biggest problems occur with visitors who are confused driving down certain roads, because there is a lack of signage or the signs have deteriorated. This program began last year, on the island and in the Continental Zone. Personnel report that vandals destroy some signs, by painting them or pulling them out.
In regard to accidents between tourists during this holiday period, they occur at least once a day and they mostly involve the golf carts. The golf cart agencies are encouraged to advise their clients well before giving them the keys, to drive sensibly, since most recent accidents were caused by the presumed imprudence of the drivers.
Public Ministry closed
“Prohibido acudir al MP” [+] Ver masFull article at this link
There were concerns about the agency of the Public Ministry (office of the Public Prosecutor) was closed on Thursday and concerns that it may remain closed until Sunday.
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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.
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. Within ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend 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. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk downtown.
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April Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Saturday, April 1 at the Casa de la Cultura 5pm: Festokin with musical guests: Elefangs, Los Afectados, Ultra P, @Kiritz, Isla Sounds Mexico, Mindblowing Sound Corp, and spirulahelix. Creative talent includes muralists, graffiti artists, body painters & more.
Sunday, April 2 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square
Tuesday, April 4 Jazz Dance Classes 6p Casa de la Cultura
Thursday, April 6 Artist Fair 3:30-8:30 Casa de la Cultura Art, Food, Music, Beer
Isla Brewing Company says: Where can all your dreams come true? The Artist Fair at the Casa de Cultura has it all. Awesome Art, Delicious Food, Cold Beer, and Great Music. This week’s musical guest is Kiritz Reggae, 6 – 8, everything is IRIE
Thursday, April 6 6pm
You are invited to an event about the workshops available at the Casa de la Cultura on Thursday at 6pm. Learn pinata making, hammock making, Yoga, dance & more!
Friday, April 7 Easter Vacation begins
On Good Friday, April 14, about 75 actors are expected to participate in the reenactment of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, which is part of the celebrations of the 500 years since Catholicism came to these lands. This will be the 25th anniversary of this celebration of the Passion of Christ in Isla Mujeres, and will include all the actors who have played Christ over those 25 years.
Holy Week begins April 9th with Palm Sunday, with the blessing of the palms and more emphasis will be given to the entrance of Christ (played for the sixth time by Wenceslao Trejo Martinez) into Jerusalem, riding on a small burro, as it says in the Scriptures.
A press conference was held about the event by parish priest Raul Sanchez, who explained that more than 30,000 pesos are being invested in the event, since it celebrates the 25 years of this event as well as 500 years since Isla Mujeres was encountered by Europeans, bringing Catholicism. They are getting new armor from Guadalajara for the Roman soldiers, and a renovation to the wardrobes of the main characters, so they will look more professional and realistic, as well as the costs of the burro.
Azalia León Pastrana will play the role of the Virgin Mary. According to the calendar of activities, on April 13, Holy Thursday, the ceremony of Foot Washing and the representation of the Last Supper will take place; Good Friday will begin at the Sacred Heart Church (in la Gloria), at 10:30 in the morning, with the representation of the Stations of the Cross, and will culminate at three in the afternoon at the Church of the Immaculate Conception (on the Town Square) with the crucifixion of Christ.
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Friday April 7 6:30-8:30p Cocktail reception for Batik Artist Sergio
Amar Cocina Peruana Restaurant is on the back street Guerrero, just north of Abasolo & the Cultural Center, on the west side of the street. Sergio's impressive batik art can be seen, and purchased, at the Thursday Artist Fairs. He also does murals & sign painting. We love the mural he painted for us! His are will be featured and for sale at the restaurant all month.
Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday at 9:30am, a procession will reenact the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, by walking from Playa Centro to the Town Square, where a mass will be celebrated in front of an audience which is expected to be ~1000 Catholics. Fifty people will participate as actors and 20 will be in charge of logistics.
Another reenactment of the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem is scheduled for 7:30pm from the tourist center at Mundaca Hacienda to the Sacred Heart Church in La Gloria, where Mass will take place.
Noches Magicas on the Town Square 8p
Sunset ~7:05p
Moon rise over the Caribbean
April 11 7:39 Full Moon April 12 8:30 April 13 9:20 April 14 10:10 April 15 10:59 April 16 11:48 |
Painting by Pam Haase Link to website
Thursday, April 13 Artist Fair 3:30-8:30 Casa de la Cultura Art, Food, Music, Beer
Holy Thursday, April 13 Foot Washing Ceremony and reenactment of the Last Supper Town Square Immaculate Concepcion Church
There will be two Last Suppers and Washing of the Feet reenactments, with the first at the downtown church Immaculate Conception at 8:30pm and the second is an hour later at the Sacred Heart Church
Good Friday, April 14 10:30am Sacred Heart Church (in la Gloria), Passion of Christ reenactment with the Stations of the Cross . On Friday, reenactment of the ViaCrusis (passion play/stations of the cross) will start at 10:30 (at Sacred Heart) and join the other group at the Guadalupe Chapel (overlooking the Caribbean in Salina Chica) and they all will go together for traditional walk to downtown, which is four kilometers finishing on the Town Square at 3p with recreation of the crucifixion of Christ.
Easter Sunday, April 16
Thursday, April 20 Artist Fair 3:30-8:30 Casa de la Cultura, Art, Food, Music, Beer
Saturday, April 22, Earth Day
Sunday, April 30 Children's Day
Sunday, April 30 on the Town Square stage at 8p. A Celebration of the International Day of Dance
Monday, May 1 Labor Day
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