Monday, December 3, 2018

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Monday, December 3


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CHECK OUT THE DECEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE!  (scroll down)
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News from the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)


The DIF has been collecting blanket donations which they will deliver to families in the Continental Zone on the mainland part of the municipality.  The honorary president of the social service agency expressed her gratitude.

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 FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres

  Tvisla Mujeres    


City Council passed municipal trash regulations at their Sixth Regular Session LINK 

Isla Mujeres Al Dia    

At the Sixth Regular City Council Session a municipal law was passed unanimously to provide Public Transportation Service for Passengers in Autobuses on Established Routes, which will go into force after its official publication. Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis explained that this was preceded by a study and analysis, and the main objective is to improve mobility and provide better service to the families of Isla Mujeres.
  He said, "During the 2016-2018 administrative term, we began a review of this regulation, and the necessary adjustments were made to adapt it to the reality of our municipality and to the needs of its constantly growing population."
   He explained that this regulation is based on initiatives in other areas with characteristics of geography and population that are similar to Isla Mujeres. It will benefit the thousands of islanders living in the municipality and aims to establish foundations and principles for the rules of planning, organization, operation, administration and control of this public service.
    He said this issued has affected the population in general for many years, but particularly the students and parents, who must wait a long time for taxi service to take their children to school and to take them to their workplaces. He noted this is also a problem for the residents on the mainland part of the municipality, who are included in this coordinated work in consideration of all the citizenry and with a strong intention to improve their quality of life.  
   He concluded by saying that his administration will continue to work to provide increased and improved benefits for the island community, to provide opportunities for development, growth, and stability in a coordinated manner with the state and federal governments.

Approval has given by the environmental agency SEMARNAT to increase development in the Continental Zone of the municipality, on the mainland. 

In 2019, Ultramar is planning to add two new boats to its fleet serving Isla Mujeres
  The first boat is expected to go into service in April, which has a capacity of 450 passengers and cost 14 million dollars. The second boat is scheduled to go into service in November, since before the high season, noting that the number of passengers transported has grown annually. He said they expect to have transported 5 million passengers among its different routes, which is about 100,000 more than last year. (Those are one-way trips...so represent about 2.5 million people who arrived to the island and then departed.)
   A company representative explained that the new boats are more efficient in design and construction, and more economical to operate. They are lighter which allows for less horsepower and therefore less fuel consumption. He said they are large, noting they currently have boats that are 27 meters long and the new boats are 43 meters in length, and are faster.
   He said passenger comfort is very important and they will be more spacious and comfortable, and will operate at times of high usage. The company currently operates 16 boats of which six are in service between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, and 10 operate between Isla Mujeres and Cancun/Puerto Juarez landing at two docks in the Hotel Zone and one in Puerto Juarez.

Vacation rentals have increased 400% in Isla Mujeres in the past four years
    Starting in 2019, everyone who operates vacation rentals in the state of Quintana Roo will be required to pay taxes and have an operating license, according to a proposed Executive Order. On digital applications such as Homeaway, Roomorama, Flipkey, and Airbnb, the numbers of vacation rentals in Isla Mujeres has increased 400% in the past four years. It is possible that this tax charge could affect this growth.


On Sunday, at the Isla Mujeres Pescadores baseball field, the Cocteleros of Picus, beat the Dorados from Playa del Carmen with a score of 6 to 3.

The DIF collected blankets to deliver to families in the Continental Zone on the mainland part of the municipality.

The DIF social service agency is collecting toys,candy & pinatas for children in the Continental Zone on the mainland part of the municipality. Monday thru Friday at the DIF offices  9a-4p or the Town Hall 11a-3p.

Isla Mujeres has reserved a booth at the annual International Tourist Convention FITUR in Spain.

Noti Isla Mujeres   

VIDEO of an unused traffic signal by the baseball field that is becoming detached from its pole.

VIDEO  of murals painted this weekend by Isla Mujeres high school students competing in a contest, as part of the patron saint festivities. The theme is Youth & the Future. They're located along Paseo de las Peces avenue in colonia La Gloria.

IM Noticias   

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Proposal before state Congress requiring hosts to pay taxes & obtain licenses for their vacation home rentals 

In the past four years, the number of these rentals in Isla Mujeres has grown from 100 to 400, causing decreased business & unfair competition for the small hotels who pay these fees.

  As of 2019, all persons who operate vacation rentals in Quintana Roo will be required to pay taxes and have operating licenses, in accordance with a Executive Order proposal (once it passes Congress).

The document went before the State Congress, as part of next year's fiscal package, which proposes reform of the Lodging Tax Law, to include the digital sites and those who rent their homes, obligating them to contribute to these taxes. 

Among the modifications, it is worth noting that the individuals or companies that rent temporarily or partially, providing lodging or lodging services in their private properties, will be required to apply for registration in the Taxpayers Registry.

Similarly, they must obtain an Operating License for each establishment where the lodging service is provided, and in addition to paying taxes.

These provisions will apply to all platforms such as Homeaway, Roomorama or Flipkey, among others that work without any regulation. Currently, only Airbnb pays 3% for tax.

In the case of Cancun, there are 6,700 properties identified and 3,758 hosts, with an average cost per stay of 70 dollars and an occupation of 38% in the low season and 74% in the high season.
 

Another place where these types of rentals have increased is Isla Mujeres, where in the last four years, vacation rentals grew by up to 400%, going from 100 to 400, even exceeding the offerings of pioneering hotels of the island.

Leonel Alfonso Castillo, representative of the Association of Small Hotels Fascinantes of Isla Mujeres, said that this growth represents a 20% decrease for formal hotels, so he urged regulation in the face of this effect and the unfair competition.

With the initiative in the hands of the state Congress and signed by Governor Carlos Manuel Joaquín González, Quintana Roo is on the forefront regarding the proposals of the new federal administration's plans for the regulation of vacation rentals. The plan of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador includes increasing this tax to 4%, in addition to requiring hosts to pay income taxes.


Source: Sipse...Aseguran regular rentas vacacionales en 2019
   LINK 


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 Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos

 Rehabilitation of the concrete pier  

Rehabilitan el muelle de concreto 

 The cost of the rehabilitation of the concrete pier has not been disclosed by the Port Authority, APIQRoo. The pier was built two decades ago, and has not received much use or maintenance during that time, except the three large Ultramar vehicle ferries were moored there this year.

Pedestrian bridge at Salina Grande has collapsed  

Se desmorona muelle de paso a Plaza Hábitat

   Por Esto reports that the 40 meter bridge  has collapsed which was built five years ago and connects Plaza Habitat to the Salina Grande lake path, but was not maintained. It was only opened for a few months before it was closed by the following administration for reasons of security/safety. 

Electrical interruptions

Nuevos cortes de luz

Dec. 2  The electricity was out in the Canotal neighborhood starting at 8am and it hadn't been restored at 2:20p (when the reporter filed the story).

Better weather expected on Monday  

Prevén mejore el tiempo este lunes

  It is hoped that navigational restrictions for the small boats will be lifted on Monday. (They were right, it's a lovely day & less windy, after having strong winds from the south this weekend). Three days of good weather are forecast and then Cold Front #13 is expected to arrive on Wednesday, when the small boats of the fishermen are likely to be restricted to port again. The port had been closed since Tuesday afternoon for small boats due to the winds that arrived with Cold Front #12, then two days later the strong winds switched to the opposite direction, which continued thru Sunday.  There were gusts of 44km/hr on Sunday morning, which peaked around 10am, and diminished by sunset to less than 39km/hr.
   Tourism on Sunday was good, and many arrived on the ferries and the boats that are larger than 40 feet. Although it wasn't full, there were many visitors enjoying Playa Norte which wasn't affected by the winds. Playa Centro also had tourists. The golf cart rental agencies reported that about 80% of their fleet of 830 vehicles were rented by tourists.

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Wow! About 40 Isla Mujeres high school students participated in the creation of these murals this weekend...impressive talent. The theme of the contest was Youth & the Future & it was part of the patron saint festivities. Photos by Bruce.

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 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.
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Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

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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 neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, 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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Full moon rising over the Caribbean 

Dec. 22   6:25
Dec. 23   7:28
Dec. 24   8:33
Dec. 25   9:38
 Dec. 26   10:42
  Dec. 27   11:42 
Painting by Pamela Haase
Sunset  ~6:04 to ~6:16p (beginning vs end of month)
Sunrise  ~7:08 to 7:24
December Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events

Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturdays LINK  and here's the Accion Isla LINK 
 
Patron saint festivities on the Town Square in front of the Church of Immaculate Conception (except the horse processions on Sat, Dec. 1st).

Saturday, Dec. 1...HORSES!
Noon: Cabalgata (probably on the runway)
1p: Horse caravan (procession around the isle)
Sunday, Dec. 2
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Monday, Dec. 3
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Tuesday, Dec. 4
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Wednesday, Dec. 5
7:30 Juanita Mendez & local singers perform
Thursday, Dec. 6
7:30p Dance troupe & local singers perform
Friday, Dec. 7
7p Large caravan in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
10p Las Mañanitas Mass
11p Mariachi
11:30 Local artists singing Las Mañanitas
Saturday, Dec. 8
3p Boat procession with the icon in the Bay
5:30p Mass for the returning of the icon to her niche
7p Juanita Mendez & dance troupes perform
8p Closing dance with band Picante Plus
The other schedule shows events by the private groups in her honor at their facilities. The confirmations are at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7pm.
Saturday, Dec. 1 Inauguration Day
Plogging clean up 8a-10a meeting at the Mundaca palapa to clean the mangroves

There will be events at the bull ring set up by Amplificacion La Gloria, but I haven't seen a schedule yet. This usually includes a mock bullfight by little people and small cattle, which was presented for two nights the past couple years.

Saturday, Dec. 8 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.

Sunday, Dec. 9 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm

Tuesday, Dec. 11 Singing of Las Mananitas outside the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Salina Chica)

Wednesday, Dec. 12 Dia de Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico.There is usually a run in the morning from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.There is usually a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses, probably between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church,

Saturday, Dec. 15 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.

Sunday, Dec. 16 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm

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. 21 Winter Solstice  

Friday, Dec. 21 "Elmo's" Golf Cart caravan meeting in front of the Bachilleres dome at 5:30 with decorated carts, led by Santa, Minnie & Mickey, and Elmo, tossing treats & toys to the kids. 

Saturday, Dec. 22 Plogging clean up 8a-10a location TBA.

Sunday, Dec.23 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square at 8pm

Friday, Dec. 28   Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"

Monday, Dec.31 New Year's Eve celebration on the Town Square. Tables can be purchased in advance, details TBA. The last ferry is usually cancelled.

Tuesday, Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.

 
  Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres
   To celebrate New Year's Eve, some 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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