 |
| Here's the webcam LINK, which also has time lapse of the past 24 hours. |
Join the 11,000 followers of Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for more photos, videos, events & updates
SCROLL DOWN FOR THIS MONTH'S EVENTS SCHEDULE!
~Please visit our sponsors~
or at www.mvcisla.com
email: info@mvcisla.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Invitation to donate blood on Friday, March 6th, 8a-12p at the CRIM facility for physical rehabilitation in colonia La Gloria. The first graphic is a pictogram (which is a play on the words for donate & donut) that says "Decipher this message...Difficult? Donating Blood Is Not".
The second graphic with the requirements is in English: Present ID, be 18-65yo, fast for 5-12 hours (min/max), not sick in past 2 wks, no meds in past week, no piercings/tattoos/acupuncture/root canals in past year, no surgery in past 6mos, no vaccinations in past month, and no alcohol in the past 72 hrs.
From the City....
On March 4th, the City Council will hold a special public session on the Town Square at 5:30p to commemorate the 503th anniversary of the meeting of two cultures in Isla Mujeres, which allowed a cultural exchange that today provides identity to our Pueblo Magico. .
Everything is ready to promote Isla Mujeres at the "Tourist Tianguis 2020" international travel fair in its 45th edition, which will be held in Merida, Yucatan March 22-25. This is an important business convention which brings together the 32 states of Mexico. It includes exhibitors, domestic and foreign buyers, sellers from across the Mexican Republic, and booths with information, as well as commercial sites and suites for business encounters. It provides a professional, dynamic and highly productive business forum that will bring great benefits to the participants.
The various tourist attractions of the Pueblo Magico will be featured and strategies will be implemented to attract more visitors to Isla Mujeres and to sell the more than 7000 hotel rooms in the municipality.
The Director of Tourist Promotion, Gustavo Rodríguez Orozco, said Isla Mujeres has stood out as one of the main destinations of the Mexican Caribbean for its various tourist attractions, which include its "Blue Flag" beaches of Playa Centro, North Beach, and Albatros Beach. This international designation was earned due the cleanliness, safety, services, environmental education activities, and quality of the water and sand of these beaches. He also noted that North Beach was once again among the most popular in the world and earned #1 in Mexico and #17 of the 25 most popular beaches in the world in the Traveler's Choice awards of TripAdvisor.
Help us keep the streets of our island trash-free. Don't throw litter in the streets. Let's be responsible citizens and keep the Island Green / una Isla Verde.
Promo for the national Census this month.
North Beach earned #17 among the 25 most popular beaches in the world and #1 in Mexico in the Traveler's Choice awards of TripAdvisor for 2020.
There's a screenshot of a post by Tracy Gunn in Islaholics of Isla Mujeres thanking cabbie Ramon for saving & returning her wallet that she left in his cab, #45, and noting she gave him a reward & he deserved it.
The port is closed for small boats, while the ferries will continue to operate. (Tuesday morning) (photos)
The work on the installation of the wastewater system at the southern part of the island is nearly completed. They have finished opening ditches and introducing pipes, and traffic can flow freely on the streets. Now the sidewalks await attention, which were very damaged. The deadline for the work is March 6th. VIDEO, VIDEO
VIDEO interview--It was a "regular to good" season for the lobster fishermen. The season ended with the beginning of March and will resume on July 1st.
Today (Tuesday) the Ultramar ferry that leaves Isla Mujeres at 6am departed 25 minutes late because problems with the computer system caused an inability to issue electronic tickets. Each of the 80 passengers, which included students and workers, were asked to line up and required to give their full names, which caused delays. (VIDEO of passengers disembarking in Gran Puerto, with some of the first ones are running.)
From Por Esto :
Good influx of tourists visiting Isla Mujeres
Afluencia de turistas a balnearios de Isla Mujeres
There was good weather on Sunday, which was a busy day for tourism and the port was open for general navigation. About 100 boats were anchored off North Beach and the ~28 golf cart agencies rented out their inventory of ~800 carts, and to a lesser degree, scooters and bicycles. Diners could be observed at the various eateries on the island. There were many people enjoying the various tourist attractions of the isle, who reported operating at about 70 percent of capacity, including Garrafón Park, Punta Sur, Playa Indio, Lancheros, El Pescador, Tortugranja, Playa Tiburón and Dolphin Discovery.Isla Mujeres Pescadores remain in the semi-finals
Pescadores de Isla Mujeres iguala la serie en la sesemifinal de la Liga Puerto Morelos
In a home game on Sunday, the Isla Mujeres Pescadores defeated the Cancun Rockies with a score of 10-8, which means both baseball teams will remain in the semi finals, until next weekend, when they will play the third game in their series to determine who competes in the league championship. The final game will be played in Puerto Morelos at noon on Sunday. They are competing in the "B" division of their league.The winners of the "A" division are the Isla Mujeres Cockteleros, who are waiting to see who will be their rivals for the league championship.
Unable to export live lobster
No pudieron exportar langosta viva
The spread of the coronavirus in Europe has restricted air shipments of live lobster from Isla Mujeres to that continent, according to fishing cooperative executives who said this season which just ended was much better than the previous one. Most of the five cooperative capture live lobster for export by air to Europe, but with the outbreak of Covid-19 in several countries, including Italy and Germany, this was restricted. Therefore, the tails were removed and put into refrigeration for domestic consumption.This restriction has prevented the fishermen from earning income from the better prices on exported whole product. This was a good season and in January, they had the largest catch in recent decades, which saturated the market. Some live lobster were not processed in time and died in the water, which in the case of the cooperative Justicia Social consisted of a loss of half a ton of product. The four-month ban on capturing lobster began on Sunday.
The fishermen were able to remove their traps and nets before the deadline of March 1st and now are anticipating good weather for catching fish, which is in high demand during Lent. The seasonal statistics are still being processed, with the largest producers being the municipalities of Lazaro Cardenas and Isla Mujeres, both in the northern part of the state. The total is expected to surpass 100 tons of lobster, with would be three times the amounts reported in the 70's and 80's.
Port Authority increases sanitary measures
Apiqroo refuerza medidas sanitarias
The three levels of government have begun to take sanitary measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus-Covid 19. The state Port Authority (APIQRoo) are installing sinks in the Maritime Terminals of Isla Mujeres. The Director, Alicia Ricalde Magana, said that sufficient bottles of antibacterial gel will be available at the terminals so that passengers and staff can clean their hands before boarding and after disembarking.She said the sinks should be installed before the Easter holidays begin in April and informational posters will be installed about the preventive measures that must be taken to prevent Covid 19 in Quintana Roo. She said the state receives visitors from various parts of the world, so actions must be implemented to help prevent the spread of this type of disease. During this winter season, thousands of passengers per day move through the maritime terminals of Isla Mujeres, Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, Cozumel, and Chetumal, which are operated and managed by APIQRoo, who seek to prevent infections between local people and tourists with these hygienic measures.
Some local businesses hav already started to dispense antibacterial gel and to encourage use of their sinks to facilitate cleanliness by visitors. One entrepreneur noted that it would be unfortunate to have a recurrence of the negative economic impact that was suffered by workers and businesses during the AH1N1 flu of 2009.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach
Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white
sand beach and
the beautiful Caribbean sea, with
kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale
neighborhood of Bachilleres,
convenient to downtown
or
the colonias, yet
separate. Quiet & Private.
.jpg) |
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 out of the pic at left.    |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe, Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Full moon rising over the Caribbean
 |
| At Sunset--March 9 7:09p (sets 7:07a) March 10 8:13 March 11 9:17 March 12 10:20 March 13 11:22 This is the second of four supermoons for 2020. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth while full, causing it to appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. Sunset 6:52-7:02pm (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise ~7:07-6:40am Painting by Pamela Haase at MVC |
March Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Thursday afternoons ~3p-8p Artist Fair on the Paseo de la Triguena off the Town Square at the malecon by the food trucks.
Sunday's at 1p there may be baseball games at the stadium in front of Chedraui. There are two teams, the Pescadores & the Cockteleros, who are in Category A & Category B of the same league, which is currently having the playoffs for the season championship.
Occasionally, Sunday evenings 8p on the Town Square "Noches Magicas" performances
Fishermen in this region are banned from catching grouper, lobster and octopus during March LINK
Sunday, March 1--At 1p at the Pescaodores baseball field the Isla Mujeres Pescadores will play the Rockies of Cancun, after losing the first game in their three game series in the semifinals. If the Pescadores beat the Rockies twice, they will win in Group B category of their league. The Isla Mujeres Cockteleros won the Group A category & are waiting to see who they'll play from Group B for the league championship. LINK
Monday, March 2--On the first Monday of each month, there is usually a civic ceremony in the morning, often on the Town Square.
Thursday, March 5--There is usually a ceremony commemorating the arrival of Francisco Hernandez Cordoba in 1517, who is credited with discovering the Yucatan and what is now Mexico, after landing on Isla Mujeres. The expedition of 110 men in 3 boats sailed from Cuba and around the coast, battling with the Maya, until all but one were injured, and over 50 had died. Cordoba died after returning to Cuba.
Sunday, March 8--International Women's Day
Monday, March 9--Full Moon, which is the second of four Super Moons in 2020, meaning it is at its closest approach to the Earth while full, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
Monday, March 16--Day off in honor of the birthday of Benito Juarez on March 21st.
Tuesday, March 17--St Patrick's Day
Wednesday March 18--Observation of Oil Expropriation Day (not an official day off--businesses & schools will be operating normally). Commemorates the nationalization of Mexico's oil fields on this date in 1938.
Thursday, March 19--Spring Equinox
Thursday, March 19--Dia de San Jose, which MAY be celebrated with a dance on the Town Square.
Tuesday, March 24-- Venus reaches its greatest eastern elongation of 46.1 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset. Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation of 27.8 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. New moon--lack of moonlight is the best time to observe galaxies & star clusters.
Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28-- About 600 swimmers are expected to participate in the National Open Water Championship 2020 which will be held in Isla Mujeres on March 27 & 28. The winners of the 10 kilometer competition will represent Mexico in Tokyo during the pre-Olympic match for the Olympic games. The top 20 swimmers in the categories of 14-15, 16-17, and 18-19 divisions, in the categories of 5k, 7.5k and 10k will qualify for the National Conade Games 2020.
Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
BUS INFORMATION
The buses operate from 6a to 10p. The overhead digital display indicates whether they're going to the Tourism areas or the Colonias.The bus numbers don't indicate the route, they're numbered 1 thru 10.
The main downtown stops are just south of the Maritime (Ultramar) Terminal & across the street from it. In Centro, the buses stay on Medina, except they turn around near the Convention Center, behind the downtown Mercado. Outside of town, there are no designated stops & you flag them. Exit thru the back door, first pushing the red button nearby so the driver knows to stop.
Pay the driver 38 pesos/$2usd (or $9/175p for an all day pass). The front seats are for seniors, disabled & pregnant women. The 32 passenger buses have air conditioning & security cameras. (State residents pay 10p, INAPAM card holders & local students pay 5p.) LINK to bus company page on FB.
COLONIA ROUTES-1 & 2Route 1 goes down the western side on Rueda Medina and returns northward on the east side via Jesus Martinez Ross. Its west-east transit is Paseo de los Peces in colonia La Gloria.
Route 2 goes down the eastern side on Jesus Martinez Ross and returns northward on the west side via Medina. Its east-west transit is also Paseo Peces.
Routes #1 & #2 aren't exact opposites.
#1 takes J.M. Ross northward all the way from Peces to downtown, traveling thru Salina Chica,
#2 going southward turns left/east just before Salina Chica, leaving JM Ross & taking the Caribe Coastal road thru Meteorologico. I've heard it turns right/west back into the colonias by Madera Food & Art.
TOURISM ROUTES-3 & 4
Now the company advises riding #3 to Sac Bajo and #4 to Punta Sur.
Route 3 goes to Sac Bajo, down the western side of the isle on Medina.
(It was originally advertised as also going to Punta Sur. Then they said it only went to P.S. when that was the destination of passengers aboard, and otherwise after routing thru Sac Bajo it turned east on Paseo Peces & returned via the Caribbean Coastal road, Payo Obispo.)
Route 4 goes to Punta Sur & Garrafon down east side on the Caribbean Coastal road and returning northward on Medina to town.
 | ||
| This isn't a bus route map, it's a street map, showing how Jesus Martinez Ross follows the Caribbean coast until becoming the main street of Salina Chica and going on to La Gloria, while the Caribe Coastal road (aka Payo Obispo) follows the coast. The east-west transit, Paseo de los Peces, is shown, but not labeled, between colonia La Gloria and the Mundaca Hacienda. |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.