In Isla Mujeres Daily News Thursday, October 31 The Afternoon Edition

..This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte








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The "Morning Edition" has translated headlines &  newspaper photos. This Afternoon Edition has  translations of the articles,  Daily Events & Live Music Schedules  & the "Around the Internet in the Past 24 Hours" section including photos & info from individuals & local businesses ....Daily In Isla Mujeres. There are always links to the original articles in Spanish.

 

  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

  Modifying the budget

Agapito responds to citizen complaints 

Modifican presupuesto

Miércoles, 30 de Octubre de 2013 23:07

Agapito responderá a demandas ciudadanas

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 30 de octubre.- 

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Wednesday morning the first session of the Committee for Municipal Development Planning (COPLADEMUN) took place in the City Hall council room. A budget amendment was approved to the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) 2013 regarding the Program for Funds to Strengthen Municipalities (FORTAMUN). The amendment aims to improve the sports/multi-use facility at Plaza Bicentenario and the sports infrastructure in La Gloria, as well as maintenance of the lights along the walkways and in the public parks. This was in response to concerns and complaints expressed by the residents of La Gloria at a public meeting with the mayor on Thursday, October 24.

 

Inauguration of Senior Citizen Week

 

Mayor confirms promise of support 

Inauguran Semana para Gente Grande

Miércoles, 30 de Octubre de 2013 23:00

Edil ratifica compromiso de apoyo

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 30 de octubre.- 

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 During this week agencies are working together, including the DIF, IMSS, ISSSTE,  SESA, and the municipal Health Department to organize XII Health Week for Seniors, during which they plan to administer 200 vaccines against flu and 150 against pneumococcus. The first event took place at the dome of Plaza Habitat in La Gloria, and the next will start on Tuesday at the General Hospital, the Community Center, and the Senior Citizens Club when free medical consultations will be offered. The honorary president of the Isla Mujeres DIF spoke about the organizations attention to caring and quality for seniors, noting the DIF has a roster of 400 people who are being taught in various workshops, in addition to the program for receiving credentials, and the food for elders in need program. The city Health Director explained the purpose of this week is to promote health care for these adults and to conduct campaigns for prevention of diseases in senior citizens.
 

 Tvisla Mujeres








Noticias de  Quequi......

  Residents of Guadalupana seek deeds

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  JUICIO

  Buscan invasores regularizar predios

  0 30 de octubre de 2013

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  Por Carlos Gasca-QUEQUI.-  Some of the residents of the irregular colonia of Guadalupania have initiated a lawsuit in an attempt to obtain a judgement of adverse possession.  The colonia was settled ten years ago, and they have tried for years to locate the owner of this property, who according to documents would now be 96 years old, and is named "Julio Prieto".  There have been a number of 'exhortos' filed against him, both in the state and in Mexico City, but he has not responded or appeared. Therefore they are pursuing this legal process by asking the Court to make a determination. Andres Diaz Samoza, community leader and resident, says once the property is 'regularized' (deeded), all the inhabitants could access existing governmental programs such as Tu Casa 2014.
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

 

Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

Increased security at docks

Refuerza Marina vigilancia en muelles

Miércoles 30 de Octubre de 2013 16:08 Jesús Molina DIARIO RESPUESTA  The reporter observed a Naval patrol with the canine team at the ferry area of Ultramar and Magana. He noted there is a truck that patrols the island with members of the Navy. These actions are supported by the community. 

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 City rejuvenates cemetery

Remoza Comuna el camposanto

Miércoles 30 de Octubre de 2013 16:07 Jesús Molina DIARIO RESPUESTA On Tuesday and Wednesday,  maintenance was  being done at both cemeteries by municipal workers, which included painting. 

 SIPSE



SIPSE/Novedades has not been featuring Isla Mujeres news lately.
       There is an article in today's news from the municipality of Tulum,  (in Spanish, HERE) about the signing an agreement between Mayan people of Mexico & of Guatemala to work together to save the melipona (stingless) honey bees. These bees have been a part of Yucatec culture for many centuries, they are represented on many ancient buildings, and there is a Mayan god and days of their calendar dedicated to bees. Cobá means Place of the Bees. In 2009 Valladolid was designated the World Capital of Honey. About ~40% of Mexico's honey is produced on the Yucatan peninsula, and Mexico is number three in the world among exporters of honey. (see table below). 
       A French company is working with these Mayan beekeepers, and developing a market in Europe for their melipona honey. It is said to be the tastiest honey in the world, and  medicinal qualities have been attributed to it. But most modern Yucatan beekeepers prefer Africanized honey bees, and this article about Mayan beekeeping in National Geographic explains, "While a colony of stingless bees may produce a few pounds of honey per year, Africanized honeybees can produce 220 pounds (100 kilograms)." In the wild, these bees are threatened by deforestation, and they are essential to the pollination of some plants. 
      This article  reports on legal successes by Yucatan beekeepers at blocking Monsanto & their GMO soybeans from the area. It is an ongoing battle in the courts. A great deal of Yucatan honey is exported to Europe, and many Europeans have been refusing to buy honey without assurances that it is GMO free.
Here is a professional video about melipona bees and the Maya (~7mins) (Its LINK)

  For centuries after the Conquest, the Mayas refused to cultivate European honeybees. In 1911, European bees were brought to Yucatan from the United States, and Italian queens were imported for breeding, but they did not become commercially significant until the 1940's  A New York-based trading company financed Yucatan's honey export market to supply Americans during the sugar shortages of World War II , and wealthy Yucatecans controlled production and marketing until the late 1960s. Now small farmers and individuals dominate commercial production.
    In a departure from the usual economic pattern, large-scale producers could not compete with rural Yucatecans  who learned modern beekeeping while working for the big apiaries. These independent beekeepers collectively controlled vast communal areas of jungle, from which they evicted the commercial hives. The government formed two cooperatives that replaced the ten private firms that had handled all exports.
   The three-state Yucatan peninsula  accounts for more than thirty per cent of Mexico's honey. Yucatecan beekeeping is typically a sideline for subsistence farmers, who sell honey for cash income. Much of the wealth generated by honey exports is redistributed among rural families.
(sourceCafeCancun)

       
     The honey vendors in Isla Mujeres are generally not selling melipone honey (If you find it, it will be expensive and probably considered medicinal.) The distinctive flavor of Yucatan honey comes from the yellow tajonal flowers that blanket the Yucatan countryside in January and February. The Dzidzilche flowers blossom between March and May and give the springtime honey a milder flavor.  During the summer, honey isn't harvested, and they are fed government subsidized sugar. In December, flowering trees, shrubs & vines, including morning glories, are sources of pollen. 


 


    






The Tajonal is an astor, known in English as the Toothleaf Golden Eye.(above, photo from http://marcianitosverdes.haaan.com) Below are Dzidzilche flowers (Gymnopodium floribundum).
    

From World Trade Daily: 

World Exporters of Honey by Country, Market Value, and Estimated Value

GeoMexico reports:   Mexican hives yield about 55,000 tons of honey a year, making Mexico the world’s sixth largest honey producing country.  Mexico is also a leading exporter, with annual exports of 27,000 tons, worth 85 million dollars, of both conventional and organic honey. Most exports go to the USA or Europe.There are 45,000 beekeepers nationwide. (Statistics from 2011)

 

 

Diario La Verdad
Health week for Senior Citizens begins

Inicia Semana de Salud para Gente Grande

30 de octubre a las 6:42 pm

 por esto

Improved outlook for tourism industry
Mejora el panorama turísticoVer mas

The weather was nice on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the nautical tour priders were operating at 30 percent, after four days of waiting through Cold Front #8. Their tours cost 300 pesos and include grilled fish Tikin Xic. Javier Rojas Gomez, who sells tours, said of the 16 boats, about 3-5 depart daily. The restaurants also benefited from the increased number of tourists, and people were shopping. Turnout at the beaches was light.

Recommendations for drivers
Recomendaciones a conductores  [+] Ver mas

Municipal police officers conducted a security operation to inform all motorcycle drivers and passengers that helmets are mandatory and cell phones should not be used while driving. Four officers distributed more than 1000 flyers that also advised against drinking and driving, in addition to the importance of using helmets, seat belts, and not using a cell phone. It is noted that the lack of a helmet has claimed the lives of several people. Since motorcycles are  the most common means of transport on the island, accidents involving them occur more frequently.

Preparing to celebrate their dead
Se preparan para celebrar a sus muertos+] Ver mas

The cemeteries will be open 24 hours daily through November 3rd, and people have been arriving to clean, paint, decorate, and renovate the graves of their loved ones since the beginning of the week. It is noted that not only do relatives visit their dead, but tourists also like to visit the cemetery at this time and observe the traditions that are celebrated in Mexico.

 

This blog is brought to you by....
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.   
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. 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 or hop on the bus. We also have room for 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

View from rooms

Small room

Large room

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe or Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or visit restaurants, bars, & beach clubs; 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 pharmacy and variety of other stores and small local restaurants

November Calendar of Events .

Oct 31 Noche de Brujas/Halloween
7pm  Town Square  Dia de Los Muertos Festival:  Entertainment, Dance Groups, Hanal Pixan Altar Contest

Here is a LINK to an article I wrote about Hanal Pixan
HERE is the article I wrote about Day of the Dead in Isla Mujeres.

Nov 1 Dia de los Muertos / All Saints Day
Nov 2 Dia de lost Muertos / All Souls Day
Nov 3 US Time Change / End DST
Nov 7 Art Fair at Town Square  4p-7p
Nov 8 Last day of Hanal Pixan
Nov 11 US Veteran's Day Canada Remembrance Day
Nov 12 Postal Worker Appreciation Day Mexico
Nov 14 World Diabetes Day
Nov 15-18  Buen Fin (discounts)
Date of Caribe Maya Cultural Festival TBA (Was this w/e in 2011 & 2012)
Nov 16 International Day of Tolerance
Nov 18 Day off for Revolution Day (date of parade TBA)
Nov 20  Dia de la Revolución
Nov 21 US Thanksgiving holiday
Nov 24 Solemnidad de Cristo Rey (Christ the King Day / El día de Cristo Rey)
Nov 25 Día Internacional de la Eliminación de la Violencia Contra la Mujer
Nov 27 Hanukkah begins
Nov 28 Beginning of Festival for Town Saint through Dec 8: Virgin of Immaculate Conception (exact date TBA)  HERE is an article about the Festival
Nov 30 Hurricane Season Officially Ends


Full Moon on Nov 17. Moonrise over the Caribbean (East) at:
Nov 17  5:21p
Nov 18  6:09p
Nov 19  6:57p
Nov 20 7:47p
Nov 21  8:37p   and ~50 minutess later nightly

 Thursday...

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31st

Friday.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  


Saturday......

Fenix Lounge updated their cover photo. — at Fenix Lounge.

 Sunday....

 

John Cain's schedule 
Tuesday solo from 8 to 10 pm at Cafe Del Mar, lovely spot on the beach across from Jax,
Wednesday with The Sol Rockers at Bally Hoo Restaurant from 7 to 930, come support this great venue, relaxing vibe and good food!
Friday solo at Iguana Bar Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres from 7 to 9 and
Saturday at The Sunset Grill, solo from 7 to 9 pm. They offer 2x1 special from 6 to 10 pm on all wine by glass or bottle. 





Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun

Fenix Lounge   Domingo Salsa en Vivo con ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! :: Sunday Live Salsa with ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! + Gratis/FREE Chilpachole Pa' la Cruda! + Tragos/Drinks + SUP & Kayak :: See You There!! / No Falten!! — at Fenix Lounge.

·Iguana's has been having Caribbean-Tropical music on Saturdays  & Sundays starting around 6. The Sol Rockers play at Bahia Tortuga on Sunday evenings. You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.
At Poc Na Nov 24 8p..Fidel Nada Full Band

On the internet in the past 24 hours...

Latido de Mexico · Suggested Post

Día de Muertos, is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico. It focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. Dia de Muertos celebrations take place on October 31, November 1 and November 2.

·

Ignacio Acosta Casanova

Listo. — (Ready)

·

Karen Stone MickoolIsla Mujeres Community Information Board

There have been a lot of new members added to the group recently so if you are new to the island, allow me introduce you to one of my favorite island events. And if you are already "in the know", see you there!!

The Isla Mujeres Artist Fair is on the first Thursday of every month from 4 to 7pm in the Zocalo (town square) on Isla Mujeres. Local artists, food vendors, musicians & Isla’s non-profits celebrate the creative arts with locals, tourists, foreign residents & our neighbors from Cancun. All the “art” is handcrafted, designed, made, baked, demonstrated or played by the artists. It is a fun event to share all forms of creativity & come together as a community meeting new friends & connecting with old ones. Every month we have a combination of “regular” participants, new ones & ones visiting from all over the world. We welcome visiting artists. The event is forever evolving with new mediums & new inspirations. We have classic fine art artists, recyclable artists, clothing designers, chefs, authors, jewelers, sea glass artists, massage therapists, sculptors, acupuncturists, yoga instructors, photographers & more. Come celebrate art with us.

If you are interested in participating, you must reserve space in advance. To do so, please contact Tiffany Wareing at barlito@live.com

Please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IslaMujeresArtistFair

Isla Mujeres Artist Fair

In October 2011, Barlito began hosting an Artist Series in front of their bakery & market café on the corner of Hidalgo & Abasolo. Our hope was to make this Series into an Island event. Our wish has come true. Now with the support of the Municipal & the Office of Tourism, the Isla Mujeres Artist

Hotel Posada Del Mar

Isla Animals

Daily Update: I’m so excited to be here. I flew in yesterday with supplies for our spay and neuter clinic this weekend. Oh you should’ve seen Perraferra, even at her age she was spinning with happiness when I got home. We’ve been taking care of her for at least 10 years. She’s a street dog that has decided to spend her old age on our couch. I think she may be the oldest dog on the island. She was brought to me because she was chasing motos and her owner was afraid that she would get killed. At the time her name was Perrafea which means “ugly dog”, it’s the truth, she’s not a beauty unless you’re like me and you love them just like that. For years I tried to get Perraferra to stay with us but she just loved to wonder around and visit everyone. Fishermen would take her out fishing, store owners would feed her leftovers, I don’t know how she did it but she survived on the streets. Of course I made sure that she was vaccinated and took care of any skin or health issue she had. Then two years ago, I think she decided that she was too old for the streets and moved in with us. She’s an upstairs dog, which means that she’s ours. Of course, they’re all ours but I wouldn’t part with her for anything. Please don’t forget to vote every day in the Shelter Challenge – we would put any money that your votes can win us to the best use. http://www.shelterchallenge.com/nomineehome?p_p_id=nomineeinfo_WAR_charityusaportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&nomineeId=21834

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Cocina Yeye

Potato soup, chicken fajitas in cream with rajas (cactus..napolitos, usually) and corn kernals, Beef with broccoli, and sides of rice and beans. Three houses from the Peanut store (on the dead end street)

Buen dia el menu de hoy sopa de papa, fajitas de pollo en crema con rajas y granos de elote, res con brocoli y acelgas arroz y frijoles.
Pedidos al 99 81 88 84 62.
Ubicado a tres casas de la tienda del cacahuate.

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Phlockers Gone Wild's photo.

Happy Halloween! Happy last day of October! —

Tani Cornell shared a photo.

With Carlos Espíndola.

Costume party tonight at Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres!!! HaPpY HaLlOweEn everyone!

  Playa Norte now in real time in Isla Mujeres   

 "Time Lapse" of Playa Norte Webcam:  LINK  
. .

In Isla Mujeres Daily News Wednesday, October 30 The Afternoon Edition

..This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte








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The "Morning Edition" has translated headlines &  newspaper photos. This Afternoon Edition has  translations of the articles,  Live Music & Events for this week & This month,  & the "Around the Internet in the Past 24 Hours" section including photos & info from individuals & local businesses ....The News Daily In Isla Mujeres. There are always links to the original articles in Spanish.

 

   Sprucing up the Cemetery

Hundreds will visit to celebrate the deceased

Revive el panteón

Martes, 29 de Octubre de 2013 21:44

Crece afluencia con motivo de festejos a difuntos

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de octubre.- 

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Hundreds of people will be visiting the municipal cemeteries between November 1 and 3rd  for “Día de Muertos” and tidying up the tombstones and graves, although some relatives visit throughout the year. The Department of Public services is painting the perimeter fence which should be completed by Wednesday. 

Taco stand on sidewalk causes pedestrian complaints  

Puesto de tacos invade la vía pública

Martes, 29 de Octubre de 2013 21:36

Se acentúan quejas de transeúntes

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 29 de octubre.-

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There are complaints about this taco stand obstructing the sidewalk downtown, particularly after 10am when this area of town near the ferry and taxi stand is very busy. The business has been there for two months and is presumably paying rent to the Port Authority. The port is being remodeled in this area, with construction of the new ferry terminal. It is noted that this location for this business is negatively affecting pedestrians and represents a bad image for the island.
 

Want more police hired: Only 25 officers

Urge contratar a más policías

Martes, 29 de Octubre de 2013 21:36

Actualmente sólo hay 25

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de octubre.- 

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There are approximately 20,000 inhabitants in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, on the island and continental area, who are currently being served by 25 police officers. This is a ratio of about one officer per 800 residents. There are currently two trucks and a car patrolling the island, as well as two motorcycles. One officer is assigned to work at City Hall and another is at the DIF, providing security for those buildings.  The reporter says there are no intentions to expand the police force at this time, and that this an insufficient number of officers to provide security to the residents of the island
        (Using the statistics in this article, Isla has ~12 officers/10k residents.  
 HERE is a table indicating that most countries have ~30 officers/10k residents and the UN recommends ~22 officers/10k. 
    It says the US averages ~25 officers/10k residents, while Mexico has an average of ~36 officers/10k residents.
     HERE is a list comparing the number of officers per capita among 100 US cities. )

 Tvisla Mujeres

The SEyC will pay the water bills for the kindergartens, and not the parents: Director

La SEyC será quien se hará cargo del pago de agua en los jardines de ninos y no los padres de familia: dirección http://t.co/H6tJZrXRla

Hoteliers:  Increasing the VAT will have serious consequences for Isla Mujeres

Tv Isla Mujeres | Homologación del IVA, traerá serias consecuencias para Isla Mujeres: Hoteleros

bit.ly

Noticias de  Quequi......

Residents want lights repaired around Salina Grande

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  Denuncia

  Acusan desorden en alumbrado público

  0 29 de octubre de 2013

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  Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-  Residents are complaining about lights that are out of order at the walkway around the Salina Granda
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia 
•  

  Economía

  Fishermen only catching seaweed

  Sólo sargazo capturan pescadores

  0 29 de octubre de 2013

  ---

  Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-   
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

 

 

Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

Seeking maintenance at the La Gloria playground

Piden remozar el parque de La Gloria

Martes 29 de Octubre de 2013 13:41 Jesús Molina DIARIO RESPUESTA           The reporter states that residents asked him to visit the playground in La Gloria to observe that it needs maintenance.  He said the wooden bridge needs maintenance, and Cecilia Chan Chan has concerns about the mesh fence being unsafe, and both urge authorities to take action.  

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 SIPSE
 

Diario La Verdad



 por esto



Casa de Cultura still abandoned & Malecon needs maintenance [+] Ver mas
Casa de la Cultura aún abandonada[+] Ver mas

Although the previous administration has said there were resources of 2 million pesos to be used for maintaining and improving the eastern seawalk, that did not occur, and it is noted that the is a need for repairs and paint for the benches, kiosks, and trash cans in this popular area, that is suffering from salt corrosion.

The Casa de Cultura that was supposed to be completed in 2012 remains unfinished and there are complaints that people hang out there to drink.  There is no news about when work on the building will resume. It is noted that the new administration has been in office for a month and promised to address this problem.


Despite rumors to the contrary, SEyC will pay for water service
Pese a rumores en contrario, la SEyC pagará el servicio de agua[+] Ver mas

On Monday parents and teachers at the kindergarten "Gabriela Mistral"  were surprised by a notification from Aguakan about cutting service in twenty four hours for a water bill debt of 1839 pesos. On Tuesday the principal said the Ministry of Education will make payments for basic services such as electricity and water. Teachers in Isla Mujeres continue teaching classes while there are strikes in other areas.


Slow recovery for Isla Mujeres artisans
Artesanos de Isla Mujeres se reponen de manera lenta [+] Ver mas

Artisans are recovering slowly from the effects of poor weather last weekend, and are looking forward to the arrival of high season. Rain caused economic losses for nearly five days, and on Tuesday sales rallied slightly on Rueda Medina, as more tourists arrived to enjoy the island. Claudia Garrido Delgado, artisan, said the rain caused losses of 100 percent, and in low season her sales are around 350 pesos, while in high season they reach 1000 to 1500 pesos daily.

This blog is brought to you by....
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.   
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. 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 or hop on the bus. We also have room for 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

View from rooms

Small room

Large room

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe or Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or visit restaurants, bars, & beach clubs; 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 pharmacy and variety of other stores and small local restaurants

Marigolds Are THE Day of the Dead Flowers


The smell of marigolds always makes me think of this time of year. Today I'm going downtown to get some to put in my hair manana...I have makeup for a Catrina face. Marigolds are called flor de muertos or cempasúchitl, / cempaxóchitl

Photo by Sally Margolis

Marigold ("Tagetes"), is better known as  Flor de los Muertos, ("Flower of the Dead") or "cempōhualxōchitl"from the Nahuatl , which means "twenty flowers", (because it comes from a family of composite flowers). It is native to Mexico, where it grew wild, and has been distributed from Mexico to the world. 
    This flower has been used since antiquity in the celebration of the Day of the Dead, when altars and tombs are decorated with the warm color of these beautiful and fragrant flowers in shades of orange and yellow. 
      The flower is edible, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Its medicinal powers have been known since pre-Hispanic times. It is made into a tea and used as an appetite stimulant, and to treat vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, gastritis and disorders of the spleen. It is used for a coloring in  vegetable oil, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressings, bakery products, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, citrus juice, chicken skin, and egg yolks. It is used to repel nematodes in tomato crops.  By  Miriam Alarcon Avila.(my translation)


Last week the head of the Agricultural Development Agency estimated the economic impact of Day of the Dead for Mexican flower producers is $925 million pesos   (source) 

 Catrina: Grand Dame of Death

"La Calavera Catrina" by  Jose Guadalupe Posada, The "First" Catrina drawing

La Catrina by Diego Rivera...Made her famous

Below are excerpts from an article (LINK) by  Christine Delsol, who wrote about Catrina's history while publicizing an art exhibition in 2011 that featured the icon. (She is the author of "Pauline Frommer's Cancún & the Yucatán" and a regular contributor to "Frommer's Mexico" and "Frommer's Cancún & the Yucatán.")

"Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, so it refers to rich people. Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. Sometimes people have to be reminded." said David de la Torre, curator.

Born of revolution

La Catrina as we know her originated with Jose Guadalupe Posada, considered the father of Mexican printmaking. Born in 1852, he apprenticed to a local printmaker and publisher when he was just 14. Moving to Mexico City in 1888, he soon became the chief artist for Antonio Vanegas Arroyo, publisher of illustrated broadsides, street gazettes, chapbooks and other popular forms of literature, including songbooks for the popular corridos. He became famous for calaveras (skulls or skeletons) images that he wielded as political and social satire, poking fun at every imaginable human folly. His influence on Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and other great artists of their generation was incalculable.
La Catrina isn't your typical revolutionary babe, but her appearance has everything to do with the Mexican Revolution. Posada's working life paralleled the reign of dictator Porfirio Díaz, whose accomplishments in modernizing and bringing financial stability to Mexico pale against his government's repression, corruption, extravagance and obsession with all things European. Concentration of fantastic wealth in the hands of the privileged few brewed discontent in the hearts of the suffering many, leading to the 1910 rebellion that toppled Diaz in 1911 and became the Mexican Revolution.
Posada's illustrations brought the stories of the day to the illiterate majority of impoverished Mexicans, both expressing and spreading the prevailing disdain for Porfirio's regime. The image now called "La Calavera Catrina" was published as a broadside in 1910, just as the revolution was picking up steam. Posada's calaveras — La Catrina above all, caricaturizing a high-society lady as a skeleton wearing only a fancy French-style hat — became a sort of satirical obituary for the privileged class. But his Catrina cast a wider net: His original name for her, "La Calavera Garbancera," used a term that in his day referred to native Mexicans who scorned their culture and tried to pass as European.

Lineage begins with the Aztecs

"La Catrina has been iterated over time," de la Torre said. "It's not just Posada and his work in 1910. There are layers of history. The image and the woman in death goes back to the ancient Aztec period. Posada took his inspiration from Mictecacihuatl, goddess of death and Lady of Mictlan, the underworld."  Also known as Lady of the Dead, Mictecacihuatl was keeper of the bones in the underworld, and she presided over the ancient monthlong Aztec festivals honoring the dead. With Christian beliefs superimposed on the ancient rituals, those celebrations have evolved into today's Day of the Dead.
Posada's image was basically a head shot, unclothed except for the elegant hat. It took Diego Rivera to portray a full-length figure, put her in an elegant dresss and, by some accounts, to dub her "La Catrina." In the center of his 50-foot mural, Sueño de una tarde dominical en la AlamedaCentral ("Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park"), Catrina holds the 10-year-old Rivera's hand while Frida Kahlo in traditional Mexican dress stands behind them. None other than a dapper Posada himself stands to Catrina's left, offering her his arm. The symbolism — and this is but a fraction — is staggering.
Rivera painted the mural in 1947 at the Hotel del Prado, which stood at the end of Alameda Park. The mural survived the 1985 earthquake, which destroyed the hotel, and later moved across the street to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, built after the earthquake for that purpose.
La Catrina's vacuously grinning skull fell inevitably into the role of literal and metaphorical poster child for the Day of the Dead, symbolizing the joy of life in the face of its inevitable end. But La Catrina is the beloved grand dame of Mexico's dance with death 365 days a year, appearing in at least two movies, graduating from drawings to sculpture, and taking on such roles as mermaids, brides and the all-around icon of the recent Bicentennial celebrations.
The Day of the Dead brings into focus one of the greatest differences between Mexican and U.S. cultures: the 180-degree divide between attitudes toward death. Mexicans keep death (and by extension their dead loved ones) close, treating it with familiarity — even hospitality — instead of dread. La Catrina embodies that philosphy, and yet she is much more than that. ...... You can read the entire article at this LINK   

Catrina de papel mache, con aplicaciones LINK

HERE is a brief article about the history of Catrina in folk art, since she was popularized by Diego in the 1940's.

October Events: 

Oct 31 Noche de Brujas/Halloween
7pm  Town Square  Dia de Los Muertos Festival:  Entertainment, Dance Groups, Hanal Pixan Altar Contest

Here is a LINK to an article I wrote about Hanal Pixan
HERE is the article I wrote about Day of the Dead in Isla Mujeres.

November Calendar of Events .
Nov 1 Dia de los Muertos / All Saints Day  (Children)
Nov 2 Dia de lost Muertos / All Souls Day  (Adults)
Nov 3 US Time Change / End DST
Nov 7 Art Fair at Town Square  4p-7p
Nov 8 Last day of Hanal Pixan
Nov 11 US Veteran's Day Canada Remembrance Day
Nov 12 Postal Worker Appreciation Day Mexico
Nov 14 World Diabetes Day
Nov 15-18  Buen Fin (discounts)
?? Date of Caribe Maya Cultural Festival TBA (Was this w/e in 2011 & 2012)
Nov 16 International Day of Tolerance
Nov 18 Day off for Revolution Day (date of parade TBA)
Nov 20  Dia de la Revolución
Nov 21 US Thanksgiving holiday
Nov 24 Solemnidad de Cristo Rey (Christ the King Day / El día de Cristo Rey)
Nov 25 Día Internacional de la Eliminación de la Violencia Contra la Mujer
Nov 27 Hanukkah begins
Nov 28 Beginning of Festival for Town Saint through Dec 8: Virgin of Immaculate Conception (exact date TBA)
 HERE is an article about the Festival
Nov 30 Hurricane Season Officially Ends
Sunset is ~5p . Moonrise over the Caribbean (East) at:
Nov 16   4:36p
Nov 17  5:21p  Full Moon
Nov 18  6:09p
Nov 19  6:57p
Nov 20 7:47p
Nov 21  8:37p
  and ~50 minutess later nightly

THIS WEEK IN ISLA MUJERES

 Thursday...

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31st

•  Hammock for 2playing at Bahia Tortuga Restaurant-Bar  6-9pm.

  
  
• :La Banda Sin Nombre:. playing at Fayne's BarandGrill 10-12 ish

Friday.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

Loncheria Manolitos .

Saturday......

Fenix Lounge updated their cover photo. — at Fenix Lounge.

 Sunday....

 

John Cain's schedule 
Tuesday solo from 8 to 10 pm at Cafe Del Mar, lovely spot on the beach across from Jax,
Wednesday with The Sol Rockers at Bally Hoo Restaurant from 7 to 930, come support this great venue, relaxing vibe and good food!
Friday solo at Iguana Bar Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres from 7 to 9 and
Saturday at The Sunset Grill, solo from 7 to 9 pm. They offer 2x1 special from 6 to 10 pm on all wine by glass or bottle. 





Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun

Fenix Lounge   Domingo Salsa en Vivo con ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! :: Sunday Live Salsa with ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! + Gratis/FREE Chilpachole Pa' la Cruda! + Tragos/Drinks + SUP & Kayak :: See You There!! / No Falten!! — at Fenix Lounge.

·Iguana's has been having Caribbean-Tropical music on Saturdays  & Sundays starting around 6. The Sol Rockers play at Bahia Tortuga on Sunday evenings. You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.


BELOW:  250p to benefit the Little Yellow School House....Nov 29 by Designer Paula Parra...

Paula Parra

Pasarela Orquídeas Dreams 2013, 29 de noviembre de 2013, Hotel Posada del Mar, Hora: 8:00 p.m., Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo. Valor de la entrada $250.00 a beneficio de @[109058859120810:274:little yellow school house]. — with Ignacio Acosta Casanova and 30 others.

On the internet in the past 24 hours...

Bruce

We were at the Soggy Peso this afternoon when we saw a splash in the pool. When we went to look at it we saw a fish. We think a bird dropped it.

The "Avalon" has a new name...

Mia Reef Isla Mujeres - Isla Mujeres - Mia Resort

Merca Isla is like the FB Classifieds for Isla Mujeres, in Spanish Below, Sally is announcing the free sterilization clinic on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for cats & dogs & explaining the they can't eat eight hours before, and they can sterilize puppies and kittens as well, and she encourages people to tell their friends, families, and neighbors.

Sally MargolisMerca Isla    !!!!!! GRATIS !!!!  ESTERILIZACION DE GATOS Y PERROS!  FECHAS: Sabado 2, Domingo 3, Lunes 4 & Martes 5 De Noviembre  DONDE: La Clinica Veterinaria Chipie, Salina Chica   HORAS: 8.30am-1pm INFORMACION IMPORTANTE: *Su mascota no debe comer POR LO MENOS 8 horas antes*
*Cachorros y gatitos también pueden tener la cirugía, la edad para operar dependera de su mascota (pueden ser operados desde los 6 semanas de edad typicamente)* *La cirugia tardara unas cuantas horas**Todo es gratis!*
Si, necesita mas informacion, puede llamar la oficina de veterinario Delfino 998-107-9080 Gracias a Isla Animals y Delfino y todos los voluntarios! Por favor, comparta esta información con su familia, sus amigos, y sus vecinos con mascotas!!!S

Rosa Sirenas   Mil gracias Victor Manuel Cervera Cervera ~ fabulous dinner ️ at Casa Havana Café.

Sally MargolisBarlito, bakery & market cafe and Sonrisas Catering on Isla Mujeres, MX

A new contest for Isla Animals has started. Isla Animals is ranked #14 so far-way better than the previous contest as mnany voters came late. Voting is DAILY through 10/28/2013 - 12/22/2013. You can vote once per day-BUT, if you sign up for a profile you can vote TWICE per day-once before you sign in, and once after you sign in. Another plus of signing up is they will send you a DAILY EMAIL REMINDER to vote! Others have also been able to vote multiple times daily on multiple devices. Alison Sawyer Current and all the many volunteers at Isla Animals could certainly put the grand prize towards good use and it would be so well deserved! Please SHARE this link with all your Isla lover and animal lover friends. There is NO REASON Isla Animals can't win this with your support....!!

Please Help My Animal Shelter Win!

www.shelterchallenge.com·

Caribe On Canvas

Late afternoon traffic jam on Medina. These two cuties in the back of the cart looked tired from a day at the beach.

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Sandy Sandford via Jackie Conlon

if anyone has new or GENTLY used children's shoes, feel free to contact me, I want to bring some down with us to contribute...good folks run this program on Isla Mujeres...

Zapatos Para Los Ninos; Shoes For The Children

islazapatos.blogspot.com

Isla Mujeres's photo.

cancunmap.com

Looks like #mapguy is having a better day in #Tulum

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Party preparations at the Posada!!.... decorations & stuff for participants...







Not in Isla Mujeres....I f'g love science

What do you think of this hairstyle? This is the Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus), and its green mohawk is made up of algae. This often covers the shell as well as the head, and helps to camouflage the animal.
Photography by Chris Van Wyk. See more of his work at chrisvanwyk.com.

Tony Garcia

Good. Morning.

Link to the is a nice slide show below of Hanal Pixan in Merida last year, set to one of my favorite songs, by eiselman

 Below is an excellent video explaining how Mexicans came to celebrate two Days of the Dead and the many traditions and attitudes associated with Death and this holiday in Mexico (LINK)

 

  NYT writes about Day of the Dead bread, HERE. 
 photo by Marilynn K. Yee/The New York Times

  Playa Norte now in real time in Isla Mujeres   

 "Time Lapse" of Playa Norte Webcam:  LINK  
. .