In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Saturday, January 31

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published soon, featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! 
Check out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses & visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity, for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities soon...some have already been donated.
Update...The content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.     Feel free to copy & share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine & sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks! 

  Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

 

  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Has article about an event in mainland Isla Mujeres.

From Tvisla Mujeres

From the Municipal Facebook site.....







Carnaval 2015 Schedule...It's coming soon!

El Carnaval 2015 cada vez esta más cerca.
Conoce el programa general.

Friday, Feb. 13
8pm Town Square:  Gala Night 
Coronations of the Senior Citizen King & Queen & of the King & Queen with disabilities/special needs & of the 2015 Carnaval King & Queen: Jose Carlos & Yoselin

Saturday, Feb. 14
9pm  Town Square: Cuban Night
Presentation of the 2015 Carnaval King & Queen's troupe
Children's Costume Contest
Music & dancing: Ameniza: Huracan del Caribe from Cuba

Sunday, Feb. 15
3p Rueda Medina Avenue Parade: Beach Carnaval
8p  Town Square: DIF Carnaval
Children's Costume Contest
Pet Costume Contest

Monday, Feb. 16
3p Rueda Medina Avenue Parade
9p Town Square  Regional Night
Presentation of Dance Troupes
Costume Contest: Open Category
Music & Dancing: Orquesta Jaranera

Tuesday, Feb. 17 
12p Downtown Streets: Fat Tuesday
Negrada by Dance Troupes & Toro Petate
8p Town Square Night of the Dance Troupes
Presentation of Dance Troupes
Burning of Juan Carnaval & Presentation of his Will
Music & dancing: Ameniza: Huracan del Caribe from Cuba
TRANSLATION FROM ISLA MUJERES DAILY NEWS & EVENTS

 
From  por esto

  Privatization of part of the boardwalk

Privatizan parte del malecón[+] Ver mas

The property is located within 100 meters of the Federal Electricity Commission, along the eastern malecon sea walk, which is a popular area for people to walk, especially in the morning hours. Walkers must climb steps if they want to continue to the other side. A resident said "I do not understand why the authorities have allowed this homeowner to steal part of the walkway to make their house larger."

Mystery of the balsero boat continues

Sigue misterio de la embarcación hechiza[+] Ver mas

 This has the information translated yesterday, and in addition notes that as of Friday morning, nothing had changed. The remains are in practically the same place, and no reports have been released from officials. There have been no reports of sightings of refugee Cubans who may have arrived on the island. The Harbor Master said they know there was a fire at sea, and that the burnt up remains of a boat washed up, but for now they do not know what happened and they are investigating.

Following the footsteps of Marti

Tras las huellas de Martí[+] Ver mas

The Vice Consul of Cuba, Erich Herrera, along with Julio Acanda García, accredited Cuban journalist, visited Isla Mujeres to gather information on the stay of José Martí on the island, for the 162nd anniversary of Marti's  birth, as well as find cultural, gastronomic and other links between both islands. They were accompanied by historian Fidel Villanueva Madrid and toured various parts of the island to document the presence of Marti and investigate other topics such as religion and culture. They were on a tight schedule and had to leave without trying the island culinary delights.
     Links between Cuba and Isla Mujeres are strong historically and include fishing, religions, culture, and many other aspects, said the journalist. They are also working with editor Adrian Miguelez to create a television program to be shown in Cuba, documenting the links with Isla Mujeres that go beyond the visit of Jose Marti. It may focus on the establishment of a popular following to the virgin of Caridad de el Cobre which is venerated in Isla Mujeres as the patron saint of fishermen and is the patron saint of Cuba. There are links between the two islands that go back for generations, but many Cubans don't know about this connection. "It is our goal to make it know so they can appreciate and enjoy it," he said. 
     They have also collected material in Mexico City about the life of Marti, and he noted the links between Marti and Mexico are endearing and deep and he plans to capture them in this series. Gratitude was expressed for all those who have cooperated with these projects.

Destruction continues in Makax
Persiste destrucción en la Makax [+] Ver mas

It is said that docks that are being constructed in Sac Bajo do not have official permits and that they are causing destruction of mangrove plants, which are protected. Authorizations for docks are not given by API, but are the responsibility of  ZOFEMAT or SEMARNAT, said representative of the Port Authority (API) Ricardo Ancona Argaez. He said his agency  collects the information regarding whether a pier has an Environmental Impact Statement, a property concession document, and payment for the square meters in the water. He said his office has not received any EIS's in 2015, but that some  EIS's were submitted and received API approval before 2015.
      An anonymous complainant has requested that PROFEPA investigate the docks in Sac Bajo.

 

  This blog is brought to you by....

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

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

Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me.

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

 Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Items for Little Yellow School House, Moto Helmets for kids...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

For donations to Zapatos Para Los Ninos.. please contact Greg at bullridersnider@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook at "Shoes For The Children."

Music

Miguel's high season schedule:
Sunday: The Sol Rockers @ El Patio 9p - 11p
Monday: Miguel solo @ El Patio 6:30p - 8:30p
Tuesday: La Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio 9:15p - 11:15p
Wednesday: The Sol Rockers@ El Patio 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Thursday: Miguel Solo @ el Patio 6p - 8p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Friday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a
Saturday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a

 John Cain's schedule  
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm   ElPatio Sol Rockers 
Thurs 9-11 El Patio 
Sats. El Patio 630-830 
Sunday at El Patio w Sol Rockers from 7 to 9 pm

 El Patio House of Music...(formerly Comono)

Sundays 7-9 - Sol Rockers
Mondays 630 to 830 Miguel / 830 to 1130 Ryan Rickman -
 Tuesdays  9-11 Banda Sin Nombre
Wednesdays 7 to 9 Sol Rockers /  DJ 9-12
Thursdays 6 to 8 Miguel / John Cain from 8 to 11
 Fridays 630 to 815 Fabio & Ryan / band 830 to 1130 
Saturdays 630-830 John Cain solo Country music / 830 to 1130 Ryan and Band..

Javier Martinez Cen La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till 12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa music, from 12:39 till 2:00  (I'm not sure if this is still current) 
  

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


Fenix  Sun 1p  Salsa  They are again having music in the afternoons including the Cuban musicians, and Chucho (Jesus Campuzano)


Marina Paraiso has live music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7-9

Bahia Tortuga has live music at times...announced on their streetside signboard.

You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant

Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30

Tuesday -
  Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15

Wednesday - Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00

Thursday -
Miguel @El Patio house of music 6-8/ Faynes 10:30 - 12
John Cain @ el Patio 9-11
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12

Friday - Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
Miguel @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
Fabio @ El Patio house of music 6:30 - 8:15
Ryan and Band @ El Patio house of music 8:30 - 11:30

Saturday - Cuban Music at El Veradaro's 3-5
Banda Sin Nombre - Chuuk Kay 3:30
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre - Faynes 10:30 - 12:00
Banda Sin Nombre - Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 @ El Patio house of music Ryan and Band 8:30 - 11:30


Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EVENTS

 Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.  

FEBRUARY>>>>

 Sunset ~6:30p
 Moon rise...
Feb. 4  5:45   (FULL)
Feb. 5  6:32
Feb. 6  7:17
Feb. 7  7:59
Feb. 8  8:38
Feb. 9  9:21
Feb. 10  10:10
Feb. 11  10:58

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

TONIGHT>>>>>If you live in Isla Mujeres, on Saturday, Jan. 31, before you go to bed, change your clock ahead on hour.

The time change (an hour ahead) is scheduled to take place  at 2am on Feb 1st.  This is a 'permanent' change voted in by the Legislature last year, that has been discussed, and promoted by the tourism industry, for years. It will sync us up with a coupla dozen airports in the US & Canada, "add an hour of daylight" & supposedly save money on energy.
      The internet indicates we will no longer participate in the changing back & forth with Daylight Savings Time. Currently we are in sync with Central time, and will continue to be when that zone is on DST, but the rest of the year, we will be in sync with Eastern Standard Time.
       DST is March 8-Nov. 1 in the US, and April 5-Oct 25 in Mexico, when Isla will be in sync with CT. During the fall/winter Isla will be in sync with EST.

 Monday, February 2 no school/day off for February 5th Constitution Day. (And if you got the baby in your rosca on Kings Day, you're hosting a tamale party on 2/2.Candlemas) 

Thursday, Feb 5  Artist Fair on Town Square 4-9p with Taste of Isla 5-7p

February 2-8 Island Time Fishing Tournament -- a week of music and fishing to benefit the Little Yellow School House. Here's the schedule as it stands now. Wednesday's Margarita Madness at Fenix and Friday's Fiesta at El Patio have no cover. If you want to purchase tickets to the Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday events, please send an email to: hasc0729@aol.com 

Island Time Fishing Tournament

 Sail fishing Tournament February 3-7 2015 register online @ islandtimefishingtournament.com info@islandtimefishingtournament.com
To benefit the The Little Yellow School house Isla Mujeres

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 We're celebrating Carnaval Feb 13-17

 Saturday, Feb 14 at 9pm: Children's Costume Contest on the Town Square for those under 13


Sunday, Feb 15 at 8pm: Pet Costume Contest on the Town Square. (Foreign residents are encouraged to participate. Register now during office hours (9a-3p) at the Dept. of Culture next to the library in the park "Las Gaviotas" in colonia Salinas, or in the offices of the Dept. of Ecology at Hacienda Mundaca.)

Monday, Feb. 16 at 10pm:  Open Category Costume Contest on the Town Square  for residents of Isla Mujeres over 13
The prizes and location to register are given on the posters.


Upcoming holidays

 Monday, March 16th is day off for March 21, (birth of Benito Juarez). 

 Fri March 27 - Sun April 12=Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.
  April 2 & 3 are Bank holidays. 

Friday, May 1=National holiday (Labor day). 

The kids summer vaca starts July 14th.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.