The second issue of
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
to benefit Isla charities
is online,
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
to benefit Isla charities
is online,
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
Here's a link to the Magazine
Please share the charity document, patronize the supportive businesses, & enjoy the articles, photos, & videos! If you'd like to donate $15 to your favorite charity to have an ad in this 2015 issue, contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com
Please share the charity document, patronize the supportive businesses, & enjoy the articles, photos, & videos! If you'd like to donate $15 to your favorite charity to have an ad in this 2015 issue, contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com
This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte
From Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo .... link to their Isla articles
Preparing for the arrival of "Springbreakers" who don't just come to "pachanguear": They are also altruistic ("pachanguear: to party, to go out on the town")
También son altruistas
Preparan arribo de springbreakers que no vienen sólo a “pachanguear”
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 13 de marzo.-
Students from the University of Southern California have been coming to Isla Mujeres for 15 years, doing altruistic work while they are visiting.They have a partnership with the civil association Patrulla Verde (Green Patrol) and the students do ecological work in the schools and on the beaches of the municipality.
Their coordinators are Samantha Kaplan and Benjamín Smith, and they will be assisted by local governmental officials and agencies including: Agapito Magaña Sánchez,(Mayor), Marthy Vargas (president DIF social service agency); Manuel Figueroa (head of public services agency); Alvaro Magaña Galué (municipal treasurer); Fidel Villanueva (municipal historian); Carlos Barranco (head of ecology agency); Mauro Rodríguez (of Civil Protection). Additionally, they will have the help/support of the Navy of Mexico, the Isla Mujeres Taxi union, the business that runs the car ferries, and the Port Authority of Isla Mujeres.
Creating 7000 housing lots in the Continental Zone in the next five years
Crearán 7 mil lotes de vivienda
En cinco años, en la Zona Continental
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 13 de marzo.-
"Ciudad Mujeres in the Continental Zone will be consolidated in the next five years," said mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez. He said the municipality is planning to grow in tourism and economic matters with the consolidation of Ciudad Mujeres and with the deeding (regularization) of 7000 housing lots. The project includes the creation of Town Hall offices, a park, and a principal market, as well as a cemetery and a public library, to encourage the migration of young people living on the island to the Continental Zone.
He made assurances that Ciudad Mujeres will be the Center for islanders, in the Continental Zone, in the next five years. (Aseguró que Ciudad Mujeres será el Centro de los isleños, en la Zona Continental de Isla Mujeres, en los próximos cinco años.)
The project of infrastructure and development of Ciudad Mujeres is supported by the government of Benito Juarez (Cancun's municipality), to provide the primary services for its residents.
In economic news, they are planning the creation of commercial stores and businesses that are non-contaminating, but the principal sources of income and employment will be in the tourism industry, in the Isla Blanca area, with the creation of 22,000 hotel rooms. The Mayor said that in less that 10 years, the proposed plan will provide space for "800 mil habitantes isleños en la Ciudad Mujeres, en la Zona Continental".
The Mayor added, this year they anticipate the creation of 600 jobs, mostly in tourism, with the opening of a new hotel of the franchise "Excellence" .
Planning to revitalize Makax Lagoon: Strategy for oxygenation
Planean revitalizar la Laguna Makax
Estrategia para oxigenarla
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 13 de marzo.-
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Governor Roberto Borge Angulo was on the island Friday, at the event for the Light Bulb Exchange for Efficiency Program. The island's mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez also participated. There was a festive atmosphere and hundreds of families will benefit in Isla Mujeres. As part of this program, over 5000 people will receive a kit of five energy efficient light bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs must be changed more often, while these new ones last up to ten times longer and use 75% less electricity.
Our administration seeks to help the welfare of the youngest to help them get ahead. (The photo is of young students receiving free school shoes from the municipal government.)
Nuestra administración busca el bienestar y apoya a los más pequeños para que puedan salir adelante.
You are invited to attend a dance and exposition "Ixtabay, living legend" on Wednesday, March 18. Free admission. It says "Art & Dance...at the Punta Sur/South Point palapa at 5pm"
Les invitamos ester miércoles 18 de marzo a la exposición y danza "Ixtabay, leyenda viva"
Evento gratuito
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Here's an excerpt from an article I wrote about Xtabentun, that included the legend of Xtabay....
The name for this comes from a Mayan legend about two women from the same village who were born on the same day: Xtabay, who was called Xkeban which means prostitute, and Utz-Colel, who represents a decent honest woman.
Xtabay lived a lusty life, giving generously to the poor, compassionately helping anyone and offering herself freely to men. She was humble in the face of humiliations from the other villagers and cared for abandoned animals. Utz-Colel was prideful, cold, correct, virtuous and haughty, acting superior and helping no one.
When Xtabay died alone, her true nature was revealed by the sweet-smelling flowers that grew on her grave. This enraged Utz-Colel, who said it was a demonic trick to lure men to harm. The sweet nectar gathered from the white blooms on her grave by stingless bees was said to produce honey with special qualities. Some claimed it was an aphrodisiac. The blossoms were named for her: "Xtabentun flowers", as was the succulent, seductive honey their abundant nectar produced.
When Utz-Colel died, the entire village attended her funeral. They were surprised by the foul odor escaping from her grave, coming from a spiny cactus called tzacam, whose nauseating aroma repulsed anyone who came near. Utz-Colel was beside herself with anger and asked the gods to send her back. She returned to the land of the living disguised as Xtabay, living her life freely, as she never had before. The legend says Xtabay waits in the jungle for an unsuspecting man to come along. She sits silently by a young green ceiba, (the Mayan sacred tree), near water, combing her long hair with a cactus, and men who are tempted will never again be seen, or will be driven mad.
Here's most of an article I wrote about Mayan spirits.....
The Friendly Balams
p 169& 170, 1890 (2013) edited, same source:
To the Maya, the woods, the air, and the darkness are filled with mysterious beings who are always ready to do him injury or service, and the greater number are malevolent sprites. Among the kind spirits are the Balams, who are very ancient men that oversee and guard the towns. One stands north of the town, a second south, a third east, and the fourth to the west. They are usually not visible during the day, and when one is seen, it is a sign of approaching illness.
At night the Balams are awake and vigilant, and may prevent bad events from befalling the village, such as violent rains, tornadoes, and pestilential diseases. They summon each other by a loud, shrill whistle; and they fly through the air with the swiftness of a bird, although they do not have wings. Occasionally they have desperate conflicts with the evil powers who would assail the town. The signs of these nocturnal struggles are seen the next day in trees broken down and uprooted, the ground torn up, and large stones split and thrown around.
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The scary Mayan spirits
X'tabay - She manifests as a beautiful mestizo woman, perched in a lush ceiba tree combing her long hair, singing to entice her next victim (usually a drunken man) with her charms. In the wee hours of the night, she transforms into a thorny snake-dragon in his arms, causing him to die on a cacti. Those who survive are left completely crazy. Article I wrote about her and the unique Yucatecan liqueur associated with her.
Aluxes - They are child-sized and never sleep, roaming the jungle at night and entering houses, causing fevers and chills, so it is best not to try and catch them. They can run forward and backward very quickly, and they throw stones, causing dogs to howl. Farmers burn incense and place markers in homage to the agricultural dieties, and in return for this respect, the Aluxes may protect their milpas. A travel writer visiting Isla Mujeres in the late 1950's was told about an encounter with Aluxes near the runway, by a member of the Lima family.
La Cola Negra - This is ash colored snake that is 6-12 feet long, with a black tail that is wide and forked, which it puts into the nose of a breastfeeding women while it steals her milk. In Maya it is called La Ekuneil. In Mexico in general, the snake that steals human milk is known as Chayilcán. Link
Cucalkin - This is Mayan for "priest without a neck". This aberration roams the roads and countryside of the Yucatan, wearing a religious habit. It walks with arms extended, goosestepping, with its head and eyes planted in its chest. In the late 1800's, two campesinos overcame their fears during an encounter and scared one away with a knife, and after searching for a long time they found it in a tree. Link
Che Vinic - The Man of the Woods, or Salonge, is a huge fellow without bones or joints. If he lies down he cannot rise without extreme difficulty; therefore he sleeps leaning against a tree.
His feet are reversed, with heels in front, and toes behind. He is red-colored, larger and stronger than a bull, and carries a stick the size of a tree-trunk. He watches for those who stray through the woods, and, if he can, will seize and devour them.
But a ready-witted man has always a means of escape. All he has to do is to pluck a green branch from a tree, and waving it before him, begin a lively dance. This invariably throws the Wood Man into convulsions of mirth. He laughs and laughs until he falls to the ground, and once down, having no joints, he cannot rise, and the hunter can proceed leisurely on his journey. It is singular, says Dr. Berendt, how widely distributed is the belief in this strange fancy. It recurs in precisely the same form in Yucatan, in Peten, in Tabasco, around Palenque, etc. LINK/source
El Chivo Brujo - This one is more of an urban legend, and has origins in Campeche, where an arms dealer is said to have used the superstition to his advantage. This male witch-goat has the torso of a hairy man with the head and legs of a goat. It has large twisted horns, and evil red eyes which can drive men mad. It is incredibly strong, preys at night, and likes to remove the meat from your bones. LINK
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From Tvisla Mujeres (You can join this fb page at this link)Seeking Blue Flag certification for the Posada del Mar beach in Isla Mujeres
Posted: 12 Mar 2015 09:22 AM PDT
Isla Mujeres continues to make progress toward attaining the Blue Flag certification of the Posada del Mar beach, with plans to achieve compliance with the guidelines that were explained in January by Heidi Meza. Although no details were released, recently the beach was monitored and inspected by Carmen Náhuat Lara, head of the ZOFEMAT, Ariel Miguel Caballero García, Director of Public Works of Isla Mujeres and Heidi Meza, environmental and tourism consultant.
There are 33 strict criteria that must be met involving cleanliness and testing of the water, regular deep cleaning of the sand two or three times weekly, and providing facilities like bathrooms for people of all age groups and those who are disabled, among other requirements.
Currently, there are five beaches in Mexico that have been given this distinction of sustainability and quality, which allows access to the European tourism market seeking locations that are ecological, clean, and safe.
The Blue Flag certification is awarded by a jury of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which is composed of representatives of the Program of the United Nations for the Environment, the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations for Education, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco, confirmed that Isla Mujeres will be promoted at the upcoming Tianguis Turitico National Tourism Convention in Acapulco which will take place March 23-26. Isla Mujeres will have its own booth, and the municipal Tourism Department will be assisted by two local Hotel associations. They will promote local attractions and activities including the beaches, MUSA and swimming with the whale sharks. Hotel occupancy has been at 80%, said the tourism director, and they hope to maintain this in April.
Isla Mujeres. – Gustavo Rodríguez Orozco, Director de Turismo de Isla Mujeres confirmó que Isla...
tvislamujeres.com.mx
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Noti Isla Mujeres (you can join this page on FB at this link
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles
Governor of state "to remove it"
Gobierno del estado “al quite”[+] Ver mas
During his speech at the exchange for more efficient light bulbs, Gov. Roberto Borge Angulo offered assistance to transfer trash to the landfill on the mainland. TVIM says he offered to donate a 'gondola' to carry trash over to the mainland. Por Esto says this first vehicle is now available to accelerate the transfer of trash to the mainland landfill, and another unit will be made available as soon as possible, (and calls them 'contenedores'). Both terms mean large trucks to move the trash to the mainland.
New services at veterinary hospital
Nuevos servicios en hospital veterinario[+] Ver mas
The facility and its work has been assisted and endorsed by NGOs and volunteers, to provide inexpensive primary and specialty services in Isla Mujeres.
Guevara founded the first clinic in 2000, and after observing many animal in the streets and doing field work, he developed campaigns offering free sterilization for population control. On their website they state that after 13 years of experience, "We have seen dramatic changes in local community's understanding of pet care. We are working toward a future where there will be an increasing awareness of animal rights and the need for veterinary care and treatment. This will be done by educating the public and we are very excited and happy to be part of these changes."
Services provided by the hospital include health exams, spaying and neutering, emergency care, vaccines, surgery, bathing, teeth cleaning, home services, and international pet travel documents.
"Springbreakers" perform social work
Springbreakers realizarán labor social[+] Ver mas
Hydraulic works for Makax lagoon
Obra hidráulica para laguna Makax[+] Ver mas
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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.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| 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. |
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| 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
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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 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.
March Events
Sunset ~6:50
Moonrise over the Caribbean
March 5, Thurs. 7:01 Full Moon
(a 'minimoon'...the most distant moon of 2015)
March 6, Fri. 7:50
March 7, Sat. 8:39
March 8, Sun. 9:28
March 9, Mon. 10:19
March 10, Tues 11:10
Sunrise ~7am
From Time & Date
March 8 Daylight Savings Time begins in US. Isla is on EST year round, not observing DST.
March 8 International Women's Day
March 16, Monday: Day off for March 21, Birth of Benito Juarez.
March 17, Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day (Celebrated in some bars)
March 18 Oil Expropriation Day (an observance, no closures)
March 20 Equinox Total Solar Eclipse
March 21 Benito Juarez's Birthday
March 26 Bus Booze Cruise benefit for Isla Seniors & Friends (Sold out)
March 29 Palm Sunday
Fri March 27 - Sun April 12: Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.
Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.
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 (By band & location)
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
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..
Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Mon - Tues 7pm - 9pm - Jazz with Norman and Darin
Wed- Sat 8pm - 11pm - Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge
Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & SunMon - Tues 7pm - 9pm - Jazz with Norman and Darin
Wed- Sat 8pm - 11pm - Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge
Fenix ~1p~4p Live music at the beach in the afternoons including Chucho (Jesus Campuzano) on Wednesdays, the Cuban musicians Thursdays, La Guerra & Pao & others on Fridays, someone on Saturday, Cuban musicians w Barbie playing Salsa on Sundays. Tuesday might be reggae.
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 at night on Hidalgo
Fayne's: 10:30-12 (see above)
La Terraza: 9 or 10-12
Morgan's: 7 or 8 - 9 or 11 (see above)
El Patio (see above)
And at Poc Na Hostel: 9:30-11
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
Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Tuesday - Fenix live music 1-4
Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15
Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Wednesday - Fenix live music (Chucho?) 1-4
Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Thursday -Fenix live music 1-4
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Friday - Fenix- 1-4 La Guera & band
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9
Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30Wednesday - Fenix live music (Chucho?) 1-4
Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Thursday -Fenix live music 1-4
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Friday - Fenix- 1-4 La Guera & band
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
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
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo
Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30
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Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.
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