Monday, July 20, 2015

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Monday, July 20

The second issue of 
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
 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






Number of hotel rooms projected to double by 2020

 Proyecciones para el 2020

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 19 de julio.-
        According to municipal and tourism authorities, including the mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez, it is estimated that in 2020, Isla Mujeres will have 22,000 new hotel rooms on the mainland part of the municipality, in addition to the 11,900 on the island and 2000 in the area of Punta Blanca.
   The Mayor said that overnight tourism in Isla Mujeres has increased and that daytripper tourism has increased by 30 percent. In 2014 there were 1.7 million visitors and this year that number is expected to be exceeded by thirty percent. 
      He said in the Continental Zone of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, there is a development project, Isla Blanca Peninsula, where construction is planned of 22,000 hotel rooms in different types hotels, all top level, which will further consolidate Quintana Roo as an important international tourist destination. 
      He said at this time, the average hotel occupancy rate in Isla Mujeres is 70 percent. "We are hoping (or waiting: esperamos que) for the occupancy rate in the Peninsular area to reach 100 percent," he said. He said on the mainland there are now 2000 hotel rooms and in five years there should be an additional 22,000 rooms.
     He explained that on the island part of the municipality, where there are 11,900 hotel rooms, there is a different concept for tourism, where visitors like to experience and enjoy the history of the location, with a sense of identity and belonging to Isla Mujeres. He said the success of Isla Mujeres is based on the fact that its inhabitants share their warmth and genuineness (calidad y calidez /lit.: quality and warmth) with the tourists.
    He added that visitors arriving to Cancun every week are an excellent market and according to statistics 1.7 million visitors arrived in 2014, and 1.4 million arrived in 2013, and this year that statistic is expected (or hoped..esperan) to increase by 30 percent.
  (Usually articles say there are ~2500 hotel rooms on the island, and government stats for recent years say ~2000)

Whale Shark Festival off to a good start 

 Inició Festival del Tiburón Ballena

Lanrry parra

ISLA MUJERES, 19 de julio.-
   During the opening ceremony of the 2015 Whale Shark Festival, the documentary "Mexico Pelagic" was shown, directed by Jerónimo Prieto, who kindly gave his permission for the showing.  There are positive expectations for this eighth edition of the Festival which includes interesting conferences, documentaries, and expositions, as well as fun and entertaining contests, fiestas, and more. The Festival is a means to inform the world about this activity which began in Isla Mujeres, where there is a goal to learn more about the world under the seas that surround us.
    The Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez, asked for more involvement from the licensees in this event for eco tourism, and encouraged them to join in with the planning, organization, and development of the festival, to make it better every year, attracting more tourists and causing substantial increases in the local economy.
    He said said that while the government gladly assumes responsibility for the festival, it is the responsibility of everyone, particularly those involved with this activity, to have a sense of ownership about this issue and to work together to organize a better festival each year.
     Later he commented about the challenge of competing tourism when the road opens between Playa del Carmen and Chiquila, (by Holbox) reducing the amount of time and distance to travel there, which represents an inevitable, direct, and real competition for Isla Mujeres. He said it is vital to form a common front between government, private companies, and workers, direct or indirect, and to be visionaries to sell this destination which is ideal, comfortable, and safe, with the best prices.
   The mayor was accompanied by various special guests including legislator, Juan Carrillo Soberanis  and municipal Trustee Fidel Villanueva Madrid.

This map is from the viajabonitomx website of the current routes:


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From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (you can join this FB page at this link)







In an enthusiastic celebration of sports, the municipal president of Isla Mujeres, Agapito Magaña  Sanchez, accompanied by elected federal legislator, José Luis "Chanito" Toledo Medina, and the local legislator, John Carrillo Soberanis, opened the state baseball league.
Sports are a priority of this administration, occupying an important place it this government's plans.


With great enthusiasm we opened the eighth edition of the Whale Shark Festival; in Isla Mujeres, where we admire and care for these giants of the sea.



We wish you a great Sunday and here is a beautiful picture of our lovely Isla Mujeres   with Fernando Vera. (photo credit)



With a spectacular dance performance, the events continued for the Eighth edition of the Whale Shark Festival.

Feliz día del Bibliotecario. Happy Librarian's Day


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link to Quequi;s Isla Mujeres articles  




Recommendations to avoid too much sun 
  • SALUD

    Recomiendan no exponerse demasiado bajo el solRecomiendan no exponerse demasiado bajo el sol

    0 20 de julio de 2015   By Carlos Gasca

    As previously translated, the director of the Hospital Integral de Isla Mujeres, Pedro Zapata Loya, recommendation avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, noting that senior citizens and young children are more vulnerable to heat stroke. 
      Mobile vendors still restricted

    COMERCIO

    Cero permisos a ambulantesCero permisos a ambulantes

    0 20 de julio de 2015  By Carlos Gasca

    .
  • Arrancará campamento de inglés en la ínsula
    English language camp begins on the island 

    Educación

    Arrancará campamento de inglés en la ínsula

    0 20 de julio de 2015

    Iniciarán con más de 230 niños y jóvenes.

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From Tvisla Mujeres (You can join this fb page at this link)








This Weekend take part in  the Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres. It will be a unique experience!
Jul 18
Éste sé parte del Festival de las Ballenas en Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo. ¡Será una experiencia única!




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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles




Removal of litter is needed
La ciudad, un cochineron.. [+] Ver mas
     The "Casa de Cultura" is in the final part of its renovation, and nearby there is now a debris pile that needs to be removed. Residents say some of this trash has been left by the food delivery trucks that use the parking area. It is noted that there is also leftover building materials, bagged trash, dried branches, and litter, creating a poor image which works against the efforts of tourism promoters.        
      Neighbors have said they will volunteer to help clean up the area, but need assistance to have it transferred to the Trash Transfer facility. Residents say they are looking forward to the opening of the Casa de Cultura this year, after it had been left in a state of abandonment previously.

Impressive white sands of the isle
La isla luce con sus blanco arenales[+] Ver mas

      Due to its geographical orientation from southeast to northwest, Isla Mujeres beaches are not retaining seaweed, unlike the beaches of Punta Sam and Isla Blanca. Isla Mujeres is free of seaweed, when the beaches of other destinations are saturated.    
        A few days after the raising of Blue Flag over the Posada del Mar beach (Playa Centre), certifying that this it is safe for swimmers, the clean, white sand can be seen from an aerial view, and the situation is the same at North Beach, said official sources.   
        As we know, this season when seaweed arrives, it has been unusually abundant along the coasts of Quintana Roo coast, to the point that it has prevented enjoyment of the beaches, but Isla Mujeres is totally free from this phenomenon, at least for the start of the summer season, said the municipal Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco.
          Sunday, the beaches were full of swimmers and the ferries increased their crossings to meet the demand during peak hours, plus 50 boats came from the Cancun Hotel Zone, with most at maximum capacity, and some even made extra trips to meet the demand. 
       Businesses in the Federal Zone have already been instructed to keep the two beaches in clean condition for use by the crowds, "to assist with the necessity of maintaining an image of cleanliness, which ensures continued international demand and continued Blue Flag certification which attracts them," said a representative of a North Beach business.  .  
       Surveillance of swimmers is doneby the Navy of Mexico, in coordination with Civil Defense, the Harbor Master, Red Cross, municipal Police, and the businesses owning beach concessions. The first two days of the season have passed without incident, according to reports by police sources.

Rescuing the photographic history of Isla Mujeres
Inicia el rescate la historia fotográfica de Isla Mujeres[+] Ver mas
       A few of the names are known of  people in two black and white photographs taken in Isla Mujeres in the 1930's, and names of the others are being sought, with the help of social networks, said professor Hugo Magana Ravell, showing copies of the photos. The photographs show signs of neglect and have "Foto Nevel" written on the top part. They represent the beginning of a plan to rescue family albums to compile and publicly exhibit the photographic history of Isla Mujeres from the days of the Mexican Revolution to the present day.
       The photographer is unknown, and it is thought to have been taken in 1935, after the hurricane, judging by the presence of trash on the beach, according to comments given by historian Fidel Villanueva Madrid, in response to an inquiry by Professor Magana. The people in the photograph are dressed in their best clothes, and the middle class members and business leaders were dressed elegantly. Legislative representative Ausencio Magana, who passed away in the 90's, is wearing a cashmere coat and tie. Descendents are responding to his inquiry and he hopes to acquire the names of everyone in the photos over the next few days, but are difficult to see and recognize.
    The two photographs are being added to the online collections already in social networks, especially to the albums of the Facebook site "Recuerdos de Isla Mujeres" (Memories of Isla Mujeres) where new materials are frequently posted by families in recent years.

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  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, Bahama Mama, Brisas, 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.

JULY: 
Sunset ~7:30

Moonrise over the Caribbean
July 1  6:40
July 2  7:35
July 3  8:30
July 4  9:25
July 5 10:17
July 6 11:06
July 7 11:54

July 1 (In Canada) Canada Day
July 2  Blue Flag raising event at Posada del Mar beach

July 2 at 7:45pm on the Town Square. Danzarte Isla Mujeres 2015.
.
July 4 US Independence Day  Probably celebrated at bars where English is often spoken

July 4, Saturday, 10:30a Tee Ball game for children age 3-7 at El Pescador baseball stadium (in front of Chedrui)   





July 5, Sunday, Poc Na Reggae concert

 

July 10, Friday, PRI Barracuda Fishing Tournament Welcome Cocktail Party at Posada del Mar palapa restaurant

July 11, Saturday, 8am Barracuda Fishing Tournament at the pier of the cooperative Caribe. Motorcycles for the first three winners and 7 cash prizes. Registration is 800 pesos.

July 11, Saturday,  Isla to Isla Open Water Swimming Event to arrive at Posada del Mar beach. Followed by samples of seafood from local restaurants 

Friday, July 17 Mega Event with Recycle Trash for Food exchange, Health Fair, and over 300 services available at Bicentennial Dome in colonia La Gloria

Friday, July 17 7:30p Showing of movie "“Vecinos Invasores” at Bicentennial Dome in La Gloria....a movie by DreamWorks animation to raise awareness about conservation & helping the environment  (This trailer is in English, the version shown will be in Spanish. It's called "Over the Hedge")  (Link)

The Bam Bam Circus is in town, set up at the soccer fields near Boxito


Whale Shark Festival  
Saturday, July 18 to Friday July 24 


 There will be a photographic competition beginning Saturday, July 18, at the official municipal Tourism site on Facebook, (LINK ) and the photo with the most likes will be the winning image.

Saturday July 18: Whale Shark Monument
7p Inaugural ribbon cutting & cocktails for the 8th Whale Shark Festival
8p  Showing of the Documentary: Mexico Pelagico"

          Saturday July 18 International Women's Dive Day event 1p-5p at Marina Paraiso pool for women over 10 to learn about diving. Free. 

            July 18 Anniversary of the death of President Benito Juarez (March 21, 1806 to July 18, 1872)

Sunday July 19
10am Family Sand Sculpture Contest at Playa Centro (the Posada Beach)
7p   Kermesse with local foods & snacks at Town Square
7:30p Dancers performing from Renatta Dance Academy at Town Square featuring over 70 dancers, from 3 years of age, dancing for over two hours, with performances including: La Máscara (The Mask), Rey León (Lion King), Flash Dance, Hombre Araña (Spiderman), High School Musical, and Frozzen

Monday July 20: 5p Conference in City Council Chambers of Town Hall
M C. Maria del Carmen Garcia Rivas, Director of the Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve & Isla Contoy National Park

Tuesday, July 21: 5p Conference in City Council Chambers of Town Hall
Topic: Manta Rays and other pelagics of the world by Dra Andrea Marshall, International Specialist on Manta Rays 

Wednesday, July 22: 5p Conference in City Council Chambers of Town Hall
Topic: Research on Whale Sharks in Quintana Roo by Rafiel de la Parra, Coordinator of pelagic research in Mexico

Thursday, July 23:
5p   Conference in City Council Chambers of Town Hall, Topic: Manta Ray research by Biologist Karen Fuentes, researcher of Manta Rays in Mexico
7p   Parade and Contest for decorated golf carts from the concrete pier (by the Whale Shark Monument) to the Town Square.
7:30p Kermesse featuring local foods & snacks at Town Square
           Fair of the Whale Shark Licensees
8p   Children's Costume Contest, made with recycled materials
        Children's contest of mural of recycled materials  (?the small print is distorted on my copy)
        Cultural Festival with Senior Citizens Dance Troupe

 Friday, July 24
5p  Conference in City Council Chambers of Town Hall, Topic: Whale Sharks of the World by Dr Simon Pierce
6:30 p Kermesse with local foods & snacks
            Fair of the Whale Shark licensees
7p Gastronomic Fair featuring Lion Fish entrees
7:30 Family contest of  ??
        Prizes for the Photograph Contest on Social Networks
         Cultural Festival

July 30 Anniversary of the death of Miguel Hidalgo (May 8, 1753 to July 31, 1811)

July 30 Mundaca Palapa Ballet Gala by the Classical Dance Company of Quintana Roo


Every Tuesday and Thursday: Free spay/neuter clinic
 Consults 100p, Vaccines: parvo & distemper 50p, flea & tick meds 20p, wormer 10p. Helpers always welcome! Isla Animals, Mundaca Hacienda, 10am-4pm (No food morning of surgery/water ok)


 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)
Isla Animals: Vet clinic at Mundaca Hacienda

 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

Limited Time Opportunity during month of JULY! Donor will match your funds to sponsor a student in the  Isla Mujeres Scholarship Program -
We are excited to announce that a very generous anonymous donor has agreed to do a second round of fund matching for the 2015/16 school year!
*Any one time donation in July  (from anyone, including current sponsors).
*Any new sponsors who join/pledge in the month of July for a one year sponsorship (does not have to be paid all at once)
*Any current sponsor who increases their monthly dollar amount beginning in July
     All new funds as listed above will be matched dollar for dollar with the money going to the 'General Slush Fund' of the program. This fund is available to be used by any student for needs such as graduation expenses, licensing, field trips, books, or other extra needs that are approved by the sponsors. The funds can also be used to help with monthly expenses for any student, as needed.
We suggest that sponsors join at $30 or $55 level per month.
       Our program has been going now for 10 years and we have many successful college graduates who would not have had the opportunity to finish high school without support. If you have been thinking about joining, now is a great time!
      For more information about the students whom need additional sponsors or general information please email jackieinpdx@q.com.
 

Music:

Miguel's schedule (may need updating):
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  (Updated June 1)
Sunday & Wednesday 7:30pm - 9:30pm   El Patio Sol Rockers 
Thursday Bahia Tortuga 6:45-8:45 
Saturday. El Patio solo  630-830 


 El Patio House of Music (Updated June 1)

Sunday Jazz from Toronto 5-7, Sol Rockers 7:30-9:30, Isla Cali 9:30-11:30
Monday Jazz from Toronto 5-7, Miguel 7:30-9:30, Isla Cali 9:30-11:30 
Tuesday Jazz from Toronto 5-7,  Ryan Rickman 7-9:30, Banda sin Nombre 9:30-11:30
Wednesday  Sol Rockers 7:30-9:30, Radio Band 9:30-11:30
Thursday Closed for the month of June
Friday Ryan Rickman 7-9:30, Radio Band 9:30-11:30
Saturday John Cain 7:30-9:30, Isla Cali 9:30-11:30

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
 

Fenix  ~2p~5p   Live music at the beach in the afternoons on Sundays. Salsa, Cumbia, Cuban music. Update July 4: Music Fri, Sat, Sun. ~2p & weekdays usually, except Mondays


Bahia Tortuga  John Cain on Thursdays and Lara  on Mondays...~7p (Updated June 1)

You may find live music at night on Hidalgo 
Fayne's: 10:30-12 (see above)
La Terraza: ~10-12 
Morgan's:  Between 7 & 11 (see above)
El Patio (see above)
Poc Na Hostel: Starting ~10p to late
Veradara's Cuban restaurant  Saturdays ~3p Cuban music

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 Poc Na  Thursdays


Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mondays & Thurdays at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.
Discontinued for low season

No Artists Fairs since April, scheduled to resume in November  









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







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