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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. HERE is a timelapse version, that you can set to slow or fast (fps-frames per second). It takes a few seconds to load. |
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos
Both issues of The Isla Mujeres Magazine are here,
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!
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From Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....
link to their Isla articles & photos
Honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe
Cumplirán a Virgen de Guadalupe
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 11 de diciembre.-.
ISLA MUJERES, 11 de diciembre.-.
This year, as they do every year, the members of the Isla Mujeres taxi union will celebrate in honor of the Dia de Guadalupe on Monday, with free food, drinks, and entertainment with a special show and mariachis, as well as a raffle with surprise gifts. The leader of the taxi union, Eduardo Peniche Rodriguez said they will make the annual procession on foot from downtown to their union hall, which is about three kilometers.
He said during this celebration, the annual assembly will take place, when they will elect the new director of the Taxi Union for 2017-2020, to which there appears to be more than half a dozen aspirants. (Other articles have said the election will be held Saturday, Dec. 17.)
Facilitating payment of property taxes
Facilidades a contribuyentes
Para el pago de impuesto predial en la administración de Juan Carrillo
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 11 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 11 de diciembre.-
Citizens are cordially invited to take advantage of the 25% discount in December for payment of their 2017 property taxes. To facilitate payment, the Treasury Department of the City has set up a special module at the Town Hall, where they can consult their statement of account and there are three cashiers on duty during office hours, Monday thru Friday.
In January, the discount will be 15% and it will be 10% in February. There is a 50% discount for persons with disabilities, retirees and pensioners with an INAPAM credential, and members of the unions of the High School, SNTE, Mexican Postal Service, FSTSE and Telecom-Telegraphs.
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Today we celebrate "The Patron Saint of Mexico" the Virgin of Guadalupe, who appeared at Tepeyac.
Hoy celebramos a "La Patrona de México" la Virgen de Guadalupe, quien se apareció en el cerro del Tepeyac.
There is a press release about Customer Service module to facilitate payment of property taxes which are discounted. See the DQR translation above. I would post the photos but currently the article is buffering rather than downloading.
There is a link for suggestions from citizens and a poster saying Improve tourism services.
Mayor Juan Carrillo participated in the program with the federal legislators "Diputada Amiga-Diputado Amigo"
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
COFEPRIS inspecting 70 establishments selling food to ensure health and safety of tourists and islanders.
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/la-cofepris-reforzara-su-v…/
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Caution advisory for small boats
Precaución a la navegación menor.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The forecast of the SCT (Department of Communications and Transportation) son Sunday at 4pm advised extreme caution for small boats off the coast of Quintana Roo on Monday due to the effects of Cold Front #13. Navigation by small boats on Sunday was restricted to the Bay.
Politicians saturate island with golf carts
Politizada saturación de carros de golf.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Por Esto says that politicians are not only primarily responsible for the saturation of vehicles that Isla Mujeres suffers from, they are the main concession holders for the 600 golf carts that circulate the island and they are the direct or indirect beneficiaries of the past eight mayors. Most of these politicians have come from the 'tricolor party' (PRI) and a minority from the 'blue' (PAN) party.
The benefits began with the late Ariel Magaña Carrillo, who was the first Mayor, with more than 100 carts authorized for his three brothers. Then former Mayor Jesús Contreras Bonilla with 30 carts for his family, followed by former Mayors Jorge Cárdenas Bazán, Paulino Adame Torres and the "blue party" Alicia Ricalde Magaña and Hugo Sánchez Montalvo, as well as Agapito Magana Sanchez, according to SINTRA.
Last month there was controversy involving the agency of Hugo Sanchez for renting in the street at Rueda Medina without permission, which resulted in a complaint against the agency alleging an assault on an inspector and their carts were suspended from activity last week.
It is noted that Ariel Magana did not receive economic benefit from the golf carts in the final days of his life.
In a recent interview with state treasury collector in Isla Mujeres, Jesus Contreras (son of Jesus Contreras) he said that more than 180 golf carts were authorized at the last moment former Governor Roberto Borge, of which 100 were completed, including some for "La Fortuna" agency, owned by former Mayor Hugo Sánchez. At this time, these concessions are under review by SINTRA, and the taxi drivers have asked that they be cancelled, because there were 550 in circulation in September,"and now there are more; and with nearly 200 more, traffic becomes difficult during peak hours," according to one taxi driver. This the excessive authorization of golf cart plates is considered unfair competition for the taxi drivers. In only ten years, the number has doubled, at least.
The vast majority of concessions for golf carts for rent were granted and have been operating in an irregular manner, contravening various municipal regulations, including those of Urban Development. This includes limitations on land use, which exist so that urban development will be orderly and have harmony, to guarantee a healthy peaceful environment downtown for the benefit of the citizenry. There are rental units parked along the main streets and in the narrow streets which hamper the free movement of both vehicles and pedestrians, since they even invade the sidewalks.
The Laws of Transit, Transportation and Usage of the Streets and Roads of Quintana Roo, must be fulfilled without privileges or exceptions. That there is no sector or group such as the taxi drivers union, nor individuals, however influential, who should be allowed to impose their own law.
Guaranteeing a clean city for winter
Garantizan limpieza urbana para el invierno. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Director of Public Services, José Ríos,guaranteed that his staff will have the major tourism sites clean for the upcoming winter season. He asked that people who have complaints contact him by phone or via Facebook to report areas that need attentions, and to not generate a bad image of this destination. He said they already cleaned the coastal road ( circuito perimetral ) where thousands of visitors travel daily in golf carts, bicycles, scooters, taxis, and on foot. He reminded people to put trash in trash cans & avoid littering, noting that cooperation by the community is essential.
Regarding the Trash Transfer Facility, there is still an accumulation that is estimated at about 200 tons, which should be removed by December 20th, and then they will continue to remove the trash that is generated daily to the regional landfill.
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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. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers. 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. 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 southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes southwest to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options. 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.
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Today is Día de Guadalupe
According to accounts published in both Nahuatl and Spanish in the 1600s, the image of the Virgin Mary appeared to the indigenous peasant, Juan Diego, in the hills of Tepeyac in the outskirts of Mexico City on December 9, 1531, when he was on his way to the city from his village. (Later she appeared to his sick uncle also.) The dark-skinned young woman was surrounded by light & spoke in Nahuatl, telling Juan Diego that a church should be built in her honor at the top of Tepeyac hill, where there had once been an Aztec Temple to the goddess Tonantzin.
But when Juan Diego related this to the Spanish archbishop, the cleric didn’t believe him and told him to go back to Tepeyac and ask the Virgin for a miracle. The Virgin told Juan Diego to gather roses from the top of the hill (unseasonably and in an area of cactus & scrub). She helped arrange the flowers in Juan Diego’s tilmátli (cloak), and he carried them back to Mexico City.
When he arrived on December 12 and opened his tilmátli in front of the archbishop, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe had been imprinted onto the cloak. The tilmátli with the imprint is still on display at the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited shrines in the world.
The holiday period in Mexico from Dec. 12 to Jan. 6 is called Guadalupe-Reyes (from Dia de Guadalupe to Dia de los Reyes/King's Day). In Isla Mujeres, this is preceded by patron saint festivities Nov. 28-Dec. 8.
Festivities for the Patron Saint the Virgin of Immaculate Conception
On the Town Square
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| Nov. 28 Opening at 8p with the band Los Marlins . Nov. 28, The Mestizas de Agua Salada; Nov. 29, Folkloric dance troupe: Son del Caribe at 7:30p; Nov. 30th, Academy La Isleña; Dec. 1 Cavalcade (Horse procession) in Honor of the Virgin, noon; Dec. 2, Dance group Añoranzas; Dec. 3, Dance group Entorno and musical group Mar & Arena Dec. 4, Dance Studio Renatta and Academia La Isleña; Dec. 5, Mestizas de Agua Salada; Dec. 5, Dance group Entorno; Dec. 6 Caravan procession at 6:30, Dec. 7 Yucatan band Picante Plus will perform and “Las Mañanitas” will be sung to the Virgin Dec. 8 Boat Procession of the Virgin in the Bay 3pm Dec. 8 Day of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception |
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| Thursday, Dec. 1 Horse procession (12p), and a performance by horses & a band (4p). Friday, Dec. 2 Bullfight (4:30) Saturday, Dec. 3 Rodeo with a band (4:30). Sunday, Dec. 4 Bullfight (4:30) Thursday, Dec. 8 Bullfight with dwarfs (8p). Friday Dec. 9 Bullfight w little people 7p |
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December Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Dec. 1 Thursday
12p Horse procession
4-9p Artist Fair at Casa Cultura w live music, craft beer, food, & art.
5p Anti-AIDS/HIV march & Health Fair at Bicentennial Dome La Gloria
6p Horse performance & live music 6p North end of runway.
Dec. 2 Friday
4:30p Bullfight at North end of runway
7:30p Dance group Añoranzas at Town Square
Dec. 3 Saturday
4:30p Rodeo & live music at North end of runway
7:30p Dance troupe Entorno and band Mar & Arena at Town Square
Dec. 4 Sunday
7:30a Charlie & Friends Marathon 5 & 10km Garrafon/P.Sur along Caribbean coast
4:30p Bullfight at North end of runway
7:30p Dance Studio Renatta and Academia La Isleña at Town Square
Dec. 5 Monday
7:30p Mestizas de Agua Salada dance troupe at Town Square
Entorno dance troupe at Town Square
Dec. 6 Tuesday 6:30p Caravan procession for Patron Saint
Dec. 7 Wednesday 8p Yucatan band Picante Plus at Town Square
“Las Mañanitas” will be sung to the Virgin at Town Square
Dec. 8 Thursday Day of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception
3pm Boat Procession of the Virgin in the Bay
8p Bullfight with Dwarfs North end of runway
4-9 Art Fair at Casa de Cultura
Dec. 10 Saturday 8p
Dec. 11 Sunday Celebration in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Chapel Guadalupana in Meteorolgocia (which overlooks the Caribbean, across from Mango cafe), with singing of Las Mananitas before midnight, possibly with Mariachis.
Dec 12 Monday Day of Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron Saint.
People honor her with pilgrimages and efforts of endurance, such as the annual run around the island, which will probably be held in the morning, usually from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.
There is a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses usually between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church, and sometimes there are horses. Juan Diego saw the vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the hill at Tepeyac, 485 years ago. There will probably be an evening event on the Square. See article below. I will update this info when it is available.
Sunset ~6:05p
Moon rise over the Caribbean
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| Dec. 13 6:12 Full Moon Dec. 14 7:13 Dec. 15 8:15 Dec. 16 9:16 Dec. 17 10:14 Dec. 18 11:10 Painting by Pam Haase |
4-9 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura Art, music, food, craft beer
Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas.
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the t\Town Square, featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.
Dec. 17 Saturday 5:30p Resident parade of decorated golf carts thru the colonias, tossing candy & toys
Dec. 21 Wednesday Solstice
Just before Christmas, the government has a procession of decorated carts and vehicles with a Santa, which goes thru the colonias playing music tossing candy and small toys, There is also one by the residents, foreign & local, that is planned again this year. Dates TBA. There is a decorated boat parade annually at Cancun.
The DIF (social service organization) collects toy donations for a big give away, as does Rueben's restaurant, where you can drop off donations now. Dates TBA. Kids in Mexico receive presents on King's Day/Dia de los Reyes on Jan. 6. Currently the DIF is collecting blankets, coats, and other warm items for residents in need in the Continental Zone on the mainland.
Dec. 22 Thursday Artist Fair 4-9 Casa de Cultura. Art, music, food, craft beer
Dec. 24 Saturday Noche Buena / Christmas Eve
Ultramar ferry is usually cancelled after ~11p, as well as the first crossing Christmas morn. Some businesses are not open in the evening, because families are celebrating together.
Dec. 25 Sunday Dia de Navidad / Christmas Day The first ferries may be suspended.
Usually around this time the annual Quinceaneras event and Mass are held at the Church of Immaculate Conception for young women who turned 15 during 2015 and who wear beautiful gowns. More info TBA when available
Dec. 28 Wednesday Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"
Dec, 29 Thursday 4-9 Artist Fair Casa de Cultura. Art, food, craft beer, music.
Dec. 31 New Year's Eve Festival on the Town Square with live music and fireworks. Tables can be reserved in advance, with information TBA. The last ferries are usually suspended.
Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.
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Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres
To celebrate New Year's Eve, some Isleno families set up tables in the side streets with pinatas strung overhead, and dine on turkey stuffed with seasoned ground meat, while others crowd the Town Square for live music, dancing, and fireworks. Each neighborhood brings in the New Year with a bang, and the skies explode with color in all directions.
During the NYE countdown, there is a tradition of eating twelve uvas de buenas suerte (grapes of good luck), each representing a month, with a toast of champagne or cider. The party on the town square continues all night long. At the other end of the isle, people gather at Punta Sur to greet the first rays of the sun at the eastern-most point in Mexico.
Other customs include cleaning your house on New Year's Eve & sweeping out bad luck. Wearing red underwear could bring you love in the New Year, or your white undies may bring you peace, while yellow represents wealth. Those who hope to travel should grab an empty suitcase and carry it around the room or the block, and set it by the door. If you drop a shoe on New Year's morn and it lands "boca arriba" (face up) you will enjoy good luck in the upcoming year.
The old year is represented by a life sized character called El Viejo, The Old Man, who is later filled with fireworks and set ablaze. He may resemble a politician, and he is usually holding cigars & tequila. Fireworks are everywhere, and their names are metralletas (literally "machine guns" – but it means fire crackers), cañones (larger fire crackers), voladores (rockets in many different sizes), chifladores (whistlers), and barre pies ("foot sweepers", that spin on the ground & shoot sparks).
Kids receive toys on Dia de los Reyes, January 6, when families, friends, and coworkers share rosca de reyes. King's cake, usually with hot chocolate. If you get the Baby Jesus,it means you'll be hosting a party & providing the tamales on Candlemas Day, Feb. 2.
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The Artist's Fairs are scheduled
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