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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
More than 2 million visitors this year
Excellent weekend economically for providers of tourism services
Más de 2 millones de visitantes
El pasado fin de semana fue de bonanza económica para prestadores de servicios
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 25 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 25 de diciembre.-
Starting on Monday, the hotels will be flooded with occupants, generating benefits for local businesses like restaurants, souvenir stores, rental agencies, and beach clubs.The Director of Tourism, José Castillo Magaña, said that currently in the municipality there are 3,428 rooms, which will increase during 2017 with the opening of six hotels, which will add a total of 3,599 more rooms, for a total of 7027 rooms. . (These new hotels are being built in the mainland part of the municipality, and these numbers include the hotel rooms there.) It is noted that tourism is one of the main economic activities, with the Mayor and City Council working in coordination with the Department of Tourism to promote this destination at a national and international level, and above all to continue to provide quality services, which not only improves the image of Isla Mujeres, but also attracts more tourism for the benefit of the economy of islanders.
Hospital medical services available during year end celebrations
Garantizan servicio médico en hospital
En la Isla, con motivo de las celebraciones de fin de año
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 25 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 25 de diciembre.-
He said the Emergency room will be in operation, as well as general services and all areas of the hospital, with the intention of taking care of any incidents that may arise during the holidays on the island, when there are a greater number of accidents among both islanders and visitors. During this holiday period, the hospital staff has been attending to a larger number of tourists, who suffer injuries when they are on the beaches or when they are engaging in activities, such as having accidents on scooters and golf carts.
Only yesterday there were several incidents of this type, without any of them being serious enough to endanger the lives of any visitors. One of these accidents required a transfer to Cancun for specialized medical care, but the tourist's life was not in danger.
Mandatory training for whale shark permit holders, captains, and guides
Capacitan en manejo de tiburón ballena
Obligatorio para los permisionarios, capitanes y guías
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 25 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 25 de diciembre.-
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Enjoy this Sunday in the company of your loved ones.
Disfruta este domingo en compañia de tus seres queridos. #FelizNavidad
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Hotel occupancy reaching 100%
Hacia el 100% de ocupación hotelera... [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Hotel occupancy is high and expected to reach 100% by Monday. The information in this article has been translated above.
No incidents on Christmas Eve
Nochebuena con “saldo blanco”[+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Director of Public Safety and Traffic, police chief Jaime Ongay, confirmed that the celebration of Christmas Eve in Isla Mujeres was quiet, with a saldo blanco.(no icidents) However, a resident placed a fishing rope in a street to limit its use, and a motorcyclist skidded afterwards, without consequences. This is why it is recommended to not obstruct public streets without prior authorization of the authority.
The Civil Defense Department also reported no incidents, which was the same with the other agencies that ensure safety on the island. The Harbor Master is monitoring the recreational boats in the Bay, and reported no problems. Due to the celebrations, there were not many people on the beaches at an early hour. Those who were up, spend the day resting and waited until the afternoon to enjoy the beaches with their children.
The reporter attended a Mass celebrated by the parish priest Raúl Sánchez Alonso in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and wrote about the sermon.
Lack of taxi service
Deficiente servicio de taxis+] Ver masFull article at this link
When the ferry arrived at 11pm there was there was a lack of taxis, causing long lines and people had to wait nearly half an hour before leaving for their homes and hotel rooms. The issue is paradoxical, because on one hand taxi drivers complain about unfair competition from golf carts, but there seems to be no control so that they provide timely, quality service to customers.. Manuela Álvarez Tuz, Ángel Cobarrubias and Ezequiel Cen are local users, who said that the issue of taxi drivers is worrying, because there are cases where operators are not in the mood to give the service, "We think that they need training. There are some who barely answer us. They act like they don't want to work " They confirmed that this problem of having too few taxis at night is more frequent recently, but now with large numbers of people visiting during high season, the problem is more evident. They hope, however, that the problem will be solved so the difficulties don't continue during the holiday period.
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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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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.
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 |
Dec. 15, Thursday
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 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. 18 Sunday 8p Noches Magicas on the Town Square
Dec. 21 Wednesday Solstice
This is a holiday play with black humor, in Spanish.
You can drop off donations of toys at Rueben's restaurant, across from the Mercado on Guerrero. 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 Art & Food Fair Thursday 5-9 at the Casa de la Cultura with electronic jazz by Chucho, various types of Tamales, craft beer, & photos with Santa Claus!
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. No Noches Magicas performances.
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.
Ultramar hours on regarding the last crossing on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, and the first crossing on Christmas and New Years Day. "Desde" means "From".
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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