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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
Opponents say statutes prohibit "Wato" from running for reelection
Llaman a respetar estado de derecho
Ante pretensiones de “Wato” de reelegirse
Lanrry parra
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de diciembre.-
Miguel Angel Chan Mena (aka Fishman) is a candidate for the office of General Secretary of the Isla Mujeres taxi union who is running on the "Allies for Democracy" platform. He says the current General Secretary, Eduardo Peniche Rodriguez, who has been in office for 12 years, has violated the statues by running again and he says the election announcement documents are not in accordance with the regulations.
He says the current Secretary of Minutes and Agreements is exceeding his powers, and that he acted illegally when receiving the documents, because the statutes specify who is authorized to receive them. He said, "It is outrageous that the General Secretary and the Secretary of Minutes & Agreements are in collusion, and are a judge and part in an election process, in which the only ones authorized to qualify the lists are the Election Committee."
He said the two documents/announcements issued by the General Secretary, like the previous one of December 5, are not correct ("plagued by 'artimañas y trampas' " lit. ruses & traps), since the General Assembly and the Special Assembly will be held on the same day, Dec. 17, an hour apart. He alleged that Sr. Peniche has resorted to using gifts and money to secure support, in the past and he expects this will happen again.
He reported that on Friday, he received he a receipt from the union Treasurer showing that he is up to date with his union dues, which is one of the requirements in the union statues to run for election at the special assembly. He reported that other members who support him have been denied.
To help those most in need, the City is raising funds to increase CRIM services
A favor de los más necesitados
Gobierno de Juan Carrillo recauda fondos para fortalecer servicios del CRIM
Lanrry parra
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de diciembre.-
In October, the Mayor and his wife, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, and Paola Orrico de Carrillo, launched a campaign, with the coordinator of CRIM, the Municipal Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, seeking donations and fund for the facility from residents and businesses. This will continue throughout the year.
Leonel Povedano Castillo, president of the Association of Small Hotels, invited entrepreneurs to join this cause by donating items and furniture or by donating money to work on improving the programs and equipment used for the rehabilitation of people who access these services.
There are currently 78 people receiving care at CRIM through physical, psychological, occupational, hydrotherapy, and multi-sensory therapies. The center offers a wide range of services with a high-tech equipment. With the support of citizens, government and local entrepreneurs, it will be possible to continue offering the quality services that the island community deserves, because CRIM is always ready to provide assistance to those who need it most. (A previous article also reported that foreigners who are willing to pay for services are welcome, and their contributions will help the facility.)
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Christmas is a time of hope, generosity and sharing with your neighbors.
Join the #recolectanavideña Christmas Collections by donating: Toys, piñatas, Christmas baskets, chocolates and candies, and groceries. We'll provide Christmas dinner to anyone who needs it most.
Receipt of donations: in the offices of the municipal DIF
La navidad es una época de esperanza, generosidad y de compartir con el prójimo.
Únete a la #RecolectaNavideña donando: Juguetes, piñatas, canastas navideñas, dulces y despensas. Regalemos una cena navideña a quien más lo necesite.
Únete a la #RecolectaNavideña donando: Juguetes, piñatas, canastas navideñas, dulces y despensas. Regalemos una cena navideña a quien más lo necesite.
Recepción de donativos: en las instalaciones del DIF Municipal.
#PorElFuturoDeNuestrasFamilias
#DIFIslaMujeres
#PorElFuturoDeNuestrasFamilias
#DIFIslaMujeres
Tonight the island community enjoyed a sporting event between "Caguameros New Generation of Isla Mujeres" e #isleñosdecozumel at the Convention Center.
With a final score of 64 to 46, the Caguameros were victorious! (There's another game today at noon, also against the Islanders of Cozumel)Esta noche la comunidad isleña disfruto de un encuentro deportivo entre "Caguameros Nueva Generación de Isla Mujeres" e #IsleñosDeCozumel en el Centro de Convenciones.
Con un marcador final de 64 puntos contra 46, los caguameros fueron los que se llevaron la victoria.
On Dec. 10th in 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Un día cómo como hoy pero de 1948 la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas aprobó la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos. #DíaDeLosDerechosHumanos.
Let's keep Isla Mujeres beautiful! Putting trash in its place is the responsibility of everyone. Don't litter!
Mantengamos la belleza de #IslaMujeres, depositemos la basura en su lugar, es responsabilidad de todos.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
The New Generation Cahuameros basketball team won 64-46 on Saturday at the Convention Center in the Major League game
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/cahuameros-de-isla-mujeres…/Full article at this link
Donations provided by the community will be used to sustain CRIM, which offers a wide range of services with a high-tech Equipment
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/el-poyo-de-la-comunidad-fo…/Full article at this link
Harbor Master Ismael Gonzalez Gil closed the port at 8pm on Friday due to effects from Cold Front #13
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/frente-frio-obliga-a-suspe…/Full article at this link
The President of the "Nueva Tierra" association says their group of 241 residents, most of whom are children of Islanders, are awaiting a response from the CORETT Commission regarding more than 300 titles to property on the mainland area of Isla Mujeres.
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/asociacion-nueva-tierra-si…/Full article at this link
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Limiting liquor permits in convenience stores
No más expendios de licores en Isla Mujeres [+] Ver masFull article at this link
I'll translate this one tomorrow....it's about not issuing new liquor permits to convenience stores (MiniSupers) near schools and reviewing permits.
No irregularities
Sin irregularidades [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Remigio Sánchez Rivero, the electoral officer of the taxi drivers union, reported, minutes after the closure of candidates, that there were no irregularities in the registration of five candidates, who will met on Sunday to define rules of the election. The process is being carried out according to the statutes, insisted the director, when registering the candidates for General Secretary, who include Miguel Chan Mena, Julio Osorio Magaña and Darwin Garcia Magaña. They then held a joint press conference to express complaints about the obstacles that were placed in their way in order to comply with the requirements. Among the irregularities they point out are: The office in the Continental Zone was not opened on time; The person indicated was not available to receive the credentials of the partners and there was no seal available. This was intentionally done to deliberately delay time so as to "disqualify" candidates, according to the complainants. Because of this, Javier Acereto López was not registered as a candidate because "he never appeared in the system", although he had a membership credential at the time, which is signed by the union leader, Eduardo Peniche Rodríguez "Wato", which was reported in Por Esto on Saturday.
Also registered was Manuel Valdés Sánchez and another person called Marcelino. The last to do so was José Magaña Galué. At the press conference offered by Chan, Osorio and Garcia, Valdés was also present. In response to a question, they welcomed the announcement by Sanchez Rivero about a possible meeting of all the candidates with "Wato" on Sunday. At that time, they will would express their concerns, as well as try to make him understand that he has to step aside from the process because "he is a judge and partial" to wanting a reelection (of Wato). They also want to convey their request directly that they do not object to the more than 900 duly accredited members who owners of plates to exercise their right to vote on the Dec 17th. This is why the definitive list of voters is transparent. However, they have found, during the process of campaigning in recent days, that there are several members who have a fear of reprisals and harassment so that they will vote in favor of the controversial leader who wants to extend his mandate to 15 years.
Wanting quicker process
Piden acelerar el proceso. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The holiday season is about to begin and it is unknown when the process for securing bids for urban transport (bus service) will begin, although it has been more than half a year the last contract ended. This problem benefits the taxi drivers who have a monopoly on transportation. This is difficult for workers like hotel housekeepers, construction workers, and waiters; who receive low wages and want the municipal authorities to accelerate the process and appeal to the Transport Commission to answer this common need.
Nicolás Tobías, Juan Talavera, and Teresa Cob spoke on the record about the controversies surrounding the upcoming taxi election and said, "They are part of the problem. They blocked the company Isla Turicun so that its service would not include Sac-Bajo , Garrafón, Punta Sam, Isla Blanca or the Continental Zone, and the Municipal Government dropped those routes. For this reason we ask that the next company that receives the contract attend the community's needs ".
Ms. Cob said there has been a series of irregularities that indicate a history of corruption regarding the granting of taxi plates and the application of the laws in this matter. She said, "The problem begins with a misunderstanding about the discretionary power that is possessed by the Governor, who confused discretion with arbitrariness. Although it is a discretionary power, such discretion is not absolute. It is a discretionary power that is regulated, because within that same law and within these same statues which grant that power to the governor, the requirements are designated, (although in a vague and imprecise way). In one way or the other , the requirements are given which are to be fulfilled in order to issue a taxi plate "
She added that it is customary in Mexico, for the law to say one thing, while things may be done another way. An example is Article 34 of the Law of Transit, Transport and Exploitation of Roads and Streets of Quintana Roo, which states, "The granting of concessions and permits to carry out this public service, in any of its modalities, will be granted at the discretion of the Governor to the persons who request it, via processing done by the Department of Communication and Transport. "In article 35 of the same law, it states that regarding the granting of a concession for a taxi plate, the Communications and Transportation Department are responsible for receiving applications and processing them, and they must inform the Governor regarding the legal and material ability of the applicant to provide the requested public service.
However, in practice, no one submits requests for a taxi concession or a golf cart rental concession to the Secretary of Communications and Transport (SINTRA) or to its respective departments. "Everyone presented them to the Governor, who, acted arbitrarily and not with discretion, designating people who did not meet the requirements which should be completed before a concession is granted."
Nicolás Tobías and Juan Talavera agree that a consequence of this this harmful practice has been that taxi plates were given to people who do not have the legal capacity or material to provide the requested public service. Many of the beneficiaries do not even have a vehicle or they lack the economic and financial capacity to guarantee the provision of this concession to serve the public with the optimal conditions of regularity, safety, comfort, hygiene and punctuality, as designated in that same law.
This gives rise to practices that the law strictly prohibits, such as the leasing or transferring of the concession (taxi plate). This is prohibited because it ends up causing economic damage to the user. This is because the costs of providing this service have increased considerably, which is not due to understandable reasons such as the increase of gasoline; but rather it is attributed to illegal speculation of these concessions.
Paying 15 pesos for a taxi ride
"If a taxi driver charges 15 pesos for a trip from downtown to the Salinas colony, it should actually cost a maximum of 7.50 pesos, but since a portion must be deducted for the person who is illegally profiting from the taxi plate, it is costing us 15 pesos. It is evident that the "concessionaire" exploits the "driver" and this is passed along to the customer. All of this is due to the complacency of SINTRA, who historically have allowed the happy "syndicates"(unions) of taxi drivers to profit to the detriment of the poor citizens who have no one to defend them, although, in theory, there are many officials who collect good salaries to do so."
They said they do not expect the SINTRA representative in Isla Mujeres to correct these irregularities and alleged that 99% of the license plates in the municipality are not being used by the concession holder as required by article 41 of this same law, which states that as a cause for revocation.
Port closed for small boats
Cierran el puerto a la navegación menor [+] Ver masFull article at this link
On Saturday morning, the day began with rain from the first effects of cold front #13, and the Harbor Master closed the port for small boats, which is expected to be maintained on Sunday. Forecasts for Saturday & Sunday from CONAGUA and the SCT are given. Rain and winds expected on Sunday, with cautions for small boats along the southern part of the coast, while small boats in the north are advised to stay in port. (At 11am, the sun is shining brightly with partly cloudy blue skies, light breezes and few scattered whitecaps off the eastern shore. At noon it's still sunny with a few more clouds to the north and no whitecaps.)
It is noted that it rained again on Saturday at midday, and the horizon was often dark, but there was sunshine at times. The recreational boats over 40 feet were operating, and brought swimmers to the calmer waters of Playa Centro (Posada Beach) because Playa Norte (North Beach) was choppy.
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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). |
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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 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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Día de Guadalupe is an important holiday in Mexico
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.
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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