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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
Free health services in Rancho Viejo
Servicios de salud gratuitos
Brinda el gobierno de Juan Carrillo a habitantes de Rancho Viejo
Lanrry parra
ISLA MUJERES, 17 de diciembre.-
ISLA MUJERES, 17 de diciembre.-
Rancho Viejo is in the mainland part of the municipality in the Continental Zone.
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
There are photos of a Clean Up campaign in Punta Sam in the mainland part of the municipality.
Cumpliendo con los compromisos a la comunidad isleña, hoy se llevó a cabo la Jornada de Limpieza en la carretera intermunicipal, Punta Sam.
Let's enjoy our public areas without litter for healthy living.
Disfrutemos de nuestras áreas públicas sin basura para una sana convivencia.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
"We are going to have continuity": Wato
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/nos-vamos-por-la-continuid…/Full article at this link
Video of election LINK. It shows Sr Peniche speaking before and after the vote, which was done by a show of hands (and people chanting). There are other videos taken prior to the this one.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Winter vacation season begins
Inició la temporada vacacional de inviernoe.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The holiday period began with the arrival of thousands of vacationers to Isla Mujeres, while security measures were put in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the beaches.The ferry companies to Punta Sam and Puerto Juarez increased the frequency of their crossings to meet the demand. There were strong winds, but it was fine in the Bay, where nautical recreational activities took place normally.
An estimated 10,000 visitors arrived on this first day of more than two weeks of domestic tourism, along with foreigners from the United States and Canada who will fill the hotels to 95% occupancy during this period.
Playa Norte and Playa Centro (Posada Beach) were half full in the afternoon, but both are expected to be full in the days before Christmas. At times the security patrols included officers from all three levels of government, to guarantee the safety of human lives.
There were nearly 600 golf carts being used for touring around the island, but the more than 200 taxis were not enjoying the same level of activity. There were no reports yet regarding the first day of the holiday period, until the afternoon, with the following agencies hoping for a "saldo blanco" (no incidents): Mexican Navy, Public Safety, Civil Protection, Harbor Master, and others.
The most visited sites on land are: Punta Sur, Sac-Bajo, Tortugranja and Mundaca; And in water: El Farito, MUSA, Cross of the Bay, and Manchones, among other points of interest.
Good weather today
Buen clima para hoy Ver mas Full article at this link
Although rain was in the forecast for Saturday, it didn't occur and good weather is expected for Sunday and most of the week, according to CONAGUA (National Water Commission). The SCT (Communications & Transport) nautical forecast predicts humid air arriving before midday causing clear skies over the coasts and cloudier skies over the sea, with mist dispersing along the coasts and warm to hot temperatures. Prevailing winds will be from the east/southeast at 28-37 km/hr with gusts and waves up to 2.1 meters, and caution is advised for small boats. (It was clearer this morning and at noon it is getting overcast with rainy looking clouds to the east)
Clear weather is forecast for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday; then Wednesday and Thursday are also expected to be cloudless, with maximum daytime temps of 29 C (84F) and nightly lows between 21 and 24C (70-75F). Nautical activities should occur without incident, and the sports fishing season for blue marlin and sailfish has begun uneventfully.
Boats over 40 feet went to Isla Contoy and nautical activities were concentrated in the Bay on Saturday, but it is expected that the dive boats and others will be able to go out on Sunday. At 5pm there were few people at Playa Norte, and few yachts. At this point it is more vulnerable to the northern winds that were expected in the early forecasts, but the winds were stronger at the Caribbean. Therefore this natural attraction (Playa Norte) looked calm.
"Winter 2016 Lifesaving Operation" has begun
En marcha “Operación Salvavidas Invierno 2016”+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Secretary of the Mexican Navy-Armada de Mexico has announced the start of “Operación Salvavidas Invierno 2016” via the Fifth Naval Region (Isla Mujeres' Naval base) to ensure the safety of the thousands of tourists visiting the main beaches of Quintana Roo on a daily basis.
The military command issued a statement about the efforts to provide security at recreational areas including Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres; Playa del Niño in Puerto Juárez; Playa Pública in Puerto Morelos; Playa Pública in Isla Holbox and Playa Delfines in the Cancun Hotel Zone. The operation began on Saturday, Dec. 17 and will conclude on January 8, 2017.
Participants in this operation will involve about 53 persons including admirals, captains, officers, non coms, and seamen, as well as surface, air and land units. They will monitor these five beaches by sea and land patrols to safeguard human lives at sea and to maintain order. Five rescue and first aid stations will also be established and staffed. This Operation is implemented with coordination between the three levels of government and with support from the Naval Search and Rescue team of Isla Mujeres.
Don't leave children unattended
Advice is given regarding not neglecting children, to take care when boats or jet skis are in the area, to avoid entering the water after eating or drinking alcohol or a combination of both, and to avoid blocking access to the beach, to ensure the patrols and ambulances have free access.
It is important to follow instructions from the lifeguards, to pay attention to the currents, and to follow the indications of the flags. A green flag indicates good conditions for swimming, Yellow means caution regarding the currents and the possibility that the weather could worsen, and red indicates that people should not enter the sea.
For emergency care or to request assistance, the Fifth Naval Region has the following contacts available via phone and email: (01 998) 877 01 94 and rn5@semar.gob.mx. or you can directly approach Naval personnel at the First Aid stations or speak to staff with Civil Protection. The following contact numbers and emails are also available:
Centro de Comando y Control Semar: 01 (55) 56-77-71-19 ó 01 (55) 56-24-60-04 and 01 800 6274621 / 01 800 (MARINA1).
Conmutador de la Secretaría de Marina, 01 (55) 56-24-65-00, a las extensiones 1000, 6004, 7226, 7852 ó 8383.
Email accounts: cc2_emga@semar.gob.mx and sarmarina@semar.gob.mx.
(The general emergency number is now 911)
From yesterday....
Difficult year for fishing industry
Año difícil para el sector pesquero [+] Ver masFull article at this link
During 2016, there was a regression of "cooperativism" with the transfer of two Federal Zone landing areas into the private sector. Although it is still not public ("es todavia disfrazado" lit. "is still disguised"), the cooperative "Patria & Progreso, was privatized before Christmas last year when a new Board of Directors was installed, which freed up the entrepreneur, providing a majority of partners would grant him their rights, which several of them confirmed. There is still legal recourse for a possible reversal, now that there is a new state government and fiscal period to reconsider the social needs that assigned these areas to this main sector of the economy, during times when production was high. Historically, this was the second cooperative formed in the state of Quintana Roo,
The other cooperative that gave up its Federal Zone area is "Justicia Social", which a group of politicians 'liquidated' for between 300,000 and 400,000 pesos each, depending on the members length of membership. This occurred in the weeks before the last election, allegedly involving people who were in power then, but lost the election. It is possible now that the "bien nacional" (property/ governmental benefit?) will be returned to these seafarers. There are members of the last two cooperatives, Caribe & Isla Blanca, who have conserved their 'bien' (property), but privately, some of them admit they also would like to have that money.
Two years ago the fishing cooperatvie "Makax" finalized the 'sale' of its Federal Zone concession on the shore of Makax lagoon with the same political group, which is said to include former mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez.
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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 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. 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.
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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