Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, December 15

There's a Tamale Fair and an Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura today 5-9, featuring different types of tamales representing different regions of Mexico and the Children's Folkloric dance troupe will perform. Isla Brewing will be there with their craft beer and a variety of art will be for sale. A couple local restaurants (Javi's and AMar Peruviana) have also participated in recent fairs.

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! 

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  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

link to their Isla articles & photos

Lupe-Reyes Operation ensures safety for tourists & islanders during holidays 

Banderazo al Lupe-Reyes

Juan Carrillo garantiza la seguridad de turistas e isleños con operativo decembrino

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 14 de diciembre.-pati

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   The security operation for the holiday period was officially initiated and will involve the three levels of government to ensure the safety of visitors and islanders.  The Mayor said he wants tourists and locals to have happy holidays and to act in a responsible manner, to follow instructions from authorities, to take care of their families, and above all to not drive under the influence of alcohol and to respect the speed limits.
        The agencies participating in the safety operation include the Red Cross, Federal Electrical Commission, Port Authority, Community Hospital, Federal Zone agency, and the municipal police, among others.  (Cruz Roja, la Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), la Administración Portuaria Integral (API), el Hospital Integral de Isla Mujeres, la Secretaría de Marina, Aguakan, Protección Civil, Servicios Públicos, la Dirección de la Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre (Zofemat), la Dirección General de Seguridad Pública y Tránsito.)

Council of Islands to focus on health & housing  

Salud y vivienda, en el Consejo Insular

De los principales rubros que se busca atender

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 14 de diciembre.- 

Leer más...
       Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis attended the installation of the Council of Islands in Cozumel, which was attended by the Governor, Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, and the Mayors of Holbox and Cozumel. At the meeting, each Mayor spoke about issues of concern in their municipality.
      In the case of Isla Mujeres, this concerned the issue of health care. Acknowledgement was given for delivery of a boat ambulance, and is was noted that an agreement will be signed with the Ministry of Health (SESA) this weekend, to provide more doctors for the Community Hospital. This will be partly funded by the State government and partly by the Municipal government.
     Regarding overcrowding on the island, the Mayor explained that in homes and rooms which are small, there may be two or three families, therefore it is urgent to work together with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (SEDUVI) to resolve the issues surrounding the letters of assignment that were granted a dozen years ago.
    The legal process has already begun regarding these letters of assignment, which will result in the creation of the Pueblo de Apoyo in the Continental Zone (on the mainland part of the municipality) and will provide legal certainty (deeds) for the properties.
    The Council of Islands will generate public policies concerning the island, municipalities, and state and it will give access to the State government for the discussion and resolution of problems.

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From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)



This morning, new equipment was given to the workers who clean the beaches so they can continue to improve the image of our island.
Esta mañana se llevó a cabo la entrega de equipo de trabajo al personal de playas y jornada de limpieza para continuar y mejorar la imagen de nuestra isla.

It is very important to ensure the safety of the islanders and our visitors, so we have begun the December Holiday Operation Guadalupe-Reyes 2016-2017.
Es muy importante garantizar la seguridad de los isleños y de nuestros visitantes, por eso hoy dimos el banderazo de inicio del Operativo de Vacaciones Decembrinas Guadalupe - Reyes 2016-2017.

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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

Security for tourists  

Mayor seguridad para turistas.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
  Most of the information in this article about this holiday security operation has already been translated. It was begun on Sunday, and was officially initiated on Wednesday between the three levels of government, which was why there was a procession that included military from the Naval base, officers with Public Security (the municipal police), staff with Civil Protection, Firemen, and the Red Cross. Included in the procession were Naval personnel specializing in water rescue, in Naval surveillance, ambulances, and land transport vehicles for the municipal police. The Security Operations Committee also includes the Harbor Master, the Port Authority (APIQRoo), and the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico), among other agencies.



Good weather for nautical activities  
Buen tiempo para actividades marítimas. [+] Ver masFull article at this link

 Nautical activities took place normally on Wednesday, including fishing, diving, and visits to Isla Contoy. Good weather is forecast for Thursday, and there are some caution advisories given for boaters. It is noted that the nautical signage system around Isla Mujeres is functioning well, but buoy #5 at Isla Perez, Yucatan is adrift.  The bouys protecting the swimmers at Playa Norte are also in good shape and in place.


Organizing a posada in the Agricultural Zone
Organizan posada en Zona Agrícolae�.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link

This is about a holiday event on the mainland part of the municipality.



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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. 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

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

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

At the bullring at the end of the runway, by the car ferry

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 Town Square Federal Police Rock Band Free event  Cancelled.

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

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.

Just before Christmas, the government usually 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. 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 twice a month, on the First and Third Thursdays, weekly on Thursdays at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9 thru April 20.