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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
Immediate attention for tourists & residents: Mayor Juan Carrillo
Inmediata atención a turistas
Lo mismo que pobladores, resalta Juan Carrillo
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 27 de diciembre.- .
ISLA MUJERES, 27 de diciembre.- .
See City section below...
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
There is a video (LINK) that says...On this Islander Tuesday, we're introducing you to Cesar Lopez Espinosa, an Islander at heart for 28 years. He was born in Progreso, Yucatan. He has been an artisan for 40 years, and a painter. His creations are distinctive for their originality, their attractive shapes and designs. He works with materials from the sea, fiberglass, sand, etc. He has represented Isla Mujeres in local, state, and national artisan competitions. His greatest and most dazzling work has included allegorical cars.
Property tax discounts for 2017 payments made in advance are 25% for December, 15% for January and 10% for February.
During this holiday season, Mayor Juan Carrillo has increased the presence of police officers in residential areas, as well as in the tourist areas, so that visitors and local families feel safe and protected 24 hours a day. Similarly, the mayor has redoubled efforts to ensure there is trash collection service every day.
The municipal government is working to ensure the quality of public services and the safety of both visitors and residents of Isla Mujeres; Immediate attention is being given to any emergency that may arise from the increased amount of trash and the increased traffic on the island, said Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis, while confirming that security is guaranteed in the municipality during the current holiday season .
The municipal government, guarantees a clean municipality, with quality public services, attending each colonia and community, in the continental and island areas, so we have redoubled efforts so that every day the service of garbage collection is rendered and we can maintain the cleanliness of our streets so that families live in a more harmonious environment, reducing health risks and having a better urban image, said the Mayor.
The mayor said that during the holiday season police presence has been increased in residential areas, as well as in the tourist areas, so that visitors and the local families feel safe and protected 24 hours a day, with excellent results in regard to emergency care and crime prevention; it is important for Isla Mujeres to remain a safe destination.
"Our main interest during this time is that the holidays are happy and visitors have a pleasant stay in Isla Mujeres, that they enjoy all the attractions that our tourist destination offers, and that they have a good image of us; with clean streets, with services operating at 100 percent and that they feel confident that they can walk in our streets without fear, " said Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis.
The head of the municipal government, once again urged citizens to help the authorities maintain a "Saldo Blanco" (no incidents) during this holiday season, with the following recommendations: Do not exceed speed limits; if you drink, don't drive; and report any suspicious activities; so that everyone can have a happy, peaceful holiday. "Prevention is the work of everyone. As a government, we are doing our part and I invite our visitors and island friends to do their part," concluded Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis.
Streetlights were installed from the Monument to the Fishermen to the taxi stand. "We are installing lights to improve the streets of Isla Mujeres."
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
The Little Yellow Schoolhouse began 18 years ago as a classroom for children in need and became a school for Special Education in Isla Mujeres. The Director, Paula Salas Acosta, announced they will begin construction of a nursery school for special children at the beginning of next year.
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/escuelita-amarilla-contara…/
Mexico City: Starting January first, the price of gasoline will increase as follows: Magna: 14.2% from 14.63 pesos to 15.99 pesos, Premium, 20.1% from 14.81 pesos to 17.79 pesos and Diesel 16.5 % from 13.98 to 17.05 pesos, on average. The prices will vary in each of the 90 regions of the state, seven along the borders and 83 in the interior. (These are prices per liter).
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/a-partir-del-1-de-enero-au…/
Passengers at the Maritime Terminal increased by 13% over last year
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/repunta-un-13-por-ciento-e…/
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Many tourists during the day
Muchos turistas durante el día.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Original article by Yolanda Guitierrez
On Tuesday morning small boats were allowed to be active in the Bay, but were restricted from going out into the Caribbean until further notice due to unfavorable weather conditions. This was beneficial for the boats offering tours from Puerto Juarez, since they had been suspended from activities in the Bay for three days.
The island is far from full with hotel occupancy at 65 percent, however the island was crowded with visitors starting in the early morning, who arrived on ferries and boats. The president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Food Industry (Canirac), Reyes Baltasar Maldonado Tun, said that the sector is currently operating at 80 percent, and this is expected to reach 100 percent by the end of the year.. He said, "We are bouncing back. These are good days for us, and I hope for the whole tourism industry, as well. We expected to recover at this time, but the off season hit us very hard, because of the high costs of rents, which are hard to pay when income is reduced by the lack of tourism."
The tourists who arrive on the ferries mostly visit the beaches or try to rent a golf cart to tour the island, if they are lucky enough to find one available.Although on Tuesday, there were a few moments when the sky was cloudy and there was a threat of rain, the beaches were full of swimmers and sunbathers. There were also local families enjoying hammocks among the palm trees, but foreign and domestic tourists predominated.
All businesses were experiencing a good demand including restaurants, golf cart rental agencies, convenience stores, souvenir stores, and commerce in general, while the nautical cooperatives were having harder times due to port closures affecting small boats. However many have worked nearly 100 percent since the start of the holidays at Farito, although they were unable to go to Manchones or MUSA.
At the golf cart rental agencies, demand is greater than the supply and after 11am or noon it is common to see lines of tourists waiting to rent a vehicle, because this is a very popular means of transport. Employees in restaurantson Hidalgo say there has been an increase in occupied tables in the evening, indicating an increase in overnight tourism, but they have not been full.
Ultramar increases rates
Golpazo del monopolio Ultramar[+] Ver mas
Some residents believe that the company had no choice but to reconsider its decision in the face of the tremendous uproar that was occurring on social networks, where some people proposed to meet on Wednesday at 10am and block access, in or out, of the API terminal.
On Facebook, a representative of Ultramar did not clarify very well, giving assurances that since Isla Mujeres is part of Quintana Roo, the cost of a round trip ticket with an ID card is 146 pesos, and 200 pesos without the credential, which caused a wave of protests among residents. However, at the ticket office in the terminal, it was clarified that islanders will be charged 84 pesos for a round trip ticket, at least until further notice, which could arrive early next year. If this occurs, people will suffer even worse economically during the usual January slump. (Islanders prove residence & purchase a card that must be renewed annually that says "UltraPlan Isla Mujeres").
An adult ticket increased from 78 pesos one way to 100 pesos, and from 146 round trip to 200 pesos for a round trip.
Guaranteeing services and security
Garantiza servicios y seguridad[+] Ver mas
See City section above.
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Guaranteeing services and security
Garantiza servicios y seguridad[+] Ver mas
See City section above.
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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.
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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