Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Saturday, February 25

** See the Carnaval Schedule in the Events section! **

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

Mayor Juan Carrillo: Welfare of families is the priority in the Municipal Development Plan 

Bienestar de familias, prioridad

En Plan Municipal de Desarrollo: Juan Carrillo

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 24 de febrero.-

Leer más...Full article at this link
See City section below... 


TripAdvisor: Isla Mujeres beaches are among the best in the world  

Entre las mejores del mundo

Las playas de la ínsula: TripAdvisor

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 24 de febrero.-

Leer más...Full article at this link
     North Beach of Isla Mujeres was ranked 7th of the 25 most popular beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2017, with comments such as:  "Gentle turquoise waters, with pure, fine, white sand. The water is so blue that it dulls the sky. "
      Each year TripAdvisor chooses the best destinations in the world, according to comments and votes from users of travel sites.
     "Playa Norte proudly ranks seventh among the 25 most popular beaches in the world and third among those in Latin America, which speaks of the great interest that tourists have for our destination," said the director of Municipal Tourism, José Castillo Magaña .
        He said that the tourism promotion strategy, undertaken by the government of the municipal president, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, working together with the State and Federal Governments, has contributed to giving the island a greater international presence. He said in 2017 we had 17 percent more visitors than in 2016, according to passenger traffic at the maritime terminal.
       The Director of Tourism added that via the Mayor's instructions, promotional efforts will be redoubled with regional tourism (Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo), national and US, with the latter two being the major markets. He concluded by saying, "Will continue to intensely promote this destination." 

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

The festivities began for Carnaval 2017 with the coronation of King Benny I and Queen Alejandra I.
     The Mayor, Juan Carrillo Soberanis opened the ceremonies, accompanied by his wife Paola Orrico de Carrillo and members of the City Council, at the invitation of the Carnival Organizing Committee. Year after year, island society enjoys this tradition and the events that have been prepared for this occasion.
    They also crowned the King and Queens of: the Dance Acadamys, children, youths, diversity, and senior citizens, and to top it off there was a presentation by the dance troupes.
  The Coronation Night culminated with the band Megaboom playing for the people to dance. Island families were invited to enjoy the Carnaval is being held February 24-28.

There's nothing more important than the health of children, so take them to the health center nearest you between February 25 and March 6. 
First National Health Week with free oral vaccines against polio for children between 6 months and 59 months.
No hay nada más importante que la salud de los niños, por ello acude del 25 de febrero al 6 de marzo a tu centro de salud más cercano.

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The Municipal Development Plan will ensure a future for everyone: Juan Carrillo.
         The Municipal Development Plan 2016-2018 is the reflection of our aspirations as a municipality, what we want and how we want it, for the benefit of island families, ensuring development that is orderly and sustainable, with opportunities and a future for all, said Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis.
      The Mayor said that the Municipal Development Plan is the main tool which embodies the vision, strategic priorities, themes, and lines of action that will show the way toward having the island that we all want.  For this we have established the following guiding points: Isla Mujeres with good governance, Isla Mujeres Firm, Isla Mujeres Environmentally Responsible and Orderly, Isla Mujeres with Economic Well-being, Isla Mujeres with Quality of Life and the transverse guideline, Isla Mujeres for All .
       Mayor Carrillo Soberanis said that in the preparation of the Municipal Plan, primary consideration was given to the complaints he heard during the campaign process. This document incorporates  the vision of the new administration, focused on each of the areas of the municipality and their relevant issues, with a foundation of experience and knowledge.  
    He said that after he took office, there were ten Citizen Forums held, and Citizen Service modules were established, to receive proposals from residents and representatives of various sectors whose contributions enriched the Municipal Plan, on the themes of Urban Development, Environment and Ecoloby, Infrastructure and Public Services, Economic Development, Sustainable Tourism, Social Development, Sports, and Public Safety. 
  He concluded, "Without a doubt, it is the commitment of our government that all actions carried out by each of the municipal areas will be in accordance with the Municipal Plan and will help to achieve the vision of Isla Mujeres which we all want."

  

City signs collaboration agreement with La Salle University in Cancun

     On behalf of the City of Isla Mujeres, the municipal president, Juan Carrillo Soberanis signed a collaboration agreement with La Salle Cancún University, which will strengthen efforts to consolidate the image of the island as a Pueblo Magico.   The Mayor said, "We are a municipality in continuous improvement, and as a tourist destination  receiving thousands of visitors each year,  we are interested in strengthening our image as a world-class tourist destination, and as Pueblo Magico, so we highly endorse this collaboration agreement that helps us to strengthen ourselves as a Pueblo Magico."       Efraín Calderón Amaya, rector of the University, said that through this collaboration agreement,  academic, cultural and professional actions will be promoted, customized programs will be generated, and conferences will be offered to different areas of production in the City, and they will contribute in a timely manner to the detection of needs for training and teachers. 
    He said, "Isla Mujeres is a paradise-like place which functions a positive part of the state community, therefore we believe we should support you in our role as a university. In the short term, we want to create an educational center for continuing education where we can offer diplomas, courses, workshops, on-line learning, and hopefully in the future were can have an extension for masters degrees here." 

The Mexican National Flag is a symbol of freedom, justice and nationality. Its image and colors represent the origin, beginning, courage and struggle of the Mexicans.
Let's celebrate with pride that we're Mexican!

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)

City signs collaboration agreement with La Salle University in Cancun
Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres firma convenio con Universidad la Salle Cancún - https://goo.gl/jQ7alq


Extra long weekend due to Carnaval 2017 
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/inicia-largo-puente-con-mo…/


Taxista executed in Cancun who belonged to the Isla Mujeres taxi union  
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/otro-taxista-ejecutado-en-…/


Causing an accident while driving and chatting (texting? por chatear) can result in up to 3 years in jail.
http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/hasta-3-anos-de-prision-qu…/

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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos

Urban transportation to be studied  
Transporte urbano a estudiarse[+] Ver masFull article at this link
   The Councilman for the MORENA party explained that one of the problems of urban transportation revolves around the students, who can wait up to 20 minutes for a cab and risk the closing of the gate if they are late. At that hour, there are also workers who need transportation. If they are all riding individually, a cab full of students only earns the driver 32 pesos, while four individual workers total 60 pesos. He said,  "In the Continental Zone, this problem doesn't exist because in addition to the taxis, the red Combis circulate, but on the island there are only taxis. The budgets of those who have the least have been most affected by the sharp increases in fuel costs, and they are also the ones who must use public transportation, because they lack a car or motorcycle."
   He said it is important to have public transportation on the island, which would positively impact those who receive low wages, who must sometimes deprive themselves of other things in order to afford the taxi ride, because not everyone can afford 15 pesos one way and another 15 pesos to return.
     The alderman said, "In my capacity as Chairman of the Transportation Commission, I explained to the Mayor that in the event that no private company is interested in the transportation contract, it is the responsibility of the City to meet this need, and the Mayor was open and is aware that if no one steps up, the municipality will need to assume this responsibility."
     He said, "The possibility that the DIF bus could be an immediate solution to school transportation is already being studied." He said the routes for public transportation should cover the whole island and not be subject to the whims of certain sectors who fear their income will be hurt if workers and tourists use public transportation to get to and from Punta Sur and Sac Bajo.
    He said, "Few companies have transportation for their personnel and it is unfair that workers have to pay for taxi service or in its absence to walk to where they can catch a taxi for 15 pesos, when many earn minimum wage. (Minimum daily wage for general workers is 80 pesos).


Empty classrooms until Wednesday   
Aulas vacías hasta el miércoles+] Ver masFull article at this link
 About 5000 students of public and private schools in Isla Mujeres will enjoy an extra long weekend due to the Carnaval celebrations, which was extended because it was the last Friday of the month when the School Councils are celebrated, and therefore there were no classes. There are about 4700 students at the 'basic level' schools (preschool, primary, and middle school) who will enjoy 5 days of vacation and about 300 high school students, who will have a several days without books and homework to enjoy the festivities of Carnaval. (The Bachilleres students were in school on Friday).
   Carnaval is an annual tradition which is enjoyed enthusiastically by the islander and causes hotel occupancy to increase, with tourists, including visitors who come several times a year, being attracted by the colorful parades, and particularly by the troupes dancing throughout the island, both in the streets and in the businesses, especially the bars and restaurants downtown, giving the party a special aura.
    The celebrations began on Friday night with the coronations of King Benilde I and Queen Alejandra I, followed by people dancing to the live music of MegaBoom. The four (sic) days of festivities conclude on February 28, during which you can enjoy performances, troupes dancing, contest, popular dances to live music and regional dances on the Town Square and at different places around the island.
   The conclusion will occur on Tuesday, Feb. 28, with a flourish as we bid farewell to the excesses of the flesh and the sinful life, with the reading of Juan Carnaval's will and the burning of his figure, which represents the spirit of lust and the worldly life. But before Lent begins, islanders and visitors can dance to the super band Junior Klan who will play their famous songs until the body quits (hasta que el cuerpo aguante).

Isla Mujeres news briefs  
Breves de Isla MujeresVer masFull article at this link
 This is about a fair on the mainland part of the municipality offering health services and social services and about the collaboration with La Salle University.


North Beach: Among the top 25 in the world  
Playa Norte, entre las 25 mejores del mundo. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
  See translation above in the DQR section.

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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. Within ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, Manolitos,  Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend 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. It takes 20-30  minutes to walk downtown.

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 February Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events


Feb. 2   Thursday 4-9  Artist Fair Casa de Cultura   Art, Food, Craft Beer, Music, Fun

Feb. 5   Sunday   8p Town Square  The Noches Magicas performances will feature three singers and four dance troupes, including the children's Folklorico troupe
                                  Constitution Day This is the Centennial. The Mexican Constitution was drafted in Santiago de Querétaro by a Constitutional Convention during the Mexican Revolution. It was approved by the Mexican Constitutional Congress on February 5, 1917.

 
Feb. 6 Monday  Day Off for Constitution Day (A Federal holiday, some cities & towns will have parades and celebrations. This is the Centennial)

Feb 7-11 Island Time Fishing Tournament

Feb. 9  Thursday 4-9  Artist Fair Casa de Cultura   Art, Food, Craft Beer, Music, Fun

Sunset ~6:40p

Moon rise over the Caribbean

Feb. 10  6:39 followed by a lunar eclipse
Feb. 11  7:36
Feb. 12  8:31
Feb. 13  9:24
    Feb. 14  10:16   

 Painting by Pam Haase Link to website

Feb 11-16 National Artisans Fair 11a-10p Town Square

Feb. 12  Sunday   8p  Noches Magicas performances  Town Square

Feb. 14  Tuesday  Valentine's Day

Feb. 16  Thursday 4-9  Artist Fair Casa de Cultura   Art, Food, Craft Beer, Music, Fun

Feb. 19  Sunday   8p  Noches Magicas performances  Town Square

Feb. 23  Thursday 4-9  Artist Fair Casa de Cultura   Art, Food, Craft Beer, Music, Fun

Feb. 24  Friday   Flag Day

Feb. 24-28  Carnaval 

Tables for sale for the Carnaval celebrations at the Town Hall in the Department of Public Relations

FRIDAY FEB 24
GALA NIGHT OF CORONATIONS
Coronation of the Kings & Queens of Carnaval
Performances by Carnaval Dance Troupes
Town Square / 8p
Dance to Live Music by MegaBoom

SATURDAY FEB 25
CUBAN NIGHT
Performances by Carnaval Dance Troupes
Dance Show & Live Music
Kimbara Show (*Here's a version sung by Celia & Tito: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm2C5hx4sI0 )
Town Square / 8p

SUNDAY FEB 26
CARNAVAL PARADE
Begins at the monument in front of the Naval base on Rueda Medina.
Concludes in front of the Posada Beach (*aka Playa Centro) / 3p
Live DJ music at the Posada Beach and in the street of Rueda Medina.
AFTERNOON OF FANTASY
Performances by Children's Dance Troupes & Persons w Disabilities.
Children's Costume Contest
Children's Show of Botargas (*Costumed Characters like Barney & Dr Simi)
Town Square / 3p
NIGHT OF FANTASY
Performance by Senior Citizens Carnaval Dance Troupe
Performances by Carnaval Dance Troupes
Performances by Carnaval Dance Troupes of Diversity
Daudeth Alarcon: Master of Ceremonies
Dance to Live Music
Town Square / 8p

MONDAY FEB 27
CARNAVAL PARADE
Begins at the monument in front of the Naval base on Rueda Medina.
Concludes in front of the Posada Beach (*aka Playa Centro) / 3p
CARNAVAL MONDAY
Traditional Night
Carnaval Dance Troupes
Adult Costume Contest
Nani Namu & Stars Show (*Comedy & Dance & Crossdressing)
Dance to Live Music
Town Square / 8p

TUESDAY FEB 28
CARNAVAL TUESDAY
Negrada & Toro Petate / In the town streets after noon
(*La Negrada celebrates the Afro-Caribbean roots of Carnaval & also dressing as opposite sex. Toro Petate features a dance-fight w one character in a huge costume.)
CLOSING NIGHT
Performances by Carnaval Dance Troupes
Burning of Juan Carnaval
Last Will & Testament of Juan Carnaval
Dance to live music by Junior Klan
Town Square / 8p

SATURDAY, MARCH 4
Carnaval Dance Troupe from Holbox "Las Dormadoras" dancing in the streets of Isla Mujeres.

Photos by Bruce from Carnaval 2015

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The Artist's Fairs are scheduled weekly on Thursdays at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9 thru April 20.

Yoga at the Casa Cultura on Monday & Wednesday mornings at 9am and Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6pm. On the back street, Guerrero, at Abasolo.