Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Friday, Dec. 1

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CHECK OUT THE NEW NOVEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE!  (scroll down)

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


The "Student House" will benefit islanders who study in Valladolid. LINK    VIDEO  
   Information is given to register for this program which is open until Dec 8 at the muncipal Youth Institute offices between 9am and 3pm. A socioeconomic and academic evaluation will be carried out to provide accommodations for those young people who need it most. Five young islanders who study in the city of Valladolid will benefit, and the "Casa del Estudiante" will also serve as a meeting point and provide a computer center with internet. The five students will be named on December 12th.

We invite you to join the activities to commemorate the World Day for the Fight against AIDS tomorrow, Friday December 1st. There will be a march and a health fair on the mainland and activities during the week at the Community Center on the island

We are a municipality rich in traditions, with hardworking and cheerful people who share their happiness with everyone. Let's continue transmitting our customs to the new generations.VIDEO of the start of the Patron Saint Festivities  

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)



Building a wall where the cliff eroded LINK   VIDEO 
      The municipal government authorized the construction of a containment fence in the area of ​​the walking path where rocks broke loose from the cliffs above the Caribbean sea a few days ago. This is being done to prevent accidents and to keep tourists and islanders from approaching the edge of the cliff.  
      Cesar Poot Perez, director of Public Works, reported that the proposal was submitted and approved, therefore in the work will begin in upcoming days, which will consist of a block base and PVC cast pipes. He said this will prevent people from approaching to observe the edge of the cliff. He said, "The fence will measure 9 meters long by one fifty (sic 1.5 meters) high, the pipes will be pvc cast, this to prevent people from approaching to observe the cliff."
    Regarding the issue of further risks of erosion, he said a request has been made that work be done toward a future study, together with other agencies and associations. He said collaborations between engineers, architects, and biologists is required.
    Islanders are advised to be very careful, not only in this recently affected area, but also in those areas found along Punta Sur.


Expecting to raise 16 million pesos in property tax during discount program LINK   VIDEO   The Municipal Treasurer encourages taxpayers to take advantage of Property Tax discounts.
   It is anticipated that during the three months of the discount program for property taxes, 40% of the 40 million projected pesos will be collected. There are about 7200 taxpayers, of whom about 4000  pay at this time, so approximately 16 million pesos are expected to be collected during December, January, and February. Approximately 3000 taxpayers lag behind on their payments, and the municipal treasury has implemented some actions to decrease this number and make the collection of property tax more effective.
   For those who are up to date on their taxes, the discounts are 25% in December, 15% in January, and 10% in February.

Motorcycle Club "Mala Noche" will celebrate their first anniversary this weekend at the Casa de la Cultura starting at 11 am on Saturday.

On Saturday, December 2, starting at 11am, the Moto Club "Mala Noche" will offer an atmosphere of music, competitions, food and a tour of the whole island on their motorcycles, activity, including the Mayan observatory of Punta Sur. There will also be guest entertainers the event, such as the reggaeton duet "Nuevo Nivel" and the star will be the impersonator of Alex Lora, Martín Erosa. 
       It should be noted that the option of camping on the beach in the area was opened so that, on Sunday, the celebration will continue at Playa Centro, a place where activities are scheduled in a full party atmosphere. 
    The "Mala Noche" group is made up of around 50 motorcyclists from Isla Mujeres who, in addition to their meetings and events, carry out social activities such as beach cleanings, school reforestation and food collection. 
      The island motorcycle club is named for its meetings which last until midnight abd this event is expected to be unique because in addition to celebrating their anniversary, they will also celebrate Motorcyclist's Day.


Controversy over taxi rate increase and leadership  
Miguel Ángel Chan Medina and Julio Osorio belong to a group of taxi drivers'  in Isla Mujeres who are challenging the leadership of the taxi union and calling for an election this month. They approved of the decisions of Jorge Portilla Mánica, head of SINTRA, to not recognize Eduardo Peniche "Wato",  assuring he does not have legal standing.  VIDEO  LINK  
     Regarding statements by Eduardo Peniche that an increase in  taxi rates in Isla Mujeres  would be implemented as of December 1, Mr. Chan Medina applauds that the rule of law is being applied and that it was announced that this increase has not been approved. .

Talk with the Governor at the El Pescador baseball stadium on Tues. Dec. 5 at 9am. 
Register at the baseball field on Dec. 4 at 3pm.

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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos

Controversy continues over taxi union leadership  
Gobierno estatal debe coadyuvar en el conflicto.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link


New rates aren't authorized 
Nueva tarifa no está autorizada [+] Ver masFull article at this link
  See TVIM  José Portilla Manica, Sintra's director, warned that the 20% taxi rate hike announced by "Wato" is not authorized and they must finish out 2017 with the current rates. He also noted that Eduardo Peniche can speak, but not as the union leader because he still doesn't have legal recognition. Mr. Portilla acknowledged that the rate increase request was made, but it was not authorized and he doesn't know why Mr. Peniche is taking this for granted. 
     "Wato" had announced that starting on Friday, the new rate for the general public would increase from 30 to 36 pesos from downtown to the colonias, and the discounted price for residents would increase from 15 to 18 pesos, while the student rate would go from seven to nine pesos. He said they would publish the other rates to tourist destinations such a Punta Sur, Sac Bajo, and other points of interest. 
    Mr Peniche has been accused of usurping functions that don't belong to him, and there has been criticism regarding the lack of response by authorities.


Concerns about streetlights on the island  
Alarmante la falta de luminarias en la isla [+] Ver masFull article at this link
  Light fixtures that are out of order include those adjacent to the Mundaca Hacienda, near the Public Prosecutor's office, the Community Hospital, and the Sacred Heart Church. This especially afects families living in the 'irregular' colonia of Guadalupania, particularly the children who attend the second shift at school. It is also noted that about 30 % of the lights aren't working in Sac Bajo. There are also some lights out on the main road that connects downtown with colonia Salina Chica (that is prolongacion Aeropuerto).

Installing traps to monitor the mosquito population  
Instalan trampas para monitorear la población de mosquitos[+] Ver masFull article at this link
   In addition to regularly fumigating areas where mosquitoes can breed, traps are also installed and monitored. Residents are encouraged to keep their property in good condition and free of areas where these insects can reproduce, and to use repellents, screens, and mosquito nets, as well as wearing log sleeved shirts and pants. There are no preventative vaccines or medicines against zika, dengue, or chikungunya, therefore these precautions should be taken.  


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 Noticias de  Diario de Quintana Roo's Isla articles & photos LINK
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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, 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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December Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events

Nov. 28-Dec. 8 Annual Festivities honoring the Patron Saint: Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
  Which are expected to include a small carnival with rides and games, a bullring, nightly performances on the Town Square, and a boat procession, as well as private celebrations by the 20+ groups involved in the festivities.  The horse procession is scheduled for Dec. 2, starting at 1p going to the colonias & the Sacred Heart Church, and finishing at the ring at the north end of the runway. The boat procession is Dec. 8.

 
The horse procession on Sat Dec. 2 starts at 1p and there will be cowboy-horse performances at the ring. The comic bullfights with matadors of diminutive stature are Tues. 5th & Tues. 12th. There's a Lasso tournament on Sun, Dec.10th. All events at the ring at the north end of the runway start at 6:30p, except Nani Namu & the horse procession.

Fri & Sat. Dec 1 & 2  M.C. Mala Noche will celebrate their first anniversary this weekend at the Casa de la Cultura starting at 11 am on Saturday and at Playa Centro on Sunday with live music, competitions, and other fun activities.

Sun. Dec. 3 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square

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

Full moon Sun. Dec. 3

                                                                    Sunset ~6p

Dec. 3  6:30
Dec. 4  7:30
Dec. 5   8:33
Dec. 6   9:37
Dec. 7  10:39
Dec. 8  11:39

 Thurs. Dec. 7 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura 3-8p

Sun. Dec.10 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square

Mon. Dec.11  There will be a gathering in the evening at the coastal chapel dedicated to Guadalupe in Salina Chica, probably with Mariachis, to sing Las Mañanitas and honor her.

Tues. Dec. 12 Dia de Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico.There is usually a run in the morning from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel.There is usually a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses, probably between the Chapel Guadalupana and the downtown church,

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). 

Thurs. Dec.14 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura  3-8p

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'.
 
Sun. Dec.17 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square
 
Thurs. Dec. 21 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura 3-8p

Thurs. Dec. 21 Winter Solstice  

Sat. Dec. 23 5:30p - 8:30p Golf Cart Parade with residents tossing toys & treats to children

Sun. Dec. 24  Christmas Eve  Usually the last ferry is cancelled and some businesses may be closed, especially in the evening, while families celebrate together.Noches Magicas will probably be suspended.

Mon. Dec. 25 Christmas Usually the first ferry is cancelled.

Thurs. Dec.28 Artist Fair Casa de la Cultura 3-8p

Thurs. Dec. 28 Wednesday  Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"

Sun. Dec.31 New Year's Eve celebration on the Town Square. Tables can be purchased in advance, details TBA. The last ferry is usually cancelled.Noches Magicas will probably be suspended.

Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur The first ferries are usually suspended.

 Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres
   To celebrate New Year's Eve, some 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.

Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin  (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
 LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion" (it used to be in my blog margin, until Blogger became incompatible with it).
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres