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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
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
More than 5000 visitors arriving daily
During this holiday season, hotel occupancy is at more than 82%, which represents an important economic benefit for island families. VIDEO LINK
Currently in the municipality, there are 4086 rooms, and there are 3599 under construction (mostly on the mainland) to receive more visitors. The current government is working so that each of the tourists and families of Isla Mujeres have a safe destination that provides quality services, not only during this holiday season, but throughout the year.
With a great deal of joy, we are receiving thousands of tourists from various parts of the world who will celebrate the Christmas holidays in Isla Mujeres LINK VIDEO
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Hotel occupancy likely to exceed 95% LINK
Ensuring trash services during the holidays LINK
Santa Claus & Merry Christmas in Isla Mujeres VIDEO
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
95% hotel occupancy expected
| Ocupación hotelera del 95%. [+] Ver masFull article at this link |
Thousands of tourists arrive to the island daily on recreational boats from Cancun, and it is estimated that there are 50 companies devoted to providing this service. The state Port Authority, APIQRoo, said that their two terminals are providing services to more than 20,000 users per day, while other boats use private docks for loading and unloading passengers.
In the days before Christmas, overall occupancy has remained at 80%, and more visitors are expected on December 26th and hotels are expected to remain full thru the last day of the year.
Christian church group provides information table
Festival navideño de iglesia cristiana [+] Ver masFull article at this link
A group of Christians set up an information module near the Town Hall and were providing Bibles to those passing by. One of the participants, Guillermo Amaya, said they plan to continue using public spaces to 'spread the Good News'.
Strategy for promoting Isla Mujeres
Estrategia propia para promocionar Isla Mujeres.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
This is another article complaining about the previous state administration moving control of promotion to the Office of Visitors and Conventions in Cancun, when this had previously been the responsibility of the Fideicomiso de Promoción de Isla Mujeres. It also questions the use of the more than 10 million pesos collected yearly from the IAH, Hotel Tax, and whether Isla Mujeres receives 20 percent of that tax to invest in tourism infrastructure.
A few days ago, Daría Flota Ocampo, director of Tourism Promotion of Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, announced that Isla Mujeres will have a presence in the new Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo. with its own campaign and market strategy." He said they intend to create a new initiative, take advantage of the purchasing power experienced in Cancun and Riviera Maya and use it to help Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Holbox, Bacalar, with new marketing, to grow with their own identities, preserving the eleven brands, with its own market and effectiveness.
Then they propose to discontinue the Fideicomiso promotional agencies in the small destinations in Quintana ROO, although there are only three remaining of the five that existed in 2014. He said that under this new plan, Isla Mujeres will have its own strategy to be positioned in the marketplace, and can stop being an appendage of another tourist image, when marketing to the main market, the United States.
Alcohol isn't necessary for having fun
Para estar alegres no hace falta alcoholVer masFull article at this link
Local Catholic priest Raúl Sánchez Alonso is encouraging people to celebrate the holidays without alcohol, and he spoke about problems it generates, and about alcohol addiction. He has served the priesthood for nine years, which he celebrated last week, on Saturday.
Large number of tourists expected to arrive on Saturday
Arribo masivo de turistas, este sábado.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Good weather is expected according to the national forecasts, and the cold front isn't expected to arrive until Tuesday, weakly.
Regulation of public transportation service approved
Aprueban reglamento del servicio de trasporte[+] Ver masFull article at this link
Most of the information in this article has already been translated. It notes that there has been no date set for the launching of an invitation for bidding for companies interested in providing public transportation on the island. It is also noted that the lack of urban transport is particularly hard on workers and families during high season, who have waiting times of up to an hour before being picked up to go from the colonias to downtown to work, perform errands, or cross to Cancun, because the taxi drivers prefer to offer their services to tourists, who pay higher rates. Residents urgently want the municipal government to respond to this need, according to many who have commented on the issue.
Restaurants are secure
Restaurantes son segurosVer masFull article at this link
The municipal Civil Protection agency has completed their review of the stationary propane tanks at restaurants on Hidalgo avenue, and on two other blocks, and will continue one by one with the others. These inspections were set in motion after an explosion at a small restaurant more than a week ago, due to irregular handling of a small propane tank. The accident occurred at Rooster Restaurant on Dec. 13 from a 30 kilo tank, that wasn't full.
The agency director has given his assurances that the holidays can be safely celebrated, and businesses will continue to be required to comply with safety regulations in the upcoming year, and anyone who doesn't comply will be subject to sanctions and possible closure.
Ensuring trash collection during the festivities
Garantizada recoja de basura en festividades[+] Ver masFull article at this link
This information has already been translated.
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Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo's Isla articles & photos LINK
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Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo's Isla articles & photos LINK
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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. 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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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 include a small carnival, a bullring, nightly performances on the Town Square (which start at 8p), and a boat procession on Dec. 8th, 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, where there will be cowboy-horse performances. Events at the ring begin at 6:30 except Nani Namu.
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 with the DIF Senior Citizen Dance Troupe and singers Rebens Garcia and Aldahir Davila
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
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| 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
Fri. Dec. 8 at 4:30pm Christmas Youth Lightning Tournament on the Comex soccer court for Futbol Rapido soccer, in colonia Salina Chica.
Thurs. Dec. 14 at 9am Public Audience with the Governor at the El Pescador baseball field
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.
Mon. Dec. 11 Town Square 6p. Lighting of the Christmas Lights and performance by the Academy of Jazz, Passion, & Dance
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
Sun. Dec. 17 Boxing Event Sunday at 7pm at El Pescador
Sun. Dec.17 Noches Magicas 8p Town Square the final Noches Magicas performances for 2017. You are invited to enjoy Christmas dances performed by the students of the Women's Institute of Quintana Roo, live music by Hiraldo & his Cuban Big Band, and a comedy show. Free.
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 is 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 is 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.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 at the Town Square at 8p: Ballet Folkloric Fuego Nuevo de Encarnacion Diaz Jalisco, with live music. Free. Special Noches Magicas performance.
Jan 7-17 Art Festival & Exhibition “Festival de Arte Mutuo” / "Mutual Art Festival". 17 artists creating six murals at various locations around the isle, children's workshops, and an exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura with art on sale.
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
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