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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)
Guaranteed trash collection during the Christmas and New Year holidays LINK
With the increasing number of visitors, and the increasing amount of trash during the holiday season, the municipal Public Services Department has increased its work to maintain a clean destination, and the general public are invited to avoid littering and put trash in receptacles.
The Director of Public Services, Jose Rios Chale, said that a new collection schedule has been in place since Dec. 15 in the downtown area, where residents and merchants, hoteliers, restaurateurs and others are reminded that trash should not be set out between 11am and 7pm.
Thanks to participation by island families and business owners, we managed to collect 400 blankets that were delivered to the families of Francisco May, in the mainland part of the municipality. LINK
VIDEO
The director of the DIF system, Hilda Christina Gómez Ávila, explained that this program is carried out with the purpose of protecting the most vulnerable families. "Thanks to the participation of island families, hoteliers and business owners, we managed to collect 400 blankets for the families that need it the most in this winter season," explained the official. The "Cobijando un Hogar" program took place from November to December 10, and the blankets were delivered on December 20. The honorary head of the DIF, Paola Orrico de Carrillo, wife of the Mayor, participated in the distribution.
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
The hotel Privilege Aluxes held their staff Christmas party on Thursday. LINK
Awards were given to exceptional employees, whose names and titles are given, and the celebration included a food buffet, delivery of gifts, live music and family photos.
The City Council approved the Regulations for Public Transportation Services LINK
- In order to provide citizens with new transportation options, regulations for the provision of public urban transport service were approved during the 30th Regular Session of the City Council, headed by municipal president Juan Carrillo Soberanis,
This establishes the creation of fundamentals and principles for the creation of the regulations for the planning, operation, administration and control of public transport services, which was done in response to the demands of citizens.
The Mayor said families who currently must wait for long periods of time to get into a taxi and move from one point to another.will benefit when more transportation options are provided. With these actions, the current government is working to improve the quality of life of families by providing solutions in response to their demands and needs.
Preparing for the New Year's Eve celebrations LINK
The organizing committee for the New Year's Eve celebrations began making preparations today for the distribution of tables and chairs, but the official announcement of the name of the band should take place in a few days. Hundreds of islanders and tourists, both foreign and national, are expected to enjoy this important event.
It appears that the number of tables available for sale this year will be reduced, since it is possible that the basketball court won't be used, and because an area in front of the Town Hall is occupied by a large Nativity scene. Previously there were about 150 tables sold, but that number could be reduced by one-third this year, since there were about fifty tables on the basketball court.
The price per table is expected to be 1000 pesos, and each will have ten chairs, as well as commemorative tee shirts about the end of 2017, snacks, hats, whistles, and confetti. At this time, the date that the tables will go on sale has not been determined, but they are expected to sell out on the first day.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
More tourists arriving & renting beach loungers
Ascenso de la demanda visibles,.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Jewelry store will continue in the Maritime Terminal
Joyería seguirá en la terminal marítima [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Although it had been announced that the jewelry store at the Maritime Terminal would be removed, this was not achieved, and long lines are expected to occur at the facility during this high winter season that is beginning, according to APIQRoo, the state Port Authority. An official with the agency said the store has used legal resources to maintain the space for longer than was anticipated.
There is a plan to expand the Terminal to the south, by the parking lot, to provide more area for waiting passengers. Long lines can be seen at the outer edges of the facility, on a daily basis, going up the sidewalk, even though Ultramar is adding additional crossings. It is noted that Marinsa began offering ferry service a week ago, with two boats, and the car ferry Maritima has reported that they are ready to meet passenger demands on the Punta Sam route.
Street sweepers to return
Retornarán los barrenderos a las calles [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Director of Public Services, Jose Rios Chale, announced that the brigade of street sweepers who cleaned to streets in the colonias (sector popular) of Isla Mujeres will return in January, in response to public criticism about the poor conditions in some of the streets in this sector. They are expected to begin keeping the streets in clean on Jan. 2, and cooperation is requested from the general public to promote the culture of keeping the urban environment clean.
The cleaning brigade will consist of 18 people who will attend to the colonias populares, including Miraflores, Cañotal and La Gloria. Regarding the temporary discontinuation of this cleaning brigade, the official explained that a half dozen of them had retired because they reached the age limit and others became ill. They are hiring new cleaners for this workforce, and the daily effort will be resumed.
He said that it is important that trash is not placed at the curb except during the usual hour when the collection truck passes, and that cooperation by the residents is essential to achieve this common goal of clean streets. When residents don't comply, and leave it out later, it represents an invitation to street animals to spread it around.
He also announced that any unused objects that are left on the sidewalk or by the curb will be taken away. They want to put an end to the habit that some people have of using the sidewalks as a location for leaving wood or plastic items.
He said that all of this is being done to provide a clean, orderly environment, while tourists are present everywhere in this high season. "We want them to have good impression of this destination, which also has the distinction of being a Pueblo Magico, for its living traditions and cultural richness."
He said that achieving a good image of the streets and avenues of the island requires a collective contribution to achieve this goal.
Regarding the downtown area, a new schedule was implemented on Dec. 15, limiting collections from 7pm to 11am, but some establishments are missing the deadline and leaving trash out during the prohibited time, requiring the trucks to make additional passes.
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla MujeresVer masFull article at this link
Miguel Figueroa said their complaint against Cablemas for slow internet service, continues before the IFETEL (Federal Institute of Telecommunications) and is in the General Verification Department of that agency. There is also a complaint before PROFECO (the Consumer Protection agency).
It is noted that there are uniformed police officers on patrol to encourage peace for the Christmas holidays at this location that is normally peaceful. Parents are encouraged to do their drinking at home, and not to abuse alcohol. Most family members spend Christmas at home and their celebrations often invade the sidewalks and streets, where there is little traffic, and they share their celebrations with their neighbors and their family and friends who traditionally visit here at this time.
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Last month, the state Congress discussed this proposed public transportation law, Ley de Movilidad, which is expected to be passed in early 2018, tho changes may still be implemented. Uber is not happy with it.
This article says that in the 14 months since Uber began operating in Q Roo, the company has faced all sorts of problems, from the legality of its services to violent attacks against their drivers, some of which have ended in death.
During this time, Uber has asked that a law be created to regulate its operations in the state. In November, the proposed Ley de Movilidad was discussed in Congress, but details triggered concern within this company from the United States. Director of operations for Uber Mexico, Alvaro Govela, said, "To us, this seems to be over-regulation that imposes excessive controls, which would make us inoperable in the state, and it responds to the interests of a few."
Uber's dissatisfaction relates to two issues in particular: a prohibition against cash payments and the restrictions relating to the car and driver. Regarding the latter: these require that the vehicles must have a value over 220,000 pesos (which would affect 83% of Uber drivers), the vehicles must not be more than 4 years old, and if the drivers are foreign, they must have at least two years of residence in Quintana Roo. (220,000 pesos is nearly $12,000 usd)
Of the 113,000 Uber users in Cancun, 40% prefer to pay in cash. Of that 40%, 82% are from Cancun, particularly in peripheral areas, according to Govela.
LINK: http://expansion.mx/tecnologia/2017/11/21/uber-amenaza-con-salir-de-cancun-por-nueva-ley-de-movilidad
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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.
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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