 |
| 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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
CENDI celebrates Christmas
Isla Mujeres municipal president, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, and his wife, Mrs. Paola Orrico de Carrillo, attended the Christmas festival of the Child Development Center (CENDI) as special guests.
''We are very happy to participate in this type of event in which the youngest of Isla Mujeres are involved, Christmas is a time of great joy for all the islanders and instilling our traditions is very important for us, '' said the mayor.
To the sounds of applause and laughter, CENDI presented '' A Christmas Story '', a performance with Christmas season dancers, in which children of the Center participated with great enthusiasm.
The honorary president of the DIF social service agency in Isla Mujeres, Paola Orrico de Carrillo, said she was very happy to see the children participating in cultural events and showing their talents, since one of the objectives of the CENDI is to educate children in an comprehensive manner.
"Our goal is to educate our children so that they find their identity, and the significance and meaning of life through links with the community, culture and values such as compassion and peace," she said.
Scholarships presented to students https://goo.gl/PxxV5b
The municipal government delivered assistance to 389 students in the categories of primary, secondary, high school, university and maritime transport (transportation to/from the mainland) for the school year 2016-2018 (SIC, 2017-2018). The students have exhibited excellence in academics or sports. The article explains how education is an important priority to this municipal administration which is committed to assisting the students with supports such as these, so they can continue their professional training and become model citizens, because they deserve and need this support.
Officials say precautions must be taken with the use of fireworks LINK
The use of fireworks can cause serious damage such as burns, hearing problems, eye injuries and even blindness, which is why municipal authorities are asking the residents of Isla Mujeres to learn about security measures for their use.
The Director of Civil Protection and the Firefighters, Helman Ulises Berman Graniel, explained that personnel with is agency were mobilized after an explosion of fireworks occurred.
He said, "For more than a month, we have made available, to all businesses, a document which details the security measures that are necessary for the use of fireworks." He said there were no injuries reported at this incident, and he recommended that fireworks be used in a responsible manner and never by minors, in order to avoid accidents.
He concluded, "Pyrotechnics represent a potential danger, especially in the places where they are stored, so we are asking all island residents to take precautions and follow all safety measures; I urge families not to buy fireworks."
Successful conclusion to 2017 for Noches Magicas LINK
The audience enjoyed performances by the dancers of the Quintana Roo Women's Institute and their Christmas choreography. They danced to music from Hiraldo and his Big Band of Cuba, and laughed at the comedic show of "Miramenlindo es Pimpinela”. The Noches Magicas performances will resume January 3, 2018. The Director of the Institute of Culture & Arts, Ruben Perez Martin thanked the families who attended the shows during 2017, and said they will continue working to bring improved and increased shows during the upcoming year.
Excellent start of the vacation season LINK VIDEO
"The municipality has maintained high rates of hotel occupancy and tourist influx throughout the year, so we expect a great closing of the year in this last holiday season of 2017," said the mayor.
Each year, Isla Mujeres receives more than 2 million tourists from the United States, Canada and Mexico, which represents a strong economic benefit for island families and for Mexico positioning itself as one of the favorite beach destinations for travelers.
Work has been carried out by the Department of Public Safety and Traffic, the Department of Public Services, and ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone agency), in coordination with federal and state agencies, which include patrols and ongoing clean up brigades on the beaches and streets to optimize resources and improve the image of this tourism destination.
These efforts have earned distinctions for the island with its efforts at tourism promotion, for the preservation of the natural environment, and the quality of its beaches. The island is one of 111 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico, and has received re-certification of the Blue Flag designation for Playa Centro, by compliance with the criteria for water quality, environmental management, security, services, and providing information and environmental education.
Playa Norte has earned the "White Flag" designation, for the excellent measures there to protect the beach environment, manage trash, and maintain water quality, to guarantee that visiting tourists have a clean, well taken care of area to enjoy.
José Castillo Magaña, general director of Tourism in Isla Mujeres, said that the municipality is at its best, because throughout the year high rates of tourist influx have been maintained, therefore he is confident that this holiday season will be a great success for the destination, exceeding 90% in hotel occupancy.
The City of Isla Mujeres is committed to caring for the natural environment, cleaning and promoting the destination, ensuring that tourists get an excellent image of this Magic Town and that the islanders obtain greater economic benefits through the generation of more and better jobs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
Cahuameros take a break for the holidays LINK
Three new Ultramar ferries: Two are for Cozumel LINK
There will be a new Ultramar car ferry, servicing the route to Punta Sam, and the other two new boats will go to Cozumel. The route to Punta Sam has been serviced for more than 25 years by the company Maritima Isla Mujeres, who have two ferries working the route, the Isla Blanca and the Sergio Gracia Aguila. The latter was brought from South Korea in November of 2009.
The three new Ultramar boats are scheduled to arrive on December 26 and were built in shipyards in Greece. The exact date when they will go into operation has not been announced, but the company will make the most of this busy season that is starting.
Residents of colonia Salina Chica at risk today (Monday) when there was an explosion at a small fireworks shop, where fortunately there were no injuries.
VIDEO In the video, the TVIM reporter is explaining that the bomberos are there & that an explosion happened inside this domicile from fireworks, where there is still smoke inside & it blew out the windows and the Red Cross personnel are tending to the owners. Witnesses said they heard it blocks away. The house is in Salina Chica near the soccer fields. He mentions this is the second explosion, after the recent one at Roosters.
The Director of Civil Protection said that his agency sent a document to this address about a month ago, outlining the required security measures and the permits they must obtain, but obviously they didn't obtain the permits. He said that there is a lack of a culture of prevention & proper care regarding fireworks among many people.
The reporter concludes by explaining the explosion was due to clandestine vendors of fireworks. In the comments on TVIM, Carlos responds that everyone is ok...just a scare.
Clandestine vendor of fireworks causes an explosion LINK
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Vacationers will enjoy good weather
Vacacionistas encontrarán buen tiempo+] Ver masFull article at this link
The week has begun with a good weather forecast, and no 'nortes' (northern fronts) expected, so the temperatures will rise to 27 degrees most of the days and it will be warm at night again. Nautical activity resumed on Monday, including catching fish and lobster which are now in high demand. The inventories of seafood of the five cooperatives is low, and many visitors prefer to have lobster for Christmas and to welcome the New Year.
Some fish is being imported from the state of Yucatan to meet the increased demand, including several tons per week in high season, including to supply the tourists visiting Holbox and Chiquila. The local fishing crews and their ~200 small boats have become increasing unable to meet the demands to serve seafood to thousands of visitors daily. With the rising cost of gasoline and other expenses, some of the fishermen are barely making 100 pesos a day.
The cost of seafood rises daily, to the point that it already costs more than chicken, according to complaints from temporary laborers, who say living in Isla Mujeres is expensive.
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla MujeresVer masFull article at this link
In the municipality of Isla Mujeres, more than 5000 kindergarten, primary, and middle schools students will begin vacation after they leave school on Wednesday, to return to their classrooms on January 8. Most of these students, nearly 3000, live on the island, and the rest are in the Continental Zone.
On the island, the public schools include four preschool/kindergartens, four primary schools, one Middle School and one High School. Officials estimate about one quarter of the students on the island attend private schools.
Explosion causes alarm
Terror por fuerte explosión [+] Ver masFull article at this link
An explosion occurred at noon on Monday at a clandestine firework vendors in colonia Salina Chica, in front of the sports fields, causing alarm in the neighborhood, but no injuries. The director of Civil Protection, Ulises Berman, estimated the damages at ~10,000 pesos.
A volume of about 10 kilograms of fireworks generated the explosion, due to neglectful management by the family who sell regularly sell them in a clandestine manner during this season, according to the initial evaluation of events by Mr. Berman.
Some furniture and objects close to the explosion were blown to the street and into the middle of the street. Fortunately, at a time when there were not many people nearby. The place was cordoned off by police officers and firefighters arrived. Red Cross paramedics arrived to attend to some of the neighbors who had suffered a fright, including an elderly woman who was sitting in a chair less than 10 meters from the incident.
Onlookers could observe the damaged window, broken door, affected furniture and clothing. The area where the fireworks are sold is despejada (uncluttered/clear), and has no wall. Mr. Berman confirmed that they did not have permission from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) nor a permit from Civil Protection, therefore, the family members are not trained to manage and handle explosives.
Currently this type of practice is occurring on the island, however, there are many who are opposed to the use of the "bombitas" in the streets, because they scare domestic animals such as dogs, according to residents who were interviewed concerning this incident.
Confiscation operation
After this explosion, Mr. Berman announced they will be verifying all the commercial establishments in the colonias, where the sale of fireworks are occurring, and vendors will be required to show their permits from SEDENA and permission Civil Protection. If they lack these documents, their fireworks will be confiscated and they will be told to discontinue this practice because it is prohibited and they are subject to sanctions via Federal laws, if they persist. He asked for cooperation from the residents to complain so they can find all of the clandestine vendors.
However, those who wish do this legally can obtain these permits and will be trained in the management of fireworks by Civil Protection personnel, without any charge. "We are not opposed to the tradition of using fireworks during this season, but the appropriate regulations must be followed in order to market these products", said the Director.
This incident occurred less than a week after an explosion at the restaurant on the busy street of Hidalgo, due to leakage from improper handling of a 30 kilo propane gas tank, in which five people were injured. That incident prompted an operation to inspect all the stationary tanks downtown, and ensure proper safety precautions among the restaurants in that area.
Basketball team on vacation break
Los Cahuameros se van de vacaciones [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Cahuameros of Isla Mujeres finished this year in third place, and they are taking a break for three weeks, to resume play on January 6, in the second round of the Major League Basketball competition.
They won Saturday's game, in Cancun against the Cancun Engineers with a final score of 71 to 66. The game on Sunday was 'not suitable for anyone with a weak heart' and the Islanders won in the last five seconds with a basket by Germán Flores and a final score of 69 to 68. The Cancun team had dominated at first, with a 20 point lead, and the visiting Isla Mujeres team began to shine after half time. In the last minutes of the game, Flores came to the rescue with his precision on the court.
With these results, Isla Mujeres has a total of 32 points in the league competition, finishing the year in third place. Universidad Modelo of Merida took first place with 36 points after defeating Los Manatíes de Chetumal at home, this weekend. Los Dorados from Playa del Carmen, took second place with 34 points, after defeating Los Isleños de Cozumel twice.
Weather improved and tourists returned
Mejoró el clima y regresó el turismoVer masFull article at this link
Dec. 17 The weather improved yesterday, although the National Weather forecast didn't predict this. Cold front #16 didn't arrive, however small boats were restricted to port, due to winds from the east/southeast. The Civil Protection weather site reported in a morning that the entry of tropical maritime air with variable moisture content continued, coming from the Caribbean Sea to the Yucatan peninsula; driven by the remnants of a trough (low pressure) system; located on the peninsula.After noon their forecast of hot weather was fulfilled, and cooler, comfortable temperatures were expected at night. Increasing numbers of tourist were seen at the beaches, renting golf carts, and participating in other tourism activities. Hotel occupancy is increasing and they are expecting to be nearly full for the Christmas holidays.
Some aren't complying with the new trash collection schedule
No se adaptan a nuevo horario de recoja de basura.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Some restaurant employees aren't complying with the new trash collection schedule, and they left trash out between the hours of 11am and 7pm, when there are no trash trucks downtown. The new schedule began Dec. 15, after a two week campaign to raise awareness, when each business was informed and the Director of the Department of Municipal Services, José Ríos Chalé, spoke to them individually.
However, trash was left near the Casa de Cultura, apparently from a nearby restaurant, who continue this practice and aren't complying with the new regulations. Residents and other businesses are hoping that the authorities will provide enforcement. Manuel Ríos was annoyed and said, "Some people who come from outside aren't complying with respect to the trash collection schedule."
Citizen collaboration is more evident in recent times regarding promoting social participation, so that the cleanliness of the environment is a necessity and this culture is promoted among children, that is why the action by the authorities is requested for those who violate the rules for a healthy urban environment.
More ferries connecting the island with the mainland
Mayor conectividad para Isla Mujeres[+] Ver masFull article at this link
Editor's Note: The number of passengers arriving in Isla Mujeres last year was ~2.2 million. Our current Port Authority (APIQRoo) director has been giving these statistics in 'movements', which doubles that number, rather than as 'arrivals'. This article is using the 'movement' statistics, which counts one round trip passenger as two movements.
The "four million passengers" who use the two maritime terminals of Isla Mujeres, (Note: this means using a terminal on the mainland, and using a terminal on the island...each passenger is counted twice) coming from Puerto Juarez, from the Hotel Zone of Cancun and from Punta Sam, are expected to increase to a volume of 5 million 'movements', with the arrival of more ferry companies to increase the available seats, according to unofficial estimates.
A few days after two Marinsa ferries began operating, with a capacity of 150 passengers each, Ultramar has just confirmed the arrival of two modern ships with 270 seats each, coming from New Orleans, to provide more service to and from Puerto Juarez. They could start operations before Christmas, according to an online announcement by Ultramar manager Arturo Báez.
Ultramar is also committed to putting a fast ferry into operation for the Punta Sam route, with a capacity for 50 vehicles and 300 passengers, during the first months of 2018, offering competition to the company Marítima Isla Mujeres, which has provided car/cargo ferry service to that port for more than two decades.
Likewise, the ferry company Naveganto will soon be providing service from the APIQRoo (state Port Authority) terminal in Puerto Juarez. (It is in sight of the Gran Puerto/Ultramar Terminal, where the 'Pirate tour boats' dock and this is where the Marinsa ferries depart.)
Marinsa only offers a 10 percent discount in tickets for residents of the island ("captive users") compared to Ultramar, and there is a difference in comfort between their boats. Currently Ultramar is servicing the route to Puerto Juarez with ferries having a capacity for 250 passengers, but has acquired two new ones with 270 seats, which will enter operations before the end of the year.
Ultramar is also adding to the three routes to the Cancun Hotel Zone and the two ferries that serve Puerto Juarez will go there. They have a fleet of 14 boats, with the largest and most luxurious ferry being destined for Cozumel, with a capacity of 800 passengers. there are also boats with 550, 300, 250 and 150 seats. Their fleet will soon expand to 17 boats, by the time they are operating from Punta Sam.
Saturated terminal
With more promotion being provided for Isla Mujeres, more visitors are expected to arrive, and executives from APIQRoo agree that the main Maritime Terminal will have more problems because of the large number of people who will be there in the winter afternoons returning to the mainland, even with the measures announced in this regard. Plans to add an extension to the terminal, to the south, have already been announced for the upcoming year.
Jose Magana Galue: New Taxi Union Director
José Magaña Galué, nuevo dirigente de taxistas [+] Ver masFull article at this link
According to the final evaluation, the result with votes among the contenders for Director of the taxi union are as follows: José Magaña won by a ration of three to one, by receiving 403 votes, Chan Mena 133, Juan Carlos Farías 43, Porfirio Martínez 16, Amada Hernández 6, six were void and there were two votes for Julio Osorio, who declined early in favor of Chan.
The new Director will take office on Jan. and said he is committed to to working together, and will consider proposals from the other contenders for the upcoming three year period.
There were several surprises at this election meeting. It ended up that validation was given to SINTRA (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) regarding all the 'irregular' permits (taxi medallions: 'placas') that were issued by former Governor Borge, who is now imprisoned in Panama, using a list of 1099 names when voting, although many had expected the registry of the JLCA (Board of Concilliation and Arbitration to be used, which doesn't exceed 650 members.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo's Isla articles & photos LINK
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
However, trash was left near the Casa de Cultura, apparently from a nearby restaurant, who continue this practice and aren't complying with the new regulations. Residents and other businesses are hoping that the authorities will provide enforcement. Manuel Ríos was annoyed and said, "Some people who come from outside aren't complying with respect to the trash collection schedule."
Citizen collaboration is more evident in recent times regarding promoting social participation, so that the cleanliness of the environment is a necessity and this culture is promoted among children, that is why the action by the authorities is requested for those who violate the rules for a healthy urban environment.
More ferries connecting the island with the mainland
Mayor conectividad para Isla Mujeres[+] Ver masFull article at this link
Editor's Note: The number of passengers arriving in Isla Mujeres last year was ~2.2 million. Our current Port Authority (APIQRoo) director has been giving these statistics in 'movements', which doubles that number, rather than as 'arrivals'. This article is using the 'movement' statistics, which counts one round trip passenger as two movements.
The "four million passengers" who use the two maritime terminals of Isla Mujeres, (Note: this means using a terminal on the mainland, and using a terminal on the island...each passenger is counted twice) coming from Puerto Juarez, from the Hotel Zone of Cancun and from Punta Sam, are expected to increase to a volume of 5 million 'movements', with the arrival of more ferry companies to increase the available seats, according to unofficial estimates.
A few days after two Marinsa ferries began operating, with a capacity of 150 passengers each, Ultramar has just confirmed the arrival of two modern ships with 270 seats each, coming from New Orleans, to provide more service to and from Puerto Juarez. They could start operations before Christmas, according to an online announcement by Ultramar manager Arturo Báez.
Ultramar is also committed to putting a fast ferry into operation for the Punta Sam route, with a capacity for 50 vehicles and 300 passengers, during the first months of 2018, offering competition to the company Marítima Isla Mujeres, which has provided car/cargo ferry service to that port for more than two decades.
Likewise, the ferry company Naveganto will soon be providing service from the APIQRoo (state Port Authority) terminal in Puerto Juarez. (It is in sight of the Gran Puerto/Ultramar Terminal, where the 'Pirate tour boats' dock and this is where the Marinsa ferries depart.)
Marinsa only offers a 10 percent discount in tickets for residents of the island ("captive users") compared to Ultramar, and there is a difference in comfort between their boats. Currently Ultramar is servicing the route to Puerto Juarez with ferries having a capacity for 250 passengers, but has acquired two new ones with 270 seats, which will enter operations before the end of the year.
Ultramar is also adding to the three routes to the Cancun Hotel Zone and the two ferries that serve Puerto Juarez will go there. They have a fleet of 14 boats, with the largest and most luxurious ferry being destined for Cozumel, with a capacity of 800 passengers. there are also boats with 550, 300, 250 and 150 seats. Their fleet will soon expand to 17 boats, by the time they are operating from Punta Sam.
Saturated terminal
With more promotion being provided for Isla Mujeres, more visitors are expected to arrive, and executives from APIQRoo agree that the main Maritime Terminal will have more problems because of the large number of people who will be there in the winter afternoons returning to the mainland, even with the measures announced in this regard. Plans to add an extension to the terminal, to the south, have already been announced for the upcoming year.
Jose Magana Galue: New Taxi Union Director
José Magaña Galué, nuevo dirigente de taxistas [+] Ver masFull article at this link
According to the final evaluation, the result with votes among the contenders for Director of the taxi union are as follows: José Magaña won by a ration of three to one, by receiving 403 votes, Chan Mena 133, Juan Carlos Farías 43, Porfirio Martínez 16, Amada Hernández 6, six were void and there were two votes for Julio Osorio, who declined early in favor of Chan.
The new Director will take office on Jan. and said he is committed to to working together, and will consider proposals from the other contenders for the upcoming three year period.
There were several surprises at this election meeting. It ended up that validation was given to SINTRA (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) regarding all the 'irregular' permits (taxi medallions: 'placas') that were issued by former Governor Borge, who is now imprisoned in Panama, using a list of 1099 names when voting, although many had expected the registry of the JLCA (Board of Concilliation and Arbitration to be used, which doesn't exceed 650 members.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo's Isla articles & photos LINK
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 |
| 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. |
.jpg) |
| 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.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
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
 |
| 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 You're invited to join the Christmas Caravan on Sunday with your decorated vehicle, starting in front of the kindergarten "Enriqueta Camarillo" at 6p. (That's where the road is very wide by Casa Ixchel hotelito prolongacion Aeropuerto, just north of col. Salina Chica. & just south of MaraVilla Caribe B&B & the Bachilleres dome.)
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.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.