Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Wednesday, Dec. 6





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.
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Isla Mujeres Charities on Facebook  

CHECK OUT THE NEW DECEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE!  (scroll down)
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From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (  FB page link)


The DIF social service agency invites the people of Isla Mujeres to donate winter clothing for the families of Francisco May and the Agricultural Zone in the campaign "Cobija un hogar". Donations will be received until December 10th. LINK     VIDEO    
  Blankets and coats are being collected to donate to families in need to use during the upcoming season of cold weather.  Donations can be made from Monday to Friday, until December 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Isla Mujere DIF offices; and at the Town Hall, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Everything collected will be for the benefit of the inhabitants of Francisco May and the Agricultural Zone.


This Friday, December 8, take your family 馃懆馃懇馃懅馃懄 to the Christmas Youth Lightning Tournament ⚽️☃️馃馃巹 that will take place on the Comex court. (For Futbol Rapido soccer, in colonia Salina Chica at 4:30 with 5000 pesos for the winning team. Team members age 13-25. Teams can register at the Youth Institute. )

With the enthusiastic participation of dozens of islanders willing to improve their community, we carried out a clean up campaign at Salina Grande to celebrate World Volunteer Day. Together we make Isla Mujeres an unforgettable destination!
  For World Volunteer Day, the City of Isla Mujeres, through the Department of Environment and Ecology, led a clean up campaign at Salina Grande lake, which involved volunteers from various government agencies and civil associations.     Carlos Barranco Garc铆a, director of Environment and Ecology, thanked all the people who joined this cause for the benefit of the environment, creating a greater awareness of the importance of conservation and care of our natural resources. 
     "Salina Grande lake is one of our most important bodies of water and representative of one of the island's  marine ecosystems. Years ago, the inhabitants of the island extracted salt that they used in the conservation of food and fish that were part of their sustenance," explained the official.   
       He said that the municipal government, headed by by Mayor, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, continuously implements clean up campaigns around the wetlands and bodies of water, to prevent the accumulation of garbage that could cause deterioration and damage to the urban image of this Pueblo Magico. He said, "The municipal president has instructed us to work at the protection of our natural environment." 
      This activity was supported by companies such as Dolphin Discovery, Garraf贸n Park, Albatross, and government agencies such as the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) and Ministry of the Navy of Mexico (Semar), as well as municipal agencies.
https://goo.gl/zyzLEi 


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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)



VIDEO    There is no excuse for not being up to date! This was stated this morning by tax collector Jesus Contreras Gomez, assuring that all the license plates have arrived, justifying the operation carried out by Sintra. He said there is no excuse for vehicle owners not having their documentation in order, which SINTRA is reviewing during this mega operation.


LINK   The head of the Taxi union, Eduardo Peniche Rodriguez, "Wato" has held the position for 13 years and now says he is ready to give up the position and elections will be held. He said said a press conference will be held tomorrow, Thursday, with more details about the election and rules, which is expected to be held on Dec. 16th.


LINK   All indications are that there will be no difference in prices between Marinsa and Ultramar
 See translation from Noti IM below.


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Noti IM reports: The client who was burned at Kokonuts wants 90,000 pesos
Isa铆as P茅rez Estrada, originally from Mexico City, suffered second degree burns to his torso, neck, and left arm from a flaming drink. He was attended to by the owner of the bar, and received medical treatment paid for by the company's insurance, but he also wants 90,000 pesos as compensation and for missed work. (This is ~$5300 usd or ~3 years of Daily Minimum Wages. The DMW is 80 pesos).
      He said he went to the bar to celebrate his birthday with his girlfriend, and ordered a flaming drink, which is prepared and served with alcohol and fire. However the person preparing it hit the bottom of the bottle when the tequila would not come out, which caused the liquid and flames to land on part of his arm, chest, and neck. He said fortunately, he was checking his cell phone when this occurred, otherwise his face may have been burnt.
        He said he needs to be compensated financially for the days he hasn't worked and that he needs to return to Mexico City, where he will continue his legal action against the owner of Kokonuts, Miguel Herrera, until he receives compensation of 90,000 pesos. He was in the company of his parents and noted that it was the lawyer for the Kokonuts bar who advised him to continue the process from his home town. LINK  




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From  por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos


Optimistic outlook for the close of the year 
  Panorama optimista para cerrar el a帽o. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
 Juan Carrillo Figueroa, president of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) anticipates a successful holiday season, based on the large number of reservations, which he attributes to representatives in the tourism industry working at tourism fairs and conventions to promote this destination and generate economic benefits. He said, "We are days away from the beginning of high season, and we hope to have a good occupancy rate and improve the economy of local businesses of all types, which has not been very good in the past months."
     He said that investors are attracted to Isla Mujeres, both in the island and in the Continental Zone and proof of this is the demolition of a hotel on Rueda Medina Avenue to make way for an apartment building with commercial stores, as well as the developments that are being built in the Isla Blanca area.
     He said that at this time, the hoteliers are not in favor of the proposal to increase the Lodging Tax from 3% to 4%, because they are concerned that this could affect occupancy.
     On Monday thru Wednesday, training is being offered at the Casa de la Cultura that are focused on improving customer service in the restaurant-hotel industry. These courses, included in the Tourism Business Development program, are promoted by the Sedetur (National Tourism Agency) and Nacional Financiera, in coordination with the Department of Tourism. They are being taught by 脕ngeles Gonz谩lez, and include the following topics:  "Twenty steps to improve your restaurant", "How to effectively promote your product or service" and "Ten commandments of customer service". 


 SINTRA inspectors arrived on the island   
 Sintra arrib贸 a la isla . [+] Ver masFull article at this link
    Islanders and tourists were surprised by the unexpected arrival by ferry of several vehicles of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (SINTRA) with a large number of inspectors, led by Juan Jesus Lezama, who is responsible for the agency in the Northern region of the state. They stationed themselves near the vehicle ferry terminal to begin an operation reviewing golf carts and taxis. 
   It is noted that for some time that have been residents, entrepreneurs, and tourism service providers who have spoken out about the problems of golf carts without license plates, the practice of installing one set of plates on two carts, and of using private plates on rental carts. The other problems the inspectors are looking for is the 'cloning' of taxis, where there is a vehicle on the island and another in the Continental Zone, both with the same number, but without license plates and permission to operate. They are also detecting taxis that are damaged or lacking documents such as an insurance policy.  Many islanders were pleased to see this operation to ensure that taxis and golf cart agencies are complying, no matter who is the owner. 
       Jorge Mart铆n 脕lvarez, SINTRA representative for Isla Mujeres,  explained that this operation implemented on Tuesday is aimed at detecting piracy in golf cart rentals and verifying that all taxis have permission to provide public transportation. 
       He explained that the operations will be carried out without affecting tourists, who obviously would not be held responsible for having rented an irregular cart. He said the operation will continue for the remainder of the week, and it remains to be seen how many days it will be conducted during high season.

Navigation restricted for small boats   
Navegaci贸n restringida.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link 

     For the third consecutive day, nautical activities for small boats can only be carried out in the bay, due to the high waves prevailing in the Caribbean Sea. Fishermen said that prior to the restrictions, they were have a good production of fish, while there were fewer lobster, which they expect to improve with the arrival of the nortes (weather fronts), which cause good migrations on the floor of the seabed. Pleasant weather conditions were noted on Tuesday with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, with the sun occasionally going behind the clouds. There were a good number of tourists visiting the beach, both foreign and domestic.
 

 Clean up campaign in Salina Grande lake   
Jornada de limpieza en la Salina Grande [+] Ver masFull article at this link
  See City section. 
 


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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....
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 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.

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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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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 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
 Wed, Dec 6 at 5:00 p.m. Casa de la Cultura   Zumba class for 1 Billion Rising to Prevent Violence Against Women

 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.


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 Ma帽anitas 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), ca帽ones (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   

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